Dream Girl

“Wow!”—my audible reaction when I closed the last page of this book. Joy Holley’s ‘Dream Girl’ is an inspirational and engaging read, taking readers through the complex journey of
self-discovery. Through the intricate lives of Wallace, Olivia, and Alice; Holley explores the underlying theme of love—whether found through a relationship with oneself or with another person.

Through a collection of delicately crafted short stories, each focusing on a different protagonist, Holley expertly portrays the theme of desire, exploring the tangled realities of teenage girlhood.

I appreciate the many Lana Del Rey references throughout. This was a great way of comparing their lives—filled with longing and beautiful sadness—to a Lana Del Rey song. This comparison also works to define what it means to be a teenage girl in a world full of uncertainty. For example, Alice’s uncertainty about whether her feelings for her best friend are reciprocated perfectly captures that restless confusion, reflecting the fear and excitement of teenage love.

Wallace, who uses they/them pronouns, is a particularly memorable character. Their presence in the narrative reflects Holley’s inclusive portrayal of gender identity and reinforces the book’s message about accepting people without imposing rigid expectations or labels. A key message from this book is the importance of seeing people for who they truly are, rather than building an idealised vision of them and expecting them to match it.

Though I was slightly traumatised by some descriptions, (wouldn’t recommend to anyone under 15), I admire Holley’s unflinching approach to weaving together themes of desire and sexuality, challenging orthodox notions of what is “correct” or acceptable in relation to sexuality. Holley’s writing captures both the beauty and the chaos of desire, allowing her characters to exist in their full complexity.

Holley's vivid, evocative writing style allowed me to recognise parts of myself in each character. ‘Dream Girl’ left me not only thinking, but feeling, in ways that will stay with me for a long time. I would highly recommend this book, but with the caveat that it contains mature themes which might not be suitable for young readers, making it the perfect read for older teens who appreciate raw and honest storytelling about growing up.