Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

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".

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

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