Title:

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares

Author(s): David Levithan, Rachel Cohn

Stars: 4.5/5

Summary: Written in alternating perspectives, Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares tells the story of Dash and Lily; complete strangers all alone for holidays in New York City for two very different reasons. Lily’s parents forsake her holiday traditions for their honeymoon, leaving her and her older brother to ‘fend for themselves’. Dash, on the other hand, has tricked his recently divorced parents in order to spend the season in scrooge-like solitude. The impending festivities are looking down for both, until Dash stumbles upon a moleskin notebook full of dares which Lily secreted away in a local book store. Following these dares, they are led on an adventure which shows them both the true meaning of the holidays.

Review: This was a really fun read that emotionally invests you in the characters. The development of all the characters, even the supporting ones, is something that distinguishes Levithan and Cohn’s writing style and helps to make the story a rich and unique portrayal of life. Despite being unrealistic and a little cheesy at times, this book is still a really good read, and I also absolutely loved the way that language was used in this book. It incorporated interesting words that aren’t often used, a nice change that added colour and description to the story. Although this book is known as a ‘coming of age romance’, it’s not so much about romance as it is about the people who you chose to surround yourself with and the complexity of the relationships that you form. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to read this holiday season, or even after.

Warnings: (Extremely) Mild language.

Similar Recommended Books:

When You Reach Me by Rebecca

Stead

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist by

David Levithan and Rachel Cohn