“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 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.
Books
Young Adult Fiction
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares http://www.yabookscentral.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/200x285s/94/d5/6c/9732_7741325-1352492024.jpg
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
14+
Release Date
October 26, 2010
ISBN
0375866590
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Editor reviews
Average editor rating from: 2 user(s)
Do you ever really enjoy a book, but also feel like you don't have a ton of complimentary things to say about it at the same time? This happens to me every so often, and Dash & Lily's Book of Dares is most definitely one such book for me. While I turned pages excitedly and squeed over the concept, a lot of the execution left me seriously cold and rolling my eyes.
Starting with the good stuff, Dash & Lily's hooked me immediately. Cohn & Levithan pretty much guarantee that no bookish person will be able to stop reading within the first couple of sentences. While perusing shelves in the Strand, Dash discovers a red Moleskine notebook tucked in among editions of one of his favorite books, Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. Inside this notebook, he finds a little scavenger hunt of sorts, which takes him around the bookstore from awkward book to awkwarder book, in an effort to see if he just might be the right guy for the notebook's author Lily.
Turns out, though, that Lily was sort of put up to this little endeavor, largely out of the boredom of a holiday spent without her family (all off on romantic endeavors on their own). Dash, also left to his own devices for the Christmas holiday, instead of leaving a way to contact him as instructed, leaves Lily instructions for some dares of his own. For several days, they travel to some of the most famous of New York's sites, while falling in like with the person on the other side of the notebook. This whole concept was just completely adorable, and what bookish person hasn't wanted to find someone via the medium of bonding over a shared favorite book? This book also makes you feel like you're traveling around NYC yourself, which I always really love.
While the writing is quite well done and full of brilliant observations, I just felt like Cohn and Levithan were trying to hard. Dash and Lily both failed to really coalesce into actual people for me, as though the characters took a backseat to highlighting just how clever the authors are. Since I've read books by both of them and I know they don't always write this way, I'm not sure what happened here, but it just didn't have a natural cadence.
Dash made more sense as a character, and seemed much more consistent as a whole than Lily. However, he's also incredibly obnoxious. Basically, the whole time I was hoping they would meet and hate each other (which would have been really believable). I would even prefer Lily hooking up with Edgar, the smarmy guy who was an accessory to the tragic show-and-tell murder of her gerbil in elementary school, than with Dash. I just found him incredibly obnoxious and superior, the stereotypical annoying hipster. Also, everyone Lily asks describes Dash solely as 'snarly,' but when she meets him, she doesn't mention that at all, which struck me as hugely inconsistent. All of a sudden it's all about how he rocks a fedora and how incredibly gorgeous his blue eyes are. Changing his character entirely to sell the big ending doesn't work for me.
Lily, on the other hand, feels completely thrown together. She has so many unique component parts that do not seem to glue together into a person. For all that she has all the idiosyncrasies that should combine into a personality, she always bored me. Other than the filling out of the journal, she comes across as extremely young, constantly throwing temper tantrums (Shrilly), has no friends, which she seems hardly to notice, and doesn't make smart choices (like wearing one shoe and one boot around so her snarly prince can find her). Worse still, the journal, which would seem to evince what a clever person she is, was not even her idea in the first place. Her own challenges were much more poorly conceived than the original created by someone else. Dash annoyed me and Lily bored me.
The best character by far in this piece is Lily's incredibly sassy aunt, who she calls Mrs. Basil E., for the sassy older woman in Konigsburg's classic. Mrs. Basil will say absolutely anything, such as when she interrogates Dash about his intentions (frankly, they have more chemistry than he and Lily do). Lily's aunt will happily assist in any sort of fiendish plot and says things like "I never married because I was too easily bored" (154). Now, this is my kind of woman. If only she had had a larger part in the book.
Dash & Lily's is fun, no question, but I feel like it could easily have been so much better. In the end, it's just hard to sell a romance novel where I don't see the couple lasting for longer than a week, because Dash will find the bloom is off the Lily within a matter of hours, I suspect.
Starting with the good stuff, Dash & Lily's hooked me immediately. Cohn & Levithan pretty much guarantee that no bookish person will be able to stop reading within the first couple of sentences. While perusing shelves in the Strand, Dash discovers a red Moleskine notebook tucked in among editions of one of his favorite books, Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. Inside this notebook, he finds a little scavenger hunt of sorts, which takes him around the bookstore from awkward book to awkwarder book, in an effort to see if he just might be the right guy for the notebook's author Lily.
Turns out, though, that Lily was sort of put up to this little endeavor, largely out of the boredom of a holiday spent without her family (all off on romantic endeavors on their own). Dash, also left to his own devices for the Christmas holiday, instead of leaving a way to contact him as instructed, leaves Lily instructions for some dares of his own. For several days, they travel to some of the most famous of New York's sites, while falling in like with the person on the other side of the notebook. This whole concept was just completely adorable, and what bookish person hasn't wanted to find someone via the medium of bonding over a shared favorite book? This book also makes you feel like you're traveling around NYC yourself, which I always really love.
While the writing is quite well done and full of brilliant observations, I just felt like Cohn and Levithan were trying to hard. Dash and Lily both failed to really coalesce into actual people for me, as though the characters took a backseat to highlighting just how clever the authors are. Since I've read books by both of them and I know they don't always write this way, I'm not sure what happened here, but it just didn't have a natural cadence.
Dash made more sense as a character, and seemed much more consistent as a whole than Lily. However, he's also incredibly obnoxious. Basically, the whole time I was hoping they would meet and hate each other (which would have been really believable). I would even prefer Lily hooking up with Edgar, the smarmy guy who was an accessory to the tragic show-and-tell murder of her gerbil in elementary school, than with Dash. I just found him incredibly obnoxious and superior, the stereotypical annoying hipster. Also, everyone Lily asks describes Dash solely as 'snarly,' but when she meets him, she doesn't mention that at all, which struck me as hugely inconsistent. All of a sudden it's all about how he rocks a fedora and how incredibly gorgeous his blue eyes are. Changing his character entirely to sell the big ending doesn't work for me.
Lily, on the other hand, feels completely thrown together. She has so many unique component parts that do not seem to glue together into a person. For all that she has all the idiosyncrasies that should combine into a personality, she always bored me. Other than the filling out of the journal, she comes across as extremely young, constantly throwing temper tantrums (Shrilly), has no friends, which she seems hardly to notice, and doesn't make smart choices (like wearing one shoe and one boot around so her snarly prince can find her). Worse still, the journal, which would seem to evince what a clever person she is, was not even her idea in the first place. Her own challenges were much more poorly conceived than the original created by someone else. Dash annoyed me and Lily bored me.
The best character by far in this piece is Lily's incredibly sassy aunt, who she calls Mrs. Basil E., for the sassy older woman in Konigsburg's classic. Mrs. Basil will say absolutely anything, such as when she interrogates Dash about his intentions (frankly, they have more chemistry than he and Lily do). Lily's aunt will happily assist in any sort of fiendish plot and says things like "I never married because I was too easily bored" (154). Now, this is my kind of woman. If only she had had a larger part in the book.
Dash & Lily's is fun, no question, but I feel like it could easily have been so much better. In the end, it's just hard to sell a romance novel where I don't see the couple lasting for longer than a week, because Dash will find the bloom is off the Lily within a matter of hours, I suspect.
| Overall rating | 3.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 2.0 | |
| Writing Style | 3.0 |
A Bit Too Pretentious
Do you ever really enjoy a book, but also feel like you don't have a ton of complimentary things to say about it at the same time? This happens to me every so often, and Dash & Lily's Book of Dares is most definitely one such book for me. While I turned pages excitedly and squeed over the concept, a lot of the execution left me seriously cold and rolling my eyes.
Starting with the good stuff, Dash & Lily's hooked me immediately. Cohn & Levithan pretty much guarantee that no bookish person will be able to stop reading within the first couple of sentences. While perusing shelves in the Strand, Dash discovers a red Moleskine notebook tucked in among editions of one of his favorite books, Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. Inside this notebook, he finds a little scavenger hunt of sorts, which takes him around the bookstore from awkward book to awkwarder book, in an effort to see if he just might be the right guy for the notebook's author Lily.
Turns out, though, that Lily was sort of put up to this little endeavor, largely out of the boredom of a holiday spent without her family (all off on romantic endeavors on their own). Dash, also left to his own devices for the Christmas holiday, instead of leaving a way to contact him as instructed, leaves Lily instructions for some dares of his own. For several days, they travel to some of the most famous of New York's sites, while falling in like with the person on the other side of the notebook. This whole concept was just completely adorable, and what bookish person hasn't wanted to find someone via the medium of bonding over a shared favorite book? This book also makes you feel like you're traveling around NYC yourself, which I always really love.
While the writing is quite well done and full of brilliant observations, I just felt like Cohn and Levithan were trying to hard. Dash and Lily both failed to really coalesce into actual people for me, as though the characters took a backseat to highlighting just how clever the authors are. Since I've read books by both of them and I know they don't always write this way, I'm not sure what happened here, but it just didn't have a natural cadence.
Dash made more sense as a character, and seemed much more consistent as a whole than Lily. However, he's also incredibly obnoxious. Basically, the whole time I was hoping they would meet and hate each other (which would have been really believable). I would even prefer Lily hooking up with Edgar, the smarmy guy who was an accessory to the tragic show-and-tell murder of her gerbil in elementary school, than with Dash. I just found him incredibly obnoxious and superior, the stereotypical annoying hipster. Also, everyone Lily asks describes Dash solely as 'snarly,' but when she meets him, she doesn't mention that at all, which struck me as hugely inconsistent. All of a sudden it's all about how he rocks a fedora and how incredibly gorgeous his blue eyes are. Changing his character entirely to sell the big ending doesn't work for me.
Lily, on the other hand, feels completely thrown together. She has so many unique component parts that do not seem to glue together into a person. For all that she has all the idiosyncrasies that should combine into a personality, she always bored me. Other than the filling out of the journal, she comes across as extremely young, constantly throwing temper tantrums (Shrilly), has no friends, which she seems hardly to notice, and doesn't make smart choices (like wearing one shoe and one boot around so her snarly prince can find her). Worse still, the journal, which would seem to evince what a clever person she is, was not even her idea in the first place. Her own challenges were much more poorly conceived than the original created by someone else. Dash annoyed me and Lily bored me.
The best character by far in this piece is Lily's incredibly sassy aunt, who she calls Mrs. Basil E., for the sassy older woman in Konigsburg's classic. Mrs. Basil will say absolutely anything, such as when she interrogates Dash about his intentions (frankly, they have more chemistry than he and Lily do). Lily's aunt will happily assist in any sort of fiendish plot and says things like "I never married because I was too easily bored" (154). Now, this is my kind of woman. If only she had had a larger part in the book.
Dash & Lily's is fun, no question, but I feel like it could easily have been so much better. In the end, it's just hard to sell a romance novel where I don't see the couple lasting for longer than a week, because Dash will find the bloom is off the Lily within a matter of hours, I suspect.
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Dash, a Strand Bookstore frequenter, is perusing the shelves when he finds a red moleskin journal. He did what anyone would do. He opened it. Inside he finds the following note: Ive left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please. Thus starts a literary romance of sorts between Dash and Lily.
Its Christmas time. Dashs divorced parents have each flown the coop with their significant others. He managed to stay at home by telling each parent he was staying at the others house. Since they dont talk to each other, its an easy lie. Lilys parents, on the other hand, are taking a second honeymoon in Fiji. She is sharing her home with her brother Langston and his boyfriend Benny.
Dash turns the page and follows the instructions. When he is done, he leaves the journal for Lily. The journal goes back and forth daily over the Christmas holiday, each time revealing a little bit about each other and each time forcing them to do something funny or serious or weird.
In Dash and Lilys Book of Dares Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have created a laugh out loud romance populated with great characters, ranging from Dashs friend Boomer to Boris, the bullmastiff (more pony than dog) who Lily is supposed to be walking but who is walking her (maybe dragging her is a better term). Dash and Lily are real characters (they could be your friends) and you want them to get together. Will they, is the question.
Since Im a Strand aficionado, the thought of having the store to myself (youll know what I mean after you read the book) is so exciting. And the descriptions of the chocolate desserts at Max Brenner, a block away from the Strand, will make your mouth water.
I really liked Nick & Norahs Infinite Playlist and I thought Naomi and Elys No Kiss List was good, but I must confess that Dash & Lilys Book of Dares tops my list of favorites. So, as I said up front, I dare you to not like this book. I double dare you!!!!!!
Its Christmas time. Dashs divorced parents have each flown the coop with their significant others. He managed to stay at home by telling each parent he was staying at the others house. Since they dont talk to each other, its an easy lie. Lilys parents, on the other hand, are taking a second honeymoon in Fiji. She is sharing her home with her brother Langston and his boyfriend Benny.
Dash turns the page and follows the instructions. When he is done, he leaves the journal for Lily. The journal goes back and forth daily over the Christmas holiday, each time revealing a little bit about each other and each time forcing them to do something funny or serious or weird.
In Dash and Lilys Book of Dares Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have created a laugh out loud romance populated with great characters, ranging from Dashs friend Boomer to Boris, the bullmastiff (more pony than dog) who Lily is supposed to be walking but who is walking her (maybe dragging her is a better term). Dash and Lily are real characters (they could be your friends) and you want them to get together. Will they, is the question.
Since Im a Strand aficionado, the thought of having the store to myself (youll know what I mean after you read the book) is so exciting. And the descriptions of the chocolate desserts at Max Brenner, a block away from the Strand, will make your mouth water.
I really liked Nick & Norahs Infinite Playlist and I thought Naomi and Elys No Kiss List was good, but I must confess that Dash & Lilys Book of Dares tops my list of favorites. So, as I said up front, I dare you to not like this book. I double dare you!!!!!!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
I Dare You Not to Like This Book
Dash, a Strand Bookstore frequenter, is perusing the shelves when he finds a red moleskin journal. He did what anyone would do. He opened it. Inside he finds the following note: Ive left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please. Thus starts a literary romance of sorts between Dash and Lily.
Its Christmas time. Dashs divorced parents have each flown the coop with their significant others. He managed to stay at home by telling each parent he was staying at the others house. Since they dont talk to each other, its an easy lie. Lilys parents, on the other hand, are taking a second honeymoon in Fiji. She is sharing her home with her brother Langston and his boyfriend Benny.
Dash turns the page and follows the instructions. When he is done, he leaves the journal for Lily. The journal goes back and forth daily over the Christmas holiday, each time revealing a little bit about each other and each time forcing them to do something funny or serious or weird.
In Dash and Lilys Book of Dares Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have created a laugh out loud romance populated with great characters, ranging from Dashs friend Boomer to Boris, the bullmastiff (more pony than dog) who Lily is supposed to be walking but who is walking her (maybe dragging her is a better term). Dash and Lily are real characters (they could be your friends) and you want them to get together. Will they, is the question.
Since Im a Strand aficionado, the thought of having the store to myself (youll know what I mean after you read the book) is so exciting. And the descriptions of the chocolate desserts at Max Brenner, a block away from the Strand, will make your mouth water.
I really liked Nick & Norahs Infinite Playlist and I thought Naomi and Elys No Kiss List was good, but I must confess that Dash & Lilys Book of Dares tops my list of favorites. So, as I said up front, I dare you to not like this book. I double dare you!!!!!!
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User reviews
Average user rating from: 8 user(s)
I'm going to upset the cosmic balance when I say that I did not enjoy this book. Gasp! I know. This is proof that sometimes there are books that aren't meant for everyone. This is my example.
I will start by saying that I thought the way the book was written was very unique. I didn't know the two authors shared the story-- and by that I mean, one wrote Lily's perspective and the other write Dash's. Considering that they weren't sitting together writing this out, it was nicely done.
I also thought the red notebook idea was a nice touch. It made for a great adventure of the literary sort. I enjoyed reading the clever clues and seeing where the story would go. I also appreciated that these characters were not perfect and living in a sugary snow globe. They had flaws.
So why did I not like this book? I don't know. I honestly can't give words to adequately capture my feelings. I couldn't connect with the characters because I have nothing in common with either of them. I'm not sugary sweet like Lily and I'm not completely "snarly" like Dash. I enjoy Christmas and believe in God. I think that may have been my biggest hurdle. I try to be open when I read, but when something is so 'in your face' from the start, it's hard.
For someone that can handle that, this would be a fun read. It's light hearted enough with just a touch of somber relationship drama. It is not, a holiday read, so don't be fooled by the back cover. I'm not even sure I would call it a romance. It's an interesting combination of many things.
I will start by saying that I thought the way the book was written was very unique. I didn't know the two authors shared the story-- and by that I mean, one wrote Lily's perspective and the other write Dash's. Considering that they weren't sitting together writing this out, it was nicely done.
I also thought the red notebook idea was a nice touch. It made for a great adventure of the literary sort. I enjoyed reading the clever clues and seeing where the story would go. I also appreciated that these characters were not perfect and living in a sugary snow globe. They had flaws.
So why did I not like this book? I don't know. I honestly can't give words to adequately capture my feelings. I couldn't connect with the characters because I have nothing in common with either of them. I'm not sugary sweet like Lily and I'm not completely "snarly" like Dash. I enjoy Christmas and believe in God. I think that may have been my biggest hurdle. I try to be open when I read, but when something is so 'in your face' from the start, it's hard.
For someone that can handle that, this would be a fun read. It's light hearted enough with just a touch of somber relationship drama. It is not, a holiday read, so don't be fooled by the back cover. I'm not even sure I would call it a romance. It's an interesting combination of many things.
| Overall rating | 2.7 | |
| Plot | 3.0 | |
| Characters | 2.0 | |
| Writing Style | 3.0 |
Bleh. Did not live up to the hype
I'm going to upset the cosmic balance when I say that I did not enjoy this book. Gasp! I know. This is proof that sometimes there are books that aren't meant for everyone. This is my example.
I will start by saying that I thought the way the book was written was very unique. I didn't know the two authors shared the story-- and by that I mean, one wrote Lily's perspective and the other write Dash's. Considering that they weren't sitting together writing this out, it was nicely done.
I also thought the red notebook idea was a nice touch. It made for a great adventure of the literary sort. I enjoyed reading the clever clues and seeing where the story would go. I also appreciated that these characters were not perfect and living in a sugary snow globe. They had flaws.
So why did I not like this book? I don't know. I honestly can't give words to adequately capture my feelings. I couldn't connect with the characters because I have nothing in common with either of them. I'm not sugary sweet like Lily and I'm not completely "snarly" like Dash. I enjoy Christmas and believe in God. I think that may have been my biggest hurdle. I try to be open when I read, but when something is so 'in your face' from the start, it's hard.
For someone that can handle that, this would be a fun read. It's light hearted enough with just a touch of somber relationship drama. It is not, a holiday read, so don't be fooled by the back cover. I'm not even sure I would call it a romance. It's an interesting combination of many things.
Do You Recommend?
Maybe
Was this review helpful to you?
Seriously, someone should make this into a movie. I know most of you have read this book and I’m a little bit late *wink* but whatever I’m just glad I got it for free on Netgalley! Lol. Ever since I found this book on Goodreads, I’ve been wanting to read it and I finally did (with my goodreads friends on We Love YA Books! Buddy Corner group). So our reading plan was to read 2-3 chapters a day and I finished the book two days after I started it. It was so good (ya’ll probably know that already)! The story is so cute and while reading it I thought of these two songs: Love Bug (by the Jonas Brothers BUT listen Princess’s cover of it) and Mistletoe by Justin Bieber. It totally fits the story (well I think it does).
The story is super chill and was very well written. I love how we get to see both of our protagonist’s side (Lily and Dash’s ehem the title ehem). I was planning on reading this during the month of December but I couldn’t wait! Even if it’s only September, I felt the Christmas atmosphere while reading it. The book was descriptive and I could picture the events happening in my head perfectly. Since it took place in New York, I could just imagine the snow going down and Lily and Dash’s efforts passing the red notebook back and forth to a designated place. They make such a sweet and cute couple I swear!
Let’s now talk about the characters. Even if Lily was the school’s captain of the soccer team, she had her flaws (so does Dash). She wasn’t the “popular” kid and I liked that! She’s rather independent and a shy person. She was reserved and mostly hanged out around with her family. Dash wasn’t one of those cool-dude kids either. Let’s say he’s normal lol. He’s very intelligent for his age (16) and even wanted an OED (Oxford English Dictionary) as a Christmas present. The characters were unique, not just Dash and Lily but I mean their family also!
For the ending, omg, it’s such a cliff hanger but I guess the authors wanted us to create our own ending and I think it’s kind of right. It makes me think that the story will go on forever since there wasn’t a certain ending to it. The whole concept of the story is great, I’ve never read anything like it (at least for now) and would highly highly highly did I mention HIGHLY? recommend this to anyone. I caught myself laughing a couple of times. It’s one of those books where you can’t stop reading because you wanna know what will happen next and sad because you realize you finished reading it.
The story is super chill and was very well written. I love how we get to see both of our protagonist’s side (Lily and Dash’s ehem the title ehem). I was planning on reading this during the month of December but I couldn’t wait! Even if it’s only September, I felt the Christmas atmosphere while reading it. The book was descriptive and I could picture the events happening in my head perfectly. Since it took place in New York, I could just imagine the snow going down and Lily and Dash’s efforts passing the red notebook back and forth to a designated place. They make such a sweet and cute couple I swear!
Let’s now talk about the characters. Even if Lily was the school’s captain of the soccer team, she had her flaws (so does Dash). She wasn’t the “popular” kid and I liked that! She’s rather independent and a shy person. She was reserved and mostly hanged out around with her family. Dash wasn’t one of those cool-dude kids either. Let’s say he’s normal lol. He’s very intelligent for his age (16) and even wanted an OED (Oxford English Dictionary) as a Christmas present. The characters were unique, not just Dash and Lily but I mean their family also!
For the ending, omg, it’s such a cliff hanger but I guess the authors wanted us to create our own ending and I think it’s kind of right. It makes me think that the story will go on forever since there wasn’t a certain ending to it. The whole concept of the story is great, I’ve never read anything like it (at least for now) and would highly highly highly did I mention HIGHLY? recommend this to anyone. I caught myself laughing a couple of times. It’s one of those books where you can’t stop reading because you wanna know what will happen next and sad because you realize you finished reading it.
| Overall rating | 4.3 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 4.0 | |
| Writing Style | 4.0 |
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
Seriously, someone should make this into a movie. I know most of you have read this book and I’m a little bit late *wink* but whatever I’m just glad I got it for free on Netgalley! Lol. Ever since I found this book on Goodreads, I’ve been wanting to read it and I finally did (with my goodreads friends on We Love YA Books! Buddy Corner group). So our reading plan was to read 2-3 chapters a day and I finished the book two days after I started it. It was so good (ya’ll probably know that already)! The story is so cute and while reading it I thought of these two songs: Love Bug (by the Jonas Brothers BUT listen Princess’s cover of it) and Mistletoe by Justin Bieber. It totally fits the story (well I think it does).
The story is super chill and was very well written. I love how we get to see both of our protagonist’s side (Lily and Dash’s ehem the title ehem). I was planning on reading this during the month of December but I couldn’t wait! Even if it’s only September, I felt the Christmas atmosphere while reading it. The book was descriptive and I could picture the events happening in my head perfectly. Since it took place in New York, I could just imagine the snow going down and Lily and Dash’s efforts passing the red notebook back and forth to a designated place. They make such a sweet and cute couple I swear!
Let’s now talk about the characters. Even if Lily was the school’s captain of the soccer team, she had her flaws (so does Dash). She wasn’t the “popular” kid and I liked that! She’s rather independent and a shy person. She was reserved and mostly hanged out around with her family. Dash wasn’t one of those cool-dude kids either. Let’s say he’s normal lol. He’s very intelligent for his age (16) and even wanted an OED (Oxford English Dictionary) as a Christmas present. The characters were unique, not just Dash and Lily but I mean their family also!
For the ending, omg, it’s such a cliff hanger but I guess the authors wanted us to create our own ending and I think it’s kind of right. It makes me think that the story will go on forever since there wasn’t a certain ending to it. The whole concept of the story is great, I’ve never read anything like it (at least for now) and would highly highly highly did I mention HIGHLY? recommend this to anyone. I caught myself laughing a couple of times. It’s one of those books where you can’t stop reading because you wanna know what will happen next and sad because you realize you finished reading it.
Good Points
You'll just synced into the book.
Has a very Christmas-sy atmosphere.
You feel like you're in the book.
Has a very Christmas-sy atmosphere.
You feel like you're in the book.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
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I cannot think of a better way to describe this book than to use the word "magic". Seriously, it is pure magic. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is guaranteed to have you grinning from the first page and wondering why real life keeps getting in the way of allowing you to read straight through. Are you one of those people who gets hooked on a book and can't put it down? Don't start this book when you have other prior commitments. Trust me.
My favorite part of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's books have always been their characters. They have the ability to write such sweetly and perfectly flawed characters that I fall in love instantly. It's one of the reasons that each time I see their names on a book, I dance with happiness. I have yet to be let down! Dash is the definition of my perfect man. He dresses well, oozes snarky humor, and charisma does not even begin to describe his witty banter with people. From the the very first page he was introduced, I was smitten! Then I met Lily, who I wish I knew in real life to be honest. She's funny, slightly awkward and has the best taste in clothing I think I've ever seen. Majorette boots? Kudos Lily! Needless to say, these characters had my heart in their hands.
Then, oh then, the adventures began. I found myself giggling in delight as they went to great lengths to one-up the other person. There are seriously parts of this book that made me laugh so hard that I cried. Watching these two characters communicate via the written word was (and yes I realize I already said this) pure and utter magic! I was so absorbed in learning their inner thoughts through their letters. The differences between Dash and Lily's personalities were apparent, but the way they meshed together was beautiful. This book stole my heart. Plain and simple. Seeing these two bond over their mutual love of books and adventure just fed my romantic side. Magic I tell you, magic!
As you can probably tell from this jumbled review, I am utterly in love with this book. Sadly the copy I read was not my own. I need to remedy that as soon as possible, so I can get to rereading this and dog-earing the pages. This is bound to become one of those books that I will need to buy in hardcover format, because otherwise it will fall into pieces from my taking it along with me everywhere. Guess what my bookish friends will be receiving for Christmas?
If you enjoy snarky wit and humor, if you simply love characters that will touch your heart, give this book a read. I hereby stamp it "100% recommended by Jessica".
My favorite part of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's books have always been their characters. They have the ability to write such sweetly and perfectly flawed characters that I fall in love instantly. It's one of the reasons that each time I see their names on a book, I dance with happiness. I have yet to be let down! Dash is the definition of my perfect man. He dresses well, oozes snarky humor, and charisma does not even begin to describe his witty banter with people. From the the very first page he was introduced, I was smitten! Then I met Lily, who I wish I knew in real life to be honest. She's funny, slightly awkward and has the best taste in clothing I think I've ever seen. Majorette boots? Kudos Lily! Needless to say, these characters had my heart in their hands.
Then, oh then, the adventures began. I found myself giggling in delight as they went to great lengths to one-up the other person. There are seriously parts of this book that made me laugh so hard that I cried. Watching these two characters communicate via the written word was (and yes I realize I already said this) pure and utter magic! I was so absorbed in learning their inner thoughts through their letters. The differences between Dash and Lily's personalities were apparent, but the way they meshed together was beautiful. This book stole my heart. Plain and simple. Seeing these two bond over their mutual love of books and adventure just fed my romantic side. Magic I tell you, magic!
As you can probably tell from this jumbled review, I am utterly in love with this book. Sadly the copy I read was not my own. I need to remedy that as soon as possible, so I can get to rereading this and dog-earing the pages. This is bound to become one of those books that I will need to buy in hardcover format, because otherwise it will fall into pieces from my taking it along with me everywhere. Guess what my bookish friends will be receiving for Christmas?
If you enjoy snarky wit and humor, if you simply love characters that will touch your heart, give this book a read. I hereby stamp it "100% recommended by Jessica".
| Overall rating | 4.7 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 5.0 | |
| Writing Style | 5.0 |
Pure Magic
I cannot think of a better way to describe this book than to use the word "magic". Seriously, it is pure magic. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is guaranteed to have you grinning from the first page and wondering why real life keeps getting in the way of allowing you to read straight through. Are you one of those people who gets hooked on a book and can't put it down? Don't start this book when you have other prior commitments. Trust me.
My favorite part of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's books have always been their characters. They have the ability to write such sweetly and perfectly flawed characters that I fall in love instantly. It's one of the reasons that each time I see their names on a book, I dance with happiness. I have yet to be let down! Dash is the definition of my perfect man. He dresses well, oozes snarky humor, and charisma does not even begin to describe his witty banter with people. From the the very first page he was introduced, I was smitten! Then I met Lily, who I wish I knew in real life to be honest. She's funny, slightly awkward and has the best taste in clothing I think I've ever seen. Majorette boots? Kudos Lily! Needless to say, these characters had my heart in their hands.
Then, oh then, the adventures began. I found myself giggling in delight as they went to great lengths to one-up the other person. There are seriously parts of this book that made me laugh so hard that I cried. Watching these two characters communicate via the written word was (and yes I realize I already said this) pure and utter magic! I was so absorbed in learning their inner thoughts through their letters. The differences between Dash and Lily's personalities were apparent, but the way they meshed together was beautiful. This book stole my heart. Plain and simple. Seeing these two bond over their mutual love of books and adventure just fed my romantic side. Magic I tell you, magic!
As you can probably tell from this jumbled review, I am utterly in love with this book. Sadly the copy I read was not my own. I need to remedy that as soon as possible, so I can get to rereading this and dog-earing the pages. This is bound to become one of those books that I will need to buy in hardcover format, because otherwise it will fall into pieces from my taking it along with me everywhere. Guess what my bookish friends will be receiving for Christmas?
If you enjoy snarky wit and humor, if you simply love characters that will touch your heart, give this book a read. I hereby stamp it "100% recommended by Jessica".
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 5.0 | |
| Writing Style | 5.0 |
Dash and Lily are better than real people.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Good Points
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares is one of those that makes you long for romance, and wish you had someone with whom you could pass back and forth a red moleskine notebook. Honestly, it makes everyone wish for something different, which is truly special. Some people might wish for someone who knows what the word “philatelist” means. Some people might wish for someone who loves to think, or to read. Some people might wish for someone who would choose lebkuchen over rice krispies.
But in the end, what really matters, is that it makes you wish. Makes you ponder and think, and draws you in so completely that when it’s over you wish there was more. You wish that you could follow Lily and Dash through their lives, wish to be as daring, as kind, as brave. But in the end, what it shows you is that, inevitably, wishing just doesn’t measure up. You have to take control of your life! And when you do, remarkable and fabulous things will happen.
But in the end, what really matters, is that it makes you wish. Makes you ponder and think, and draws you in so completely that when it’s over you wish there was more. You wish that you could follow Lily and Dash through their lives, wish to be as daring, as kind, as brave. But in the end, what it shows you is that, inevitably, wishing just doesn’t measure up. You have to take control of your life! And when you do, remarkable and fabulous things will happen.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Kayleah.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was..... Fascinateing! It was an amazing book. and a great idea!
Lily's brother came up with the idea to help Lily out with finding a boyfriend and told her to write in a notebook and put it in the bookshelves at the library place. So Dash went and found it and they were writing in it back and forth and eveentually they met. It was so Freaken Cute!
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was..... Fascinateing! It was an amazing book. and a great idea!
Lily's brother came up with the idea to help Lily out with finding a boyfriend and told her to write in a notebook and put it in the bookshelves at the library place. So Dash went and found it and they were writing in it back and forth and eveentually they met. It was so Freaken Cute!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Dash and Lilys Review.
Reader reviewed by Kayleah.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was..... Fascinateing! It was an amazing book. and a great idea!
Lily's brother came up with the idea to help Lily out with finding a boyfriend and told her to write in a notebook and put it in the bookshelves at the library place. So Dash went and found it and they were writing in it back and forth and eveentually they met. It was so Freaken Cute!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Kayleah.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was..... Fascinateing! It was an amazing book. and a great idea!
Lily's brother came up with the idea to help Lily out with finding a boyfriend and told her to write in a notebook and put it in the bookshelves at the library place. So Dash went and found it and they were writing in it back and forth and eveentually they met. It was so Freaken Cute!
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was..... Fascinateing! It was an amazing book. and a great idea!
Lily's brother came up with the idea to help Lily out with finding a boyfriend and told her to write in a notebook and put it in the bookshelves at the library place. So Dash went and found it and they were writing in it back and forth and eveentually they met. It was so Freaken Cute!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Dash and Lilys Review.
Reader reviewed by Kayleah.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was..... Fascinateing! It was an amazing book. and a great idea!
Lily's brother came up with the idea to help Lily out with finding a boyfriend and told her to write in a notebook and put it in the bookshelves at the library place. So Dash went and found it and they were writing in it back and forth and eveentually they met. It was so Freaken Cute!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Gaby B
Smart. Witty. Cute. There are so many words to describe how fabulous
David Levithan and Rachel Cohns latest book, Dash and Lilys Book of
Dares. I find that in most of young adult literature, there are many
clichéd stereotypes of what teenagers are like. What makes Dash and
Lily such a gem is that it doesnt fall for the clichés of adolescent
life; it gives you two very unique and lovable characters mixed in an
interesting plot.
Smart. Witty. Cute. There are so many words to describe how fabulous
David Levithan and Rachel Cohns latest book, Dash and Lilys Book of
Dares. I find that in most of young adult literature, there are many
clichéd stereotypes of what teenagers are like. What makes Dash and
Lily such a gem is that it doesnt fall for the clichés of adolescent
life; it gives you two very unique and lovable characters mixed in an
interesting plot.
Set during Christmastime in New York City, we first meet Dash. Dash
is a fairly serious (and snarly) 16 year old boy. In fact, he hardly
seems or acts like a teenager at all. You can instantly tell how
intelligent he is; its hard not to be intimidated by his vocabulary. He
is very wordy, but that is mostly because he loves everything about
words and books. Its then no surprise that he stumbles upon Lilys red
moleskin notebook at a bookstore. Intrigued by the challenges that Lily
dares him to do, he follows through and leaves more dares for her to do.
Each chapter switches perspectives between Dash and Lily. (Levithan
wrote Dashs chapters and Cohn wrote Lilys.) When we meet Lily, she
couldnt seem more opposite than the snarly Dash. Shes lively, hopeful,
and a little weird. In my opinion, her weirdness adds to her charm. As
they exchange messages and dares (without ever meeting), they begin to
learn more about themselves and each other.
Levithan and Cohn write some of the best characters in young adult
literature. Most of you will probably be familiar with their first book
together, Nick and Norahs Infinite Playlist. Expect the same kind of
formula in this book: the run-around of New York City, the offbeat but
hilarious side characters, the undeniable wit and charm of the dialogue.
And like Nick & Norah, this book is already in the works to
become a film! Lena Dunham (Shes getting a lot of buzz for her indie
movie, Tiny Furniture.) is set to write and direct the flick.
Its really hard not to love this book. I laughed aloud so many
times. (Everyone needs a friend like Boomer.) Its a wonderful ride and
perfect for the holiday season. Its great for anyone at any age. The
book isnt dumbed down to typical teenage lingo; Dash and Lily are
very articulate like many other real-life teenagers I know. This is
definitely not a story to pass up. (PS: I know youre not supposed to
judge a book by its cover, but the cover for this book is one of my
favorites. Kudos to the cover designer!)
Reprinted here with author's permission. Original: http://www.theyoungfolks.com/?p=501
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Most Fun I Had Reading in a Long Time!
Reader reviewed by Gaby B
Smart. Witty. Cute. There are so many words to describe how fabulous
David Levithan and Rachel Cohns latest book, Dash and Lilys Book of
Dares. I find that in most of young adult literature, there are many
clichéd stereotypes of what teenagers are like. What makes Dash and
Lily such a gem is that it doesnt fall for the clichés of adolescent
life; it gives you two very unique and lovable characters mixed in an
interesting plot.
Set during Christmastime in New York City, we first meet Dash. Dash
is a fairly serious (and snarly) 16 year old boy. In fact, he hardly
seems or acts like a teenager at all. You can instantly tell how
intelligent he is; its hard not to be intimidated by his vocabulary. He
is very wordy, but that is mostly because he loves everything about
words and books. Its then no surprise that he stumbles upon Lilys red
moleskin notebook at a bookstore. Intrigued by the challenges that Lily
dares him to do, he follows through and leaves more dares for her to do.
Each chapter switches perspectives between Dash and Lily. (Levithan
wrote Dashs chapters and Cohn wrote Lilys.) When we meet Lily, she
couldnt seem more opposite than the snarly Dash. Shes lively, hopeful,
and a little weird. In my opinion, her weirdness adds to her charm. As
they exchange messages and dares (without ever meeting), they begin to
learn more about themselves and each other.
Levithan and Cohn write some of the best characters in young adult
literature. Most of you will probably be familiar with their first book
together, Nick and Norahs Infinite Playlist. Expect the same kind of
formula in this book: the run-around of New York City, the offbeat but
hilarious side characters, the undeniable wit and charm of the dialogue.
And like Nick & Norah, this book is already in the works to
become a film! Lena Dunham (Shes getting a lot of buzz for her indie
movie, Tiny Furniture.) is set to write and direct the flick.
Its really hard not to love this book. I laughed aloud so many
times. (Everyone needs a friend like Boomer.) Its a wonderful ride and
perfect for the holiday season. Its great for anyone at any age. The
book isnt dumbed down to typical teenage lingo; Dash and Lily are
very articulate like many other real-life teenagers I know. This is
definitely not a story to pass up. (PS: I know youre not supposed to
judge a book by its cover, but the cover for this book is one of my
favorites. Kudos to the cover designer!)
Reprinted here with author's permission. Original: http://www.theyoungfolks.com/?p=501
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Ruthie
Mix these two authors together and you get an awesome book full of hilarity, awesomeness and holiday spirit. Cohn and Levithan were extremely good at writing in teenage voices and you could truly sympathize with the characters. Dash was my favorite, he seemed just a tad more down-to-earth than Lily although that was the point. This was a good holiday novel, perfect from Christmas till New Years and is definitely something I'd recommend. I plan on reading more of Cohn and Levithan's work, they're a terrific duo!
Mix these two authors together and you get an awesome book full of hilarity, awesomeness and holiday spirit. Cohn and Levithan were extremely good at writing in teenage voices and you could truly sympathize with the characters. Dash was my favorite, he seemed just a tad more down-to-earth than Lily although that was the point. This was a good holiday novel, perfect from Christmas till New Years and is definitely something I'd recommend. I plan on reading more of Cohn and Levithan's work, they're a terrific duo!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Funny & Well-Written
Reader reviewed by Ruthie
Mix these two authors together and you get an awesome book full of hilarity, awesomeness and holiday spirit. Cohn and Levithan were extremely good at writing in teenage voices and you could truly sympathize with the characters. Dash was my favorite, he seemed just a tad more down-to-earth than Lily although that was the point. This was a good holiday novel, perfect from Christmas till New Years and is definitely something I'd recommend. I plan on reading more of Cohn and Levithan's work, they're a terrific duo!
Was this review helpful to you?
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