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

Title:     Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Pages:  272
Genre:  YA/Teen
Source: Purchased

“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? [via GoodReads]

This review might be a bit biased since I am a big fan of Rachel and David's prior novels.  So as I'm sure you can guess, I loved Dash & Lily's Book of Dares!   

Told through alternating POV chapters we get to meet Lily and Dash.  Lily is spending the holidays on her own this year.  Her parents and grandfather are out of town and she is left with her brother who is more into his boyfriend then what Lily is up to.  So she decides to leave a notebook with clues in the infamous Strand bookstore in New York City.  Luckily the notebook lands in the hands of Dash - who is smart and brave enough to decipher Lily's clues and they're off on a wonderful adventure.  A holiday adventure that will lead them not only to an awesome assortment of tourist infested NYC holiday spots, but also down a path of self-discovery and possibly... romance.    

What I especially loved about Dash and Lily was how opposite to each other they both are.  I guess it's true  when they say, opposites attract.  Dash hates Christmas - he's more of the brooding, "snarly" sort.  He lied to both of his parents telling each that he was spending the holidays with the other just so he could have some time alone.  Lily loves the holidays to the point where she's even part of a caroling troupe.  She hates the fact that this will be her first Christmas without her family.  Dash was more of the daring type - while Lily was more of a goody two shoes. And although the plot moves along because of the notebook and the different challenges it presents, the internal dialogue, notebook entries and discussions between the characters were a treat to read.  As with all Cohn and Levithan collaborations - the characters are witty, snarky, sarcastic and downright fun.  

This is the perfect holiday read.  It is clever, funny, and simply a joy to read.

My Rating: