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Life Affirming and Wonderful

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As an English professor who has had to read many, many books, I can honestly say that no book has touched me in the way that Dreaming has. It is, undoubtedly, my all-time favorite book. See writes in a deceptively simple style; colloquial, humorous, and forthright, she is never precious or self-congratulatory. This book not only depicts Caroline's rise out of poverty and misery to become a successful writer and happy human being, but it also offers a philosophy of life that chooses and fights for love, fun, and happiness. The first time I read this book, I read it straight through without stopping. Since that day seven years ago, I have re-read the book several times. Sometimes, when I'm feeling sad, I'll just open it up to a random page and read a bit and I'll end up feeling better. Could you ever ask more of a book?

A moving dream

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The author's resilience, capacity for love, life, and forgiveness, wring at my heart. After reading this book I feel she is an amazing woman, and this is a gripping story.

Real life!

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This book left me with that feeling that you get after a long ride on a bike - wrung out and exhausted, but glad I went. Carolyn See holds nothing back, and this is at times a harrowing story. But it's ultimately about redemption, and of walking through fire and coming out the other side a better person. It's also beautifully written, with a style that is unpretentious and effortless. If you grew up in a "perfect" family, or even one that's relatively functional (bad pun - sorry!), you probably won't appreciate this book. If you grew up with alcoholics and divorce and police coming to the door and living out of cars, and like that, then you'll recognize a lot of the people in this book. I loved this book for Carolyn See's honesty, and also for her wit; she is a joy to read, and I would recommend this book to anyone (except maybe the Cleavers). Enjoy!!

Dreaming--not quite a nightmare

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I was assigned this book to read prior to a memoir writing class at a summer workshop, just over. Both I and the other class members found the book unsatisfying because of its erratic organization. The pictures were helpful, but the inclusion of material not written by the author detracted from her story. The final somewhat hopeful epiphany at Clara's wedding was worth reading, but it took too long to get us there. And she's still drinking. I could not help comparing my own life on the east coast during the same years with hers; I worked hard, didn't abuse alcohol or drugs, and stayed married to the same spouse for 48 years (at last count). My career in medicine was very satisfying. I can't understand how her account of such a dysfunctional family and culture receives such applause, especially when it's difficult to follow as written. I guess we all face different choices in life.

Great book, wonderful person behind it

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As a recent graduate of UCLA I have had the pleasure of taking two of Carolyn See's creative writing courses. She is such a warm & funny lady, one with such a charming disposition and wonderful attitude towards life in general that you would never guess the kinds of hardships she has endured. Her work is fascinating, and Dreaming is a prime example of how fine and realistic a writer she is. I'd recommend this book and all other works by Carolyn because she is truly remarkable with her pen, coming through with a very powerful storytelling voice.