A Christmas Book Review? In February?

Goodreads

Book: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares

Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Series: Dash & Lily, Book #1

Published by October 27th 2020 by Ember (first published October 26th 2010)

*the book photographed is not the same cover for the actual edition I read. I just like this cover more than the one I had when I was looing for my edition. But the published by is correct for what I read*

Genre: Romance, YA, Christmas vibes

Pages: 260

“’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 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.” -Goodreads

My Review:

I did a thing that I hate doing.

I watched the show before I read the book. I know, right? YIKES.

That being said, I did not know that it was a book until I turned the show on. But, at that point I was already intrigued.

I mean, it included my favorite bookstore in the whole world, The Strand. How was I not supposed to watch it?

Since this book was originally published in 2010, I dont feel it is necessary for me to do a super in-depth review. I did want to review it because I was in desperate need for a post for the end of the week. I feel like I dont post enough.

But, oh well. Between college and work this blog is last place in importance. I think I am doing okay though. I have posted at least once a week this year I think which was my goal.

Okay sorry for not starting the review yet.

So the book. Very good.

It was super short, a cute little read. I was not surprised by much because I watched the show before.

A few of the plot points were different from the show. (SPOILERS FOR THIS PARAGRAPH JUST SKIP). I did not like the dog scene. It just seemed a little fake. I mean clearly it was. But, I did not like it. The show had a way cuter and dramatic ending. I did think the show’s ending was super rushed, but I liked it. The whole dog thing and the jail thing was weird. It was just one of those things annoyingly fake things that happen in YA novels. So I shouldn’t be mad. But, because I watched the show I had this expectation for a really romantic and surprising ending, and then everything was different.

I think that the characters were kind of undeveloped. They were kind of boring. Dash was way to grumpy all the time. I get that was his persona but there was hardly any moments where he seemed happy. Lily was either too happy and not weird enough. In the show she always more cool crazy clothes. That was like the whole point of the story was like they brought the best out of each other.

That being said I still loved this book. I liked the Christmas theme. I liked everything else that happened other than what I said in the last two paragraphs. I think the general plot was cute. I think that a bookstore romance was perfect for literally every book lover. I wish that I would find a red notebook from a man trying to find my love. I wouldn’t do it because I am not going to copy, but if someone else did that for me I would appreciate.

Okay, I am tired so I am going to end this review. I loved it a lot. I REALLY loved the show. I would recommend people go read both.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.1