Dreamland
Sarah Dessen
Review by: Jessica Barger

    “When he hit me, I didn’t see it coming. It was just a quick blur, a flash out of the corner of my eye, and then the side of my face just exploded, burning, as his hand slammed against me.” Dreamland is a story of a teenage girl who overcame living in the shadows of her perfect sister, betrayal, and the overwhelming addictions she endured
throughout her relationship with Rogerson. A smart, wealthy, young drug dealer who turned when Caitlin learns about his abusive father.
    Caitlin’s older sister leaves town with her boyfriend on the morning of her 16th birthday. Caitlin’s life changes drastically from that moment on. She becomes involved with a guy who does all the right things and just seems too good to be true. Caitlin’s life revolves around Rogerson. She is trying to find someone to fill the void left by her sister. Even after he begins to physically, and emotionally abuse her, she cannot seem to leave him. Caitlin spirals out of control, starts using drugs and stays in a dreamlike state. Luckily Caitlin’s mother sees Rogerson hitting her and finally puts it all to an end. She is put into Evergreen Care Center to try and put her life back together.
    Dreamland is one of the best books I have ever read. It really relates to today’s teen and many of the situations that they endure. It is a fast read, and it made me keep turning the pages. Sarah Dessen is my favorite author, and Dreamland is her best work yet.