“Let’s see–he gets very angry when things that would prove his existence are “brought back”
Of course, he want’s his existence to be hidden because it’s proof of his abuse.
Chapter 37
“Why didn’t I? I knew the kind of things Heath is capable of.”
“She had thought Heath couldn’t come up with any terror for her that was worse than what he’d already done. How wrong she was.”
At least he’s coming up with new things. for once he’s being creative
Chapter 38
“After that, Katie grew more and more afraid to be around people.”
Of course she didn’t know what Heath would do. that’s why she was so scared
“Soon, Katie knew, the “gag” would wear thin.”
She’s worried she’d have to stop being friends with anyone if Heath stuck around.
Chapter 40
“Katie experienced her thoughts and Heath’s as if they were TV channels being switched crazily around the dial.”
OF COURSE!! Heath is taking over her mind and she can’t handle it. And that’s a great connection that she made.
Chapter 41
“Katie could see the skirt of the lacy white sundress covering her legs. I really hate this dress.”
I would hate that dress too. A white lace sundress I would hate the feeling of the lace.
Chapter 42
“I made it, and now I’m going to be all right.”
Thank god she made it. This is what many don’t get to feel, but at least Katies good now.
Chapter 43
“Had I actually heard the stories about he vicious boy whose motorcycle burst into flames and pushed them into the background of my memory, only to weave them into a fantasy of my own making?”
Why is she trying to make up that she might’ve known about Heath’s history. She doesn’t need to try to make up for it.
“A girl who was afraid she didn’t deserve to have fun and to have friends.”
I’m glad she got past that and not thinking that she doesn’t deserve her friends.
This is what toxic relationships do to you Katie. I just hope you learn to look past all the niceness of men.
Chapter 30
“Katie felt her anticipation and fear build as the story unfolded.”
I would feel this too because Heath is very scary and manipulative.
“Better tell Jason to stay from my special girl. Otherwise, if he’s not careful– something bad might happen to him”
Of course Heath feels threatened by Jason. Though we know for a fact that Jason and Katie are more than friends. But Heath isn't’ real so I don’t think that it is cheating.
Chapter 31
“Nothing’s going to happen to him. If only I could make myself believe it.”
Something for sure is going to happen to him. because Heath is very evil and cruel. I bet it’s not far from Katie’s house cause I think that’s all Heath can reach from around Katie’s house.
Chapter 32
“They think it looks like he fell asleep at the wheel.”
I KNEW IT!!! Of course Heath made it look like it was Jason’s fault.
Chapter 33
“I was totally zonked.”
I’ve only ever heard this from Scooby Doo. I thought I wouldn’t hear it anywhere else.
“I just assumed you wouldn’t want to be alone.”
I’m happy Katie has a friend like this. I have a friend like this it makes life so much worth it.
Chapter 34
“He was a horrible person– a monster.”
“Under that thin, phony veneer of charm, Heath was cold–and mean.”
Damn I would feel just anxious and scared if someone was telling me that a guy i’ve been seeing has an ex who was abused by them
Chapter 35
“Somebody might think you weren’t glad to see me.”
Threatening again like get a new toxic thing to do. Though I know it’s working on Katie still.
“If he scares you so much you can’t think… he’s won.”
YES KATIE DO THAT BECAUSE THEN YOU’LL GIVE UP!!! I’m glad Katie developed this mentality because this will help her later.
“How could I have been so mean? What on earth is the matter with me?”
Girl Heath is getting into your head.
Chapter 16
“Sometimes I’m not even sure who I am, or if I deserve such a wonderful life.”
Now as you can tell Heath is now making her doubt herself and making her think that she doesn’t deserve what she has ugh
Chapter 17
“I wish you’d stay here all the time with me, Katie.”
Of course he wants her to stay with him all the time. SO THEN SHE CAN’T CHEAT!! He’s fucking crazy. Who’d want to stay with him especially when he’s presenting all these red flags!!!
“I LOVE YOU KATIE BLUE”
Why is this the only thing that Heath could think of. Like this is really boring. It’s not even a love letter.
Chapter 18
“Now he was in her room, sitting in the chair at her dressing table, staring at her with the most awful look in his eyes.”
Of course he’s trying to be intimidating and it’s working of course with Katie
Chapter 19
“the more time you spent dreaming me, the stronger I became.”
I FUCKING KNEW IT!!! OF COURSE IT MAKES SENSE!!
“Isn’t this better than being in school? Come on Katie, I’m a real charming guy. Better than that sandy-eyed mama’s boy, Jason.”
Anything would be better than being with Heath. Also this is the first time really naming Jason which is very scary for me and for Katie.
Chapter 20
“I’m not taking drugs and I haven’t been drinking,”
Jeez getting asked this isn’t that bad. Like don’t be pissed about it of they’re going to suspect you even more.
“Katie wanted to scream”
I would want to scream too especially with what’s been going on.
Chapter 21
“Was it possible that I thought Heath couldn’t do anything worse? That Heath had shown all the terrors he had to offer? No so.”
“Heath was getting stronger. And that was not all. He was getting meaner”
Of course, Heath is capable of doing this. With what he’s shown so far. I bet he would kill anything even pets if they got in the way.
“Katie? Why don’t you speak to me? Aren’t you glad I called?”
“I thought you’d be glad to hear my voice but I can tell you’re not. I bet I know why.”
These are ways that an abuser will make you think that you are in the wrong
“was I awake when I got that phone call…or not?”
“It would mean she was crazy.”
Now Heath is making her think that she’s not waking up and that she’s losing her mind.
Chapter 9
“Well, then, let’s start convincing her,” Jason smiled into Katie’s eyes.
Damn. Not going to lie that’s kinda hot. Though as we know Katie will fall easily.
“The thought of Heath had so filled her with fear”
Of course now Heath is scaring her into not wanting to do much without him.
Chapter 10
“Anything and everything.”
Damn if someone told me this, I would be over the moon about this.
“I think it’s nice that you take care of your friends,”
Damn I would like that too if he showed that he was that caring
“WAITING MAKES ME VERY ANGRY”
Of course Heath is getting angry and doing shit like that now. He’s not having his way so he has to act out.
Chapter 11
“What’s the idea of making me wait?”
Heath is showing his aggressive side. Once again he is showing red flags.
“I’m sorry Katie. I wanted to see you, and I thought you’d be here if you wanted to see me. That’s why I wrote the message, but I didn’t mean for the water to be so hot it would hurt you. I’d never hurt you–honest.”
Oh poor Heath. Now he’s acting like it’s Katie’s fault that his feeling are hurt.
“I know I shouldn’t forgive him but I just can’t help it somehow.”
NO GIRL DON’T FORGIVE HIM THAT EASILY. THAT’S DUMB TO FORGIVE HIM SO EASILY!!!!
Chapter 12
“Would Heath take his jealousy out on a helpless old dog?”
I totally believe that Heath will take out anything that messes with him or his plan that I know he has but it hasn’t come out yet. I know he has something up his sleeve what IDK YET!
Chapter 13
“Jason doesn’t make a big deal about being tough, or strong, the way Heath does. Yet it’s obvious that he’s both”
“Jason seemed so normal.”
OF COURSE JASON IS LIKE THIS HEATH IS A PIECE OF SHIT. HE’S GARBAGE AND YOU SHOULD GIVE UP ON HEATH!!!!
Chapter 14
“I thought I could count on you, Katie.” He sounded so small and sad and alone.
“Suddenly it struck her that Heath played three characters”
OH NOW SHE SEES IT LIKE GOD DAMN GIRL YOU ARE BLIND FOR NOT SEEING IT EARLIER. though I know what ignoring red flags look like and Katie was ignoring them just hard.
"Katie turned toward the voice and saw a girl with black hair and a bright red mouth opening the locker next to hers. She was wearing dangling earrings, a short skirt with an oversized bright red top and wide belt, and the most unusual shoes Katie had ever seen."
Why did Katie have to go into that much detail about Raquelle? Unless she wants to experiment?
Chapter 3
"There were no gray areas, ever. Besides, discussing personal feelings bordered on rudeness. Goodness knows, Katie hadn't discussed anything involving an internal crisis with her parents in years."
I feel bad for Katie in little paragraph becuase not many people were or are able to share their feelings with their parents. But with Katie then going to say that her parents were a little "perfect" I think that her parents would most likey be open to talking with Katie about an internal crisis.
Chapter 4
"And then she was outside, standing on her front porch...without understanding how she got there. She couldn't remember coming downstairs-and yet here she was floating a few inches above the ground. Yet she could see that her feet were touching the worn wooden surface of the porch."
If this happened to me I would take it as a sign the spirits or something was trying to tell me something. I do have a shitty memory but I think I'd remember walking outside.
"Now he leaned his back against the tree, looking slightly bored, and measured her up and down with a frank, undisguised stare. His eyes were making her feel uncomfortable-almost undressed. She was relieved when he decided to speak."
If someone did this to me I'd be pissed, unless they were cute. I'd feel uncomfortable too, but mostly pissed.
"She had the feeling that he was playing a game with her, and that he knew what the game was, but she didn't.'
Oh he for sure is playing a game with her. With how he was acting I'd probably stay for a bit then run the other way.
"What does it matter? I'm here now."
When Heath said this it made me cringe so bad. Like who the hell says that other than toxic ass men.
"You keep your nose in a book and you dress read sensible and you're always a good girl.”
Oh god he’s one of those toxic guys. He’s one of the stalkers who creep on you before making his move. yuck
“You see, Katie, I knew you were shy-and you know what? You don’t have to be shy anymore. I’m going to help you find out what a terrific girl you are. I’m going to help you find yourself, Katie.”
Now this is manipulation right here. He’s acting like he’s going to help her with making herself feel better. But NO he’s not.
Chapter 5
“I’ve never worn my hair loose before-except to go to sleep”
Why is she already changing herself?!?! Like damn girl he told you that not even an hour ago! like chill
“I guess I couldn’t hide from you any longer, Freddy,” she said with a wink.
Girl chill you’re already flirting with Heath. And Heath is already toxic like he’s for sure not going to like you flirting with other guys. And you are miss shy girl, like wth.
Chapter Six
“I really don’t think I’d be doing this if it weren’t for Heath, Katie secretly admitted to herself as she sat turning pages.”
Heath is already changing her. I’m very much over how Katie is now that she’s met Heath.
“She wasn’t wearing a lacy white sundress... except it wasn’t white anymore. Katie was covered with blood from head to toe.”
This is crazy. What ever is trying to talk to her needs to add it on a little bit more thicker next time because Katie just isn’t catching what you’re tossing at her
Chapter Seven
“Heath didn’t show up when Katie tried taking a nap the next day after school, even though she was asleep for a full fifteen minutes. He didn’t show up in her dream that night, either.”
Now Heath is making Katie miss him. Heath knows Katie has questions and wants to see him. This is also a manipulation tactic. Heath has already been through this!
“She saw her parents stop reading and exchange glances as she went upstairs- her dad over his newspaper, her mother over her magazine- but they didn’t say anything.”
Of course, her parents didn’t say anything. But they are starting to worry more about her though. Which is good cause I feel that something is going to cross the line of reality and dreamworld very soon.
“Of course it is, Katie said to herself. I’m in a dream. And there he is”
Oh god this making me sick to my stomach cause of how Katie is acting. She likes Heath too much even though he’s shown lots of red flags.
“What is it exactly? Katie asked herself, trying to recall the odor in her mind. Was it like burning wood? Burning leaves? No- it wasn’t like those things. She’d never smelled this anywhere at all.
OMG. Heath probably smells like cigarettes. He has that “bad boy” front on. He’s got to act the part.
Heath took both of Katie’s hands in his. “My special girl won’t try to break up with me, ever. And she won’t take up with other guys.”
“I couldn’t let my girl cheat on me with other guys. I just wouldn’t stand for it.”
With these two quotes you can really see how Heath is basically threatening Katie. Like you can tell how toxic he is.
Here we are! Just a few more days left and I’ll be free... for a couple months. So, just a little warning, I will not be referencing actual sentences a lot here. I only have a few things I will write word for word. Mainly, I will talk about my overall thoughts.
Ch. 42
In that instant Katie knew that Heath had gone crazed out of his mind with anger. He wasn’t thinking any more-his fury was in control.
(pg. 208)
I haven’t said this in a while, but I feel like this resembles an actual toxic relationship. They just turn into a whole other person. They’re angry and you don’t know what they are going to do.
So, Heath continues to drive after Katie. She’s gotten pretty far and is pretty close to where Heath died in real life. However, she falls over. She clutched the medal-cat-thing and fell. Heath went over her, and he basically blew up. He screamed and there were a lot of flames.
Katie woke up again in her own room, and she realized she is was holding Heath’s medal.
“The cord was almost completely burned away, but on the face of the medal Katie could still make out the scorched image of the jungle cat.”
(pg. 211)
Katie puts this medal in a box and leaves it under her bed. Despite the temptation, she never opens the box, she’s too scared of what she will or will not see.
Katie’s life hasn’t changed. She still writes in her diary, that she’s dating Jason, and she has kept all the friends she had before, including Raquelle. Katie questioned if what she saw was actually real or not, or if she made everything up in her head. The book ends and the readers are left to think.
I am still getting Coraline vibes from this book and ending. There’s no way to know for sure if Katie got her happy ending. Katie last interacted with Heath in a dream, maybe she’s still in the dream but Heath does not let her know this? Heath claims he got Katie popular, and that he was the reason she is now dating Jason. We learn that these things do not change, is there a reason for this beyond Katie changing a bit in a new high school?
I have already classified Katie as an unreliable narrator. There’s no way for us to know if she is dreaming or not. At least, not anymore. I do have an idea: if the medal has disappeared from the box, she is in the real world. None of the evidence of Heath remained in the real world. However, they stayed in the ‘other’ world. This is just an idea, an idea that doesn’t really have any evidence, like, at all.
I don’t know what to think of the book. I 100% see similarities between it and fanfiction you would read on this website or others. I am glad to have finished it, but I wish it was longer. I feel that a longer book would have gotten me more invested. The relationship between Katie and Jason should have been explored more. This also goes for Katie’s relationship with Heath. The book is called, “Dream Date,” you’d think Katie was more connected to him in the beginning.
I’m glad I read this book with Izzy. It was a nice way to not work on other homework. It both peaked our interests, especially when the ‘Coraline’ like aspects came into play. I will admit: this doesn’t seem like a book that will follow me. I don’t think I will ponder about Katie’s fate until Izzy and I get together. I can say that I would have liked it more if relationships, characters, and the world were explored more. If we are rating this book out of 5 stars, I think I would give it a 3. It’s certainly not the best book I have read. It would have gotten a two, but it impressed me. I smile at the thought that a book like this -borderline fanfiction- was published, in Scholastic no less. When I do remember Dream Date, written by Sinclair Smith, I’ll smile.
Now she was torn between wanting him to stay, and wanting him to leave as quickly as possible. To be home, and safe.
(pg. 158)
Katie was extremely concerned for Jason’s safety. Beforehand, he talked about his problems with staying awake. Katie tried to get Raquelle to drive him home, but they went separately. Anyway, I wanted to note this because I thought it was cute. It makes Katie and Jason seem like a real couple.
Ch. 32
“He’s got a concussion and two broken ribs, but nothing fatal. They said he must’ve been very lucky or he would’ve been hurt a lot worse.”
(pg. 161)
“It wasn’t that at all, Katie.” Raquelle managed to stop crying. “They think it looks like he fell asleep at the wheel.”
(pg. 162)
We all saw this coming. As I’m writing this, I have already finished the book. I do believe Heath purposely let Jason live. In later chapters, he talks to and about him as if they were pals.
Ch. 33
Perhaps I should have told Jason I didn’t want to see him anymore.
(pg. 165)
Nooooooo. This is a relatable thought though, you know, if you were in this situation. Katie decides against this. This also kinda helped with their relationship. It’s been hard to see them in one because since Jason asked her out, they haven’t really hung out. It’s just been Katie trying to get through Heath’s BS.
Even before she looked underneath the picture she knew the name she would see. And then she looked, and there it was-Heath Granger
(pg. 168)
AHHHHHH. So we know Heath was an actual person. This makes him less of a villain-he was a human, he can be defeated. Now, we just need to find out how and why Heath is screwing with Katie.
“If you could see his soul, though,” Raquelle went on, “it’s probably so ugly you couldn’t stand to look at it. He was a horrible person-a monster.”
(pg. 170)
Luckily, Raquelle knew/knows about Heath. Like it was when Katie met him, he was charming and very handsome, a lot of people liked him. However, his true nature was revealed, and he turned into a demon. He bullied kids and killed a kitty. While this is hard to hear, Katie is one step closer to finding Heath’s weakness. We also learn that Heath had dated the girl who lived in the house Katie now lives in. She danced with another guy, so Heath drove there on his motorcycle. However, the motorcycle blew up into flames and he ‘died.’ The girl moved away and her life got significantly better.
Ch. 35
“Oh, please. That sounded like a line from a bad movie. What you really are is the kind of guy who wouldn’t get caught in a fair fight. Oh, I know who you are. I’ve seen the yearbook picture.”
- Katie to Heath
“You see this? It’s just like me-the jungle cat. I’m too slick and too fast and too smooth for you. Because I’ve got the wits of the jungle cat-and you can’t match ‘em.”
- Heath to Katie
(pg. 177)
“Dead?” Heath finished for her. “No, I’m not dead. It’s hard to explain. Did you ever hear the expression ‘too mean to die’?”
(pg. 180)
Finally, someone said it. What Heath has said is cringy. Like, I was ok for a little, but now it is ridiculous. Especially the jungle cat thing. Like, what? That’s something an incel would say. I’m glad Katie talked back to him. I gotta say, the chapter ends with Heath basically saying Katie won’t wake up one day. She will be alive, but others will think she is dead. I’m not sure what his plan would be. He wants to be living again, but is this even accomplishable?
Ch. 36
He didn’t show up in the dream after any of his “appearances” in the waking world.
Energy-she was sure that was the key. Heath wanted to use her energy to add to his own, to make him stronger.
(pg. 183)
Ok, alright explanation. But, how is he even strong if he’s dead? Like, he wants energy, but he doesn’t have a body to actually come back to life. Does he know a way to take Katie’s? This may just be a detail left out because Katie didn’t know herself, so I won’t think about this too much.
Ch. 37
“We’ll get together and find some real fun chicks. This one’s dullsville.”
(pg. 188)
I’m just gonna assume Heath knows away to take Jason’s body. Heath seemed like he knew Jason would be with him, so I guess this was his plan? I guess Jason would be a good choice-he’s cute just like Heath was. He was a hell of a lot nicer though, and good at poetry.
Ch. 38
In this chapter, Heath has managed to take control of Katie’s voice. Heath would always interrupt her and say something very rude to whoever was around. Raquelle thought she was purposely doing an accent, so the voice must have sounded less like Katie and more Heath.
Ch. 39
Much of the time, though, Katie slept. She couldn’t help it.
(pg. 195)
OK, you can’t help it... but wouldn’t that be making Heath stronger??? Like, he takes your energy that way.
Katie rn:
Ch. 40
Katie and Heath locked in a mental tug-of-war. Katie’s mind reached out and grabbed the end of the rope and gave a tremendous pull.
(pg. 201)
Since, uh, when? No, but for real, this surprised me. Katie is actually fighting now. I guess that is the only thing left that can try. I’m kinda proud of her for this.
Ch. 41
Long story short, Katie managed to convince Heath to see her face-to-face in a dream. Heath already believes he has won, so he doesn’t worry about giving Katie his cat-necklace-thing and keeping her in his sight. Katie’s plan is to return to the place Heath died, go past the part of the dream world that he refuses to go through. She does pretty well until...
At the precise instant Katie was about to start moving again, Heath looked out toward the field. Their gazes locked.
(pg. 207)
Well, the secrets out. Despite Katie having a head start, she forgot one thing. This is a dream. Heath has the power here.
Of course, she realized then, Heath wouldn’t bother chasing after her on foot. He’d come after her with the motorcycle.
(pg. 207)
This post has gotten pretty long, so I will finish my own notes in the next post along with my thoughts on the book. I plan on talking to Izzy and writing our responses down once she has read the book.
(Side Note: This is significantly longer than previous posts. Be prepared.)
Ch. 24
Staying awake all night is easy, Katie thought as she watched the sun rise. After all, I’ve done it before, though never on purpose.
As she got ready for school, she remembered the eyedrops she’d bought at the drugstore.
(pg. 123)
“Is easy,” Yeah, I thought that too before I tried and failed miserably. Izzy knows the story. I was successful once. Anyway, the eyedrops stuck out to me. She needs them to not look so tired. When she fell asleep last time, she was accused of being on something, so this is likely to prevent that.
True, she felt a little tired, but she hoped coffee would take care of that. Katie decided to drive to school.
(pg. 124)
Nice job dumbass, drive around when Heath can make you sleep. This has got to be the stupidest thing I’ve read in this book yet.
It was daylight, now, and Katie knew there was no way she’d be able to drive to work in her present condition. Just the thought conjured up all sorts of terrifying visions-the sight of herself asleep at the wheel, running the car into a ditch, or getting into an accident and killing someone.
(pg. 127)
SO NOW YOU THINK ABOUT ACCIDENTS?!
(Side note: Alice in Wonderland is a nice thing to include for this story... you know... I shouldn’t have to explain the connection.)
Ch. 25
We begin the chapter with Katie snapping at Raquelle. This results from a lack of sleep. We will see later that Heath expected such things to happen. He does know what he is doing.
We are given the explanation that Jason is at home sick. A bit convenient. I would have liked to see him interact with Katie, given the situation and all. I wish the author had done this or given a better reason for him being gone. Hey, maybe the author does have something planned, who knows?
“You look a little peaked, Katie. I want good work but there’s no need to push yourself too hard. I don’t want you to make yourself sick.”
(pg. 130)
This bitch. This comes from the teacher who accused her of being on drugs. All I hear is, “I definitely care about your well-being! I love all my students.” I don’t know if its possible to roll your eyes harder than I did.
Well, Katie continued to drink coffee in an effort to stay awake. This continues to make her snappy at everyone around her. It’s hard for her to control her shaky hands, so she drops the coffee and makes a mess. Raquelle is there to help her, despite their rocky start that morning. I don’t care for the characters in this book, but I can get used to Raquelle.
“Hey, Katie,” Raquelle smiled as she turned away, “you talk to me like that again, and you’ve had it.”
(pg. 132)
Queen shit. Not to out due Raquelle, but the chapter ends with Heath forcing another dream onto Katie. ugh
Ch. 26
“Well, gee, I was beginning to think we weren’t pals anymore.”
“Come around more often. Don’t make yourself a stranger.”
(pgs. 134 and 135)
Gotta say, Heath is a terrible person/dream/demon. I gotta admit, I like reading his dialogue. It makes things interesting. It’s the type of dull joy you feel for something you really don’t want to like. You cocky little...
The chapter ends -pretty quickly, the chapter is about three pages- with Heath actually giving Katie advice. He tells her to learn more about dreams. I wonder why he does this, maybe he believes he has already won? I wouldn’t give advice to my ‘enemy.’
WEEE WOOO WEEE WOOO!
Another Coraline comparison
Ch. 27
But no one with suspicious eyes greeted her. The house was quiet. In the kitchen she found a note tacked on the refrigerator door with a candy-cane magnet.
(pg. 138)
So, she wakes up to an empty home and there is a letter explaining where they went? Sounds veeerrryyy familiar.
At the end of the chapter, Katie reads about dreams in a library. She learns something that puts some of her fear to rest: you cannot sleepwalk while dreaming. Katie was worried that Heath would have her hurt her family. The fear of herself doing this is gone, but she must still be careful as Heath can influence the ‘normal’ world.
Ch. 28
Oh, excuse me. Sure,” Raquelle said in an exaggerated tone. “Especially if you might, just possibly, maybe, could be, at some point in your lifetime, finish those chips before they molded over or turned into rocks.”
(pg. 144)
Relatable. That’s it. Just relatable. :)
Ch. 30
“Better tell Jason to stay away from my special girl,” he cooed gently, the way an adult would whisper to a crying child. “Otherwise, if he’s not careful-something bad might happen to him.”
(pg. 155)
AHHHHHHH! I love this little paragraph/dialogue thing. The comparison to how an adult speaks to a kid is perfect. Heath doesn’t see Katie as a threat-to be honest I see why he wouldn’t. He even gave Katie information that would benefit her.
(Side Note: I have no recollection of reading this chapter. The last thing I remember was another horror thing and the characters preparing for a movie night. I have no clue what’s going on anymore. I might have a Heath myself...)
We are almost done with the book! Thank god, nothing wrong with the book, but I’m tired. Reading is more enjoyable when you don’t have to do an assignment for it. -Peep the Coraline Gif because the more I read, the more I make connections to that wonderful movie. P.S. The Other Mother is better than Heath Granger.
Heath paced back and forth in front of Katie as he spoke. “But the more you napped, or went to bed early, or overslept, the more time you slept dreaming of me, the stronger I became.”
(pg. 104)
So! We get a little explanation behind Heath’s power and why he didn’t show his true colors sooner. I don’t really like how it was explained to us. Like, it is a big reveal with little suspense. I would have liked it more if Katie made the realization herself or if it was up to the reader.
Ch. 20
“You know,” the counselor droned on, “sometimes when we try too hard to be something we’re not-it backfires and causes us other problems. Why not just try to be yourself?”
(pg. 108)
My first reaction: this bitch. Who says that? Just moments ago the counselor and another teacher accused Katie of being on drugs or drunk. I don’t know about you, but if my counselor said this to me I would never want to be around them again. I believe Katie would say the same.
Ch. 21
The droplets that trickled down her face were no longer perspiration. They were like candle drippings. Katie’s face was... melting. Flesh rolled from her skull like huge blobs of hot wax, landing on the dressing table.”
(pg. 112)
I consider this the first instance of horror. Yes there were unsettling behaviors beforehand, but this is the first jump into actual horror. It’s obvious that Heath caused this-he laughed at Katie. This was a bit of a warning. “If you betray me, you will see and experience these things again.”
Ch. 22
She was swept into the dream once more-so swiftly that the sharp taste of toothpaste and mouthwash still lingered on her lips.
(pg. 115)
Heath has forced Katie into a dream. She only had a short amount of time to herself before this happened. It is now significantly harder to escape him. Heath will know what’s going on in her life. Katie has to try to hide her feelings and thoughts, but this will be very hard. I forgot to mention it before, but now I see Katie as an unreliable narrator. There is no sure way to know she’s not dreaming. Maybe Heath only showed her the house as a trick? Maybe she won’t question walking down the street if she thinks they can only meet in the dream at her house. Again, I see this connection to Coraline. There’s a popular theory stating that Coraline is still in the other world, she may believe she’s not, but she is and there is no escape.
“Without me, Katie, you’d be nothing. Nothing more than the plain, quiet, timid girl you were before.”
Is that true, Heath? Or have you made it up to intimidate me all along. You don’t seem to be the kind of person who wants to help me-or to help anybody.
(pg. 116)
Ouch, that hits close to home. I don’t know how to feel about this. Katie could have certainly changed with being in a new school, but it seems too good to be true. At the same time, how would Heath have any power that affects her popularity? I’ll chalk this up to another threat. Heath has no effect on Katie’s life, but he wants her to believe he does so he has more control over her.
Ch. 24
At her last meeting with Heath, Katie tried to record him. I believe she wanted some evidence, evidence that would prove she isn’t crazy. Like the diary and letter, the recorder was destroyed.
“You want to hear my voice? Is that why you did what you did? Have you any idea of the pain you’ve caused me by taking my voice and putting it on this thing? The pain is worse than THIS!”
(pg. 121)
The first instance of physical violence. Even though it is a dream, Katie feels a significant amount of pain. This won’t do any good, Katie will want to leave even more. There is also a lot of guilt-blaming. Katie only recorded him, and Heath destroyed the recorder. Heath hurt her.
Chapters 14 through 19. Again, the chapters a short. I did make a few notes. Things are starting to pick up!
Side Note: I feel like everything about Heath Granger is a red flag.
Ch. 14
Suddenly it struck her that Heath played three characters: Mr. Wonderful (incorporating Mr. Mysterious and Mr. Tough Guy), Mr. McNasty, and The Poor Little Boy.
I feel this is common in a lot of abusive relationships. It’s often said that victims don’t recognize their abusers when they are angry. I’m unsure if this was intentional, but it was a nice addition.
(pg. 78)
Ch. 15
In this chapter, we see that Katie must lie to her parents about her weird sleeping habits. This was bound to happen. She says she needs to study. I wonder if they would believe her if they were able to see how poorly she was doing in school. I’m sure this is only the beginning of excuses.
Even though Heath messed with Jason’s car, Jason experienced no trouble on his way home. It could be that Heath can only control things that are closer to him, or maybe the original car fiasco was a warning.
Ch. 17
Wait a minute. Katie went over everything Heath had just said, and her heart felt cold. How does he know about the teacher scolding me?
(pg. 91)
Katie has caught on to the weirdness surrounding Heath. I can’t imagine the feeling. She must have felt helpless.
Ch. 18
You tricked me into writing a letter so you could bring it back here, didn’t you? Heath had the look of a menacing cobra, poised and ready to strike.
(pg. 97)
Katie did try this. It had worked in the beginning, but Heath managed to get around this. Heath is gonna be more careful around Katie in the future, or, at least you would think he would be.
But when she got to the part of the diary where she’d started writing about Heath, the writing was unreadable. The pages were covered thickly with the wild scribbles of an unseen hand.
(pg. 100)
So, evidence of Heath being around has been destroyed. Heath can clearly affect the world itself. Given he only shows up in dreams, I hope we can see how he is able to do so much.
Ch. 19
“Having trouble concentrating?” Heath’s face suddenly loomed above her. Katie looked up at him as she realized she was lying on the porch steps.
(pg. 102-103)
Katie has fallen asleep at school. She made a good effort to stay awake. We will see her prioritizing not sleeping as a way to protect herself. I see this strategy as flawed. If I were in this situation, I would like to try to have a schedule and pretend that I still liked Heath. Of course, I don’t have a boyfriend like Katie does, so I don’t have to worry about not hurting a boyfriend’s feelings. I’m sure Heath would still find a way to be jealous and controlling.
He walked a few paces. “I felt lively, and I didn’t feel like waiting for you. Now is as good a time as any to let you know that things have changed. I’m through playing along with you, now you’re going to play along with me.”
AHHHHHHHHH!!! Heath is actually taking control. There is a special group of people that would find this attractive, though. This was the first time the book reminded me of the movie Coraline. As we continue, the similarities will keep coming. The Other Mother made it seem like Coraline was in control, before blocking off the only way for her to get back home.
Chapters 11 through 13. I will be clumping bits of information together as the chapters are very short.
11.
(Katie is stuck in a scorching hot shower. She cannot get the temperature down.)
This is probably the most violent thing that has happened. Even though she was awake. Heath found a way to hurt Katie. While she was in the shower, it got scorching hot and she was unable to make it cool again. Katie’s mind refused to actually believe Heath caused this. This could be a small detail or a nod to abusive relationships in real life.
(pg. 61)
12.
“Come down here, Katie! I won’t stand for you sleeping all day long!” Katie felt her father’s voice slice into her sleep.
Her father and mother find Katie’s sleeping ridiculous. They have every right to think so: Katie often comes home and goes right to bed. As this was still relatively new for her, they likely were frustrated and thought she was slacking off. They do not share any concerns yet. I understand why they would not suspect anything. I mean, I sleep all the time as well, so a person being lazy is more believable than a person sleeping to meet a love interest.
(pg. 67)
“It had been wonderful being with Heath - at first. But now I’m not so sure I want to be Heath’s special girl, Katie thought to herself. I don’t think I want to be with him all the time.
I didn’t expect her to feel this way so early on. This is a short book with short chapters, so this may be the reason. Also, Katie may feel this way because she has only seen Heath while sleeping. Maybe she still thought -besides the hot shower incident- that Heath was only strong and influential when she slept? We also see that Katie is not liking the idea of being in a relationship with Heath. This has opened the door to other relationships.
Katie thought this when she witnessed her dog having a bad nightmare. The dog first looked as if it were running, then turned like it was trying to protect itself. No matter what, Bopper -the dog- would not wake up. Katie made this plea to Heath. To me, this echoed what some abusive relationships are like. They threaten to hurt or actually hurt those around you. You want to leave? Ok, but I’m going to terrorize your dog. This is what I imagine Heath was thinking. This is also a warning of what Heath could do if Katie were to leave. My final thought: Scaring Bopper crossed the line. No one scares a dog.
(pg. 69)
13. A little backstory before I begin, Jason is the name of the cute boy Katie talked to on the first day of school. She had made the comment about the school smelling nice? Something like that, anyway, Katie does like Jason in addition to Heath.
“I’ve just been composing a poem for you. It’s a sort of love letter.... Ready?” He asked with a grin.
SKIPPING A FEW LINES TO THE POEM
A rose is beautiful.
So are diamonds and pearls.
Katie Shaw
Would you be my girl?
I found this so cute! Besides Heath, things are starting to go really well for Katie. I mean, she liked this boy, and then he asked her on a date, and asked if they wanted to start dating. I was expecting Katie to be attracted to Heath as he was the only person who had shown her attention, but this isn’t the case anymore. I wish a person would write me a poem. :’)
(pgs. 73-74)
For context in the next post: Jason’s car went crazy before he and Katie could kiss. The windshield wipers were out of control and the radio would not shut off. Katie immediately suspects this is Heath’s doing.
As I was unaware this was a daily thing, I will list all of my notes so far in one post. In the future, posts will be smaller.
1.
“I know you’re new here - how do you like Warren High?” Jason asked...
“Oh, it smells great,” She said, looking into his eyes.
- (Pgs. 5-6)
Well that sums up many interactions I’ve had. Katie struggles to make new friends here, so Heath’s presence later on was something she desired. Her interactions throughout the book remind me of myself, awkward and weird.
2.
It wasn’t working. It was the first time Katie had ever tried to take a nap... and she couldn’t even get to sleep at all - let alone have a dream.
- (Pg. 31)
Oh, how I wish that were me. I struggle with not sleeping. If I could switch places with her I could!
3.
“Take this credit card and buy yourself some clothes, dear. Go over to the mall one day after school - and get some shoes, too. You haven’t bought anything new in a long time.”
Katie took the card with a mixture of joy and disbelief. Was she suddenly leading a charmed life?
It’s amazing, she thought. Today, guys flirt with me... and now my mother hands over her credit card.
Is this for real?
- (Pg. 33)
This may be the first time we see Heath affect Katie’s life. Seeing these good things happen is hard for me to believe. You would think Katie would be less reliant on Heath if she had a boyfriend and could afford fancy clothes. Maybe Heath is the reason behind these things?
4.
Heath took both of Katie’s hands in his. “My special girl won’t try to break up with me, ever. And she won’t take up with other guys.”
- (Pg. 42)
“Come on, sweetheart, don’t you recognize my voice?”
Maybe I do - but that’s not possible. Katie didn’t like the idea that was hovering around the edges of her mind. She tried to push it away.
“Gee, I was sure you’d have guess by now,” the caller chuckled, deep and throaty. “I know you real well; in fact, we’re getting to know each other better all the time.”
- (Pg. 45)
I want to go to Raquelle’s, but maybe I’d better not, Katie told herself. If she did, there might be some unpleasant consequences. Heath was very jealous.
- (Pg. 51)
Despite being strangers, Heath grows very possessive. This is when Heath’s influence bleeds into Katie’s life. With the lack of separation between being awake and sleeping, the phone call may be a dream. We don’t know for sure
Hopefully, from here I can remember to make a post after every chapter.
We are reading and writing down notes about this book. Today is March 29. 2022. Currently, Izzy is reading chapter 2. Syd is reading chapter ten. So far, we both agree the book is written like fanfiction. This fanfiction can be found anywhere, so that is why we decided to blog about the book on Tumblr. I found it interesting that a book like this was actually published and not just a story found online.
This is our first post. We started a little late, but we started, that is good enough. Natives React has branched off onto Tumblr. Also, Peter Pan is our mascot. This Peter Pan, not the others. The hot one.
