To Drew and Max: Butter Post #2
Hi Drew and Max!
Max- I just started reading Mango Shaped Space as well but I’m not as far as you are quite yet. Although I have read the book before there’s only certain parts I can recall upon. I do remember Mia tells her parents about what she sees compared to everyone else. If I were in a situation like Mia I would probably tell my parents as soon as I knew how differently my mind was compared to everyone else.
Drew- I’m glad you found a book to substitute Butter! My brother owns The Maze Runner so I’ll definitely have him ship his copy to me before the semester is over. It sounds like a fantastic read. If you haven’t already I have a feeling you would really enjoy the Divergent series.
I’m excited for you to start reading Butter once you’re finished with The Maze Runner series and Mango Shaped Space. Typically this kind of book wouldn’t appeal to me just because the thought of indulging in the story of a young adult drowning himself in food grosses me out. However, after the first chapter I was completely engaged. I already wrote to you and Max my first thoughts so I’ll spare you the repeat comments. After the first ninety pages the book becomes really interesting. The author does a great job of tuning readers into the psychological world of Butter just enough to leave room for questioning his next move, which made it exciting to read. In contrast to the “thrilling” side of the novel, there were also parts where I became angry at the students who were pushing him to continue with the binge fest. Some students saw it as a complete joke thinking he wouldn’t follow through with his plan so there was no need to intervene, while others egged him on and encouraged him to add certain items to his “last meal”. I understand how his “last meal” can come off as a joke, but in all seriousness I was frustrated how Butter’s cry for help turned into a game.
My favorite character is still the Professor, but Butter’s friend Tucker from FitFab also makes my list of favorite characters because of his noble act to help Butter at one point in the story. You’ll understand more when you read it. I just don’t want to spoil too much information!
Lastly, I’m perplexed about the ending of the story. I can’t tell if I like the way the author concluded it because it was so open ended. It’s one of those opportunities for readers to choose which path the main character takes. Usually I like to hear how the author wants the story to end, not of all the possibilities of what could happen because I don’t like not knowing. But then again there’s also a sense of beauty and wonder associated with the unknown of Butter’s future and how his life will change.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the ending and who your favorite characters are!
Leslie
2 Replies to “To Drew and Max: Butter Post #2”
I am glad your enjoyed your book so much and I can’t wait to read it myself. I’m in the middle of I Am The Messenger currently and it has been proving itself to be in the Drew Hall of Fame. I can relate to the main character Ed who’s trying to find meaning in his life. He’s not sure what mark he’ll leave on the world, or how he will be remembered. I know I’ve thought about that a couple times myself. I hope we got the book thing figured out…..my bad. I hope I haven’t caused more confusion. I’ve been getting back into golf lately after a long lazy streak which has been a headache. I’m no Tiger Woods anymore to say the least. Hope you enjoy your second book just as much if not more than Butter.
Drew S
Hey Drew!
You haven’t caused any confusion, don’t worry if we’re reading different books, just read since that’s what is most important! Eventually we’ll have read all the same books and we can divulge into full discussion.
“I Am The Messenger” sounds awesome and I can’t wait to read it. I find that when you’re able to truly connect with a character in a book it becomes more enjoyable to read. I find myself thinking about what the meaning of my life is too a lot of the time. What do I have to live for? What will I be remembered for, or as? And what can I do to make the biggest positive impact in this world? All these questions are great to think about because they motivate a person to build a life, not a living. Do you and Ed have any similarities (or differences) in the kind of life you want to lead?
That’s awesome you’re hitting up the green again! If you’re having trouble finding time for reading I recommend “edge reading”. It’s a trick I’ve learned in this class actually where you bring your book with you everywhere, and whenever you even have five minutes to steal while sitting in a waiting room, reading on the way to practice or waiting for a class to start you pick up your book and read for a little bit. That’s actually why I was able to finish Butter so quickly.
In regards to the current book I’m reading, Mango Shaped Space, there was an event in which the main character, Mia, described her disorder to her best friend and the conversation didn’t go as well as I expected. Her best friend was angry at Mia for hiding her big “secret” from her all these years which was not the reaction I was expecting! I felt her reactions were immature, but then again I’m much older than the characters so I have to picture what my reactions would be like if I were their age. Anyways, revisiting this book has been great because it allows me to use a knowledge I’ve earned from my major to understand Mia’s mental and emotional hardships throughout the book, as well as picture possible solutions of how she can come to terms with her emerging identity.
Leslie :)