Your Dream For Me by Alison Schaffir is a delightful journey into the world of Scarlett, a seventeen-year-old with dreams that extend beyond the spotlight her theatrically gifted parents bask in. Schaffir weaves a compelling narrative as Scarlett, aspiring to be a renowned fashion designer, navigates the challenges of merging her passion for fashion with the allure of the theater.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Scarlett encounters Nathaniel Wilder, a talented theater student who sparks a new interest in her life. The blend of Scarlett's fashion aspirations and the theatrical setting creates a unique backdrop for the narrative. The author skillfully captures Scarlett's determination to learn sewing, even if she has no prior experience, in her pursuit of creating a 50s-inspired dress for her best friend, Macie.

The character development in Your Dream For Me is commendable. Scarlett's journey from a fashion enthusiast with no sewing skills to a determined individual facing life's unexpected twists is both relatable and inspiring. Nathaniel's role in encouraging Scarlett adds depth to the storyline, making their dynamic an engaging element throughout the book.

However, the narrative takes a poignant turn with a distressing event involving Scarlett's best friend, Macie, leading to a strained friendship and unexpected distance from Nathaniel. The emotional rollercoaster that follows, combined with the threat of a rival tarnishing Scarlett's reputation, keeps readers invested in the characters' struggles and triumphs.

Schaffir's storytelling skill shines in capturing the intricacies of Scarlett's world, highlighting the challenges she faces in pursuing her dreams while navigating complex relationships. The fusion of fashion and theater, two seemingly disparate worlds, creates a refreshing and dynamic backdrop for the plot.

While the book's pacing is generally well-maintained, there are moments when the storyline feels slightly predictable. Additionally, some characters could have been further developed to enhance the overall depth of the narrative.

In conclusion, Your Dream For Me is a charming read that beautifully combines the dreams of a young fashion enthusiast with the drama of unexpected events. Alison Schaffir's ability to intertwine Scarlett's passion for fashion with the challenges of adolescence makes for an engaging and relatable story. Despite a few predictable moments, the book is a commendable exploration of dreams, determination, and the resilience needed to overcome life's hurdles.

Your Dream For Me follows Scarlett, a high school junior who dreams of being a fashion designer. When she sneaks back stage at her school theatre, to look at the costumes, she runs into Nathaniel, a new boy at her school who might just change Scarlett's year for the better.
The only reason I finished Your Dream For Me because I had it as an ARC. While it had some redeeming factors, overall, this book disappointed me. For a book that deals with a very important topic, the writing felt very shallow and juvenile. It felt like I was reading about a 13 year old, not a 17 year old. So much of the story felt way too good to be true, but then the author hit me with a "realistic" ending (AKA: no HEA) which came seemingly out of nowhere after so many pages of everything falling into place so easily.

While I'm always glad to cut some years off my age, this book is definitely more suitable for readers under the age of 13; as a 20+ reading this, I cringed so hard that my toes were cramping.

What I disliked most about this book was that the character's every action/movement was explicitly written out and it lengthens the book unnecessarily.

Your Dream For Me serves both the magic and realness of high school. Scarlett, an aspiring fashion designer, is also working part-time, hanging out with friends, volunteering for the theater department, learning to sew, and maybe catch some feelings for the new lead actor in the school's play.

Sound like a lot? It is, but its normal. Scarlett doing everything and feeling everything is real life. This is what made Your Dream For Me enjoyable to read. I know Scarlett, heck, I was Scarlett. And I definitely know her bff Macie.

This was reminiscent of Ai Yazawa's manga, Paradise Kiss. ParaKiss is definitely Explicit / Adult rated, so check the CWs before you read.


Speaking of, as they were omitted here and not readily found on the publisher's website, a content warning should be noted for sexual assault.

YIKES. The immaturity of our FMC, Scarlett, made me feel like I was reading a middle grades book! Scarlett is working on her future goals and trying to set herself up for success, but she’s lazy, not driven, just blah. Enter Nathaniel, and you’ve got the love interest, but we learn very little about him. We just know he’s there and she enjoys his company, but that’s about it. I know it’s a YA book, so my expectations weren’t set high, but basic YA concepts weren’t evident much throughout because it just felt so… juvenile. Overall, not a terrible story, written well enough, and a cute premise of a meet cute. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

I enjoyed reading this cute YA Rom Com. I kind of wish more of the contemporary YA was more on the rom com side instead of going straight to spicy.

This book was a good read, although should make be aimed at YA. The more I read the more I felt it would have appealed more to my younger self.

However it was a cute story, but not one I would read again.

This is a super fun and cute read. I recommend it for those who like exactly that; a quick story that will entertain you and also give you that reading fix.

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.