Week 9: There is a Play by Almost the Same Name!

Title: Life is But a Dream
Author: Brian James
ISBN: 9780312610043
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends Book
Copyright Year: 2012
Themes: mental illness, insanity, friendship, family dynamics, schizophrenia
Awards: None that I am aware of.

Reading level: 7th grade and up
Thumbs Up or Down?: Thumbs up. I liked it
Book Trailer: I was unable to find a book trailer, but I found  this book review that I thought nicely summarized the book.

 

My Summary: This is a story of a girl named Sabrina who artistic, but her art is inspired but what she sees. She sees swirling colors in the sky and streaking across the clouds. She used to be treated like she was delicate and a special girl but now her sanity is in question and she is going to be institutionalized by her parents. Once she arrives at the institution she meets Alec, who seems very familiar though this is the first time they have met. He convinces her that they are not crazy but the world is. Alec tries to convince her to refuse treatments for her schizophrenia because it will kill her creativity and individuality.  Is it a dream or is she really crazy?

My Review: I originally picked up this book because there is a play by almost the same name called Life is a Dream by Pedro Calderon De La Barca. Though the initial plot is different in the end the main character is left to wonder whether he was sleeping or dreaming the events that took place. I love how this book was written from the first person perspective. It was disjointed in areas but I felt it gave you the feeling for how schizophrenia can affect the mind. It is a gripping novel with intrigue and intensity. The characters are realistic and well written. I would definately reccomend this book to read. I felt it was a quick read that you wanted to find out what happened in the end.The plot puts me in mind of the movie Shutter Island where you are left wondering at the end whether it is a dream or reality.