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?
This book would make a really good movie. It sounds very interesting and motivational. Reading books like this where a character doesn't know what his life has in store allows the reader to connect at a personal level. I really want to read this book now and will keep my eye out for it!
ReplyDeleteCapturing a book with a story so descriptive, you always wonder if the film will be good or not. Being so personal as you mentioned you would really need the perfect actor to draw in anyone even the crowd that has read this book cover to cover! It's hard to live up to the book but when done right, it's amazing!
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