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

It’s Christmastime in Manhattan, and Dash and Lily are each on their own. Dash solitude is by choice, tricking his divorced parents into thinking he’s with the other, so that he can maybe find some peace of mind amidst his least favorite season—the holiday season. Lily, on the other hand, feels abandoned by her parents who can finally afford a honeymoon. This is her favorite time of year, and she can’t believe she has to spend it alone. Enter a neglectful older brother, a red Moleskine notebook, and some very clever dares, and things are starting to look up. Dash and Lily never knew each other before, but through exchanging thoughts and dares via the red Moleskine, these two very different teens realize that they maybe aren’t so different after all. But is Dash-and-Lily on paper really the same as Dash-and-Lily in person? Could this notebook-based relationship ever amount to anything in the real world? Either way, Dash and Lily are ready to find out.

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan are without a doubt the perfect pair for a YA romantic comedy. I immensely enjoyed both of their previous collaborations in Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List. Although each of their collaborations is slightly different from the rest in everything except structure, I know I can trust Cohn and Levithan to deliver a story worth reading. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares certainly is that. This novel manages to be lighthearted and serious, witty and meaningful. This is in great part due to Cohn and Levithan’s collective talent. They each created such realistic and likable characters that the reader wants to really get to know. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares was truly such a joy to read. I loved all the ridiculous situations that Cohn and Levithan manage to cook up and how they can make something more from what could be just fun.

This sweet read will be enjoyed by fans of When It Happens by Susane Colasanti, Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter, and Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen.

Rating: 4.5

Review copy from personal collection