'This is a touching book about friendship, love and denial. Well-written and subtle, it tells Caitlin's story with compassion and has the reader genuinely rooting for the confused girl who keeps making the wrong decisions. Sarah Dessen's next book, 'Someone like You', will be published in July 2003, and looks set to increase her growing female readership.' -- The Bookseller 20020719 'a moving account of a teenage girl's involvement with a violent partner ... Dessen pitches the narrative voice perfectly, so that the reader flinches with just the same surprised shock as the main character herself when the boyfriend first smacks her in the face.' -- Michael Thorn, The Scotsman 20030419 'Many readers will be able to relate to the pressures and dilemmas Caitlin faces and this absorbing book certainly provides much to think about.' -- BookTrusted News, Spring 2003 20030419 'Dessen's readable style and convincing portrayal of an intense, physical adolescent love should ensure a wide readership for DREAMLAND which addresses important issues about date violence against young women.' -- Books for Keeps 20030419 'Dessen is an absolutely wonderful writer - stylish, smart and funny.' -- Booklist 20030419

'A story heaped with crackling dialogue and sharp humour.' (Last Chance)

'Dessen is an absolutely wonderful writer - stylish, smart and funny.'

When her sister runs away from home, Caitlin is left to deal with the emotional fallout. Unable to live up to the idealised view of her missing sister, she withdraws into herself, keeping her life - and her flourishing relationship with Rogerson - a secret even from her best friend. So when Rogerson starts hitting her, she keeps it all inside, her only outlet for her pain a diary, addressed to her missing sister...

Sarah Dessen is in her early 30s. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with highest honours in creative writing, and she now teaches there. She has written five books to date, published by Viking in the US. Her books have all been chosen as ALA Best Books for Young Adults.

2007-08-01 A bit of a wow

I didn't really know what I was getting in to when I picked up this book, I thought it would be one of those basic summer reads sort of thing, but it really isn't, it's a real gem.

It's one of those books that kind of creep on you, and I completely felt for Caitlin all the way through it. She was a very geniune character, and you can understand why she crumbles the way she does. Rogerson is also a very honest character, and despite his many flaws, he is definitely no 2-dimensional.

It's one of the very few books that have ever made me cry (that's right I'm made of stone) but it not just a sad story. It ends with a positive, sort of uplifting message- I say sort of because Dessen lets you know that recovery is a long process. It really is very good.