Memoirs of an Imaginary FriendMemoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

Reviewed by: Joan Herron, Reference Assistant

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult/Young Adult

What is the book about?: Did you have an imaginary friend when you were growing up?  I think they existed for a large portion of the population, but what were they like?  Did they sleep?  Eat?  Talk?  Max’s friend, Budo, is older than the average imaginary friend – four years old.  Our friends exist as long as we need them, and this autistic young man has needed Budo longer than most.  Both school and home life have been difficult for Max, but Budo understands him and does everything he can to make sure Max is comfortable, safe and happy.  Max’s parents differ on what types of services Max needs, with his father in denial of his diagnosis and the care he will always need.  When a teacher at school takes a special interest in Max, Budo should be relieved but instead he goes into full alarm mode, sensing that the situation is not all it seems.  The reader is immersed in the drama, hoping for the best outcome and going past the point of recognizing that Budo has limits.

My review: I had a hard time relating to this book in the first few pages, having no memory of any imaginary friend.  I quickly responded to Max, however, as we all know someone who has the limits and personality traits of someone who walks to a different drummer.  The mystery of children with types of autism baffles us all, but seeing Max through Budo’s eyes makes the symptoms much easier to understand.  Underneath all the layers of behavior, there are reasons for the layers, and they make sense to Max if no one else.  While gaining more insight to these odd behaviors, the overall story is captivating.  I thought I knew what the mystery teacher was about, but a plot twist moved us in a different direction.  I couldn’t put the book down until the end, rooting for the good guys and trying to guess the next twist.  I think readers will find this a captivating story, and will find themselves searching corners for other imaginary friends in unexpected places.

Rating: 5/5

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About FDL Reads

FDL ReadsWelcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!