In the lavish hum of our life together, I had felt like a spectator, sated and satisfied, but a spectator still.
In the last perspective of the book, we return to Chia’s POV. Why do you think we get to read from her perspective again?
The first chapter jumps straight into the middle of the pandemic. Chia mentions how LaShawn’s mother passes on, and that Chia feels sluggish and fearful. What is it like reading about the pandemic at this point in time? Is it easier to read? What do you think the reception of Dream Count would have been if it has been released not so long after the pandemic?
We finally learn more about Luuk in these ending chapters. Much like Darnell, it seems that Luuk is all encompassing in Chia’s life. The different between the two is that Darnell brought an anxious darkness to Chia whereas in the first chapter Luuk seems to bring a light into Chia’s life. What do you make of this contrast? And what do you make of the comparison to the Englishman?
Do you think that Chia represents most women (to some degree). She mentions looking for confidence within but still finds herself looking for it outward.
Luuk brings European perspectives to the book. What do you think of how Europeans have interacted with Chia? What do you think Willem said to Luuk at the restaurant that made Luuk angry?
The men in Dream Count have made it very clear that Chia is an attractive woman. What do you make of her fleeting meetings across the years?
We learn in chapter three that Chia does not really know or trust those Omelogor keeps close. Why do you think this is?
Omelogor reveals that Chia forgot about Johan, the man she supposedly wanted to marry. Does this make you question whether other details were left out of other characters’ stories? Do you think that some of our narrators are unreliable?
What do you think about the ending of Chia and Johan’s relationship?
Chia refers to her past relationships as “dream counts”. Do you think that every woman’s whose perspective we read from would consider their relationship to be “dream counts” or would their “dream counts” refer to something else?
We quickly learn that Kadi’s case is being dropped. What do you think this means in the grander scheme of things? How will this impact Kadi’s life?
Omelogor brings up an interesting topic; that “Americans think money is justice.” Do you think this is true?
Final Challenge
We have reached the end of Dream Count! It was a long and hard journey; we travelled through four women’s lives and experienced life through their eyes. Share your review of Dream Count on Instagram and be sure to tag @jonathanballpublishers so that we can see your post!
3 responses to “Dream Count – Day Ten”
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Ending with Chia’s perspective provides a sense of closure and reinforces her role as the central figure. Her reflections tie the novel’s themes together, allowing us to see how she has evolved. It also suggests that, despite the different perspectives we’ve encountered, her experiences and emotions are at the core of the story.
Reading about the pandemic today might feel less immediate but still deeply relatable. The fear, isolation, and uncertainty resonate, but there is also a sense of distance now that time has passed. If Dream Count had been released right after the pandemic, reactions might have been more intense—some readers might have found it too raw, while others may have appreciated its relevance.
The contrast between Darnell and Luuk highlights Chia’s emotional growth. Darnell represented anxiety, insecurity, and possibly self-doubt, while Luuk seems to bring her joy and stability. The comparison to the Englishman suggests that Chia may have a pattern of romanticizing men from different cultures, yet Luuk’s presence feels different—perhaps more grounded.
Chia’s struggle to find confidence within herself is a universal experience for many women. Society often conditions women to seek validation externally, and Chia’s journey reflects this inner conflict.
Luuk’s European perspective adds an outsider’s view to Chia’s world. The interactions between Europeans and Chia often reflect power dynamics and cultural misunderstandings. Willem’s comment may have been condescending, racist, or dismissive—perhaps something about Chia or relationships in general that hit a nerve with Luuk.
Her transient connections suggest both a search for meaning and a pattern of avoidance. These encounters shape her but also show a reluctance to settle or commit fully, reflecting her evolving understanding of love and self-worth.
Chia’s unease with Omelogor’s friends hints at deeper tensions—perhaps a clash of values or a sense of detachment from that social world. It could also be a sign of her own insecurities or reluctance to engage with certain parts of her past.
Chia’s memory lapse raises questions about the reliability of her own narrative and the narratives of others. If she could forget something so significant, it suggests that other characters may also have skewed or selective recollections, making the truth elusive.
Their ending feels inevitable yet bittersweet. It underscores how relationships, even those we once cherished, can fade with time. It also reinforces the theme of impermanence in Chia’s romantic life.
Chia’s “dream counts” reflect relationships that were meaningful yet fleeting, almost like illusions. Other women in the novel might define “dream counts” differently—perhaps as ambitions, losses, or moments of self-discovery rather than just romantic experiences.
This outcome suggests a lack of justice and accountability, reflecting real-world frustrations with legal systems. For Kadi, it likely means a loss of closure and validation, forcing her to navigate the trauma on her own.
This statement critiques the American legal and social system, where financial compensation is often seen as the ultimate resolution to injustice. While money can provide relief, it doesn’t necessarily equate to true justice, particularly in cases involving human dignity and trauma.
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1. I think she is meant to be the main character and that is why we return to her. Returning to her POV also gives the novel a sense of continuity.
2. Chia’s final POV is easier to read because the fear of the pandemic is not as acute. It reminds me of how we all eventually settled into the new norm of pandemic life. I feel like responses could either be positive (people feel seen and enjoy the relatability) or it could be negative (people not wanted to relive the pandemic after finally overcoming it).
3. Chia’s relationship with Luuk shows that she is beginning to value herself more than when she was with Darnell. The contrast demonstrates her self-growth.
4. Yes. I personally relate to Chia’s words.
5. The European perspective was interesting and the way they reacted to her is not uncommon, even today. What Willem said was probably something derogatory about Chia’s race.
6. Attractive women are more likely to attract men, and these brief connections all start because of her attractiveness.
7. Omelogor’s friends are very different from Chia, and it is natural to be on-guard around that which you do not know or understand.
8. I think it would be impossible to encompass the entirety of all their lives in their respective chapters. Naturally, some things were left out. Their perspectives are each based on their individual perception of their lives and the events that unfold. I would say they are as unreliable as any human being telling a story. We are all influenced by own perspective.
10. I think “dream counts” mean different things for each woman. They each value different dreams.
11. While Kadi is relieved, I was quite upset. It is always heartbreaking seeing the lack of justice in this world. I worry that Kadi’s life will forever be tarnished by this event. It was broadcasted to the world and everyone knows her because of it. I don’t know how, but I hope she is able to heal and recover her life from this.
12. That is true, though not specific to America only. The saying “money makes the world go round” is sadly very true. With capitalism at its peak, many believe that money is the answer to everything – including justice.
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Chia is the center piece of this book, we started with her so it makes sense to end with her.
I, thankfully, didn’t have any traumatic experiences linked to the pandemic so it wouldn’t be easier or hard to read for me.
Honestly, I know the Englishman was married but I liked there dynamic so much more. Maybe it was because they had an unspoken language where they just got each other. With Luuk, it felt experimental, and not as genuine. I could be wrong.
It saddnes me that her attractiveness is confirmed by men’s response to her.
I definitely think the narrators are unreliable. But I don’t think that’s intentional.
Unsurprising given then end of their relationship. Personally, I think Chia is too busy.
No, I don’t think every other women would refer to them in the same way, I think a dream count means different things to different people.
I know Kadi was relieved but I was deeply saddened. Unfortunately, this is the reality for too many people and her relief at exiting the nightmare but not having to be subject to the opinions and judgments of others tells us the sad reality of our society.
Yes, I think a lot of Americans hold that position. I disagree, respectfully.
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