‘The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily’ by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan book review

Dash and Lily fans can rejoice this holiday season with a new Christmas novel that expands their universe. Released on Oct. 18, The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily is full of seasonal fun and the usual loving mayhem that takes our characters all over the wintery landscape of New York City.

As the book begins, Dash and Lily’s relationship has become a bit tense. Lily’s been taking care of her grandfather after a serious fall put him in the hospital and she’s feeling low. She hasn’t been taking the initiative to create her usually perfect holiday season and she feels that Dash doesn’t care as much as he should. Can Dash help her see the magic again, in the world and in their relationship? Can they survive the strain of family and Christmas?

I was a huge fan of the original Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, so I was excited to see a sequel. While I don’t think the second novel was as good as the first, it was still enjoyable and silly. Dash and Lily, as well as their friends and family, stay true to their original lovable selves. Following them around the city of New York is always an adventure. From Oscar the Christmas Tree to the Great Glitterskating Massacre, there’s always something to laugh about to lighten the emotional load.

If you love Dash and Lily, you’ll definitely want to pick up this book. If you’ve never heard of them, but are looking for a fun holiday contemporary YA read, this is a good choice as well. It can be enjoyed without knowledge of the original book, but if you like it, definitely spring for the first.