Genre: One Tree Hill meets Off Campus
“The characters stayed in my heart long after I finished the book.” Julie Gormly.
Elle le Blanc and Cayne Cook are outstanding junior basketball athletes playing for the same club. People say they’re going “all the way”– Olympics, World Championships, the NBA and the WNBA. And scholarship offers to the best colleges in America are tantalisingly close…
But beneath the talent and the hype are two teenagers trying to find their way. It’s their final year of school and any number of family problems could derail their dreams, including Elle’s mum’s struggle with depression and Cayne’s controlling dad.
And then there’s their relationship; they’ve known each other for so long, they can’t hide their truths. But when Matt Thorn comes into the picture, things change between them forever.
CONTENT WARNING:
This work of fiction contains themes that may be distressing to some readers, including parental physical and emotional abuse, bullying, an attempted suicide, depression, drug abuse, and teen miscarriage. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please utilise the support resources listed below or contact your local emergency services.
If you are in Australia, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through these resources:
- In an immediate emergency: Call Triple Zero (000)
- Kids Helpline (Ages 5–25): Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au
- 1800RESPECT (Abuse & Domestic Violence): Call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732
- Lifeline (Crisis Support): Call 13 11 14
Publisher Information
- Publisher: Livre Eclectica Books
- ISBN: 978-1-7644948-0-9
- Ebook: 978-1-7644948-1-6
- ASIN: B0H71B7YWV
- Number of pages: 240
- Cover Art: Cathy Larsen
- First Edition
- Format: Paperback and Ebook
Reviews
“The Season of Impossible Dreams follows the lives of a group of high school seniors trying their best to achieve their dreams while ‘real life’ just keeps getting in the way. The story deals with concerns around trauma and mental health thoughtfully and compassionately. Highly recommended.” Deb Gates.
“Loved this book so much I read it twice! Not usually into sports-related themes but this was obviously written by someone very familiar with the game, which brought the action to life. High school sports stars in regional Australia battle through relationship and family issues while trying to score their big break in international basketball. Secrets complicate friendships and team alliances, while others come back to haunt them from their parents’ generation. The biggest secret of all nearly gets someone killed. The characters were well-written and realistic. Their problems were relatable and the story-line compelling. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up as a movie or mini-series.” Julie Gormly.
“The Season of Impossible Dreams is a suspenseful young adult mystery with basketball as a backdrop. Teens face real issues, and their interactions with other characters are believable.
It is easy to relate to the characters through their alternating storylines. We find out how they see themselves and others, and how they deal with their problems. The basketball aspect of the story is handled deftly, and is drawn from Marianne’s de Pierres’ extensive experience with the game.” Ieva K.
“My first foray into contemporary basketball fiction, this story was well paced, and the characters were all relatable in their own way. As someone who grew up with movies like The Breakfast Club this felt like a blast from the past. Multiple povs and each added to the story well. You can tell Marianne used her knowledge of basketball to her advantage. I’m keen to see what she comes out with next.” Mel McCormack
