Release Date: October 26, 2010Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 260
Review Source: Library
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
“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.
My Thoughts:
On the surface, ‘Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares’ is an enjoyable holiday read. I would definitely recommend it to fans of books with alternating narration, especially to those who enjoyed Cohn & Levithan’s previous books. I found the first half of the book a lot easier to get through: it was more lighthearted and fun, and I loved the concept of the notebook being passed back and forth, even if the logistics of it all seemed a bit too good to be true. Then the notebook gets lost, and after that the book dragged a bit for me. The tone seemed to turn more serious and it became less about the dares and adventure, and more about Dash and Lily as serious characters examining the human condition and what relationships are. Normally I enjoy character driven books, but these characters fell flat, and my expectations of the book were completely turned around. I still enjoyed reading this book for the most part, and I think it’s a book that most people would enjoy, but in the end I didn’t really connect that much with the characters or their story.
Rating:
Find Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.ca
Sorry this one didn't grab you. I know what you mean about the tone - it definitely shifts after the notebook is taken out of play. I still adore this book overall though :)
ReplyDeleteThis was my first Cohn/Levithan book - curious to see how it compares to their other books. Have you read Nick & Norah?
No, I haven't read either of their other books, actually. I was mainly turned on to this one because I love holiday books.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so sorry to hear that this one fell flat for you. I thought it looked so cute, but I haven't actually read any reviews of it, and now I'm not so sure it's worth the time.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful New Year's weekend :)
I'm sorry to hear this fell a little short for you, Ashley! I'm sure I'll still read it, but I understand your take on it. Thanks for your honesty! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one or Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, but it's too bad the characters just weren't for you. If you can't connect to them, it's really hard to get through the story. Thanks for your honest thoughts Ashley!
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