Dreamland

Reader reviewed by abscae

I absolutely love Sarah Dessen's work, but her later novels have become more about romance than about true self development and finding yourself. That's why, while reading this novel, when I was immersed in Dessen's powerful words, I truly smiled at every little discovery Caitlin came across, because in some way, I learned those lessons through the words as well. I felt emotion, so powerful it made me smile that smile that I reserve for special occasions; so powerful it made me wonder, feel, think, and let my heart wander.

This is a truly compelling novel. And it's a must read.

Reader reviewed by Katherine

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen is a moving novel. It is about a teenage girl, Caitlan, who meets a mysterious guy named Rogerson. Of course, she's attracted to him right away. They start dating and she thinks things are going perfect. But then, out of nowhere, he hits her. Then, over time, it keep happening. It gets to the point that she's terrified of making him unhappy and she does anything he tells her to do.
Meanwhile, her older sister, Cass,  ran away from home. She seemed like the perfect daughter. She was homecoming queen, a great athlete, really smart, and beautiful. Caitlan and Cass were extremely close, so she's surprised to not know why her sister left home to be with her boyfriend in New York.

Read this great novel to see what Caitlan has to go through to feel like her old self again. This book will really touch you as it did for me. You will not be disappointed.

Reader reviewed by Allyssa

The book takes a little while to get into, but once into it, you can't put it down. Sarah Dessen really brings out the characters and draws you into the story. It feels like you are there there with Caitlin and Rogerson. The plot is very realistic, and every page stirs a new emotion. I recommmend Dreamland to everyone who likes realistic fiction and teen situations. :)

Reader reviewed by sweet dreams

When I first read this book, it really touched me.The book relates to feelings girls go through at that age. Everything about the book was perfect. Its definately one of my all time favorites.

Reader reviewed by kayla

this book was amazing!!!! it kept my interest and it was just easy to read!
so i incourage anyone and everyone to read it!!!...it is pretty amazing!!!

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

This book should definitely be required reading for health classes teaching about dating abuse. With her signature spot-on teenage voice, Sarah Dessen once again crafts a masterpiece. Her novels are not merely novels; they are works of art that I hope will last forever.

Caitlins perfect older sister, Cass, ran away from home on Caitlins sixteenth birthday. Brilliant, proactive, and beautiful, Cass was everywhere in high school. On the soccer field, leading her team to state victories. On the high honor roll. On the Homecoming Court. On TV to lead student protests. Caitlin is used to playing second fiddle to Cass, and maybe now that Cass has run away, she will be able to be noticed by her parents.

But Caitlins mom is still obsessed over Cass running away. To have something of her own, Caitlin joins the cheerleading squad at the insistence of her best friend Rina. Then she meets Rogerson. He isnt like the other bland football players that all the cheerleaders date. Rogerson is sexy, dangerous, and secretive...and best of all, he is all Caitlins.

Caitlins relationship with Rogerson seems like the perfect way for her to break away from Cass shadow. However, she never anticipates all of the harm that Rogerson does to her, emotionally and physically. Can she not escape this abusive relationship because she is weaker than her sister?

While not everyone has gone through an abusive relationship, Sarah Dessen describes Caitlins thoughts and fears so genuinely that readers will feel as if they ARE Caitlin themselves. They will feel all of Caitlins pain and confusion, wrapped up in a world so well written that its easy to forget youre reading a book.

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

Rogerson, with his green eyes and brown dreads, pulls Caitlin into his charm and she falls for it. Everything starts out going perfectly for both of them, until one night when he punched her; she thought it was nothing until it kept happening. Lost in his world, Catilin gets lost in what he does and pushes her family away. In this book of an abusive relationship, Caitlin goes through the struggle to keep it from showing, until she can't take it. This book really shows what happens to these type of relationships, and it's recommended for eighth and up.

Reader reviewed by Sarah

Hi this was one of the best books i have ever read and I recommend it for anyone who is into teen books! For sure this book gets a high rating and its amazing!
----Check out Sarah's other books too-----

Reader reviewed by becca

OMG! I absolutley loved this book. It is such a good story about ten dating violence, drugs and the everyday struggles of fitting in in high school and trying to break the mold and be yourself at the same time. Dating abuse is such an untalked about subject in YA fiction, it was refreshing and really informative to read this story about the physical and emotional pain of being in an abusive relationship. Many girls wil be able to relate to this book....EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!

Reader reviewed by Randi

I really loved this book. Not only did I relate to it but I so into it i cried. Aftr her sister takes off life kind of goes crazy for her. The abusive relationship this teenagr girl is stuck in and can't seem to brake free of is touching. The only time she can feel safe is during intercourse becaus anyother time he might just strike her for no apparent reason. She starts to drift away from her family and friends until he dosn't evn allow her to spend time with her friends because she has to be with him. I literally readt his book in 2 hours becaus i had to see what was going to happen next. It's a wonderful novel and a must read.