Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

“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."

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Author: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Release Date: October 26, 2010

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Pages: 272, Hardcover (Read: Library Hardcover, 260 pages)

"I love snow for the same reason I love Christmas: It brings people together while time stands still." -Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, pg. 182

I'm going to keep this review short & sweet, just because I don't want to bash too much.

Prior to reading Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, I had heard amazing reviews of this book. It was supposedly the perfect, cozy, wintery read, fit for a snowy day. Many of my favorite bloggers enjoyed this one, so I decided to give it a try. Don't get me wrong, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares started out extremely strong; I was engrossed instantly. But as the story progressed, my feelings for it just starting heading downhill.

Let's talk plot, since it was the major issue of the novel for me. The beginning: started out GREAT. I immediately predicted that it was going to be an interesting and fun read. It was a fresh idea that I thought was SO COOL. I was like "dang, this needs to happen in real life." And then as I kept reading… everything just sort of flattened out and got really incredibly boring. Towards the end of the book, the most random event just HAPPENED and my only thought at that moment was, "WTF?" Like, what just happened? Did they really need to include this random event to occur, just to keep the plot interesting and alive? It kind of actually pissed me off.

The characters were alright, on the other hand. Dash & Lily were both pretty enjoyable. I especially like Lily, she was so adorable. And Dash's dorkiness? SO CUTE. Their romance was a little awkward though. I kind of wished they just kept writing to each other, instead of actually meeting.

The only other thing that bothered me was the sarcasm. For example:

"'Well,' said Officer White, who was black…

'We've looked at all the footage closely,' said Officer Black, who was white.." (pg. 221)

I mean, really? REALLY. Is that necessary?! Other things of that nature in this book, I just. Could. NOT. Stand.

But yes, to sum it all up, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares was a disappointment for me. It was disappointing for me because SO MANY people loved it. But do try the book for yourself. It may just be the fact that I read this at the wrong time (I should have read this during winter break).