Book Review: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares

“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?

–From Goodreads

Cover Inspection:
Sweet sweet and more sweet! I love it!

First Thoughts:
I am officially in love with Dash’s wit. In love I tell you!

***

My Review:
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”.


Book Details
Title: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: Hardcover; 260
Source: Around the World Tours
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Final Rating:5 Keys to My Heart
[+/-] Click to see rating.