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

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Authors: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf
Publication Date: October 26, 2010
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: Random Buzzers

“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.”

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?

This was a really cute book.  I thought that the idea of the red notebook was interesting and a bit whimsical, and I really liked the whole concept of it.  And, of course, it made me want to go poking around in used book stores.

I really liked Dash.  He had this whole 'Holden Caulfield minus the crazy' thing going.  Dash was a smartass who was a bit of a loner and a grump, though he was also a good guy with a handful of close friends who seemed to really think highly of him.
Lily started out a little too optimistic sugar-and-spice for me, but I liked the character contrast to Dash that she presented.  She was also quirky and fun, and she grew on me.

The plot is driven by the passing around of the red notebook and the challenges that Dash and Lily present to one another, which are fun and funny.  I liked the pacing of the book - it reads pretty quickly.  I finished it in one sitting without getting bored or frustrated with it.  It's a pretty light and enjoyable read.

It takes place during the winter holiday season in New York City - so if you are looking for a good Christmas or holiday read, then this one would be a good choice.