Dream Life
Dream Lifeby Lauren Mechling
Claire Voyante's first semester at Henry Hudson High School was eventful, to say the least. As she heads into her second semester, things are calming down a bit. But Claire has a few secrets that are getting harder to keep. Her biggest secret of all? The onyx and ivory cameo necklace her grandmother gave her for her 15th birthday. Ever since she started wearing it, her dreams have been coming to her in black and white and turning out to be oddly prophetic.Becca’s been hanging out with her old prep school friends and never seems to have time for Claire anymore. And soon, Claire discovers why—there’s a secret group of society girls with a mysterious identity. And, turns out, a mysterious enemy who’s out to get them. The second she sniffs out trouble, Claire jumps on the case. But is it someone close to Claire who’s in danger again—or could it be Claire herself whose life is at stake? (goodreads.com)
I had so much fun reading Dream Girl that I was eager to start Dream Life. Sadly my own life got in the way and I wasn't able to truly sit down and enjoy the book until now. I actually I think I enjoyed Dream Life more than the first book if that's possible. I am in love with Claire's sarcasm and wit and her friendship with Becca. I loved the addition of the secret society in this book and meeting the new characters that made up that group.I have read some reviews that stated they didn't find this book as suspenseful as the first, and where I might slightly agree, I didn't find that Dream Life felt any different than Dream Girl. The mystery wasn't as sinister this time around, it was lighter but I was still dripping with curiosity as to what would happen and who was behind the pranks out to "get" the society.If anything I enjoyed the additional characters and lighter plot. I enjoyed the character development of Claire, Becca and Ian. I do find myself forgetting that these are only 15-year olds however. I have to remind myself they are still in high school and try to think like a teen even though I'm slightly outside of that category by er, *cough*14years*cough*. I don't think I was ever that smart as a teen. Heck, I don't think I'm that smart NOW.If a book can make me laugh, smile and just feel plain ol' happy by the end of it (and leave me wanting MORE) it gets high ratings from me. The Dream series is up there with the Stephanie Plum and Eve Dallas series - if there are more I will buy them because they have become a new addition to my Mashed Potatoes Book series. Comfort all the way around.I have the lovely Lauren to thank for the book - and she even signed it!!
This review is no way influenced by the author's kindness. I had read and adored Dream Girl long before I received Dream Life. I have also grown to adore the author herself! Turns out we have a lot of stuff in common - including a dual Canadian-American background! I can't wait to track her down when I'm in NYC in May and see what other stuff we have in common - obviously fantastic wit and humour of course but there could be much, much more!My new goal? Track down Dream Girl in hardcover in the bargain book section of bookstores. I know I bought it when it came out in paperback, but now I have one soft-cover and one hard cover book. That just isn't right!! My bookshelf shares my OCD when it comes to books looking alike. I cannot let it suffer with these two opposite editions. Gah!