The only medical show I have watched (and thoroughly enjoyed) was House. It wasn’t too gruesome, and it had a way of looking deeper. The synopsis of this book reminded me of it. How House would weave into the patient’s mind or body to show you something. This book sounded like it would do the same.

Book Read: The Book of Dreams
Author: Nina George
Number of Books Read, 2019 Edition: 16

Henri Skinner, a former war reporter, is on his way to meet his son Sam, when he saves a life and is immediately hit by a car. Comatose, he navigates in between dreams, including both memories and things he wishes were real.

Sam has never met his father but skips class to be at his bedside. At the hospital, he meets Eddie, a former girlfriend of Henri’s, who has been named in his living will, and Madelyn, an eleven year old sole survivor of an accident, who like Henri is in a coma.

Together Eddie and Sam navigate the days that pass, waiting for some sign, while Henri is fighting a battle of his own. Each dreams of a different past, a different future, and one dreams of an outcome that changes them all.

Nina George returns with The Book of Dreams, telling the story from the perspectives of Eddie, Sam and Henri. Each tells the story of their past, present and future. Each struggles with some degree of guilt. Together they tell a captivating story.

While I liked George’s other novels (The Little Paris Bookshop and Little French Bistro) more than this, The Book of Dreams is thought provoking. George creates a picture of where she thinks comatose leads. If it’s true, who knows. But she talks about the world between the living and the dead in a beautiful way.

The characters have depth, the pages read quickly, and while you may be able to guess the end at a certain point, it is a worthy read.

Next Read: Normal People by Sally Rooney