Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Book Details

Author: David Levithan & Rachel Cohn

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 272 pages

Publisher: Ember (October 11, 2011)

Language: English

Book Summary

'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 Times bestselling 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. (taken from fantasticfiction.com)

Book Review

I love the David Levithan and Rachel Cohn tandem – they deliver an extraordinary plot that could really entertain book lovers. Since I have read their previous book – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, I figure out this is also worth my time.

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares’ plot revolves around a red moleskin notebook and the challenges that our hero and heroine give to each other which are both amusing and really, funny. It’s a light read, one-sitting sort of book but you’ll end up smiling after reading it. Since the story took place during the winter holiday season in New York City, it would be an excellent choice for your holiday book reads.

Dash and Lily are quite opposite in nature. While Dash loathe Christmas, Lily loves it – although she was quite sad because this was the first time she’d be spending the holidays without her family. You will love each character made by Levithan and Cohn – a great combination of wit, sarcasm and fun.

What I also adore in this book is their play with semantics. The whole book is filled with memorable lines that will touch you, even from the minor characters. Dash is a very intelligent character who uses not-your-ordinary-words and so not the typical hero. But still, you will end up falling in love with him and wish you will find someone like him as well.

Favorite Quotes

“I want to believe there is a somebody out there just for me. I want to believe that I exist to be there for that somebody.” 

“You have to trust the words. They do not create anything more than themselves.” 

“I wanted to talk to someone. But who? It’s moments like this, when you need someone the most, that your world seems smallest.” 

“You think fairy tales are only for girls? Here's a hint - ask yourself who wrote them. I assure you, it wasn't just the women. It's the great male fantasy - all it takes is one dance to know that she's the one. All it takes is the sound of her song from the tower, or a look at her sleeping face. And right away you know - this is the girl in your head, sleeping or dancing or singing in front of you. Yes, girls want their princes, but boys want their princesses just as much. And they don't want a very long courtships. They want to know immediately.” 

“Prayer or not, I want to believe that, despite all evidence to the contrary, it is possible for anyone to find that one special person. That person to spend Christmas with or grow old with or just to take a nice silly walk in Central Park with. Somebody who wouldn't judge another for the prepositions they dangle, or their run-on sentences, and who in turn wouldn't be judged for the snobbery of their language etymology inclinations.” 

“I love snow for the same reason I love Christmas: It brings people together while time stands still. Cozy couples lazily meandered the streets and children trudged sleds and chased snowballs. No one seemed to be in a rush to experience anything other than the glory of the day, with each other, whenever and however it happened” 

“Well sure, who doesn't need a boyfriend? but realistically, those exotic creatures are hard to come by. At least a quality one.” 

“Maybe, it's not the distance that's the problem, but how you handle it.” 

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