An incredibly captivating novel about the wonder of youth and the importance of friendship, whether real or imagined. Delightfully compelling reading. — Booklist
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 feels his age and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, 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 the bathroom stalls. But he can’t protect Max from Mrs. Patterson, a teacher in the Learning Center 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.
Matthew Dicks' Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a triumph of courage and imagination that touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.
Praise for Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend:
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks won Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award for high quality children’s books that appropriately portray a character with developmental disabilities (YA category)!
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Green/Dicks was published in the UK and Australia/New Zealand March 1, and after five printings in the UK and three in Australia/New Zealand, there are now over 39,000 copies in print!
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND is an Italian bestseller!
The Dutch edition of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks has been nominated for the Diorapthe Jongerenliteratuurprijs for best translated work!
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks has been nominated for the 2014 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award!
Magyar Narancs (Hungarian Orange), a weekly in Hungary, voted MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND the best children's/YA book in 2013!
-- REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS
Hudson Booksellers, which operate over 520 bookstores and Hudson News newsstands in airports and transportation terminals throughout North America, chose MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks as one of the Best 10 fiction books of 2012!
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks debuted at #10 in Italy! Visit http://narrativa.giunti.it/novita/l-amico-immaginario/ to find links to the bestseller lists, reviews, the book trailer, and photos of the book’s in-store displays.
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks has been chosen as for the September 2012 Indie Next List—"Great Reads from Booksellers You Trust”!
The Hartford Courant ran an article about Matthew Dicks, author of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND. In it Matt talks about how his teaching and writing mix.
People magazine highlighted the audio edition of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks, labeling it “Great Reads Road Trip Audio.”
Ann Kingman and Michael Kindness featured MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks on their popular podcast, Books on the Nightstand. Listen here.
The West Hartford Patch ran a feature on Matthew Dicks and his novel MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND.
MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks is a Sony Reader Store staff pick for the week of August 21, 2012.
“Funny and heartbreaking, Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is one of my favorites this year and one I will be recommending to customers, co-workers and friends for months to come.” – Between the Covers, Tattered Cover Book blog (Denver’s independent bookstore)
“I believe this will be Matthew’s breakout book, and I’m so excited to see his success and for people to discover his amazingly quirky worlds and his talent. I truly believe he is a gifted storyteller and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.” – Gutenberg Girls
“Matthew Brown gives a winning performance as Budo, the imaginary friend of 8-year-old Max…. Matthew Dicks offers an unusual and original look into a world filled with terrifying obstacles for a child whose brain function forces him to create his only comfort.” – Audiofile magazine on the audio version of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND
“A chipper narrative and lively climax make Dicks’s newest a fun read and engaging exploration of the vibrant world of a child’s imagination.” – Publishers Weekly
“Recalling The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time(2003), and Room (2010), Dicks’ novel will appeal to those with a soft spot for vulnerable, kindhearted protagonists. Dicks perfectly captures Max’s autistic qualities, and Budo is an accomplished narrator. An incredibly captivating novel about the wonder of youth and the importance of friendship, whether real or imagined. Delightfully compelling reading.” – Booklist
Faith Middleton recommends MEMOIRS OF AN IMGAINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks on her NPR radio show The Faith Middleton Show (in the last five minutes): “I read it overnight; I could not put it down….[Dicks] is a fantastic story-teller, the idea is brilliant…Whimsical….Smart….I can’t get it out of my mind…fun…charming…well-written.”
“A novel as creative, brave, and pitch-perfect as its narrator, an imaginary friend named Budo, who reminds us that bravery comes in the most unlikely forms. It has been a long time since I read a book that has captured me so completely, and has wowed me with its unique vision. You've never read a book like this before. As Budo himself might say: Believe me.” – Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author
“Wholly original and completely unputdownable. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a captivating story told in a voice so clever and honest I didn’t want it to end. The arresting voice of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time with the emotional power of Room and the whimsy of Drop Dead Fred, but in a class of its own.” – Eleanor Brown, New York Times bestselling author of The Weird Sisters
“Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is, in a word, brilliant. It's one of my favourite books of the year….phenomenal.” – Cozy Little Book Journal
“This novel is simply wonderful.” – Futuresfading 5 out of 5 stars
“[A] unique, thought-provoking and memorable work.” – Write Meg, 4 out of 5 stars
“[F]or me, Budo is real. And wise, and pure, so pure of heart and mind. You cannot help but just love him, he grabs your heart and doesn't let go.” – Books and Blossoms, 6 out of 5 stars!
“This was a really original story, that surprised me with how much it drew me in and made me care about Budo and Max. And I was sad when it was over. I highly recommend giving this book a try.” – curvy*mommy’s corner
“This is a wonderful tale that captured my imagination from the start. Reminiscent of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, this is a heart-warming story with amazing characters, both real and imaginary….highly recommended….” – Nicki J Markus
“The heartache a child who is different suffers, the friendship between Budo and Max, and the fact that what happens to Max is happening to many of our children today make this a book that every school library, public library, and even private homes will want on their shelves.” – The Story of a Writer
“Dicks’ writing drew me into the universe of his novel and I lived there for a delicious couple of days.” – Ellen Meeropol, author of House Arrest
-- UK & AUSTRALIA PRAISE
“[A]n endearing tale of love, loyalty and the extraordinary power of a child’s imagination.” – Glamour UK, April 2012
“[E]xtremely well imagined and perfectly pitched....undeniably an absorbing story that is more than a little magical.” – The Bookbag 5 out of 5 stars
“[S]eriously impressive.” – Heat UK, the week’s top five book chart
“An endearing tale....” – Heat UK, “The best books for you to be reading right now!”
“[S]eriously impressive....” – Heat UK, “Book that will make you look good on the bus”
“It’s an interestingly point of view that works perfectly....virtually impossible to put down.” – Sentient Online UK
“[A] story about love, loyalty and the power of imagination.” – Lucky Break UK
“A perfect read for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.” – Holiday UK
“Budo’s invisibility makes him a delightful and devastatingly honest narrator. He is touchingly empathetic, while aware that imaginary friends only survive as long as they are needed. Green takes something of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time crossed with Never Let Me Go, and turns this touching tale into a nail-biting adventure.” –Psychologies Magazine UK
“[A] captivating novel that you’ll want to read in one sitting.” – Bella UK
“[A]n absorbing, moving story which will leave you feeling strangely guilty about the childhood friends you left behind...” – Cosmopolitan UK, lead title in their “Best Books of February 2012” review
“Don’t Miss… An uplifting tale told by a child’s imaginary friend.” – Woman and Home UK, April 2012
“Refreshingly different.” – Woman UK “This week’s hot read”
“In Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, Green has done something quite remarkable. He has written a book which requires an adult intellect, and adult emotions, to navigate despite presenting it entirely from the perspective of the child within us all. It is a tense psychological thriller, and in parts, it is an absolute page-turner. And he has penned a warm and moving story about life, death, love, loyalty and destiny….Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend will leave you sadder, happier and itching to talk to someone about the ingenious, the incredible, the invisible Budo.” – Booktopia Australia
“[E]nchanting….simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, essentially celebrating the extraordinary power of the mind. A unique and beautiful book.” – Image Magazine UK, March 2012
“Narrated by Budo, this debut is a fantastic idea that’ll really capture, er, the imagination!” – Star UK
“Not sure what to read next? You should try the quirky Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Green….” – New Zealand Woman’s Weekly
“[T]he most beautiful book I have read in a long while….In this gorgeously descriptive story, Matthew Green explores the complex thing of being human….” – booksbootsandbiology
“This book is magical, uplifting and incredibly smart. Loved it.” – Roxanne Coady, founder of Just the Right Book, from her Huffington Post column
“A unique book is a rare find....This book is unlike any I have ever read: it is simply written, yet profound ....This is a charming, chilling, warming boo— the complete package. Gripping and one-of-a-kind.” –Courier Mail Australia
“This is one book that you will remember.” – Manly Daily Australia
“It’s wrenching at times, but Green tells such a simple, profound and inspiring story that it’s worth the heartache.” – Madison Australia
“[F]unny and moving… Sad, humorous and very different.” – Sunday Mail Adelaide Australia
“The delight for me was discovering the storyline as I went along without knowing where we were heading. 5/5 stars.” – Australian Bookshelf Australia
“It's a tense, psychological thriller that is about love, death and loyalty.” – Daily News Australia
“A surprising page-turner.” – Toowoomba Chronicle Australia
“A must-read.” – Queensland times Australia
Matthew Green, author of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND, was interviewed by New Zealand Radio where he talks about his own imaginary friend, Johnson Johnson.
Matthew Green, author of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND, talks to The Bookbag about his own imaginary friend, who was named Johnson Johnson, in a guest post.
Matthew Green, author of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND, answers “10 terrifying questions” on Booktopia, Australia, including “Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?”
Tesco Book Blog ran an author guest post by Matthew Green called “The Imaginary Friend that Inspired Matthew Green’s Novel.”
-- BOOKSELLERS LOVE MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND!
Waterstones UK, will make MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND their “linksave” book for the week of March 26, 2012. Linksave is a special promotion that allows customers to spend a certain amount and get the “linksave” title at a special discounted price.
“Just wanted to drop you a message to say how much I loved Matthew Green's Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. It had me totally hooked from the first 20 pages and I stayed up especially late just to finish it last night! It was one of those books that I just couldn't put down and I constantly found myself saying 'Just one more chapter'. It put me in mind of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, but at the same time was so fresh to have something written from such an unusual point of view. If only we could all have had an imaginary friend like Budo!!!” – Sarah Hammich, Waterstone's manager
“Max lives his life with Autism, his Family, and with Budo his Imaginary Friend. His life follows a carefully planned routine of school, meals, and play. There’s a wonderfully sinister moment in the story when you realize the secret his Teacher told him to keep is going to take the book in an entirely different direction, and it’s how he deals with what happens that shows his strength of character. Memoirs…is funny, rich in character, moving, and incredibly engaging. It brilliantly evokes the wild imagination of childhood, yet was able to leave me feeling bereft at the realization that we have probably all had a Teeny or a Mr Finger in our lives, yet lose that wonderful ability as we grow. I. Loved. This. Book. So. Much.” – Alison Emery, bookseller Waterstone’s Cambridge
Check out the attached photos of shelf-cards created by Waterstone’s (UK) booksellers!
New Zealand Hachette made MEMOIRS OF AN IMAINGARY FRIEND a “Publisher Promise” meaning if readers don’t like the book they can have their money back. See the ad they ran in New Zealand’s Sunday Star Times, attached.
Australian booksellers love MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Green! Hachette Australia created t-shirts and ran a contest for booksellers, asking them to send in their best photos. See the attached photo sheet.
-- FROM FOREIGN EDITORS
Giunti, Italy. “The reading of MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND by Matthew Dicks cast a spell on us. We’ve been strongly impressed by the author’s ability to give a realistic voice to the difficulties of an 8-year-old boy affected by Asperger’s syndrome….everything revolves around a protagonist with an extraordinary emotional voice….We truly believe in this novel….”
Random House Mondadori, Spain/Catalan. “This book must become a huge crossover and we will do our best to achieve it! I really think that this book deserves a very special marketing campaign because it’s like no other….We want to convert Budo into our big shot next year.”
Little, Brown, UK. “All ten of us in the Marketing Department at Little, Brown have read and very much enjoyed MEMOIRS OF AN IMGINARY FRIEND. It is that rare thing—a submission which has genuinely captured the imagination of everyone in the company who has read it, sparking debate and excitement across the office. Our marketing and publicity teams are thrilled by the prospect of working on the book—the themes explored within it offer rich material for the publisher, and we would love the opportunity to bring them to life in creative, eye-catching fashion….Once readers have a taste of this brilliant, unique novel, they will want to buy it and read it in all its glory.”