reading – What will your Verse be?

As you may know I love The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Naturally I was looking forward to his new book Imaginary Friend since months. First of all in comparison to perks this book is huge! It took quite some time to read, that’s why the review is coming this late…

However, I won’t compare Imaginary Friend to The perks of being a wallflower, even though there might be some parallels. It is a totally different genre, style and story. The book is about Christopher, a seven-year-old that disappears for six days in the woods and comes back totally changed. He has no memory, but there are evidences of harm. He slowly starts behaving differently: beginning with being a better reader, the changes become to be a bigger part of Christopher. Who is the nice man Christopher is always talking to? What is real? Who can he trust and what is real?

Admitting I am not a real horror reader this book was slightly out of my comfort zone. The first few pages intrigued me. I liked the idea of that mysterious disappearing of Christopher and I was eager to find out how it will come together at the end. The language is equivalent to Christopher’s knowledge, at the beginning simple and basic, it changes to more complex and grown-up. It is interesting to see everything happen with the eyes of a seven-year-old. This making it even more frightening than it is. As the borders between imaginary world and reality begin to shift, it all seems so fassbar. I haven’t been that scared for a long time. I was shocked, frightened, paralyzed and lost. This might be connected to the fact, that I am not reading much horror. Still it was a heavy and disturbing experience. The story slowly but continuous builds up to a point where it is barely possible to stand the tension. The book is written very graphically. The images are very intense and emotionally disturbing. At the end all the threads come together. And that’s the point where it is tricky for me. I like the ending. But still there is no satisfaction, it did not feel right. I still waited for something finishing the book but the twist did not happen. Thinking about the ending made me also come to the conclusion that I would not have found a better way to end it. It was interesting, because I have never read something like this: the topics covered were new to me, combined with the perspective of a child and the two worlds of imagination and reality coming together.

That’s why I still recommend this book whole heartedly. It is a disturbing book, that takes its time. I would recommend it reading on a long, dark, moody weekend (Halloween?). Imaginary Friend is a book that gives you chills reading it. Don’t make the mistake reading it to Uni or work, because that will destroy the whole ambiance of the book. Besides of all the emotional and demanding work the book is worth the effort. The ending may not be perfect (even though I can’t really pinpoint what exactly it is that doesn’t fit), but the new paths Chbosky is going and the new perspective are the prize of the end. So, for anyone loving horror and is looking forward to something giving themselves new disturbing images in your head: this is for you! Everyone that can’t handle too graphic horror should stay away from this.

Favorite quote: A nightmare is just a dream gone sick.

Rating: 4 stars

I always have been the only bookworm in class. There were others that enjoyed reading, but with age it became less and less. I made it my priority to read more or keep reading as much as I can- but that could be another topic. However, people kept asking why I read and, in a time, in which the Internet seems to outdate books, it might be strange to stay true to the old medium. I mean I could have more exciting hobbies like bungee jumping or playing the Didgeridoo. But there are so many reasons why I read and that’s why I am currently writing this. Reading changed me like nothing else. It has always been in my life and probably will be (I hope! Even with losing sight I would try to find a way…). Hopefully, this will inspire you to start reading or continue with it. What are your reasons?

Empathy

Books taught me to change perspectives, to understand other people feelings and be careful about what I say and think. Being a medium, that presents often subjective experiences or personal stories, it is natural being influential in one’s ability to put oneself in another situation.

All the lives I can’t live

It bothers me that I only can live one life. There are so many paths and ways to live it, that it hurts to choose for one. I want it all! I want to live a pirate’s life as much as the life of an astronaut. Books give me impressions how a life could have been, how other ways can be and in general what it is like. Reading just gives me the opportunity to live millions of lives and therefore make the experiences of all of them.

Thinking

I am not a big thinker, to be honest I think I am really dumb. But reading taught me problem solving, apply thought patterns that character have or add their ways and reactions to my assemblage of them. For example, Sherlock Holmes with his special way of remembering things (memory palace) inspired me to try this new way of memorizing things as well.

Entertainment

Of course, reading has not only educational purposes! It is entertaining and fun. I mean you can imagine every word and create own worlds (basically you create your own movie). And I am sure there is something every one can enjoy (to quote The Offspring).

Exposure to new subjects

Reading exposed me to various subjects with whom I would never have been able to get in touch with. I recently read something about Norse Mythology a topic I am now totally into. Without it I probably would have never gotten into the topic, as it is a subject that is not very present where I live. So, reading expanse my horizons, in an educational way, but also referring to experiences and feelings, I have never felt.

Quietness and Relaxation

After a busy day with lots of noise, reading is the perfect way to unwind for me. It calms me down and quiets my mind. I can not read while listening music, this meaning I only concentrate on reading while reading. I mostly have to multitask, but concentrating on just one thing is sometimes very calming.

I am never alone

I have to admit most crushes I had in my life were book characters. It is so easy to fell in love with characters. They understand me, they seem to think like me and they are always there. Pretty reliable friends, right? I just wish sometimes, they would call me back…

Inspiration and Motivation

Often books give me a big portion of inspiration and motivation. Motivation to keep going, to strive to become the best me possible and to push through whatever is going on at the moment. Inspiration to create myself, to start something new and to be open for everything. Books taught me to always wonder, be adventurous and stay curious, even when it is difficult, painful and exhausting.

What is missing? I probably forgot hundreds of important points here… Why do YOU read?

With love,

Giulia

Tag: reading

About Imaginary Friend

Why I read – 8 reasons