BOOK REVIEW: Dream Catchers by Sandy Lo

Dream Catchers
Sandy Lo

by: Nevra Azerkan

Dream Catchers is Sandy Lo’s second novel. Her debut novel, Lost In You was an engaging read and Dream Catchers follows suit. This is the kind of book you read and wish it was your own real-life story.

Dream Catchers is a coming of age story that follows Haley Foster, a sheltered twenty year old that comes from a wealthy family. As each day goes by she finds herself in the same routine, following what her parents expect of her and not really being able to explore what she wants to do with her life. The novel starts off with Haley getting ready to return home for the summer to intern at her father’s law firm. Both of her parents are lawyers and she’s well on becoming one herself. She decides to take the bus home instead of being chauffeured and manages to get stranded with the attractive, struggling musician type, but “has got to be bad news”, Jordan Walsh. He dares her to come to New York City with him to see how the other side lives. From the start these two clash, but without her wallet, cell phone and not wanting to get lectured by her parents she takes up Jordan on his offer. As they find their way to New York, she finds herself at a battle of the bands show, where Jordan turns out to be the lead singer of an up and coming rock band called Tortured. She is mesmerized by his stage presence and as the two start to get close, Haley begins to enjoy life and is torn on what to do after her two weeks of bliss come to an end.

Sandy was inspired by the band, 30 Seconds to Mars when she came up with the fictional alternative rock band, Tortured. The character name, Jordan was influenced by Jared Leto’s (lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars) character, Jordan Catalano from the 90’s classic TV show, My So Called Life. You will find many other similarities throughout the book, but make no mistake; Dream Catchers is full of originality.

Sandy Lo is a talented writer and should consider writing screenplays as her two novels are so vivid you can imagine them being played out on the screen. You will be on a journey that finds self-discovery, romance and plenty of laughs. Sandy’s attention to detail and witty dialogue is what makes her books feel so authentic. I’ve read Dream Catchers twice and it never gets old nor can I put it down once I begin. Fans of music inspired novels and avid readers of young adult fiction will be captivated by Dream Catchers.

For more information on Dream Catchers and Sandy Lo, visit her official website. “Haley’s Letter”, an original song featured in the book and written by Sandy, is also available on iTunes.