Dreamland

Sarah Dessen Sarah Dessen is one of the most popular authors writing for young adults. Five of her books have been chosen as ALA Best Books for Young Adults, and the Truth About Forever was voted a YALSA Teen Top Ten Book. Sarah Dessen lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Sarah Dessen Dreamland Just Listen Keeping the Moon Someone Like You That Summer The Truth About Forever This Lullaby Lock and Key Along for the Ride Dessen, Sarah. “Sarah Land.” Ning 2010 <http://www.sarah-land.ning.com

Caitlin O’Koren Caitlin is the main character. The book starts off with her waking up on her sixteenth birthday and finds that her sister, Cass has run away. Then she meets Rogerson Biscoe who changes her life. The book switches off from her old life, her neighbors’ house, her own home—and her new life she has chosen, her new friends, and her thoughts and dreams. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Favorite Character My favorite character would be Caitlin. When she starts dating Rogerson, she realizes that he is dangerous. Rogerson introduces her to drugs and drinking. Then Rogerson starts yelling at Caitlin. Then hitting her to the point where Caitlin becomes unconscious. By the end of the book Caitlin’s mom finds out about the abuse and Caitlin is forced to a rehab center to help her overcome Rogerson and to help her realize that what had happened to her wasn’t her fault. Throughout all the pain and suffering Caitlin goes through, she still has a positive attitude and look on life. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Least Favorite Character Rogerson Biscoe is definitely my least favorite character. In the beginning Rogerson is charming and the type of guy that every girl wants, but then he slowly changes. Rogerson lives in a big home with a well to do family, but his dad will often beat him up. You would think that Rogerson would never want to do this to anyone, but he eventually starts beating up Caitlin. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Rising Action The rising action would be when Caitlin first meets Rogerson. Her and her friends are at the car wash vacuuming their car when Caitlin walks over to the garbage and see Rogerson standing by his car. She later sees him at a party where they leave together. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Exposition CAITLIN- She’s always been compared to her older sister, Cass. When Cass runs away, Caitlin realizes that she will never be able to live up to the expectations that her parents have for her. Caitlin is somewhat self conscious of herself and definitely not sure of herself which makes her vulnerable to a guy like Rogerson. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Exposition Cont. ROGERSON- He comes from a wealthy family where reputation means a lot. When Rogerson does something that his dad doesn’t agree with, he punches or kicks Rogerson. Caitlin witnesses his dad doing this to Rogerson and is furious with this. She never would have thought that Rogerson would do that to her. But he does and it get to the point where Caitlin fears Rogerson like how Rogerson fears his dad. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Climax The turning point is when Rogerson sees Caitlin “flirting” with her photographer instructor, Rogerson doesn’t like it. So when Caitlin gets in the car he tries to talk to her, but she jokes around and he doesn’t like it. That’s when he first punches Caitlin, hard. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Falling Action I would say the falling action would be rogerson’s last hit to caitlin. Caitlin’s parents are throwing their yearly party at their house. And caitlin’s friend invites her to come to her beach house for the day, but caitlin knows that rogerson will be really mad if she goes, so she tries to get out of it but can’t. so she goes. Rogerson didn’t answer any of her calls so he didn’t know where she was. when she gets back from the beach house, rogerson is waiting outside of her house. Caitlin could tell that he was furious so she was terrified. Then the beating began. He beat her until she was unconscious. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Resolution During Caitlin’s beating, her neighbor could hear her screaming so she called the police. Then Caitlin’s mom came running out and was terrified to see Rogerson standing over Caitlin’s limp body. Rogerson was arrested that night and Caitlin was first sent to the hospital and then to Evergreen Care Center to begin the healing process from what had happened to her. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Setting The setting is in the small town called Lakeview. This is where Caitlin and Cass grew up so there are a lot of memories everywhere Caitlin goes. The book will switch from the past and then back to the present. The time period is present which is important because girls can realize that abusive relationships are happening now. Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000.

Themes Domestic Violence- Rogerson is abused in his own home by his father. Caitlin is physically and emotionally abused by Rogerson Alcohol- When Rogerson’s father starts to be abusive, he has usually had a few drinks. Drugs- Caitlin is exposed to pot and other drugs once she starts dating Rogerson.

Rating the book I would rate this book a 10. It was very different from any other book by Sarah Dessen, but it explained why women stay in abusive relationships and showed that Domestic Violence is a serious issue in today’s society.

What is Domestic Violence Domestic Violence-abuse in a family or household that includes woman abuse, partner abuse, child abuse, incest, sibling abuse, or elder abuse. Coha, Amy. “Defining Domestic Violence.” 1993. http://www.strengthenoursisters.org

Domestic Violence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chg1vz3ABY0&feature=related

Statistics Across the United States, up to 3 million girls and women will be physically abused this year. Around the world, at least 1 in 3 women will be physically or sexually abused during her lifetime. Sclnmakenberg, Heidi. “Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses.” WeNews commentator. 15 October, 2008 http://www.womensenews.org

Breaking News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9QQpnf1cqo

A Few Signs of Abuse Jealous and Possessive- he becomes jealous over your family, friends, and co-workers. Controlling- he is overly demanding of your time Superiority-he is always right Manipulates-tells you your crazy or stupid so the blame is turned on you. Mood Swings-mood switches from aggressive and abusive to apologetic and loving Smith, Melinda. “Domestic Violence and Abuse.” Emotional Intelligence Central. September 2009 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic.

Cycle of Domestic Violence Abuse-It’s a power play designed to show you “who is boss.” Guilt-Feels guilt, but not over what he’s done. He’s scared to get caught. Excuses Normal Behavior-Acts as if nothing has happened, turns on the charm. Fantasy/planning-Abuser fantasizes about abusing you again. Spends time thinking about what you’ve done wrong. Set-up-Your abuser sets you up and puts his plan in motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing you. Smith, Melinda. “Domestic Violence and Abuse.” Emotional Intelligence Central. September 2009 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic.

Music Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb5g_lMI4f0&feature=fvsr

Forgiven, not forgotten. I deserve this do I... For what, having a mind? There's one place that you'll never control, You know the place, yes... that's correct, my mind. My eye now black, my throat red raw, Will you keep this in your mind? By your actions, you betray! Your wicked rage ruins my only wish, to have love and be loved. I'll keep my mouth shut, let my fate decide... I'll be your little domestic violence statistic, but know this forever my love... You'll destroy what you can't subsume! By: Shalmainia

Speak Up If you suspect someone you know is being abused speak up. Do: Ask. Express concern. Listen and validate. Offer help. Support her decisions. Don’t: Wait for her to come to you. Judge or blame. Pressure her. Give advice. Place conditions on your support. Smith, Melinda. “Domestic Violence and Abuse.” Emotional Intelligence Central. September 2009 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic

Bibliograpy Burnett, Lynn. "Domestic Violence." eMedicine Specialist. 18, August 2008 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805546-print.html Coha, Amy. “Defining Domestic Violence.” 1993. http://www.strengthenoursisters.org Dessen, Sarah. Dreamland. Penguin Group, 2000. Dessen, Sarah. “Sarah Land.” Ning 2010 http://www.sarah-land.ning.com Sclnmakenberg, Heidi. “Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses.” WeNews commentator. 15 October, 2008 http://www.womensenews.org Sclnmakenberg, Heidi. “Help for Abused and Battered Women.” WeNews commentator. September 2009 http://www.womensenews.org.html Smith, Melinda. “Domestic Violence and Abuse.” Emotional Intelligence Central. September 2009 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic