Release Date: October 26, 2010
Publisher: Knopf
Rating: Troll
“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. - Goodreads
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. - Goodreads
I don’t know how to express how disappointed I am with this book. I had heard such amazing things about it last year when everyone in the book blogging community seemed to have a copy and I was dying to read it. I picked it up in January 2010, and I had to put it down. Until now. (Dun-dun-dun!)
The parts I was most looking forward to were the dares. I was expecting something creative and fun, but they weren’t interesting for me at all. The plot was boring, really. Nothing really happened that I could pick out and say ‘This was the book’s saving grace’.
Dash and Lily were both awful characters. Dash was overly moody, judgy and plain obnoxious. Lily was annoying, whiney and a childish brat. She is the most psychotic sane character I have ever read about. She randomly starts shouting at people at home or in the street if they pay her the slightest compliment. It’s not cute, or quirky, it’s just plain horrible. I would like to punch them both in the face Gannicus-style.
The writing wasn’t great either, as David Levithan used lots of big words and confusing dialogue for Dash. What sixteen year old talk like they’ve swallowed a dictionary? In the words of Dash, it was absurd.
And to top it all off, Lily – who is apparently very well read – referred to Hermione (yes, from HP) as Hermione POTTER. I can’t even...
Thanks for the review Amber. I too had heard nothing but raving reviews, so this has put me on my guard, as I totallly trust your judgement.
ReplyDelete- Sam @ The Little Munchkin Reader
I hadn't heard a bad word about this one until I looked at the GR reviews. Aw, thank you :)
DeleteOh no! I've been wanting to read this one for a while. I read Boy Meets Boy quite a few years ago and loved it and want to try some more of Levithan's work. Maybe this isn't the book to try and jump back into his work.
ReplyDeleteHaha, love Cass's bitchface. You know you're serious about the review when... Haha. I miss him this season :(
A lot of people do like it, so you should give it a go! I've never read any of his other stuff, so I can't recommend anything to try, sorry!
DeleteDid you know he's coming back? I hope you don't mind spoilers. But yes, Misha's been back on set! I've missed him so much.
I didn't like Nick and Norah, so I assumed that I would not like this too! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I've never read anything by these two authors, but I'd heard their books were great. I doubt I'm going to try Nick and Norah :(
DeleteI didn't love this one as much as I hoped, either. It started off well enough for me, and I loved Dash's bit with Santa, but then...Eh. The characters were irritating and, I agree, the dares weren't very fun. Oh well!
ReplyDeleteOn to better things!
Deleteyou know, i started reading this like ages ago, but stopped after a couple of chapters, the plot was just meh, and i just didn't understand why anyone would go through the trouble of doing that. and WHAT? HERMOINE POTTER? i think that is the biggest offense one can say about HP, i hated how all those movie fans were rotting for Harry/Hermoine and the whole time I'm like.. are you guys on crack?!
ReplyDeletegreat review, following your blog and youtube channel! :D
- juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
Haha I started it in Jan 2011 and then didn't pick it up again until recently. Hermione Potter, I kid you not! If it was Hermione Weasley I could understand, but POTTER?
DeleteI wanted Hermione and Harry to get together in the books XD I just really don't like Harry with Ginny.
Ehem. Anyway, thanks for following :D