A DREAM TO FOLLOW opens in the year 1893. Thorliff Bjorklund, 17, lives with his family in Blessing, North Dakota. Thorliff has been writing stories since he was a little boy and longs to study journalism. Everybody likes his writing, but his stepfather doesn't want Thorliff to go to college. He wants him to stay home and take care of the family and farm.
 
Thorliff is stymied, caught between his family and his desires, and he has no idea what to do. He also struggles spiritually; Thorliff doesn't have faith that God will make things right for him and his family. If that isn't bad enough, a long drought means there might not be enough money for his tuition. Thorliff has to make a very difficult decision about his life. Will he go to college and follow his lifelong dream or go with his father's wishes?
 
In another part of the story, Elizabeth Rogers lives in Blessfield, Minnesota. She comes from a very good family and is determined to reach her goal of becoming a doctor. Her family encourages her to follow her dream, but it's nearly impossible for a woman to get into medical school. Does her heart mislead her to think otherwise about becoming a doctor?
 
I liked this book because it inspired me to think about what I want to be when I grow up. When I grow up, I want to be a prosecuting attorney because I think it would be fun, and you wouldn't get bored at all because you deal with different types of cases. Maybe when you read A DREAM TO FOLLOW, it will make you think about what you want to be when you grow up, too!