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And So We Dream
In this coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, a lonely boy finds acceptance when he spends the summer in a loving family with three beautiful daughters.
Twelve-year-old Joey Roland is sent away to family friends while his parents try to work things out. He’s eager to leave sadness and secrets behind in Chicago and head downstate to the small town of Greenberry, where the Vitale family awaits him. He thinks of their town as boyland—a world of bike riding, fishing, and going barefoot. Though initially shy of the teenaged daughters—Anne, Vita, and Beth—they welcome him into their lives of adventure, beauty, and dreams.
Joey especially bonds with the middle sister, Vita, and her all-or-nothing pursuit of an acting career. Joey's “there must be more” merges with Vita’s “I must make it happen” resulting in a magical summer where the town of Greenbury becomes the crucible for two desperate dreamers.
Twelve-year-old Joey Roland is sent away to family friends while his parents try to work things out. He’s eager to leave sadness and secrets behind in Chicago and head downstate to the small town of Greenberry, where the Vitale family awaits him. He thinks of their town as boyland—a world of bike riding, fishing, and going barefoot. Though initially shy of the teenaged daughters—Anne, Vita, and Beth—they welcome him into their lives of adventure, beauty, and dreams.
Joey especially bonds with the middle sister, Vita, and her all-or-nothing pursuit of an acting career. Joey's “there must be more” merges with Vita’s “I must make it happen” resulting in a magical summer where the town of Greenbury becomes the crucible for two desperate dreamers.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
76 people are currently reading
2192 people want to read
About the author
Linda Mahkovec
17 books156 followersLinda Mahkovec is the author of The Christmastime Series, love stories set predominantly in New York City during the World War II years. She also has two collections of short stories, The Dreams of Youth and Seven Tales of Love, and a contemporary novel set in Seattle, The Garden House. Her latest novels are And So We Dream, a coming-of-age story set in 1970, and The Notebooks of Honora Gorman, the life of a writer living in New York City.
Used to write as Agnes Irene
Themes of love, family, home, and making the most out of life dominate her stories, and though they may be set against the backdrop of war, or deal with the disappointments in life, the overarching feel is uplifting and hopeful.
One thread that runs through much of her work is that of the female artist–whether she is a painter, a writer, an actor, or simply someone who lives creatively and seeks out a life of beauty and meaning.
Another thread in Mahkovec’s work is the celebration of the seasons: the thrill of the first flowers of spring, barefoot summer nights, the nostalgic beauty of fall, and delight in the first snowfall.
Mahkovec was born and raised in a small town in Illinois. She then spent several years in the San Francisco Bay area and Seattle, and for the past thirty years has lived in New York City. She has a PhD in English, specializing in Victorian literature.
To find out more, please visit her at lindamahkovec.com.
Used to write as Agnes Irene
Themes of love, family, home, and making the most out of life dominate her stories, and though they may be set against the backdrop of war, or deal with the disappointments in life, the overarching feel is uplifting and hopeful.
One thread that runs through much of her work is that of the female artist–whether she is a painter, a writer, an actor, or simply someone who lives creatively and seeks out a life of beauty and meaning.
Another thread in Mahkovec’s work is the celebration of the seasons: the thrill of the first flowers of spring, barefoot summer nights, the nostalgic beauty of fall, and delight in the first snowfall.
Mahkovec was born and raised in a small town in Illinois. She then spent several years in the San Francisco Bay area and Seattle, and for the past thirty years has lived in New York City. She has a PhD in English, specializing in Victorian literature.
To find out more, please visit her at lindamahkovec.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 5, 2022
Taking place in a small American town, And So We Dream is a charming coming-of-age narrative.
I found their sweetly illustrated characters and little town settings to be quite relatable. We had the world at our toes, just like Joey and the three sisters did in this narrative, and the adventures appeared to go on forever. The writing brought me right back there and made me feel everything.
Characters are well-developed, and the plot of the narrative fills me with an unfathomable thrill. I believe that everyone reads this will be able to be enchanted by the story, regardless of their past encounters with childhood.
It's a lovely, sweet tale that made me feel good. It's a good book to read while unwinding.
I found their sweetly illustrated characters and little town settings to be quite relatable. We had the world at our toes, just like Joey and the three sisters did in this narrative, and the adventures appeared to go on forever. The writing brought me right back there and made me feel everything.
Characters are well-developed, and the plot of the narrative fills me with an unfathomable thrill. I believe that everyone reads this will be able to be enchanted by the story, regardless of their past encounters with childhood.
It's a lovely, sweet tale that made me feel good. It's a good book to read while unwinding.
March 8, 2022
I was so delighted to discover that Author Linda Mahkovec, the author of “The Christmastime Series”, and other books have written a new book” And So We Dream” that captures the magical essence of dreams, and hope. The genres for this book are Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, and Domestic Fiction. The timeline and background setting for this book are 1970, mentioning the Vietnam War. The background in this novel is also about the summer fun, carnivals, theater, set in a small town. Linda Mahkovec describes some of her colorful characters as complex and complicated. Some of the characters are exploring their environment and learning about themselves. The author vividly describes the characters and the landscape through pictures, art, music, and dramatic culture.
Joey Roland, is a twelve-year-old boy, who is visiting family friends in a small town, while his parents are working on certain issues. Joey becomes close to Vita, who is one of the family members that he is staying with. Both share their fears and their dreams. They have opportunities and adventures to make this summer very special. We get to meet some unique friends and neighbors.
Linda Mahkovec discusses the importance of family, friends, hope, and love, in happy and difficult times. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable story for other readers!
Joey Roland, is a twelve-year-old boy, who is visiting family friends in a small town, while his parents are working on certain issues. Joey becomes close to Vita, who is one of the family members that he is staying with. Both share their fears and their dreams. They have opportunities and adventures to make this summer very special. We get to meet some unique friends and neighbors.
Linda Mahkovec discusses the importance of family, friends, hope, and love, in happy and difficult times. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable story for other readers!
June 24, 2022
A very relatable, heartwarming coming-of-age story that took me back to my childhood.
Twelve-year-old Joey's parents are going through a rough patch and send him to stay with family friends a short train ride away. He's eager to leave Chicago behind to spend the summer running barefoot and exploring the small town of his summer home. The Vitale family are eager for his visit as well, especially their three teenage girls. Although he shares a special bond with all three, it's the middle sister, Vita, who gives him the courage to dream. She has dreams of her own and he's there for her as well. What follows is an incredible story of one magical summer in 1970.
The beautifully drawn characters and small town settings were so relatable to me. I grew up in southern California but traveled to a small town in Minnesota every summer to visit my grandparents and some family friends who ran a farm. The adventures seemed endless, life was easy, and we had the world at our feet, much like Joey and the three sisters did in this story. The writing transported me back to those days and gave me all the feels. I think anyone who reads this, regardless of their childhood experiences, will be able to get caught up in the magic of the story. This one is special.
Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
Twelve-year-old Joey's parents are going through a rough patch and send him to stay with family friends a short train ride away. He's eager to leave Chicago behind to spend the summer running barefoot and exploring the small town of his summer home. The Vitale family are eager for his visit as well, especially their three teenage girls. Although he shares a special bond with all three, it's the middle sister, Vita, who gives him the courage to dream. She has dreams of her own and he's there for her as well. What follows is an incredible story of one magical summer in 1970.
The beautifully drawn characters and small town settings were so relatable to me. I grew up in southern California but traveled to a small town in Minnesota every summer to visit my grandparents and some family friends who ran a farm. The adventures seemed endless, life was easy, and we had the world at our feet, much like Joey and the three sisters did in this story. The writing transported me back to those days and gave me all the feels. I think anyone who reads this, regardless of their childhood experiences, will be able to get caught up in the magic of the story. This one is special.
Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
June 6, 2022
One of the best books I have ever read!
I bought this book from Amazon's Kindle store.. I was hoping for a book that would help me put my struggles in life in a positive, possible hope for happiness in my remaining years on this earth. I FOUND IT IN THIS BOOK!
My thanks to the author Linda Mahkovec, for reconnecting me to focus on the pleasures in my life, versus the struggles I think all of us are facing in this 'new normal' of 2022 and beyond !
I bought this book from Amazon's Kindle store.. I was hoping for a book that would help me put my struggles in life in a positive, possible hope for happiness in my remaining years on this earth. I FOUND IT IN THIS BOOK!
My thanks to the author Linda Mahkovec, for reconnecting me to focus on the pleasures in my life, versus the struggles I think all of us are facing in this 'new normal' of 2022 and beyond !
July 6, 2022
A moving coming-of-age tale about an inner city boy sent to live with family friends while his parents work on their marriage. The Vitale family welcomes Joey but he forms a special bond with the middle daughter. This takes place during the 1970's. A story about growing up, dreams and a summer to remember. I loved this. It made ne reminisce about my summers growing up. I really enjoyed this. What a great read.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
May 30, 2022
“This is what I hate about summer,” said Beth. “There’s always something you have to say goodbye to.”
This was my favorite line in the whole book - it sums up this story in just two sentences. Set during the backdrop of the Vietnam war in 1970, this novel follows four teenagers for a summer of fun, freedom and childhood innocence with the lurking of adulthood not far off and the fear of the war always looming.
Joey, an inner city Chicago kid, is packed up and shipped off to live with his aunt, uncle and three female cousins for the summer in a small country town. His parents are not getting along and this is there way of trying to give him a summer, and he is all too happy to be headed to the Vitale’s for summer, he has always enjoyed the fun and different life they live. But this summer, is a summer to remember. He is on the brink hood of the teenage years and his cousins are all in the midst of them- things are different but still the same.
The four kids bond as they always have, and in turn each has a lesson to learn about themselves, while growing up during a time of war, fear and anger with the government. Joey comes back a completely different person than when he got there mid-summer. He has matured some, learned a little about life on the other side and has found his calling of what he wants to do. This was the summer of dreams and finding out who they are.
I really loved this novel, and the nostalgia is brought of when riding bikes around town to see if your friends were home, and being home when the street lights turned on. All before technology took over, and you could still pretty much be a kid, and parents didn’t have the worries and fears now of neighbors and who lurked in the community. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author, Linda Mahkovec for the autographed novel. This was a fun summer read!
This was my favorite line in the whole book - it sums up this story in just two sentences. Set during the backdrop of the Vietnam war in 1970, this novel follows four teenagers for a summer of fun, freedom and childhood innocence with the lurking of adulthood not far off and the fear of the war always looming.
Joey, an inner city Chicago kid, is packed up and shipped off to live with his aunt, uncle and three female cousins for the summer in a small country town. His parents are not getting along and this is there way of trying to give him a summer, and he is all too happy to be headed to the Vitale’s for summer, he has always enjoyed the fun and different life they live. But this summer, is a summer to remember. He is on the brink hood of the teenage years and his cousins are all in the midst of them- things are different but still the same.
The four kids bond as they always have, and in turn each has a lesson to learn about themselves, while growing up during a time of war, fear and anger with the government. Joey comes back a completely different person than when he got there mid-summer. He has matured some, learned a little about life on the other side and has found his calling of what he wants to do. This was the summer of dreams and finding out who they are.
I really loved this novel, and the nostalgia is brought of when riding bikes around town to see if your friends were home, and being home when the street lights turned on. All before technology took over, and you could still pretty much be a kid, and parents didn’t have the worries and fears now of neighbors and who lurked in the community. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author, Linda Mahkovec for the autographed novel. This was a fun summer read!
June 12, 2022
Though this book has the Vietnam War as kind of a backdrop and I wasn't alive for it, I could feel the bits of tension in this novel when it's talked about and with Hoagie having been hurt in that war.
This is reminiscent of childhood summers and made me nostalgic for the wonder you can find.
I love the Vitale family and their relationships with each other. I love that the girls act as if Joey is their brother and not just a family friend that visits in the summer. They include him in their adventures. They (and the neighbors) include him in the neighborhood and make him feel at home.
I love that Vita and Joey connect with each other this summer as they both pursue their dreams (Vita has always known she wanted to be an actress on the stage and Joey found this summer his knack for photography). At almost 400 pages, it seems a bit daunting but it flies by and I was sad when it was over.
This is reminiscent of childhood summers and made me nostalgic for the wonder you can find.
I love the Vitale family and their relationships with each other. I love that the girls act as if Joey is their brother and not just a family friend that visits in the summer. They include him in their adventures. They (and the neighbors) include him in the neighborhood and make him feel at home.
I love that Vita and Joey connect with each other this summer as they both pursue their dreams (Vita has always known she wanted to be an actress on the stage and Joey found this summer his knack for photography). At almost 400 pages, it seems a bit daunting but it flies by and I was sad when it was over.
July 16, 2022
Twelve-year-old Joey's days are filled with sadness, as his parent's marriage is rocky. With no siblings to hang out with and his parents needing time to figure things out, Joey is sent to family friends for the summer.
It's the summer of 1970, and Joey leaves the big city of Chicago and takes a train to the little town of Greenberry. Joey is hoping that getting away from the city means loads of boyish adventures, but the Vitale family has three daughters, so he's not sure what to expect.
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 is a sweet coming-of-age story set in small-town USA, where kids play outside without cell phones and social media. It was fun seeing Joey become close to the sisters, who took him under their wing like a brother. This story may bring back fond memories of much simpler times or what it was like growing up for many of us.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and
@lindamahkovec for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
It's the summer of 1970, and Joey leaves the big city of Chicago and takes a train to the little town of Greenberry. Joey is hoping that getting away from the city means loads of boyish adventures, but the Vitale family has three daughters, so he's not sure what to expect.
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 is a sweet coming-of-age story set in small-town USA, where kids play outside without cell phones and social media. It was fun seeing Joey become close to the sisters, who took him under their wing like a brother. This story may bring back fond memories of much simpler times or what it was like growing up for many of us.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and
@lindamahkovec for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
July 16, 2022
And So We Dream by Linda Mahkovec is a wonderful well written coming of age story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
The story is about 12 year old Joseph who is sent away for the summer so his parents can work things out as they are having a tough time. His journey takes him to a small town where he meets three daughters of the family and quickly forms a bond with the middle-aged girl, Vita.
This is such a wonderful, heartwarming coming of age story that ends up being an amazing summer for Joseph.
I really loved reading this story and the interactions between Joseph and Vita.
The characters are well developed with a story line that brings a joy I cannot describe.
The story is about 12 year old Joseph who is sent away for the summer so his parents can work things out as they are having a tough time. His journey takes him to a small town where he meets three daughters of the family and quickly forms a bond with the middle-aged girl, Vita.
This is such a wonderful, heartwarming coming of age story that ends up being an amazing summer for Joseph.
I really loved reading this story and the interactions between Joseph and Vita.
The characters are well developed with a story line that brings a joy I cannot describe.
May 24, 2022
And So We Dream is a magically crafted story written by Linda Mahkovec. The novel follows the story of Joseph, a twelve-year-old boy who is sent far away from his hometown because his family is going through a rough time. He travels from Chicago to Greenberry, a small town where he meets the family he's supposed to spend all summer with.
He quickly bonds with the three daughters of the family, especially with Vita. And so, it began the best summer of his life, filled with dreams, good company, and some life-changing events.
I enjoyed very much this book, it's a beautiful innocent story that left me warm-hearted, an easy read to just sit and relax.
He quickly bonds with the three daughters of the family, especially with Vita. And so, it began the best summer of his life, filled with dreams, good company, and some life-changing events.
I enjoyed very much this book, it's a beautiful innocent story that left me warm-hearted, an easy read to just sit and relax.
October 30, 2022
I usually read multiple books simultaneously. I, therefore, finish them in batches. I don't end up reviewing them, just queuing them and getting to them at a later stage. Sometimes, based on my mood at the time of writing the review, I tend to like the process, and at other times not. In this instance, when I saw it was this book that I had pending, I felt a slight smile thinking of my reading of this. This reaction is not common for authors I have no prior experience with and even rarer for books with such an offbeat narrative.
I would refrain from calling this book quaint, but it veers quite close to how I would define a book in relation to that word. When the book begins, we have a man introducing his wife to a popular stage artist and mentioning how they knew each other as children. When they cross paths after the show, the latter remembers him and acknowledges him quite emotionally. The story then pans back to the summer, which forms the foundation of the entire narrative.
This was a refreshing book in all senses of the word. The narrator is Joey, as a young boy sent to live with friends as his parents sort out their differences. The tone I liked best in this was this preteen boy being friends with these girls, describing their beauty and energy without actually being creepy. He genuinely treats these girls as his sisters without any blood ties. It is very rare that I come across a book that is not childlike and refrains from complicating relationships between people of different genders at the forefront of the narrative.
The summer is set to bring changes to the lives of everyone present. We get to see some of the events from the eyes of the girls as well when Joey is not deemed old enough to be part of the conversation.
It is the summer of dreams being formed and personalities being shaped. Set in the 1970s, it felt quite realistic, and the people in town provided a very full cast of differing types of people making the story feel unique but also nostalgic. The slower pace of life described here made it easy for me to see the situation even as I have no way of actually knowing exactly what the experience would have been like, given the differences in the cultures that I am accustomed to.
This would work well as a young adult book, something I seldom think when reading an actual young-adult labelled book! I highly recommend this as a historical fiction coming-of-age story.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
I would refrain from calling this book quaint, but it veers quite close to how I would define a book in relation to that word. When the book begins, we have a man introducing his wife to a popular stage artist and mentioning how they knew each other as children. When they cross paths after the show, the latter remembers him and acknowledges him quite emotionally. The story then pans back to the summer, which forms the foundation of the entire narrative.
This was a refreshing book in all senses of the word. The narrator is Joey, as a young boy sent to live with friends as his parents sort out their differences. The tone I liked best in this was this preteen boy being friends with these girls, describing their beauty and energy without actually being creepy. He genuinely treats these girls as his sisters without any blood ties. It is very rare that I come across a book that is not childlike and refrains from complicating relationships between people of different genders at the forefront of the narrative.
The summer is set to bring changes to the lives of everyone present. We get to see some of the events from the eyes of the girls as well when Joey is not deemed old enough to be part of the conversation.
It is the summer of dreams being formed and personalities being shaped. Set in the 1970s, it felt quite realistic, and the people in town provided a very full cast of differing types of people making the story feel unique but also nostalgic. The slower pace of life described here made it easy for me to see the situation even as I have no way of actually knowing exactly what the experience would have been like, given the differences in the cultures that I am accustomed to.
This would work well as a young adult book, something I seldom think when reading an actual young-adult labelled book! I highly recommend this as a historical fiction coming-of-age story.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
July 21, 2022
This is an absolutely stunning coming of age book set in a historical context about a twelve year old boy named Joey who spends the summer of 1970 in a small town with a family of three teenage girls.
Joey’s parents are working through some marital issues and send Joey to stay with family friends. Joey loves staying with the family and feels like each of the three daughters, Anne, Beth, and Vita are like sisters to him.
Each sister is different in looks and personalities and each has their own dreams for their future. The sister that the book focuses mainly on is Vita who dreams of being an actress.
During the course of the summer, Joey finds a passion and talent in photography and takes pictures of the people and the town.
The characters in this book are amazing..every last one of them.
Being the setting of 1970, the war is also a part of the story and is subtle and powerful at the same time.
I love each time the sisters and Joey play ‘Secrets and Dreams’. It’s in the course of those games that the reader finds out more about each character’s personalities.
The Prologue of this book is my favorite as it takes place 20 years later as adult Vita and Joey briefly connect on a street in New York City. It draws you into this book and the people immediately.
A fast read for all those that love to see how life’s dreams evolve.
July 23, 2022
‘Was it worth having a dream if it’s just going to hurt you?’ I jumped out of my chair when I came across that sentence in Linda Mahkovec’s novel ‘And So We Dream’. I probably was too terrified to even think such a thought when I was young. But there was the twelve-year-old Joey asking the question. The dispirited Joey by some miracle escaped his sad family in the big city to spend the summer in the country with a kind family that has three beautiful, talented teenage daughters. And he’s not only having a magical summer but also has discovered something he’d love to do. Forever. But when he sees the certainly beautiful, seemingly perfect and surely talented, older teenage daughter falter and fail over and over at her big dream, his dream now suddenly seems unreachable and impossible. Because ‘He was just a twelve-year-old boy who didn’t know anything.’
The dreams of an innocent youth and of cocksure, headstrong teenagers is what ‘And So We Dream’ is all about. Will these starry-eyed kids keep their dreams when those dreams hurt them? Will they learn what it really takes to have and hold onto a dream?
Yes, this reader has certainly and surely - Been there. Done that. But I love how this story made me remember my invincible, cocksure self and all that I had to learn. As I read, I laughed and I winced and I couldn’t put the book down.
The dreams of an innocent youth and of cocksure, headstrong teenagers is what ‘And So We Dream’ is all about. Will these starry-eyed kids keep their dreams when those dreams hurt them? Will they learn what it really takes to have and hold onto a dream?
Yes, this reader has certainly and surely - Been there. Done that. But I love how this story made me remember my invincible, cocksure self and all that I had to learn. As I read, I laughed and I winced and I couldn’t put the book down.
May 26, 2022
As its title says, Mahkovec’ tale, which is set in 1970, has dreaming and hoping as its main themes sustained throughout the storyline.
The story of a young boy who is sent to live with his family friends for some time while his immediate family tries to figure some things out is a heart-melting one. We also get to discover other people along the way who are as magical and sweet as Joey Roland is. The dialogues were exceptionally well-written. The twists and turns kept me guessing what would happen next, and I never guessed right.
The family and friendship spirits are present at all times in the 26 chapters. I loved it!
The story of a young boy who is sent to live with his family friends for some time while his immediate family tries to figure some things out is a heart-melting one. We also get to discover other people along the way who are as magical and sweet as Joey Roland is. The dialogues were exceptionally well-written. The twists and turns kept me guessing what would happen next, and I never guessed right.
The family and friendship spirits are present at all times in the 26 chapters. I loved it!
May 27, 2022
“And So We Dream” by Linda Mahkovec is a beautiful coming-of-age novel, set in 1970.
The cover of the book caught my attention at first glance. I enjoyed the warm atmosphere it reflects, hoping to find it in the story itself. And it did not disappoint me.
The author did an excellent job by establishing a cozy tone in the writing. She delves with family, friendship, dreams and hope in the plot, which I found really pleasant.
Also, the characters are very well described and developed, which makes easy for young readers to empathize with them. But this book can be enjoyed by readers across age or gender.
To sum up, this is a beautiful book about life that I am sure many will like.
The cover of the book caught my attention at first glance. I enjoyed the warm atmosphere it reflects, hoping to find it in the story itself. And it did not disappoint me.
The author did an excellent job by establishing a cozy tone in the writing. She delves with family, friendship, dreams and hope in the plot, which I found really pleasant.
Also, the characters are very well described and developed, which makes easy for young readers to empathize with them. But this book can be enjoyed by readers across age or gender.
To sum up, this is a beautiful book about life that I am sure many will like.
April 27, 2022
This book was a delightful read and made me think of my own hometown with the scenery and times with family. More of the country living, fairs and sharing good times with family and friends...this book brings you back to good times. From the beginning you are drawn in to see how Joey's summer pans out and leads him. The characters are relatable and the Vitale family are sublime in how they welcome Joey into their home. Navigating and finding one's place in the world can be tough, Joey and the sisters must find out what they want in life and the path to take. Set during a time of war, this book gives a taste of unease and tension, but brings out the joys of childhood which are explored and built into memories that will leave lasting impressions. It was an enjoyable journey following Joey and his friends over his summer away, from the problems of home and the chaos of city living. A well written book and worth the read, I recommend this to others and will certainly read more from Ms. Mahkovec.
June 7, 2022
Ah! “And So We Dream” by Linda Mahkovec was a delightful, uplifting, inspiring and heartwarming novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Set in a wholesome town in the 1970’s, including references to the Vietnam war, where 3 lovely teenagers are hosting a family friend for the summer, this beautiful, big hearted family is supportive, dynamic and interesting. Full of events, heartbreak, perseverance, dreams, and life lessons, this book made me want to belong to this family too. Thank you Linda Mahkovec for creating this magical story to spend some time in. It was much enjoyed and appreciated. #AndSoWeDream #LindaMahkovec
June 9, 2022
First of all, I adore this cover!!! It gives me Gone With the Wind vibes, which is my favorite movie.
Joey was sent to live with his cousins and their parents for the summer. I loved the innocence of this story, and seeing the growth of Joey. He grows especially close with Vita, and they share many thoughts with each other. I loved the almost magical atmosphere this book brings, and it was so easy to lose myself in the writing.
Joey was sent to live with his cousins and their parents for the summer. I loved the innocence of this story, and seeing the growth of Joey. He grows especially close with Vita, and they share many thoughts with each other. I loved the almost magical atmosphere this book brings, and it was so easy to lose myself in the writing.
July 20, 2022
What a delightful read! This is definitely an all time favorite coming of of age stories for me. As an only child I could really relate to Joey and would have loved to spend a summer with such a close knit family like the Vitales. I could clearly picture the loving parents and beautiful sisters in their charming small town. This book made me crave the slower pace of small town summer - - homemade ice cream, county fairs, bike rides and evening swims. This was a perfect summer read!
September 27, 2022
A nice little story that I liked ok. I think my two favorite things were the cover of the book and the small town feel that made me feel right at home. I'm from a small town myself. It's a wonderful feeling in many ways and others not. Coming of age stories are always interesting to read and in all honesty that's why I chose this book. It's like I'm reading about myself sometimes.. especially if its from the characters point of view. I did feel that in some places the story slowed down some. Here's a quote that is true "I guess it's hard to know." " Or maybe I'm just a small town girl with a dream too big." Mediocire in everything." You know, I feel just like Vita does when something like that gets in my way. But after I get over it I look at it this way, when God closes a door He always opens another one that's better. Yes there will always be disappointments and hurts but that's life. Another thing that I liked about this book was the friendship that these characters had for one another and remained close even after they grew up. Wished I had that. Vita had big dreams. Almost like me. But unfortunately for me they went by the wayside because of people or things getting in my way. Joey is a cool character. I liked him because of his positive attitude and encouragement towards Vita. 5 stars for a job well done with this book and new to me author. Her writing is exquisite. I recommend this book if you want to read something new. Its awesome. My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 24, 2022
Absolutely incredible book. Beautiful writing with wonderful characters. This is the perfect summer read.
September 15, 2022
Amazing
Not the sort of book I’d usually read. Positive, uplifting, full of hope, perseverance, love, understanding, doubt and triumph. Insipid? Hell no. I loved it.
Not the sort of book I’d usually read. Positive, uplifting, full of hope, perseverance, love, understanding, doubt and triumph. Insipid? Hell no. I loved it.
October 2, 2022
MidWest Coming of Age Story
This was such a neat book to read. It started a bit slowly and then it really took off. The story of young teenagers finding their dreams and discovering themselves. It starts in a prologue that begins in the future and looks back to a special summer. After reading the novel, I re-read the Prologue. Now I want a complete book on their lives and what happened during those twenty missing years. I am going to read more from this author and hope that they are as good as this one. I received this Advanced Review Copy for free from Net Galley, but this is my honest review.
This was such a neat book to read. It started a bit slowly and then it really took off. The story of young teenagers finding their dreams and discovering themselves. It starts in a prologue that begins in the future and looks back to a special summer. After reading the novel, I re-read the Prologue. Now I want a complete book on their lives and what happened during those twenty missing years. I am going to read more from this author and hope that they are as good as this one. I received this Advanced Review Copy for free from Net Galley, but this is my honest review.
June 1, 2022
I liked this book. Not exactly my kind of book, or so I thought. I could relate to the kid and to the Vietnam vet. That was the era I grew up in, and it reminded me of home.
Good job Linda Mahkovec
Good job Linda Mahkovec
May 12, 2024
Life As It Is…
I really enjoyed this story, just telling you to dream your dreams and grab the brass ring! I challenge you to get this book am enjoy it as much as I did.
I really enjoyed this story, just telling you to dream your dreams and grab the brass ring! I challenge you to get this book am enjoy it as much as I did.
May 16, 2025
Having the chance to go back in time, encounter my childhood self, and feel like I was reliving my adventures is what I experienced while reading this book. It is fascinating how the author creates such a vivid description of the places, you will be transported to a magical world. Along the journey with Joey and the family he is visiting, you will embark on several adventures and become part of their group. It felt like traveling back in time, reminiscing about summers, carnivals, music, and games. The author's writing style will connect with your inner child’s heart, and you will love each page. Take time for yourself and bring back fond memories of past summers, you will be very grateful by the end of this amazing book.
May 13, 2025
Romantic and dreamy
This wonderful book reminded me of what it was like to dream as a child, when everything felt possible. I felt deeply connected to the main character because we have all had moments of insecurity or feeling out of place. I also really appreciated how the story highlights important values like friendship, family, and those small moments that shape a person’s life. The atmosphere of the town was beautiful, and the way the author describes the setting and the characters makes everything feel real. Each character has something meaningful to teach.
This is the kind of story that leaves you with a feeling of hope, and it inspires you to dream again no matter how old you are.
This wonderful book reminded me of what it was like to dream as a child, when everything felt possible. I felt deeply connected to the main character because we have all had moments of insecurity or feeling out of place. I also really appreciated how the story highlights important values like friendship, family, and those small moments that shape a person’s life. The atmosphere of the town was beautiful, and the way the author describes the setting and the characters makes everything feel real. Each character has something meaningful to teach.
This is the kind of story that leaves you with a feeling of hope, and it inspires you to dream again no matter how old you are.
August 5, 2022
This sweet story perfectly encapsulates one magical summer in a charming small town that has a life-altering effect on a boy on the cusp of his teen years. I loved how the Vitale family embraced Joey with open arms and provided so many memorable experiences and life lessons to carry with him into the future. The characters, the setting, the mood all capture the hope and longing of that era for change and good times to come again. Beautifully written you'll find this book is an inspiration to dream your own dreams and do whatever it takes to make them come true.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
growing up together
a grand read , good for family time . Enjoyed an excellent word picture . from a great grandmother life long reader .
a grand read , good for family time . Enjoyed an excellent word picture . from a great grandmother life long reader .
July 20, 2022
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
I think what I appreciated most about And So We Dream were the true-to-life characters and the portrayal of actual preteens, teenagers and young adults in 1970. The dialogue was superb, and not once did I feel as though the author went above and beyond who each character was. Joey felt like a real-live twelve year-old boy on the cusp of teenhood, recalling pivotal moments that changed the course of his world.
There was an ethereal feel to the writing style–the kind that allowed me to step back into my own childhood shoes and vicariously see what that looked like. Like the synopsis states, it really was magical. I could relate with Vita, because I think I might have been a lot like her when I was her age. But really, readers will identify with many of the characters because it takes us back to a time when the road ahead was long and murky, but full of chances and opportunities.
What I also liked were the many moments of clarity. Even though Joey spends time with his friends, the protective youthful bubble he resides in is constantly pressed on by outside forces, like the Vietnam War that had taken something away from someone he holds dear to him, or the fact that Vita isn’t who he thought she was and has a lot more self-doubt, which makes him wonder about his own future dreams. His parents have a lot more going on beneath the surface, and it makes it difficult to continue to see it all through a child’s eye. This really was a coming-of-age story in that respect.
And So We Dream reminded me of the days when I’d spend all day outside with my friends, often barefoot, wading through creeks or running through tall grass, certain that my summer experiences would never end. It brought on a heavy dose of nostalgia, mixed in with the fixed reality that it will end sometime. We all have to grow up at some point. But we don’t want to. I really enjoyed Mahkovec’s masterpiece; a definite five-star experience!
I think what I appreciated most about And So We Dream were the true-to-life characters and the portrayal of actual preteens, teenagers and young adults in 1970. The dialogue was superb, and not once did I feel as though the author went above and beyond who each character was. Joey felt like a real-live twelve year-old boy on the cusp of teenhood, recalling pivotal moments that changed the course of his world.
There was an ethereal feel to the writing style–the kind that allowed me to step back into my own childhood shoes and vicariously see what that looked like. Like the synopsis states, it really was magical. I could relate with Vita, because I think I might have been a lot like her when I was her age. But really, readers will identify with many of the characters because it takes us back to a time when the road ahead was long and murky, but full of chances and opportunities.
What I also liked were the many moments of clarity. Even though Joey spends time with his friends, the protective youthful bubble he resides in is constantly pressed on by outside forces, like the Vietnam War that had taken something away from someone he holds dear to him, or the fact that Vita isn’t who he thought she was and has a lot more self-doubt, which makes him wonder about his own future dreams. His parents have a lot more going on beneath the surface, and it makes it difficult to continue to see it all through a child’s eye. This really was a coming-of-age story in that respect.
And So We Dream reminded me of the days when I’d spend all day outside with my friends, often barefoot, wading through creeks or running through tall grass, certain that my summer experiences would never end. It brought on a heavy dose of nostalgia, mixed in with the fixed reality that it will end sometime. We all have to grow up at some point. But we don’t want to. I really enjoyed Mahkovec’s masterpiece; a definite five-star experience!
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