Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn (2011)

Title: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Author: David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
Publication: Oct. 11, 2011, Ember
Format: Paperback, 260 pages
Source: Borrowed from schoolmate! (Thanks Joemar!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | iBooks | Indie Bound | National Book Store & Fully Booked  (PH readers) |

Synopsis:

"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 cosmic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Misfit Review:

Funny, romantic and slightly delusional. That was basically the first thought I had when I was reading the book. There were instances were I just couldn't help but laugh and at times feel like they've bummed themselves out too many times. It's probably just part of the deal.

But because of it, he seemed to be the best part of Christmas so far. I wanted to keep them all for myself.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan (2006)

You never know that short encounters would lead to a much bigger prospect if you don't take a leap of faith. 

Title: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Author: David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

Publication: 2006 (Orig. Pub), Random House Inc., 2007

Source: Own Copy, Trade Paperback (Got it from Diana for Christmas! Thank you Diana!)

Format: Paperback, 183 pages

Buy it on: Amazon | National Book Store

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Synopsis: 

It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, who’s just walked in to his band’s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York City—and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.

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Misfit's Review:

I absolutely loved this book! Hands down to David Levithan and Rachel Cohn for a wonderful collaboration of another HE SAID/ SHE SAID type of novel. I like it when characters have their own perspectives in a book or a point of view for those who understand that better. It gives us a better sense of the characters' selves,  the background of their lives, why they turned out like that. 

What's wonderful about the way they wrote each point of view, is that their back stories are glimpsed, but is enough to give the readers a sense of kinship. And it is just a 183 page novel! I think for something so short, it delivered well. 

Now let's talk characters. Nick is the awkward, lanky guy, who plays bass and is trying to avoid his ex-girlfriend because he's ultra- sensitive and wants to move on but has a hard time doing it. He's adorable! I dunno. At first, you'd find it annoying that he's actually so obsessed with the thought of his ex but then you'd understand afterwards and you'd cheer him on anyway when it came to Norah.

Then, there's Norah. The cute, slap in your face, insensitive chick, who just wants to be loved like most people, but is afraid that the relationship she might enter again, may lead to her once failed relationship. I really love Norah and her wild imagination and how she really wants to have a good relationship with Nick. 

One thing that concerned me about the book is the language. Though the writing style is something I commend, censorship for kids who may have had the time to grab this from a bookshelf, may be necessary. I don't really mind the use of curse words that may have dominated an entire page, lets say, page 95??? 

But in all goodness of writing and story wise, NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST, is the one of the most, fun, well-rounded books I've read. Decent? I'm old enough to take it...

Warning: Children of the universe, you may wanna consider finding another YA to read, unless you're 15 or 18, you're good.

Rating:

Thanks again for reading this review!!! Have fun commenting! (hopefully)