Dreamland

September 7, 2015
Anderson's ambitious debut centers around Dea Donahue, a high school social outcast in contemporary Indiana, who has always been able to enter other people's dreams. In fact, she gets sick if she doesn't routinely "walk." Dea's mother has laid down rules for her: no visiting the same person's dream more than once, no letting the dreamer see you, and no changing anything. When Dea meets her new neighbor, Connor, she feels particularly drawn to himâenough to break the rules and revisit his dreams. But, even together, Dea and Connor may not be strong enough to face the consequences of her actions, which begin with the appearance of terrifying faceless monsters that do not seem to stay in dreams. Anderson's plot takes a while to get going, but this complexly characterized and multidimensional novel rewards readers with a deep sense of place, an unusual world, and an entirely enjoyable romance. The conclusion satisfies while leaving room for a potential sequel. Ages 14âup. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Inkwell Management.