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

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

Publisher: Knopf

Release Date: October 11th, 2011

Genres: Romance, Drama, Contemporary

Medium: Ebook, Bought

Just a few words can sum up this novel quick if you are a fan of David Levithan and Rachel Cohn and those words are this: they sure haven't disappointed anyone with this novel.

This is the third novel by David Levithan I have read and reviewed on this blog, and by now, I bet you have grown tired of hearing me say "this author has yet to disappoint me." Well, you're going to have to get used to it, because after reading this novel by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, I have to say, they have never disappointed me with their work! Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is just a testament to that, because this novel exceeded my expectations in every way and instantly became a favorite of mine. 

“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? -From Amazon.com

First of all, the plot is exquisite in every way. If you are a bibliophilic like I am (and I expect that you are as well) then you will notice yourself slowly falling irrevocably in love with it and the characters inside it. The plot is so unique and utterly gorgeous that it simply takes your breath away. It's realistic, romantic, and perfect in every sense of the word. It's believable, so much, that I am dreaming and hoping there will come a day that it may happen to myself! The plot is quite sporadic in the way that it is like life- because life is sporadic, this novel is a true contemporary. It shows that even though there are risks that come with taking chances, the final outcome may be a great enough award. This novel is a true romance that will dazzle and entice all literate and book loving people, of any age, male or female. 

The characters in this novel were also unbelievably amazing. Each and every character in this story was a natural and lovable, and they all played their own important parts in the story. With the point of view switching from female character Lily to make character Dash, their stories can be read by either sex. Honestly, this novel is so clean and truthful that it is a perfect read for any age and would be great for book clubs and read-alongs. There is so much simple and truthful love in this story that it is perfect for a group discussion. It's also one of those novels that you can read in one sitting; It is that good.

The writing? Breathtaking. Simple as that. I haven't read any of Rachel Cohn's work before this, but I will be sure to reverse that as soon as I can get ahold of one of her previous novels. David Levithan, on the other hand, has recently renewed my faith in honest, beautiful, emotional contemporary and has also become one of my role models. His writing is so raw and current that it is impossible to feel anything but sheer affection for his work. His writing is deep and intelligent, and every word feels like it has been hand picked to go there. It's magnificent, and really, no other author can compare. David Levithan's writing is as good as it gets.

If you are looking for an emotional and beautifully woven romance with a flowing plot and lovable characters, writing that takes your breath away, and the overall "package," then this novel is just what you need. Five stars.