"The Dreamers" by Karen Thompson Walker is a novel set in a small college town that is suddenly and inexplicably hit by a mysterious illness that causes people to fall into an eternal sleep. The novel follows the stories of several characters who are affected by the illness, including a college freshman, her roommate, and their neighbors. As the epidemic spreads, the town is placed under quarantine, and the characters must confront their own mortality and the fragility of human existence. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and human connection, as well as the ethical dilemmas that arise when scientific knowledge is pitted against the unknown. With its lyrical prose and rich character development, "The Dreamers" offers a mesmerizing and thought-provoking reflection on the human condition and the power of dreams.