(Disclaimer: I wrote this on my beginner blog in 2015 at the age of 18. I haven't changed much.)
Reeling from the impact of the last novel(la) I read and reviewed, I picked up my copy of Dream Factory by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler that had been sitting on my shelf for… roughly 7 years. Last time I had read it, I was an 11 year old girl dreaming of a Prince Charming, or what have you. This book is set in Disney World, The Happiest Place on Earth, and tied in nicely to my preteen romantic fantasies. I definitely had fond memories of this book, and figured it was time for a re-read. And I’m so glad I did it.
"If only your life were a costume, and you could take it off when you wanted to, leave it hanging on a hook and walk way."
Now although the online book community has extremely mixed feelings towards this book, I hope to make a strong case for it. The main grievances toward it include that it was confusing because the point of view changed often, the characters tried too hard to seem interesting, and a few venture to complain that it’s inaccurate in the way it portrays Disney and it’s employees.
Now, to address the first complaint. The book is written by two authors, each taking a main character and writing alternating chapters from their point of view. Barkley writes as Luke, a 17 year old boy with the perfect girlfriend, Cassie, and a perfect future all laid out in front of him. Hepler writes as Ella, a 17 year old girl with a troubled past on the verge of tears at all times. The authors and the character are different enough that I found it easy to keep track of who I was reading, if the large name at the beginning of each chapter that detailed whose thoughts we were reading wasn’t enough. It may have been slightly challenging to get the hang of alternating characters at the very beginning, but as their personalities and the story developed, it was very simple.
These characters are both teens. Both have problems that affect how they think, what they do and what they say. As to not spoil some parts of the novel, I’ll just mention that their conversations and thoughts are pretty typical for introspective teenagers. Take my word for it, I’m an 18 year old girl. When I was reading this book at age 11, some things confused me. Who gives a darn what makes you happy? It’s obviously each other, you dopes! But this time around, having been through a few relationships myself, I know better. Happiness isn’t achieved as soon as you get that perfect boy, or perfect girl. Although this story focuses mostly on that achievement, it also asks some pretty damn good questions. What makes you happy? Do you believe in magic? More importantly, do you believe in ghosts? It really prompts reflection regarding what you want to do in your life, what kind of people you want to surround yourself with, and what goes on underneath the façade most of us put on everyday, much like the Disney character costumes Luke, Ella and their friends put on every day, in order to appear happy every moment. It took a few years, but I’ve matured and enjoyed this book for many more different reasons than the ones I enjoyed it for as a preteen. Thank goodness.
As for the last complaint, come on now. It’s fiction. It wasn’t written to be accurate with how Disney World employees actually work. It doesn’t portray the whole establishment in a great light, regardless. If you’re a Disney employee with a great love for where you work, I don’t suggest you read it.
All in all, the characters are likable, the ending is happy and it’s a good quick read. I’d say it’s a 3 star, but I’ll add another .5 just because it withstood the test of time.
Feedback always welcome!
Happy reading,
Holly
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