Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 26, 2010
Pages: 272
About the Book: “I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”
So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
My Thoughts: I finally got around to reading this book! I’ve been meaning to since it came out. I even got a copy signed by both Rachel and David at the ALAN conference in November. I really enjoyed their previous joint projects (Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Naomi & Ely’s No Kiss List) so I had high hopes for this one. While Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is not my favorite of the three, I did really like it. There’s just something about the dual narrators that I love! Rachel and David carry it out so well!
I have to admit… I was a little wary at first. I didn’t care for the cover; it reminds me of Sesame Street. Also, Lily seemed a bit… simple? I loved that she is all about Christmas whereas snarky Dash can’t stand it. However, at first her extreme enthusiasm and tenderheartedness made me wonder if she was “playing with a full deck.” As I got a bit further in to the book my doubts went away.
I absolutely adore how different Dash and Lily are. Snarly Dash and sweet Lily bear cracked me up when interpreting what the other person wrote. I also loved the notebook. Can an inanimate object be my favorite character? I loved the idea of it, the placement, the fact that it was red, and most of all the anonymity it lends to Dash and Lily. In writing in a notebook there isn’t the face to face interaction to inhibit their words or the instantaneous responses you get from texting/emailing. It forces them to take time between exchanges. I think this lends power to what they write.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention New York City, the setting. It’s basically another character! I’ve never been to NYC (BEA in May will be my first time!) so it was interesting for me to picture all the places mentioned. I can’t wait to visit a few and get a better picture when I’m there!
Three final comments… 1. I totally want Snarly Muppet, 2. How do we make Collation a reality? and 3. I never want to play Words with Friends with Dash. He would annihilate me!
I happen to have an extra copy of Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares (I won it from Random Buzzers! I thought the person I’d loaned my signed copy to had lost it!!) Fill out the form below to be entered to win! Open internationally. You don’t have to do anything special to win… just fill out the form.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares
Erica
I’m in the midst of reading this one right now – and so far it’s super cute. I can’t wait to finish it. I have heard mostly wonderful things about Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares.
Julia :)
I’ve read Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and I liked it so I’m thinking I’ll probably like this one too. I love dual narratives too! There’s something about them that makes the book indubitably more amazing. 🙂
Cari
Great review I loved Dash and Lily. I really hope they turn it into a movie.
Alex (A Girl, Books, OtherThings)
Thanks for the contest!!
I’ve been meaning to read this one, I loved Nick and Norah, Eli and Naomi wasn’t my fave but it was still pretty good.
😀 Thanks for the awesome review, made me want to read it more 😀
Tara
This was such a fun book to read – I’m glad you enjoyed it. Loved your review too 🙂
GMR
Yay, you liked it! I myself LOVED it with a captial “L” but you know how that is…to each their own bookish treasure. Happy reading! ^_^
Niii
Great giveaway!!!
Thanks a lot!
Irish
After reading this I think that I have to pick up this book. It sounds like a really fun read. THanks for the review.
aurora M.
I agree! by just the cover I would not have given a second thought but now….i’ll check it out ♥ Thanks for the giveaway!
Jacinda (The Reading Housewives)
I also liked getting a “tour” of NYC while reading this! Great review! 🙂
Ana Lucia
did you already announced the winner? I still have my fingers crossed 🙂 I heard this book is great but can’t find it in my country