MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks

A fellow reader suggested this book saying she was only halfway through it, but she thought I would enjoy it.  She was right.  MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND is a unique book.  It is one of those books that make me wonder how authors do it.  How do they come up with such unusual stories and such interesting ways to tell them?  Guess that's why I'm a reader and not a writer.

Budo is the imaginary friend of a little boy named Max.  Budo explains that in the world of imaginary friends he is quite special.  He has been Max's friend for over five years which is an extremely long time for an imaginary friend to be alive.  In the first few chapters Budo shares some very interesting facts about other imaginary friends he has met.  Some live only a few days or weeks.  Some look fairly human while others lack body parts or might even be as simply constructed as a dot on a wall.  Budo feels very lucky to be Max's friend and to very closely resemble the human form.

Max is in the third grade.  He is most likely on the autism spectrum which causes some tension between his parents.  His mother would like to have him tested while his father thinks that Max will outgrow his problems.  Budo understands that Max doesn't like to be touched, is wary of strangers, and would rather play alone than join in with the other kids.  Budo knows that Max is smart and that his excellent imagination is what has given and continues to give Budo his life.

Budo's abilities as an imaginary friend are tested when Max is abducted by one of the paraprofessionals at his school.  Since Budo can only be seen and heard by Max, he must find some way to tell someone where the woman has taken Max, or he must figure out some way to rescue Max on his own.  Budo utilizes every resource he can think of, including the help of other imaginary friends.  His own remarkable creativity is put to the test as he races against time to save his friend.

Author Matthew Dicks transports the reader into the world of imaginary friends.  Anyone who remembers their own childhood imaginary friend will connect to this unique narrator.  I found Budo's world fascinating, and the drama of Max's situation made this book difficult to put down.  So glad it was recommended.