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.
The details of the book that Lana has explains made me want to read the book. When I was in third grade I lost my cousin from suicide and when I hear or read about anyone hurting themselves it makes me remember him and want to help the people that think that way. No one should hurt themselves even if they feel like they have to because someone will be there for them to help and talk to them to make sure they do not hurt themselves. So I think he will change his ways and not hurt himself again.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that Deanna. No one should feel as if they have no reason to feel good, everybody has someone who loves them. I'm hoping you are right with the ending, that he changes his perspective of life and remembers his mother cares deeply for him!
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ReplyDeleteI can connect myself to this book because someone really close to me used to try and hurt themselves. After reading your blog of the book It engaged me to want to read the book and know further more about the story. Answering your question when you ask what path will Max take once he becomes more independent? I think from what I just read that Max is only young and doesn't realize truly what he is doing right now. I feel like once Max realizes his consequences as he matures and grows older that he will change his ways by the ending of the book.
ReplyDeleteHurting yourself is never something anyone should feel the need to fall into. And with your answer to my question, I agree with you 100%! He is of course a teenager who is still trying to find himself and his place in the world.
DeleteThe topic of this book is really emotional and touches everyone's hearts. Hurting yourself is something that many do because they feel like there is nothing else they can control. Anyone in this kind of situation needs love and support and a lot of it. And like everyone said before me, hurting yourself is something that no one should feel like they have to do and they should know they have people behind to support them.
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