The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker

You know that part in Sleeping Beauty (the Disney version) where everyone in the castle falls asleep until Aurora wakes up? This is kind of like that....except there is no Prince or happy ending at the end of this sleep.

In Santa Lora, a few weeks into the school year, a freshman falls asleep after a night out...and doesn't wake up. Slowly at first, and then rapidly, others in the dorm and surrounding town fall into the terrifying sleep. Vital signs are good, but still, people sleep. 

Split into a few narrators, The Dreamers provides different views of the "sleeping" virus. A doctor, the college roommate of the first sleeping girl, a father and his two daughters, and a couple with a new baby. As the virus spreads, the anxiety in this story builds - is it in the water? Is in the air? Will anyone wake up?

Karen Thompson Walker has created a terrifying and beautiful story of human nature and survival. The Dreamers will surely be on many year end lists at the end of 2019 - and it's only January. 

Thanks to NetGalley, Karen Thompson Walker and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.