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

GoodReads Description:

“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.

This is a great holiday read. I loved the idea of the red notebook. (Though to be honest, as a parent, I would not want my child to take part in such an adventure – hey what can I say, I’m a parent and somewhat cynical. Inside a book this is a lovely idea -  in real life -  it’s scary). But I digress.

Dash is a wonderfully written character. He’s what I would call snarky. Lily calls him Snarly, but I think snarky is a better adjective.  He’s a smart aleck and a bit of loner, but all of that just hides the real Dash – a good guy with a good heart.   Lily is a little on the Pollyanna side, but I wish there were more teen girls like her. I like the relationship she has with her family. She’s somewhat of an innocent in a time when so many young girls are jaded and have grown up way too fast. Lily’s also very quiry and that makes for a wonderful story.

The plot is driven by the passing around of the red notebook and the challenges that Dash and Lily present to one another, which are fun and funny. The pacing works very well – a light and very enjoyable read.  Though it takes place at Christmas, it would be a good read any time of the year.