This month's SLP Book Club book was [affiliate link] Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend: A Novel by Matthew Dicks.
As far as story lines go, this one is definitely original and unique. Just as the title suggests, the main character (and narrator) is an imaginary friend. Luckily for Budo, 8-year-old Max has a great imagination and has imagined Budo as close to human as it gets for imaginary friends. Max is undiagnosed, but we are led to conclude that he has Asperger's Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder. And while this is a consistent theme and influences the story line, his diagnosis (or lack thereof) is not what this book is about.
This story is about Budo's struggle. Budo is terrified of no longer existing. While he does not consider himself "imaginary", he knows that he will only exist as long as Max needs him and continues to believe in him. This fear consumes Budo's thoughts. Then when Max goes missing and Budo is the only one who can save him, Budo must choose between doing what is right and his own existence.
I liked Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend well enough - I finished the book. I was drawn into the story, however I admit I quickly grew weary of Budo's incessant worry about disappearing and no longer existing. I have never given imaginary friends much thought, so I found that aspect of the book interesting. Death is a strong theme, which was completely unexpected. Because Max is the only one who can see, hear, and interact with Budo, Budo surmises that once he no longer exists it will be as if he never existed (because no one will remember him). As an SLP, I touch lives through what I do everyday. As a human being, I have the opportunity to touch someone's life with every interaction. We can touch a life in big ways or little. Both have a lasting impact (if not specifically remembered). Sometimes it can be hard to see and remember this, especially when progress with a client is slow. Just like Budo did, I am leaving a mark on the world around me one interaction at a time. That matters.
Disclosure: I purchased the book and received no compensation for this post. The opinions are all mine. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.