A review by kaloughl
The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
3.0
Okay, picture this: Dash & Lily but the things don't work out as perfectly = the sequel. This sequel was cute and maybe a tad more realistic because all the bright and cheery holiday-ness of the last one is also mingled with depression and apprehension. Lily's beloved grandfather suffered a heart attack and a fall that has severely altered her Christmas yet again. Overwhelmed by playing caretaker and her parent's maybe-once-again-impending-move, Lily's once exuberant holiday cheer is a bit muffled this year only to be brought out again through Dash's valiant efforts. Enter multiple over-the-top events that must cost way too much money and time to be realistic and yet the book still ends with contented sighs of lessons learned and family togetherness.
As a nonchalant holiday read, this hits the spot and makes me excited that Netflix could do another season of Dash & Lily for next holiday season. However, the constant downtrodden > exuberant drive of this book was overwhelming. Lily has grown up a bit which is a relief but still has shrieky fits (oh, and has asked her family to drop the Lily-Bear nickname which is also a relief). Dash has become fully integrated in Lily's family and come to terms with his own feelings. Overall, cute but with a dash of did-we-really-need-this-sequel. I didn't hate reading it though and it did make me gasp in laughter and horror at points (that skating accident! Really!?). Of course I will read the next one, light fluff is fun sometimes.
As a nonchalant holiday read, this hits the spot and makes me excited that Netflix could do another season of Dash & Lily for next holiday season. However, the constant downtrodden > exuberant drive of this book was overwhelming. Lily has grown up a bit which is a relief but still has shrieky fits (oh, and has asked her family to drop the Lily-Bear nickname which is also a relief). Dash has become fully integrated in Lily's family and come to terms with his own feelings. Overall, cute but with a dash of did-we-really-need-this-sequel. I didn't hate reading it though and it did make me gasp in laughter and horror at points (that skating accident! Really!?). Of course I will read the next one, light fluff is fun sometimes.