Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com

As a lucid dreamer, Michael Terny can control the direction of his dreams, and, over the difficult years since his mother's death, he's used that ability to escape the harsh realities of his life. While tucked away in his dreams, it only takes that one little difference, that blip on the screen for him to recognize, to bring him into control. Then, he's no longer the hopeless fat kid who suffers the same fate at each new school, that same tiring choreography of the first day--the seventh in four years. Here, he is the master, and can heal the sickness of those in need and bring pain to his tormentors.

Michael had hoped that Millways High School would be different, and it started promisingly enough, with his finding a friend in a girl named Leah on that very first day. However, he finds the same types of kids following him, promising the same problems he's tried to escape. What's more is that parts of his dreams seem to be leaving their mark on the real world. Is it possible that he might be able to influence the things that happen in real life through the power of his dreams? If that's the case, then it might be time for Michael to start fighting back, and not just in the ways his dad keeps telling him.

But one must wonder if Michael's perceptions are accurate. Even his allies may not be what they seem. How much of the dreamworld has crossed over?

This masterfully written book challenges the reader's preconceptions of reality--their own as well as that of those around them. Interesting and thought-provoking, it appeals to those who love seeking details, and finding where the puzzle pieces fit together. Some harsh language and violence, fitting for more mature readers. ( )

If they have been picked on or bullied this book helps. Sweet revenge that I wish I could have [was the most compelling]. This was a straight forward book with realistic problems but with a fictious twist. If someone has had an overweight problem it’s good for them. The ending was very confusing to me. Were them people apart of him? Was it like the movie fight club? AHS/RG

Merideth says: Overweight and bullied, Michael struggles with a distant alcholic father and constant relocations. It is only in his dreams, that he is lucid and in control. In his 7th school in 4 years, Michael attracts the attention of a concerned teacher, a sadistic, yet intelligent bully and a sweet and kind girl. With the urging of his new friend, Michael discovers that his actions in his dreams have real world consequences.

I don't get the hoo-hah over this book. The 'twist' at the end really wasn't that twist-y. None of the characters are particularly well drawn, and we never really get to know Michael, which makes the revelation at the end that much less powerful. (cross-posted from MeriJenBen) ( )

Overweight and bullied, Michael struggles with a distant alcholic father and constant relocations. It is only in his dreams, that he is lucid and in control. In his 7th school in 4 years, Michael attracts the attention of a concerned teacher, a sadistic, yet intelligent bully and a sweet and kind girl. With the urging of his new friend, Michael discovers that his actions in his dreams have real world consequences.

I don't get the hoo-hah over this book. The "twist" at the end really wasn't that twist-y. None of the characters are particularly well drawn, and we never really get to know Michael, which makes the revelation at the end that much less powerful. ( )

Michael has just started at his 7th school in 4 years and there is a reason for this. As the Fat boy, he is bullied, gets into fights and then explodes so that he has to move. To escape the realities of life, Michael believes he can travel into people’s dreams and what he does in the dream , has implications in reality. For instance, he travels to his favorite teacher’s wife and takes the cancer out of her brain. But just like Double Exposure all is not what it seems. I guessed this with the step-mum. It seemed unlikely the Dad would yell at Michael for smoking when the Step Mum was the one doing it. A novel about tragic consequences of teenage schizophrenia.