I struggled to finish this book and only did so out of a sense of obligation. The book felt sophomoric, but it was hard to place my finger on how and why. It just feels really elementary, like I’m reading a bunch of cliches from an author who was just starting out and needs a better editor. Above all, the book lacked authenticity in its voice. The language between the friends didn't feel real and instead felt contrived. The parents’ language felt inauthentic and rote, like the author was trying too hard to set up a “typical high school” situation and instead ended up with set dressing that felt fake. It was as though the author was writing a book about how she imagines high school is supposed to be — with every cliche from the movies — as opposed to how high school really is. The author didn't seem at all in touch with how kids are or how they interact today either. For example, Facebook isn’t how kids stalk each other -- few teens even have a Facebook account and would mock friends who do. Even the narrator felt like a 40-year-old woman instead of a real teenager. The book reads like an after-school special or a series of PSAs or training videos; it felt written the way bad acting feels when you're watching it and trying not to cringe.

The story was cute and cosy but it still just wasn't for me. It's not a book I would pick up again. Was not thrilled by it.

Still give it 3 stars as it wasn't a horrible read.

This book was very sweet. As a theatre kid myself, I really related to the pressures the main character felt on her shoulders. It's really tough to have such a big dream, especially when it feels like the whole world is against you.

Hate to do this, but I did not loved this one
I wanted it to love it.

This just was not for me.

Just and average 3 stars read

2.5 stars. All opinions are my own.

Firstly, I appreciate the story and how it feels to be 17 and experiencing so many things and how it feels to have feelings for someone that you don’t know what to do with. It also depicts quite well what it’s actually like to be young and in high school. The slow burn was very slow burning and I feel like there maybe wasn’t enough romance in it.

However, I feel like this was aimed at the very young end of the YA spectrum as there were parts where I visibly cringed at the writing and the descriptions of certain things. Scarlett was experiencing things of an older teen but it was like internally she was stuck in the mindset of being a 12-13 year old.

The ending was not a typical YA ending which was nice as I often get bored as I know what to expect.

Overall, I think this is a good YA book for someone younger who maybe wants to get into reading more and the story is easy to follow. The short chapters make it easy to read and pick up after taking a break. For someone older who occasionally likes YA books, I wouldn’t pick this up personally.

Thank you netgalley for the free copy of this book.

I loved the fashion essence of this book. I liked how the typical high school story was shown here, it almost brought me back to my high school days! However, the story is not for me, it is a little bit bland and it felt rushed.

I feel that this story is better suited for younger audience.

3*

Entertaining read with shallow character development. While the opener of this book immediately set the tone and was very refreshing (instead of a longer introduction you get sucked into the story immediately), I felt the book was written for a very young young adult audience. It did give me some flashbacks to high school dramas and graduating high school, which made me grin sometimes. Scarlett, the main character reminded me of myself sometimes, not your average partying teenager, but someone who sits in her room and sometimes hangs out with friends. She seemed a little mature for her age sometimes, but at other times I thought she was way younger, this was very confusing and made it hard to really relate to her.

The book also felt a bit forced in all of the themes passing by: SA, falling in love, heartbreak, college stress, friendship fallouts, bullying... It was a bit too much, I would've enjoyed the book more if the focus would've been more on 1 or 2 rather than the quick glances the book took.

It was a very easy and short read and I felt entertained, so that's why I gave 3 stars.

Thanks NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to read!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book and its writer
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Seventeen-year-old Scarlett, unlike her theatrically gifted parents, is not one to spend time near a spotlight. Scarlett dreams of becoming a renowned fashion designer, where she can flex her creative talents away from a crowd. So it's no surprise when she sneaks into her school's costume shop to explore the racks. Unexpected, however, is coming face-to-face with Nathaniel Wilder, a talented theater student who piques a new interest.

With fashion still as her main priority, Scarlett vows to learn how to make a 50s-inspired dress for her best friend, Macie.

What i didn't know is that i had to read it fastly, due to, i only had 2 days to finish more than 40 pages.

3.0

I feel this young adult is really a very young young adult read which I feel would be best enjoyed by younger readers and beginners. Very cute story though.

"Your Dream For Me" by Alison Schaffir is a heartfelt journey that explores themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of one's dreams. This novel takes readers on an emotional ride, delving into the challenges and triumphs faced by the characters as they navigate their personal journeys.

Schaffir's writing style is poignant and relatable, immersing readers in the world of the characters' hopes, struggles, and the complex relationships that shape their lives. The characters are well-developed, and their individual stories intertwine to create a tapestry of experiences that resonates with readers.

At the heart of the narrative is an exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of pursuing one's passions against all odds. The author skillfully weaves together elements of family dynamics and personal growth, resulting in a narrative that offers both emotional depth and relatable insights.

"Your Dream For Me" successfully balances introspection with moments of connection, resulting in a narrative that is both thought-provoking and heartwarming. The themes of acceptance, finding one's place in the world, and the importance of believing in oneself add complexity to the plot.

In conclusion, "Your Dream For Me" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that captures the essence of personal growth and the pursuit of dreams. If you're looking for a book that offers a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of individuality, this novel provides a moving and uplifting narrative that will leave you inspired and touched by its message of hope.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of Your Dream For Me. This was a cute ya romance about highschool classmates and it was a very refreshing read.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher’s for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I have to DNF this book, as it was not my cup of tea, it's sweet but I fail to relate to the main character. Perhaps it'll better to suits younger audience.

Scarlett is a 17-year-old dreaming of being a fashion designer and doesn't wish to be in the spotlight. Being early for school one day she goes to the School's costume shop and meets Nathaniel who sparks a new interest in her.
She joins the theater club for their spring play as an usher in order to learn how to sew.

firstly the ending was unsatisfying, and secondly I sometimes forgot that the main character was 17 and not 13 with some of her thoughts and actions

Thank you netgalley and the publisher’s for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately this book was not my tea. It came across very forced and unrealistic. Perhaps for a very young audience?

Thank you netgalley and the publisher’s for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It would be mind-blowing story for pre teens reader.

From the beginning till the end every single conversation, words that the author picked in every dialogue felt forced. I felt no difference than when reading my english as my second language textbook.

No color no tone no personalities. You can painfully tell its a fiction and way off to be felt relatable with any characters.

One good thing about this book other than it has an ending cus it went on and on and on when they could’ve just stop at chapter 20 is the beginning had me hook.

The book tried to tackle every issues like SA,college stress, and many more but failed in execution.

I really enjoyed this book and the thought I had throughout the whole book was that I would 100% watch this as a movie/TV show - it gave me teen show vibes. The characters were really likeable and felt realistic and you were definitely rooting for them by the end. Would recommend.

Your Dream For Me is a fun and easy read. Scarlett at times feels more pre-teen then actual teen with some of her inner monologue and it can feel a bit tedious as it's not things teens would overly be concerned with. But overall it's an enjoyable read.

I feel like Scarlett's inner monolog was a little on the junvielle side. So much so that I had to stop reading it a few times. The writing was decent. I would've liked to read more about Nathaniel. I think it would've helped me understand more of Scarlett's thought process. Anyways, if you tend to like the younger side of YA, then you would probably like this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

This was a sweet book. The main female character was Scarlet. She dreams of designing clothes after she’s done with school. She could come off younger than she was supposed to be. Nathaniel was her love interest, and I really enjoyed his character.

It was a quick read. I enjoyed the book.

Your Dream For Me was a really cute and sweet YA book but I had mixed thoughts about it! This is the story of our main character Scarlett, who aspires to be a fashion designer and how she navigates her crush on Nathaniel, who is a theatre kid. I really loved how Scarlett and Nathaniel met or their meet cute! I really loved the passion Scarlett had for fashion design. I didn't always agree with Scarlett's decisions and inner monologues but she definitely cares and looks out for her friends. I loved the romance between Scarlett and Nathaniel and I wished their was more of it in the book! Scarlett and Macie have such a strong and great friendship which I liked.
TW: There are some themes of sexual assault.