Yes, I would listen to this book repeatedly just for the performance of the narrator. It's not just that he creates a unique voice for each character, he actually creates the characters. The way each character is performed suggests that he spent some serious time thinking about their complexity and motivation. Many wonderful actors can play a single part extremely well- this one plays dozens of parts extremely well all at once.

As for the story, it was charming and original, if at times a bit awkwardly paced. The subject matter has been done, but certainly not from this angle. The author has found a way to explore the autism spectrum both intimately and objectively- from the point of view of somebody who understands the child inherently and has a window on his life that isn't open to any other person. This is not necessarily something I would have originally purchased in written form because I normally like my reading to be a little more fast-paced, but something about the narration moves the story along and engages me with it to the point that I would now certainly buy the hard copy.

This story has several endings, but at the ultimate ending, I felt warm, happy, and relieved... but at the same time, the ending felt a little forced, as though the tone did not match the tone of the book.

Hands down, Budo was my favorite performance. After all, we hear the entire story through his voice and Mr. Brown makes him a truly loveable guy with interesting thoughts and a beautiful character arc. I think what the actor managed is to bring both a genuine youthfulness to the performance- as might be expected from a small child's imaginary friend- along with insight, responsibility, and wisdom that comes from somewhere else entirely.

I would of course like to have dinner with Budo, the most individual imaginary friend in the world... however, since he is not -my- imaginary friend, I would essentially be dining alone. Because of that, my next choice would be Mrs. Gosk, the wonderful teacher. I would like to meet the woman who is so intelligent, so creative, and so loving that she manages to reach and understand every one of her students on an intimate, personal level... even a child with moderately severe autism.

Even if you think it's not your thing, even if you normally read galloping crime novels or intricately woven fantasy universes or voluminous biographies, give this a listen. You won't regret it. That is, if you have retained anything at all of your childhood imagination!

What does it mean when an adult is about to cry at work while listening to an audiobook about imaginary friends? I didn't really have one. I made up twin imaginary friends who lasted about 2 days. But this book, wow. I just may believe in them again. I laughed out loud and I had tears and sad faces during a few parts. How can something "not real" (both fiction & imaginary friends) give you so many feelings? I loved it. I loved the different characters and how it suddenly became a suspense. Don't mind me, just get this book.

Not only is the the story of a good one, but telling it from the perspective of an imaginary friend is fresh and insightful into the world of autism spectrum. Even without that interest I can see many people enjoying the story of Boodo and Max.

Oswald. He was initially misunderstood, but his willingness to sacrifice himself for Max and his belief that he would live on because of that made me feel affectionate toward him.

When Max escapes and is finally able to make decisions for himself.

Actually I enjoyed taking breaks to digest some what I'd heard during each listening.

The idea of telling a story from the perspective of an imaginary friend was interesting in itself, but beyond this the story deals with autism on a very intimate and personal level. As someone who has grown up in a family that cared for several foster children with varying degrees of autism, I could relate to much of what the story dealt with, and really appreciated how the author acknowledges how difficult it can be for families and others to understand and relate to kids like Max. I would recommend this story to anyone interested in autism, whether or not you know much about it. Aside from being informative, though, the story is also quite entertaining and the reader does his job well. The only criticism I would offer is that some of Budo's narration is a little redundant. Overall, definitely an audiobook worth listening to. I recommended it to my mom and she loved it!

Nice, light-hearted, easy read but enjoyable. And a relatively original idea. If we can forget Drop Dead Fred ever happened. Lots of similarities to the The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime. If you liked that, you'll probably like this.

Ididn't read it. I just bought the audio book

Teeny, Because she seemed to help move the conscience of the characters in the right direction.

The bathroom stall. Great payback for bullying. I bet he will think twice before that happens again.

Oswald, I would love to ask him what it was like to feel lost and alone.

I almost stopped listening in the first hour of the book. So glad I didn't. The bully scene was what stopped me. It was a charming story. I never had an imaginary friend. It is great to imagine what it is like for kids who do. How in the world could the author write a story from this perspective. It was great!

I loved this book. It was so fresh. Like nothing I had read before. I was so attached to the characters, on the edge of my seat about the ending and always wondering how anyone has the imagination to think of what "life" would be like for an imaginary friend. The mark of a great book is I miss the characters now that they are gone.

Near the top

I liked the concept. The story presents a look at the problems of childhood and the "special child" from a new perspective. The view of the world through the eyes of an imaginary friend is told in a consistently believable way that keeps the reader in the mood of the story. There are none of the jarring That Wouldn't Happen moments that often spoil stories like this one.

Although this is a suspense story that keeps one wanting to know what happens next, the tone throughout is gentle, reflecting the love and concern the imaginary friend feels for his child friend. The reading of Matthew Brown sets this mood early in the story and even when the narrator is upset and concerned the mood remains. This is a perfect listen for a winter day. Grab a cup of tea, an afghan and a big soft chair and enjoy!

No.

Would have liked to see a couple of changes in the ending. Would have liked to know what happens to the "villain".
Also, the continued use of "dance with the devil in the pale moonlight" caused this evocative phrase to lose its impact and eventually become an annoying distraction. But that is a very small flaw in an otherwise enjoyable tale.

This was an excellent story. As a teacher of young children with special needs, I found the story very true to real life. The only part that I didn't understand was the very end. What happened to Budo?

I really liked Oswald because he had such a huge heart and he wanted his existence to mean something even if his acts ultimately would be his demise. And his example teaches Budo to do the same. He ultimately gives Budo the courage to do the right thing.

The book almost had me convinced that imaginary friends are real and they have lives and thoughts of their own outside of the world of what the human imagines. I like that they can only do things they are imagined that they can do at their creation. Is it too late to get an imaginary to be my cheerleader throughout the day?