Sarah Dessen - Dreamland

At first glance Dreamland appears to be just like Sarah Dessen's novels: girl has problems, then she meets a boy with problems, they help each other, they break up, and in the end they make up. As I started to read the book I figured this would be the format. Then the book took a sudden and unexpected turn of events. It broke the mold and shattered all those comments about how Dessen's books are exactly alike. The characters are well developed, like always; the story is told in a way the holds and captures the reader. For the first time I found myself understanding why a person would want to remain in an abusive relationship. Dessen makes it impossible for the reader to not be able to connect with Caitlin. It is an unforgettable book that allows the reader to understand why it is easier to allow someone you love to hurt you rather than have them leave you.