Day 2 of Blogmas 2021 finds me already languishing between having already finished the Dash & Lily series on Netflix and waiting in line for the next books at the library. In other words, I’m dying for more of the magical atmosphere and storyline of Dash and Lily but have been forced to look elsewhere to find the next best thing. Sharing this desire with you, here’s a Dash and Lily reading and watchlist to keep that falling-in-love-through-a-red-Moleskine-notebook feeling alive. Enjoy!
Books and movies mentioned in the series
What the Living Do – Marie Howe
This is a book of poetry that is quoted or referenced by both Dash and Lily in the first book, Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares. Not having read it myself, here’s the link on Goodreads with a summary and reviews from people who have:
What the Living Do: Poems by Marie Howe | Goodreads
What you finally gave up. We want the spring to come and the winter to pass. We want whoever to call or not call, a letter, a kiss--we want more and more and then more of it. But there are moments, walking, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the window glass, say, the window of the corner video store, and I'm gripped by a cherishing so deep for my own blowing hair, chapped face, and unbuttoned coat that I'm speechless: I am living. I remember you. " -Marie Howe, What the Living Do Based on what others have said, it's a beautiful, but heavy book, the kind that sticks to your bones.
Lorca! – Federico Garcia Lorca
Dash’s friend-slash-ex Sofia gives him a copy of Garcia Lorca’s poems as a Christmas present after returning from Spain. Since he doesn’t speak Spanish, he gives a classic-Dash smart comment about it, then concedes that he will most likely read a translation. Here’s the Goodreads page and a quote from one of his poems:
The Selected Poems by Federico García Lorca | Goodreads
"There are dewdrops on the nightingale's wings, bright beads of moon distilled by hope. On the marble fountain is the kiss of water, dream of humble stars..." - Federico Garcia Lorca
Franny and Zooey – J. D. Salinger
This book is referenced by Lily as her favorite book, and by Dash as “a particular favorite (he shall remain nameless, because I might turn against him someday).” Based on their descriptions and that of Goodreads, it will be on my TBR for 2022 for sure.
Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger | Goodreads
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – E. L. Konigsburg
This book is the inspiration for Lily’s nickname for her great-aunt. I listened to the audiobook while procrastinating on a final paper and found it distinctly charming and quirky and surprisingly intricate for a children’s chapter book. In other words, it makes perfect sense that Lily would be inspired by it :). Highly recommend for a lighthearted and heartwarming read of a winter’s day.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg | Goodreads
Books and movies set in NYC at Christmas
Here’s some more New York Christmas books and movies to enjoy:
Home Alone 2
I just finished watching both Home Alones this afternoon, and they are both very enjoyable. The first one is better, of course, but the second one is set in NYC and takes place in a fancy hotel, house under construction, and various scenic locations throughout the city. Dash also mentions/criticizes the movie in one of the episodes of the Dash and Lily Netflix show, so it was fun to see his critiques come to life.
Elf
Another classic (modern) Christmas movie. If you haven’t watched Elf yet this year, you absolutely should as it’s one of my favorites. Goofy elf meets cynical NYC and a ton of wonderful hilarium is sure to ensue : )
Miracle on 34th Street
Another movie that Lily mentions in Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares, and I’m pretty sure it’s considered a classic as well. Haven’t actually watched it myself, but if Lily Bear likes it, then it’s sure to be good.
Want more adorable OTP goodness? You’ll love this post! OTP Intensifies: Eight characters that are true love, personified 💖
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
This book isn’t set in NYC, but it does take place around Christmas time and I think that Dash, who is enamored with Oxford and all things England, would appreciate Dickens’ writing style. Lily would probably appreciate the redemption aspect of it and the “God bless us, everyone!” bit at the end (haven’t actually read the book myself, but half-listened to the audiobook once or twice).
Love Hard and The Christmas Calendar
A Netflix Christmas movie marathon is a pretty great way to continue the christmas magic feeling. I loved both of these movies, although neither quite compares to the awesomeness of Dash & Lily. Love Hard is about online dating turned actual romance, and The Christmas Character has a nice magic-of-true-love theme to it.
Hawkeye
Another Christmas show like Dash & Lily that’s set in New York City, Hawkeye is a unique blend of family-Christmas and superhero-movie that I’ve never seen before. I’m also an automatic fan of anything archery-related, so this show was bound to be a win for me. Can’t wait to keep following it on Disney plus!
The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily and Mind the Gap, Dash & Lily
Of course the best way to re-create the Dash & Lily magic is to read the other two books in the series and watch the Netflix series (multiple times if necessary). I LOVE the series as a whole, and I especially love that it depicts my OTP not only meeting and falling in love, but developing their relationship and STAYING TOGETHER for multiple years as they graduate high school and grow up. Won’t say any more just in case you haven’t read the rest of the series, but highly, HIGHLY recommend.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Dash & Lily inspired reading/watchlist to help keep the magic of New York at Christmas alive. Be sure and follow me here on WordPress and on Instagram for more Christmas magic all the way until New Years.
Happy blogmas!
