Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Genre: Romance, Abuse

Paperback: 250 Pages

Published: May 11, 2004

Series:None

Rating: ★★★★

GoodReads:

Wake up, Caitlin

            Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else--her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?

My Review:

            While I was reading this book I couldn't help but slam it shut, get angry and swear I wouldn't finish. Only to wait a few minutes and continue reading. Sigh. This book is truly raw and emotional. It deals with a girl named Caitlin, who is on a destructive path that leads to Rogerson, a wild and troubling young man. Caitlin is trying to live up to her sister Cass's reputation and in turn causes Caitlin to make some horrible choices. After her sister runs away its up to Caitlin to fill her sisters "perfect" shoes. This situation has created a chaos within her family and forces Caitlin to use drugs.

            Dessen does a good job in showing the side effects of drugs and how they can ultimately ruin ones life. She creatively incorporates Rogerson into the story to show how a bad influence can turn someone's life upside down. Even though Caitlin thought she didn't have a choice in the path she took I honestly believe the author could have done a better job in showing that there are always choices, but you just have to have the guts to make them. Over all I really liked this book. It was different from the books I usually read, even though I cringed more times while reading this book than when I watch scary movies. This is definitely a good read and very intense, but if you're looking for something happy this isn't it