Review: Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

 

Release Date: April 14, 2015 

Publisher:  Henry Holt
Pages: 336
Source: ARC 

ISBN-10:    1627790276

Rating: 5 Hearts

Book Description

"Liv has been dealing with a lot lately. She and her family have just moved in with her mother’s new boyfriend in London, and she’s starting over (again) at a new school. But Liv isn’t sure that explains her dreams, which have gone from odd to…well, bizarre. Lately, her nighttime hours have been filled with talking stone statues, mysterious corridors, and creepy rituals conducted by four boys in a graveyard.

The strangest part is that Liv recognizes the boys. They’re classmates from her new school, and they seem to know things about her that they couldn’t possibly know…unless they actually are in her dreams? Luckily, Liv never could resist a good mystery, and all four of those boys are pretty cute...."

Review

Short and Sweet:

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this one, and the main character is so cool.  

To Elaborate... 

While the first part of this book was kind of confusing, it eventually sorts itself out. One night, Liv enters a dream and finds her soon-to-be stepbrother and his three friends performing some kind of ritual. Extremely curious, she follows them, and discovers that 1) something weird is going on, and 2) her dreams aren't just dreams. I don't want to say anything more specific because of potential spoilers, but if you're reading this and you get confused, don't worry. It will make sense eventually. 

Regardless of the confusion, this was SUCH a good story. The plot moves quickly, making the book fly by. I love the concept of being 'awake' in dreams, and the whole premise is wonderfully twisty and interesting. 

What really stands out are Liv herself and the romance (though the romance is far from the biggest part of the story). It's been a long time since I've read a YA book where I've really felt the character was in tune with her age and her place in life. Liv is very conscious of who she is and what her life is like (she doesn't day dream about something better), but she's also still learning about life in general (including boys and friends and family). She has a pretty normal relationship with her mom and soon to-be stepdad, though their circumstances are a little different. I love her wit, cleverness, and thirst for a good mystery (it even reminded me a touch of Veronica Mars in a way). The romance, which as I mentioned does NOT take center stage at all but is still lovely and a decent part of the story, is super swoony. I wasn't sure who was going to be her set love interest at first, because all 3 of the guys are mentioned as attractive on numerous occasions, and they are all super flirty. The one that ends up being the love interest is a perfect fit though (a little tortured, quiet, but very funny). 

I definitely recommend this one! It's absolutely a favorite now, and I can't wait for the series to continue.     

5 Hearts!