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bearycrumbly's review against another edition
4.0
This book was amazing. Considering that it's the first book I've ever read from the perspective of an imaginary friend, or from the eyes of a best friend of an autistic child, it was not boring like I expected. At all.
From the start, you get introduced to Budo. You see the world through his child-like mind. He thinks in pretty much black and white, like most kids do. You also see a refreshing view where an autistic child is portrayed as different from other kids, but still normal. Not 'special' or problematic like in real life. You get to see what Budo sees of Max, a kid with his own likes and dislikes, and how he copes with the outside world. I really identified with Budo. I think most people would. He is a good kid, albeit a little selfish at times. We all have times where we think like him, for example 'I want to read that book. But I have no money. My friend has money, maybe I could suggest to him that the book is interesting and that we read it together. But that would be selfish of me. What should I do?' Times where we argue with ourselves between what is right and what benefits us. Just like how Budo fights with himself. This aspect made the book feel real, as if the characters were living, breathing human beings with flaws and strengths. They're not perfect.
Towards the end of the book, we see how he eventually chose to help Max, despite his own fears of what might happen to himself. He supports Max, encourages him, and sacrifices himself for Max, just so that Max could grow up.
The ending was a really bittersweet ending. I liked how it was vague, so that readers could choose to interpret it the way they liked best. Usually I prefer my endings fixed by the author, but with this book I found that the ending suited it perfectly.
The only reason I gave this book a 4 instead of 5 stars is because I somehow felt that it lacked something. There was nothing that made me go 'WOW' and feel like I was a four-year-old seeing fireworks for the first time. Maybe if there was a bit more suspense or excitement, I would have given it a 5. But, it was still amazing and refreshing:)
I would recommend it to people who want a nice change of view on 'different' children:D
From the start, you get introduced to Budo. You see the world through his child-like mind. He thinks in pretty much black and white, like most kids do. You also see a refreshing view where an autistic child is portrayed as different from other kids, but still normal. Not 'special' or problematic like in real life. You get to see what Budo sees of Max, a kid with his own likes and dislikes, and how he copes with the outside world. I really identified with Budo. I think most people would. He is a good kid, albeit a little selfish at times. We all have times where we think like him, for example 'I want to read that book. But I have no money. My friend has money, maybe I could suggest to him that the book is interesting and that we read it together. But that would be selfish of me. What should I do?' Times where we argue with ourselves between what is right and what benefits us. Just like how Budo fights with himself. This aspect made the book feel real, as if the characters were living, breathing human beings with flaws and strengths. They're not perfect.
Towards the end of the book, we see how he eventually chose to help Max, despite his own fears of what might happen to himself. He supports Max, encourages him, and sacrifices himself for Max, just so that Max could grow up.
The ending was a really bittersweet ending. I liked how it was vague, so that readers could choose to interpret it the way they liked best. Usually I prefer my endings fixed by the author, but with this book I found that the ending suited it perfectly.
The only reason I gave this book a 4 instead of 5 stars is because I somehow felt that it lacked something. There was nothing that made me go 'WOW' and feel like I was a four-year-old seeing fireworks for the first time. Maybe if there was a bit more suspense or excitement, I would have given it a 5. But, it was still amazing and refreshing:)
I would recommend it to people who want a nice change of view on 'different' children:D
tracykrlin's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written. Such a sweet tribute to a relationship with an imaginary friend. The amount of creativity and insights into an imaginary friends world and thought process was written so well and made me feel all the feels. Such a heart warming story.
daniel0292's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
enflowery's review against another edition
5.0
I fucking LOOVEEEE THIS BOOK!!!!
there was a time when i lose interest, and i wanna put it down, but I'm so glad i stick it up to the end. IT REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF INSIDE OUT AND NOW THIS IS GONNA BE ONE OF MY COMFORT BOOKSS!!
This book is a masterpiece. It's like a book in a shape of a movie, but so much better. If i could read this book for the first time again, i would. I REGRET NOTHINGG!!!
---
Still, more detailed review to come.
there was a time when i lose interest, and i wanna put it down, but I'm so glad i stick it up to the end. IT REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF INSIDE OUT AND NOW THIS IS GONNA BE ONE OF MY COMFORT BOOKSS!!
This book is a masterpiece. It's like a book in a shape of a movie, but so much better. If i could read this book for the first time again, i would. I REGRET NOTHINGG!!!
---
Still, more detailed review to come.
ninabc16's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
naharobed's review against another edition
4.0
A bittersweet tale of Max, a young boy with Asperger's, narrated by his imaginary friend Budo. This book was very reminiscent of Room by Emma Donoghue and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon. It combined elements of those two books, but is a unique story that I would recommend anyone to read.
The story was surprisingly suspenseful and I found myself on edge because I was so nervous about what was going to happen. We get to read from Budo's perspective and the way he explains Max's behavior and Max's relationship with other people captures the essence of Max's innocence, fear, and curiosity. This narrative voice was probably my favorite part of the story--Budo is endearing, smart, brave, and ultimately the loyalest, selfless friend anyone can have.
This book is both terribly sad and quietly hopeful. It brings up a lot of deep, philosophical questions but is presented in a manner of child-like wonder. I think it's a story that will affect every person differently and inevitably.
The story was surprisingly suspenseful and I found myself on edge because I was so nervous about what was going to happen. We get to read from Budo's perspective and the way he explains Max's behavior and Max's relationship with other people captures the essence of Max's innocence, fear, and curiosity. This narrative voice was probably my favorite part of the story--Budo is endearing, smart, brave, and ultimately the loyalest, selfless friend anyone can have.
This book is both terribly sad and quietly hopeful. It brings up a lot of deep, philosophical questions but is presented in a manner of child-like wonder. I think it's a story that will affect every person differently and inevitably.
munky15's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Minor: Gun violence
saara1709's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
es uno de mis libros favoritos