The Book of Dreams

A Novel

By: Nina George

Narrated by: Steve West, Elizabeth Knowelden, Xalvador Tin-Bradbury

Warm, wise, and magical—the latest novel by the bestselling author of THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP and THE LITTLE FRENCH BISTRO is an astonishing exploration of the thresholds between life and death

Henri Skinner is a hardened ex-war reporter on the run from his past. On his way to see his son, Sam, for the first time in years, Henri steps into the road without looking and collides with oncoming traffic. He is rushed to a nearby hospital where he floats, comatose, between dreams, reliving the fairytales of his childhood and the secrets that made him run away in the first place.

After the accident, Sam—a thirteen-year old synesthete with an IQ of 144 and an appetite for science fiction—waits by his father’s bedside every day. There he meets Eddie Tomlin, a woman forced to confront her love for Henri after all these years, and twelve-year old Madelyn Zeidler, a coma patient like Henri and the sole survivor of a traffic accident that killed her family. As these four very different individuals fight—for hope, for patience, for life—they are bound together inextricably, facing the ravages of loss and first love side by side.

A revelatory, urgently human story that examines what we consider serious and painful alongside light and whimsy, THE BOOK OF DREAMS is a tender meditation on memory, liminality, and empathy, asking with grace and gravitas what we will truly find meaningful in our lives once we are gone.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Book of Dreams:

“An effective exploration of connections that transcend physical boundaries…a poignant story about longing, nostalgia, and the pain of missed opportunities.”—Kirkus Reviews

"An empathetic and emotionally stunning novel. Never preachy or maudlin, this deep dive into some of life's most haunting questions will appeal to fans of Isabel Allende and Mary Simses."—Booklist

“Captivating… This exploration of unfinished relationships has a haunting, evocative quality, and is a perfect, conversation-starting selection for book groups.”—Publishers Weekly


Praise for The Little Paris Bookshop:

New York Times Bestseller

"If you're looking to be charmed right out of your own life for a few hours, sit down with this wise and winsome novel...Everything happens just as you want it to... from poignant moments to crystalline insights in exactly the right measure." —Oprah.com

"The settings are ideal for a summer-romance read...Who can resist floating on a barge through France surrounded by books, wine, love, and great conversation?" —Christian Science Monitor

"[A] bona fide international hit." —New York Times Book Review

"A story that reflects all the romance and sweetness of Paris itself." —San Francisco Book Review

"The Little Paris Bookshop is an enchantment...the next best thing to booking a trip to France." —Sarah Pekkanen, author of Catching Air

Love and Coma

I liked the back and forth from character to character
I did not like the ending

A for Effort.

I chose this book based on the title and the cover as pictured on Audible. After listening to it for about an hour I had no idea what was going on. Between the four main characters (Eddie, Sam, Henri and Maddie) switching voices and going between the here and now and the ‘other’ place where individuals are when they are in a coma, it was quite difficult to attenuate oneself to what the heck was going on.

Somewhat bewildered, I read a few synopses, got my bearings and persevered. In my opinion this book is better read than listened to. Also the story discusses where one goes when they are in coma or in between and a good comparison would be Matt Haig’s ‘The Midnight Library’ which I enjoyed more thoroughly and was quite easy to follow.

Poetic tuck of heart strings

The book weaves dreamlike multiple non- linear storylines beautifully with the current timeline. The narrators added to the quality of the dreamscapes. I’m touched, moved and drawn into the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed the story.

Wonderfully touching and thoughtful book.

While quite different than the other book that I read, Little Paris Bookshop ( which was whimsically beautiful), I found this one to listen to. It was a more painful but just as poignant and well written tale. Heart rending and warming, it’s worth a read despite the few unnecessary Romance nice twists.

The ending you wish for isn’t what you think

This book was a bit confusing until I figured all the different stories were dreams, or maybe time travels or deja vu. I haven’t decided if it was a happy ending or a totally WRONG and horrible ending. Either way, it makes one think.