In a small town, a mysterious sleeping sickness begins to spread, causing its residents to fall into deep, unending slumber. As the phenomenon intensifies, families are torn apart and society descends into chaos, all while the afflicted dream vivid, intertwining fantasies. The story unfolds through the eyes of various characters who grapple with loss, love, and the blurred lines between reality and dreams. Amidst the uncertainty, the town's inhabitants must confront their deepest fears and desires. 'The Dreamers' invites readers to ponder the power of dreams and what it truly means to awaken.
By Karen Thompson Walker
Published: 2019
"In the end, the dreams we create in the midst of chaos reveal the depths of our humanity."
NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS’ CHOICE • An ordinary town is transformed by a mysterious illness that triggers perpetual sleep in this mesmerizing novel from the bestselling author of The Age of Miracles. “Stunning.”—Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven • “A startling, beautiful portrait of a community in peril.”—Entertainment Weekly NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Glamour • Real Simple • Good Housekeeping One night in an isolated college town in the hills of Southern California, a first-year student stumbles into her dorm room, falls asleep—and doesn’t wake up. She sleeps through the morning, into the evening. Her roommate, Mei, cannot rouse her. Neither can the paramedics, nor the perplexed doctors at the hospital. When a second girl falls asleep, and then a third, Mei finds herself thrust together with an eccentric classmate as panic takes hold of the college and spreads to the town. A young couple tries to protect their newborn baby as the once-quiet streets descend into chaos. Two sisters turn to each other for comfort as their survivalist father prepares for disaster. Those affected by the illness, doctors discover, are displaying unusual levels of brain activity, higher than has ever been recorded before. They are dreaming heightened dreams—but of what? Written in luminous prose, The Dreamers is a breathtaking and beautiful novel, startling and provocative, about the possibilities contained within a human life—if only we are awakened to them. Praise for The Dreamers “Walker’s roving fictive eye by turns probes characters’ innermost feelings and zooms out to coolly parse topics like reality versus delusion. . . . [It has] the perfect ambiguous frame for a tense and layered plot.”—O: The Oprah Magazine “[Walker’s] gripping, provocative novel should come with a warning: may cause insomnia.”—People (Book of the Week) “Powerful and moving . . . written with symphonic sweep.”—The New York Times Book Review “2019’s first must-read novel . . . Alternately terrifying and moving . . . The Dreamers is overflowing with humanity.”—Jezebel “This is an exquisite work of intimacy. Walker’s sentences are smooth, emotionally arresting—of a true, ethereal beauty. . . . This book achieves [a] dazzling, aching humanity.”—Entertainment Weekly
Showing 8 of 19 similar books
Alexey Moiseenkov is a Russian entrepreneur and tech innovator best known for creating Prisma, the groundbreaking mobile app that transforms photos into artworks using artificial intelligence. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work in AI and digital transformation has influenced contemporary discussions on the intersection of technology and art. Moiseenkov's contributions have been featured in various tech and innovation journals, highlighting his impact on modern digital culture. His work underscores the evolving narrative of creativity in the digital age, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological advancement. Moiseenkov continues to inspire through his ongoing ventures in AI and entrepreneurship.
Astro Teller is an American entrepreneur, scientist, and the CEO of X (formerly Google X), Alphabet’s innovation lab dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies. Often referred to as "Captain of Moonshots," Teller leads a team focused on tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges through radical solutions. Under his leadership, X has worked on projects like self-driving cars (Waymo), internet balloons (Loon), and delivery drones (Wing). Teller holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and has a deep background in science and technology, blending his technical expertise with a passion for innovation. He is a proponent of a fail-fast approach, encouraging experimentation and learning from failure as integral parts of the innovation process. Teller’s work at X has placed him at the forefront of the tech world’s quest for transformative technologies. Outside of his work at X, he is an accomplished author, having written both fiction and non-fiction, and is an advocate for the future of AI and robotics.
The Books That Became Blockbusters collection showcases stories that captivated readers and audiences alike, transforming into iconic films and series. Starting with Dune, this epic tale of power and destiny in a desert world has thrilled both book lovers and moviegoers with its sweeping scale and intricate politics. All the Light We Cannot See brings World War II-era France to life, with a heart-wrenching story that resonates both on the page and on screen. For romance enthusiasts, The Notebook and The Time Traveler’s Wife explore love that transcends time and circumstances, while The Fault in Our Stars offers a poignant portrayal of young love facing insurmountable odds. The Three-Body Problem and A Game of Thrones are perfect for fans of science fiction and fantasy, with complex plots that have sparked successful adaptations on both streaming and cable platforms. Fight Club and The Great Gatsby delve into the darker sides of human nature, becoming cinematic masterpieces that continue to spark conversation. The Martian combines survival with humor in a thrilling Mars adventure, while Ready Player One immerses readers in a futuristic world filled with virtual reality and pop culture. Lastly, The Hunger Games delivers a dystopian saga of rebellion and survival that has become a cultural phenomenon. This collection is ideal for those who enjoy seeing their favorite books brought to life in theaters and on TV.
“In the end, the dreams we create in the midst of chaos reveal the depths of our humanity.”
The Dreamers
By Karen Thompson Walker
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Karen Thompson Walker is an acclaimed American author known for her thought-provoking and imaginative storytelling. She gained widespread recognition with her debut novel, 'The Age of Miracles,' which explores themes of human resilience and the consequences of a slowing rotation of the Earth. Her subsequent works, including 'The Universe Versus Alex Woods' and 'The Last Thing He Told Me,' have captivated readers with their poignant exploration of complex characters and emotional depth. Walker's writing style often blends elements of speculative fiction with intricate narratives, drawing readers into richly detailed worlds that provoke reflection on contemporary issues.
Key information about the book.
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In a dystopian future where fertility has become rare, women are stripped of their rights and relegated to roles based on their reproductive capabilities. Offred, a Handmaid in the oppressive Republic of Gilead, navigates a world filled with fear, betrayal, and hope as she seeks to reclaim her identity. As she becomes increasingly entwined in a forbidden affair, the lines between survival and rebellion blur. Atwood weaves a haunting tale that challenges the reader to confront issues of power, gender, and autonomy. Will Offred find a way to freedom, or is she doomed to remain a pawn in a chilling game?
In 'The Success Equation', Michael J. Mauboussin explores the intricate interplay between skill and luck in achieving success. He dismantles the myth of pure meritocracy, illustrating how randomness can shape outcomes in unexpected ways. Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking analysis, Mauboussin reveals insights on decision-making that challenge conventional wisdom. Readers will discover how to identify and cultivate true talent while understanding the limits of their control. This book invites you to rethink what it means to succeed—are you ready to redefine your own path?
In a dystopian future where books are banned and 'firemen' burn any that are found, protagonist Guy Montag grapples with his role in this oppressive society. As he encounters a free-spirited young woman who opens his eyes to a world of ideas, Montag begins to question the very fabric of his life. The thrill of rebellion ignites within him, urging him to seek truth and freedom. But in a world so committed to censorship and control, will he find the courage to follow his new beliefs? 'Fahrenheit 451' weaves a haunting tale of individualism versus conformity, sparking a fiery debate about the value of literature in our lives.
In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, Lauren Olamina possesses a unique gift: hyper-empathy, the ability to feel others' pain. When her walled community is destroyed, she embarks on a perilous journey toward safety, guided by her vision of a new belief system called Earthseed. Along the way, Lauren faces brutal realities of survival, meets diverse companions, and confronts the harshness of humanity. As she navigates this treacherous world, her resilience and ideals are put to the test. Will Lauren's revolutionary philosophy provide hope for a better future, or will it be lost in the chaos?
In 'A Wrinkle in Time', a young girl named Meg Murry embarks on an extraordinary interstellar journey to rescue her father, who is trapped by a dark force. Joined by her brother Charles and a mysterious guide named Mrs. Whatsit, they traverse the cosmos using the concept of tesseracts—also known as wrinkles in time. Along the way, they confront the embodiment of evil and discover the power of love and individuality. L'Engle masterfully weaves science fiction with themes of family, bravery, and the struggle against conformity. This imaginative tale challenges readers to ponder the nature of good and evil, making it an unforgettable adventure.
In 'We Were Soldiers Once...and Young,' Lt. General Hal Moore and journalist Joseph Galloway deliver a gripping firsthand account of the harrowing Battle of Ia Drang, the first major conflict between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces. Through vivid storytelling, they capture the bravery, chaos, and camaraderie of soldiers facing unimaginable challenges on the battlefield. With poignant reflections on leadership, sacrifice, and the human cost of war, this book is a profound exploration of both heroism and heartbreak. Readers are beckoned to witness not just the tactics of war, but the bonds forged in the crucible of combat. This powerful narrative will leave you questioning the true price of honor and duty.
In 'The Hate U Give', Starr Carter witnesses the police shooting of her best friend, Khalil, an event that shatters her world and ignites a firestorm of controversy. Torn between two identities—her poor, Black neighborhood and her predominantly white, affluent school—Starr grappled with her voice and what it means to stand up for justice. As the media frenzy escalates and protests erupt, Starr must navigate the dangerous waters of loyalty, fear, and courage. This powerful story explores themes of racism, identity, and activism in a world rife with inequality. Will Starr find the strength to speak the truth when it matters most?
In 'Self Esteem,' Virginia Satir delves into the intricate web of self-perception and its profound impact on our relationships and well-being. She unveils the critical role of self-esteem in shaping our identity and encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves. Through insightful anecdotes and practical exercises, Satir empowers individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and cultivate a healthier self-image. As readers navigate their journey towards self-acceptance, they discover how to foster deeper connections with others. This transformative guide leaves you questioning: how much do we really value ourselves?
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
