Dickensen Academy

Christine Grabowski

Sep 2018 · The Wild Rose Press Inc

About this ebook

Dickensen Academy isn't a typical boarding school. The faculty is hiding an unbelievable secret within their fine arts program. When Autumn Mattison receives an invitation to attend the high school, she yearns to escape her overbearing father yet remains reluctant to leave her mother and brother. Her doubts fade away when a vivid dream convinces her she belongs there. Away from home, Autumn discovers a unique school environment that awakens her creative potential, and her new friends become like a second family. However, as she uncovers more about the dark side of the school and struggles with its curriculum, she questions whether Dickensen Academy is truly where she belongs. When tragedy strikes, Autumn must learn to believe in her own power and stand up to her greatest fear or risk having her memories destroyed to protect the school's secrets. Caught between secrets and dreams, can she find her true self?

Ratings and reviews

The beautiful jacket cover of Dickensen Academy both attracts and intrigues readers, and within the first few pages, like the students themselves, we are caught up in the mystery of wondering why these particular students were invited to attend this little-known, but academically strong, secluded high school. Through easy and natural conversations and emotions, the author’s beautifully simple writing style and descriptions flow so easily we are surprised at how much we are learning about her characters. I loved Autumn, through whose eyes and feelings the book is centered, and who herself admits she is too quiet, has a shaky ego, and is nothing special. I also loved the diversity of the characters who were invited to Dickensen, and how easy it was to visualize and enjoy each one’s unique personality through Autumn’s thoughts and observations. And lastly, I loved the atmosphere of the school itself and the friendships made. I would have loved to go there. I enjoyed Dickensen Academy and hopefully will be able to read more about Autumn and her friends.

This book gave me chills from the start. Autumn is selected to attend a unique, invitation-only boarding high school in a remote area of Washington State. When she arrives, she and the other freshmen have no idea that the school has a secret curriculum of dream-creating and conveying. Christine describes dream-making in a way that makes it seem like a real possibility. The book's protagonist, Autumn, deals with typical teenage issues such as boys, friends and homework and is a very likable and relatable character who has some misgivings about her abilities. I found myself rooting for her in her successes and empathizing with her struggles as Autumn unravels the mysteries of her school. I really hope there is a second book; it left me wanting more and I'd love to see this story continue.

Dickensen Academy is one of the most refreshing, inspiring and thought provoking books I’ve read in a long time. I read it with my teenage daughters, and it prompted the most inquisitive and deep conversations between us. We discussed new ways of thinking, paradigm shifts and possibilities. This book evokes the feeling of sitting in your favorite chair, sipping a cup of hot tea with your favorite blanket wrapped around you and falling in love with Life all over again. It allowed me to dream like a child again. I kept picturing myself in the book with the characters thinking, “Wow, what an Incredible concept the author came up with. Just incredible.” This should be made into a movie. Not since Harry Potter have I been swept away in a fantasy novel with such profound concepts, details and limitless possibilities. Truly a Gem. ~ mother of three teenage daughters

About the author

Dickensen Academy is Christine's debut YA novel. After graduating from the University of Washington, she earned her MBA at the University at Albany. She honed her technical writing skills in marketing and consulting but attributes the creative part of the process to her passion for reading.When she isn't reading or writing, Christine can often be found running, skiing, or hiking. She lives in Newcastle, Washington with her supportive husband, two avid teen readers, and their energetic wheaten terriers.Connect with Christine online at:Website: www.christinegrabowski.comFacebook: @christinegrabowskiauthorGoodreads: Christine GrabowskiInstagram: @christinegraboTwitter: @christinegrabo