Dreamland

Problem Novels. Suicide. Eating Disorders. Depression. Rape. A "problem novel" is a cliche book usually where a difficult situation is discovered within the first few chapters and resolved (positively or negatively) by the conclusion of the book. Sarah Dessen's Dreamland, deals with heavy material that could possibly categorize it as a standard teenage problem novel. However, if you really examine the book, you'll see it is much more than just a typical problem novel.

I know that being a teenager is hard. There is no roadmap or instuction manual on what to do if your perfect older sister runs away or what happens when you get your first real boyfriend. It can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. However, do not allow yourself to get sucked into a unhealthy lifestyle.

This was the case for 16 year old Caitlin in Dreamland. Once her sister ran away all of the spotlight from her family turned on her. She was suckered into joining the cheer squad by her mom and best friend and she did not want to let them down by saying no. It was not until she met Rogerson, though, that she really felt she found somewhere where she belonged, even though he was nothing like her. He smoked and sold pot and she did not. He had been in trouble with the law and she had not. But this was ok, right? He made her happy, right? He was very controlling and did not like it when she would hang out with her best friends or even talk to other people besides him. But this was okay, right? He made her happy, right? And even after he hit her the first time he apoloogized. And this made everything okay, right? He made her happy, right? Eventually, it came to the point that Caitlin could not show any part of her body becuase it was covered in bruises. When will she learn that this was not okay and he did not make her happy? When will she hit that brick wall?

Why do girls get so entranced by boys? Why do girls think that if a boy treats them badly that someday they will change because they love them? This book unconvers these questions and also can provide helpful answers for girls today in abusive relationships. No boy should be able to violate a girl like Rogerson violated Caitlin. I think this book is helpful for teen girls and boys to read. For girls, so they learn that this is not okay and to not be passive and let it happen. And for boys to learn no girl should ever be abused what so ever.

If you look at this book from just the surface, yes, you will see "typical" problem novel. But once you really look at it and examine it you will find answers to these serios questions. That could one day be helpful for you or even a friend.