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

Publisher: Mira Ink
Published: 5th October 2012
Pages: 260
Synopsis:
I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you dont, 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? 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.

Review:
A lovely short and sweet book to get you in the mood for Christmas! Lily was bored over Christmas, and her brother decided to find her a nice guy by leaving a moleskin notebook with dares in the bookshop. Dash finds it and general hilarity ensues. Through the notebook, they reveal secret little things about themselves and their family and Christmas that develops them much better than just plain conversing, in my opinion. 

Both protagonists were equally lovable but I instantly had a soft spot for Dash and his love for words. He was quite cynical and liked to be alone while Lily was bouncy and fun; you know what they say about opposites attracting! Plus the fact they fell for each other through writing was just perfect for a book nerd like me! 

I loved their interactions, the split narrative and being able to spot one story line while following the other. The secondary characters were also really cool, weaving in and out of both stories and gently pulling Dash and Lily together. Their relationship grew slowly, which is really sweet in a world way many characters experience insta-love. 

All in all, an adorable story of teenagers trying to find connection and love in New York.