From Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Autumn has spent her entire life worrying about others. Her ailing grandma, meth-addicted mom, and a best friend who is always in trouble. She’s spent the last few years attempting to worry less, to be carefree, without success.

Enter Evan, whose radiant attitude is an Autumn magnet. With Evan at her side, Autumn’s able to let some of her worries go as they trudge through life’s difficulties and fall for each other in the process.

A girl who no longer wants to care and a boy who cares enough for the both of them, Dream Smashers is a love story, but most of all, it’s about letting go.

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This is a novel I’ve heard so much about for such a long time, so I finally picked up a copy.  And boy, was it good!  Sixteen-year-old Autumn has had a difficult life, so it’s not surprising that she has some major trust issues.  Her mother is addicted to meth and is less than stable, or caring, for that matter, and her harsh words towards her daughter and her mother leave invisible scars all across Autumn’s soul. But Evan, as ever persistent as he is, slowly begins to help Autumn heal; he’s almost too good to be true.  Almost.  I can’t say I’ve ever met a young man quite like Evan—I mean, I’ve certainly never met a guy who is so understanding or so good hearted, but I know young men like him do exist.  Somewhere.  Perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to meet one someday? Perhaps.

This novel is a true-life-drama; a raw story that will make the reader cry at some points, and smile from ear-to-ear at others.  Though many of Autumn’s experiences are quite terrible, I really enjoyed this window into her heart as she learns to forgive, forget, and put her trust in those who truly love her.  If you like novels that really look into the window of the soul, then this is the novel for you.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon.