sleeper / noun 2. a timber, concrete or steel beam forming part of a railway track, serving as a foundation or support for the rails. 7. Colloquial a. someone or something that unexpectedly achieves success or fame. b. a book... which has slow but constant sales. 8. A spy who is allowed to carry on a normal life sometimes for years before being requested to undertake any espionage.

Macquarie dictionary, 3rd edition

The Simmone Howell Salon – 2nd November, 2006

Simmone Howell

And reading from her excellent young adult book Notes from the teenage underground