Content Warning: This section includes discussion of domestic violence and mental illness.

“The lead singer insisted we play only the songs he’d written, and while it might not sound like a big deal, ego has killed more bands than just about anything.”

One of Dreamland’s themes is the Transformative Power of Creativity to connect people to each other and to their own dreams and desires. The above passage announces from the first chapter that preoccupation with individual ego undercuts this potential. Colby and Morgan are able to fall in love and make music together because neither seeks to gratify his or her ego.

“When I tell people I’m a farmer, most of them tilt their heads and look at me kind of funny. More often than not, they have no idea what to say next. If I tell people that my family owns a farm, however, they brighten and smile and start asking questions.”

Colby’s critique of superficiality in modern culture signals that he is not concerned only with appearances, though he understands that they can be important. The narrative also highlights this quality in Morgan, who is aware of social media’s limits in this regard. Passages like these establish Morgan and Colby’s shared values, illustrating why they are a good match.

“While things are constantly growing, other things are always decaying, and striving for that perfect balance sometimes feels like a nearly impossible task.”

In this passage, Colby introduces the novel’s motif of balance as he reflects on his responsibilities at the farm. The work never ends because to achieve balance requires constant attention. Sparks threads the concept of balance throughout the narrative, drawing consistent parallels between the natural world and creative work.