Budo is Max's imaginary friend. However, Budo is quite real: he has is own thoughts and controls his own actions; he cannot be seen by other people, though, and cannot interact with the "real world". This book follows Budo through Max's daily life and struggles, and through the conflicts and worries of an imaginary friend.
Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is narrated wonderfully - from a 9-year-old's imagination's point of view - and delves into major concepts such as death, family, and loss. It's one of those book which you can't really classify into "children's book", "young adult novel" or, "adult fiction". It really can be appreciated at any age. It's also unique - you don't get many books that have imaginary friends pondering their existences.
Overall, I'd give this book a 4.2 - it's wonderful, but not especially memorable. I know, I'm almost contradicting myself - it is unique, but not in it's writing. How do I say this - you read it, you love it, then you forget about it. It's not amazingly, amazingly special.
I would call this book a store-bought cookie. A common flavor, such as sugar or chocolate chip. It's delicious while you eat it, but then you move onto other delicacies.
