Strange the Dreamer
#1 of 2 in Strange the Dreamer Series
on Goodreads (129,479)
What’s inside...
The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real? Welcome to Weep.
Character compass
Lazlo Strange
Sarai
Eril-Fane
Minya
Thyon Nero
Feral
Ruza
Azareen
Suheyla
Calixte
Sparrow
Ruby
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Lazlo to dream so passionately about the lost city of Weep?
How do the characters in the book overcome their fears or challenges? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
What would you do if you were in Lazlo’s position and faced with the mysteries of Weep?
How does Laini Taylor use dreams and memories to tell the story? What dreams would you want to explore in your own life?
Why is it important to seek understanding and peace, as shown through the interactions between different characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters’ decisions and the consequences. Ask how they might have chosen differently.
Discuss the importance of history and memory in the book, and relate it to your child’s own experiences, emphasizing how past events shape our decisions.
Explore the theme of dreams versus reality together by asking your child about their aspirations and how they can strive to achieve them.
Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, asking your child to think about times they had to consider other viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Strange the Dreamer', the protagonist Lazlo shows deep empathy towards others, including the mysterious blue-skinned goddess, Sarai. Despite their differences, Lazlo tries to understand her struggles and perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others who appear different or come from different backgrounds. They can practice understanding and valuing everyone's unique experiences and feelings in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The Power of Dreams
Explanation: Lazlo is characterized by his strong imagination and dreams. Driven by his visions of the lost city of Weep, he embarks on a journey that shows how dreams can lead to real-life adventures and discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value their own dreams and aspirations, understanding that pursuing their interests can lead to significant achievements and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, characters face numerous challenges and setbacks. These adversities, however, lead to personal growth and the eventual overcoming of their struggles. This promotes the idea of resilience and persistence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that challenges are a natural part of life and that enduring and overcoming these challenges can lead to growth and development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Knowledge
Explanation: Lazlo’s quest is fueled by his thirst for knowledge about the lost city of Weep. His dedication to learning and discovering more about the world plays a crucial role in his journey.
Real-World Application: Stresses the importance of curiosity and continual learning in children’s lives, encouraging them to seek knowledge in all forms and use it to navigate their world.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Strange the Dreamer' must often work together to solve complex problems and overcome obstacles. This highlights the importance of teamwork and collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of working with others, teaching children that many goals in life require joint efforts and that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.