Dream State by Eric Puchner is a decades-spanning novel about friendship, marriage, loyalty and the patterns of life’s joys and disappointments. One woman’s impulsive decision about her future causes ramifications that are felt for many years, by hers and the generations that follow. I especially liked how Puchner explores how passion and ambition change – and fade – over the years, and how memories themselves can be manipulated to serve different purposes and justifications. Plus there is an absolutely perfect – and devastating – scene that takes place in an indie bookstore in Montana, where the book is set. This book is long, and worth it. I am still thinking about it, long after I finished it.
I listened to Dream State on audio. It was read by Macleod Andrews, whom I like, though I didn’t love his female voices. He did a good job with the guys, though, especially Garrett.