I think, for the most part, most kids growing up have imaginary friends. They can be a comfort during times of stress and change. They are there with you when you are frightened and scared. For many kids, they can be the only friend they seem to have. Imaginary friends can also be a comfort to the parent or they can be a cause of concern, depending on the child.

This book is the story of an Imaginary Friend! It is this Imaginary Friend’s story told to us about his person and the adventures they have together. When I first started listening to this story, I thought it was geared to young children and I was wondering how I would enjoy listening. But as the story moved on, I realized that it was more than just a story for children; it was telling a story for everyone, about a subject that we are all familiar with… the Insider’s Scoop of a young boy as told by his imaginary friend. This is

MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND
By Matthew Dicks | Read by Matthew Brown
Unabridged | ISBN-13: 978-1-4272-2588-7| 9 CDs | 11 hours | $39.99 | On Sale 08/21/2012
Published simultaneously with the print edition from St. Martin’s Press

I AM NOT IMAGINARY…

Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He’s been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him and Budo will disappear.

Max is different from other children. Some people say he has Asperger’s, but most just say he’s “on the spectrum.” None of this matters to Budo, who loves Max unconditionally and is charged with protecting him: from the class bully, from awkward situations in the cafeteria, and even in bathroom stalls. But he can’t protect Max from Mrs. Patterson, a teacher who believes that she alone is qualified to care for this young boy. When Mrs. Patterson does the unthinkable, it is up to Budo and a team of imaginary friends to save Max – and Budo must ultimately decide which is more important: Max’s happiness or his own existence.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a triumph of courage and imagination that touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship. Narrated by the very talented Matthew Brown, Budo’s innocence and naivety are even more keenly depicted, adding an additional layer of depth and nuance to this already rich and innovative story.

My Thoughts:
This is a great concept of a story! I loved listening to Budo’s version of the world and how the author takes simple things we see and take for granted every day and has Budo explain them in his version – which is so much like a little kids version. I found myself smiling in many places at the simplistic thinking of a child. I was caught up in the events of this imaginary friend and his person as they deal with the Bully and issues at school. And I was enthralled at the adventure of Budo and Max and their struggle with an amazing feat that will change them both in the end.

There are some fun characters in this story; ones you are surprised to meet. There is plenty of smiles, some sadness and plenty of suspense throughout this book too. If I were a teacher, I would certainly think about having my kids read this book. There are some awesome lessons to be learned from this story and maybe, just maybe, more understanding of kids that are a bit “different” would be a lesson to be learned by all.

I know you and your family will enjoy this story. It is read by a fantastic voice that creates just the right sounds for each character. Allow yourself to be pulled into an Imaginary World for a few hours! It may change you just a bit too!

Look for this at your favorite bookseller August 21st! Enjoy!

About the Author:
MATTHEW DICKS is a writer and elementary school teacher. His articles have been published in the Hartford Courant and he has been a featured author at the Books on the Nightstand retreat. He is the author of two previous novels, Something Missing and Unexpectedly, Milo. Dicks lives in Newington, Connecticut with his wife, Elysha, and their children, Clara and Charles.

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