Dreamland

Dreamland,' by Sarah Dessen, is the heart-wrenching story of many teenage relationships. Caitlin O'Koren's whole world shifts the day she turns 16. That morning, she wakes up to find her older sister, Cass, who was set to start Yale in the fall, has run away, not leaving any contact information at all. Caitlin's parents are devastated and start letting Caitlin slip through the cracks. When Caitlin joins the cheerleading squad, it seems to cheer her mother up, so Caitlin sticks with it, even though she hates it. One night, on the way home from a game, Caitlin meets Rogerson. Rogerson is mysterious and even a little dangerous. For some reason, Caitlin finds herself utterly enthralled, and after a rocky start they begin dating. Not long after, her mom spies Cass in the background of a talk show and from then on, Caitlin feels practically invisible. Normally, this wouldn't bother Caitlin at all, but when Rogerson begins to abuse her, Caitlin feels like the only way she can be saved is if someone takes a good look at her and sees through her lies to the painful truth.

'Dreamland' is a haunting tale of the secret life of many teens. Dessen does an excellent job of putting readers in Caitlin's shoes, making them fall for Rogerson before revealing his true character. Readers will be swept along on the roller coaster ride of emotions, from the dizzy heights of first love to the crushing lows of Rogerson's blows. Dessen carefully speaks to teenagers who may find themselves in this situation, showing them the light and a way out of their situation. 'Dreamland' is poignant and haunting and, true to Dessen's style, treats not just one, but many teen issues. Readers will root for Caitlin as she deals with the loss of her sister, the neglect of her parents, the drama of her one best friend and the abuse of the first boy she ever loved.