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

"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."
This quote was the first thing that immediately pulled me in when I turned the cover of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's novel, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares. Told in alternating points of view, these two teens are looking for something of an adventure. Lily has left a red notebook on the shelf of The Strand in hopes of her future boyfriend picking it up and following the dares she has left in them. Dash was the actual boy who picks it up and follows its instructions. Throughout their winter break, both Dash and Lily pass off the notebook to each other in random places throughout New York, filling it with their deepest thoughts. But is trading your truest feelings to a complete stranger a good idea? If they meet in person, will it lose the magic of the notebook?

Just from reading the first page in this book, it peaked my interest. I loved the characters that came to be of Dash and Lily. The dares were cute but difficult and it left me wondering if I would ever have the guts to do that sort of thing. Flipping each page was a new and refreshing twist. The only con I would say the book has is its ending. The story itself has this amazing plot line and the ending didn't live up to the rest of the book. But I would still recommend this book to teens looking for a daring journey they've never had before.

Reviewed by M.K.R., grade 9.
Montrose Library