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 bestselling authors ofNick & 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.
I was accepted to review this book on Netgalley the day after I ordered it so I’m glad that it was worth it.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares is set in New York and follows the lives of both Dash and Lily. After her parent’s abandon her at Christmas with her brother, Lily is at a bit of an odd end, and so when her brother suggests leaving a notebook leaving clues in her favourite section of The Strand bookshop, Lily patiently waits for her ‘true love’ to turn up.
Enter Dash. Lodging between his parents homes he comes across a mysterious notebook and follows the steps written in them. Why not?
There starts a journey across New York with Dash and Lily setting each other dares to complete.
One of the things I loved most about this novel was this it was believable. The streets of New York were described in such a way that they were vivid and clear, even to someone who has never been to New York.
I liked that Lily was a little eccentric and different. She was quirky and I felt as if I knew her well. She didn’t have many faults, actually, but that didn’t make her seem ‘perfect.’ She was just the sort of character that I wanted to hug.
Dash wasn’t your typical YA male. I found him different and he suited Lily for exactly that reason.
This contemporary was a little different to the ones I usually read. Most are set in high schools now and so it was good to read something that wasn’t the norm. It had a solid plot and interesting characters that willed me to read on. This book would actually be a great movie!
I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read other books by the two authors. If you want romance, adventure and a good laugh then don’t hesitate to pick this up.
RATING: 4.5/5
Lucy Powrie is a blogger, YouTuber and author from the UK. When she's not reading, she enjoys cuddling guinea pigs and eating Oreo chocolate, but let's be real: she's mostly always reading.
4 Comments
Zoe Crook
28 January, 2013 at 6:39 pmI love the sound of this! Especially since it involves a bookstore;) Lily sounds awesome – I love quirky and fun main characters! I’m glad that Dash was different for her but in a good way.
Thanks for sharing, Lucy! 🙂
Sam
28 January, 2013 at 9:31 pmLily and Dash sounds like great characters. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Lucy! It seems to be a hit with most people… I think I need to get a move on and read it. 😉
Brilliant review!
Rebekah Campbell
29 January, 2013 at 11:11 amSo glad you liked this one! Oh, Dash, he’s so different from other male characters but I love him so much 😛
Clover
4 February, 2013 at 11:37 amI’ve had this book for years and I’ve tried reading it a few times, but I’ve always put it down without getting very far. Which is a shame, because so many people really love it!