Saving Max - Blog #2

Book: Saving Max

Author: Antoinette van Heugten

Can people really change? Can their thoughts on the weight of the world lighten up? Max is in a dark place, being caught with drugs countless numbers of times, and lashing out at his mother (Danielle) constantly. In my previous blog post I really focused primarily on introducing each character and explaining the situation thus far. Now that I am gradually breaking into the book more and more, the details have increased for it will not only show dialogue, but express their internal thoughts in between the conversation

“Eyes closed, she gave herself up to the languid moment of mother and child, perfect in its communion and impermanence- so intense as to be indistinguishable from piercing sadness or exquisite joy" (page 19). Danielle drives, and drives and just thinks about all she has been through with Max. Hoping that Max doesn’t wake up, Danielle lights a cigarette to get her mind off of everything. Remembering when Max was just a child whom gave his mother constant love and appreciation, Danielle’s heart warms as she glances over at the poor precious boy she barely even recognizes anymore. These positive thoughts shortly shift as she’s welcomed by the white, arched gates that will soon take away her entire world, Max. 

Whiffs of disinfectant swarm the room as parents and juveniles file hesitantly into the room.  It’s a group gathering. Max, angry as usual, stands by Danielle’s side as Danielle gazes at all parents that are just like her. Stressed, tired, tense, and desperate in a sort of way. She soon makes direct contact with another woman rushing in her son, her name is Marianne. Once the confidential stories of heartache are soon to be over, Danielle gets to know Marianne a bit more. She is a part time Pediatric Nurse and her son’s name is Jonas, he is self-inflictive and his diagnosis… retardation and autism.

Being told she is not able to visit Max all the time, Danielle's broken. What will Max think of her? Will he be angry she never sees him? Relieved? Who knows what will come of the limited visits. She goes out to lunch with her friend Marianne while they continue to learn more about each other and how they have coped so far with their children. "No matter what her difficulties with Max, they are child's play compared to this poor woman" (page 34). I think it is good Danielle found someone in a similar situation so she could put things in a better perspective. She has only dealt with Max on her own, so to see another woman struggling even more, brings Danielle to feel a bit more relieved. 

Like I said in my last post, this story would transform into a beautiful film. I personally think Logan Lerman would do this part the best. With his exquisite performance in Perks Of Being A Wallflower, Logan portrayed his mentally ill character extremely well. Who would you want to see in the role of Max?

Saving Max - Blog #1

Book: Saving Max
Author: Antoinette van Heugten

Beginning this book, I didn't know what I was getting myself into. When I go to check out a new book, I never read the summary. But I can sure tell you this, after reading the first few pages, not only did it capture me...It took my mind on a wild ride that I'm excited to continue!

The book starts out when they introduce Max's mother, Danielle. Right off the bat we come to know Danielle down to the core. While struggling to balance her life she is constantly reminded that her son has not only been told to leave school, but also one big fact.

Max has Aspergers.

If there is one thing that keeps Danielle going, it's her remembrance of the good times with Max when he was a younger boy. Giving her affection as he barely looks at her now, and letting her in on his daily life as now he resulted in doing drugs and hiding his secrets in a journal. Always treating Max normal and trying to take one step forward, Max's actions are what bring them 5 steps back. Danielle is close to hitting her breaking point until she is rekindled with her good friend Georgia. Conversation soon heats up when Georgia spots suspicious marks on Danielle's arms. Fighting to pull away, Georgia grabs her wrist revealing the long, red slashes stretching from pulse to elbow. After seeing Georgia's reaction and initially saying it wasn't anything to worry about, Danielle quickly rethinks what she had said as she goes in to see Dr. Leonard along with her son. The doctor and Danielle come to terms with the fact that Max needs a drastic change now, as he is spiraling downward. They agree that they will have to send Max to Maitland Psychiatric Asylum. This is a place Danielle has not only dreaded, but tried putting in her own head she would never result in doing that to her son.

I would love for this to be brought up into a movie. If it became a film we could really get a glimpse of Max's actions more thoroughly. Through a book we are creating an image of him in our minds but to be able to see Max personified in a movie would not only give a rewarding performance, but leave you with something that will stick with you for weeks after seeing it. This book could really be captured nicely through film if it's done right!

Multiple motifs have already shown in only the first 4 chapters of the book. Coming Of Age speaks a lot in this book because Max is coming of age throughout the whole book. He's becoming more of a teenager which is what has been worrying his mother Danielle the most. Where will he take his life? Which path will he take as he becomes more independent? Will he ever change his ways? Character- destruction, building up in my opinion refers directly to Maitland Psychiatric Asylum. This is the place he is suppose to find himself and work his way up from there. Building character is what will (no pun intended) save Max.

I'm very anxious to see where this story goes. The way it has captured me thus far, I know it will continue to move me til' the very last sentence.