Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend: A Novel (edition 2012)

Fabulous story told by Budo the imaginary friend of Max. Max has autism and lives very much within himself. He depends on Budo to navigate the world for him. Budo loves Max, but because he has been around a lot longer than most imaginary friends and because Max imagined that Budo could learn, Budo has a life apart from Max. At night when Max sleeps Budo visits the Hospital ( a good place for socializing with other imaginary friends) or to the all night gas station where he enjoys watching the various interatcion. Budo is also privvy to the marital strain that Max's parents are feeling as they navigate how to handle Max. One of the best books I've read in a long time. ( )

I picked this up thinking that it had a good plot line and I loved Curious Incident of the Dog but the dialogue in this book was so tedious that I just could not continue, I flipped through the book to see if the style of dialogue would change and it didn't. I could not bear anymore "and Max did this, then Mum said that, Dad was cross" I felt like I was reading a Dick and Jane book for adults. Yes I realise this was narrated by an autistic childs' imaginary friend and that is why I picked it up in the first place but I found myself tuning out constantly and just not caring enough to tune back in which surprised me because I really did want to know Max. ( )

The first several chapters should have been cut from the book. Nobody needs that long of an explanation of what an imaginary friend is. I stuck with it, though, and it turned out to be pretty good. ( )

There is a lot to like about this book. I loved the author's view of schools and teachers. He is right on when describing teachers, the job and the dedication it takes to make children, all children, feel comfortable and truly part of a classroom. The books read to the kids are books I have read in my classroom. All are wonderful read alouds and perfect to share.
I love the author's choice of writing from Budo's point of view and well developed characters especially the created imaginary friends. I could feel the fun of the creation of these imaginary friends both visually and their diverse abilities. That must have been fun to write. I will recommend this to my book club as a monthly choice. ( )

Original tale of sacred friendship. The main plot is slightly predictable, but the characters and dialogue in between are tight and well crafted. Put this on your reading list and you won't regret it. ( )