I picked this book up having no idea what it was about and having never heard of the authors. But the words on the back cover were so amazing that I added it to my pile of books after only having read three lines:
“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book on the shelf, please.”
These words ended up being an extract from the book but how exciting? Is it just me or do they sound like a challenge to the reader?
Like the title of the novel suggests, this book is literally about Dash and Lily’s book of dares. In an effort to keep his sister busy during the Christmas festive season, Lily’s brother decides that he will plant a book in Lily’s favourite book store encouraging the receiver to play an anonymous game with Lily.
After Dash takes the book off the shelf and responds to his curiosity, this book is then continually passed between Lily and Dash. These two complete strangers spend their Christmas holiday leaving clues to venues and notes inciting dares for each other, without ever meeting. The book passes from venue to venue with their notes and stories enclosed inside to each other.
In the city of New York the two are bound to meet and when they finally do, by a chance encounter, their connection with each other takes an odd, and unexpected turn.
The dares and stories that Lily and Dash share with each other makes you wish you had a stranger to encourage you to do things out of your comfort zone and the novel constantly had me turning each page curious as to where the two would take each other next.
I shamelessly admit that I would like my own Dash. Older, naturally, but wow that would be so much fun!
This book reminded me of what it feels like when you find something amazing at a moment when you are least expecting it, and in the least likely place.
Besides the novel’s fun and cute factor it was a good read, between Dash’s sarcastic nature and Lily’s overtly enthusiastic Holiday spirit this novel made me laugh at cringe at the characters behaviour.
Favourite quotes:
- “Are you going to be playing for the pure thrill of unreluctant desire?”
- “A department store two days before Christmas Eve is like a city in a state of siege”
- “You want meaning? Well, the meanings are out there. We’re just so damn good at reading them wrong”
- “It was one of those moments when you feel the future so much that it humbles the present”
Read Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares if you’re looking for something light hearted, fun, cute and when you need a gentle nudge to do something out of your comfort zone.