Title: Imaginary Things
Editor: Andrea Lochen
Publication: April 15, 2015
Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions
Source: Publisher
SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)
Watching children play and invent whimsical games of fantasy is one of life’s great joys. But what if you could actually see your child’s imagination as it unfolded? And what would you do if your child’s imagination suddenly became dark and threatening?
Burned-out and broke, twenty-two-year-old single mother Anna Jennings moves to her grandparents’ rural home for the summer with her four-year-old son, David. The sudden appearance of shadowy dinosaurs forces Anna to admit that either she’s lost her mind or she can actually see her son’s active imagination. Frightened for David’s safety, Anna struggles to learn the rules of this bizarre phenomenon and how best to protect him. But what she uncovers along the way is completely unexpected: revelations about what her son’s imaginary friends truly represent and dark secrets about her own childhood imaginary friend.
Living next door is Jamie Presswood, Anna’s childhood friend who’s grown much more handsome and hardened than the boy she once knew. But past regrets and their messy lives are making the rekindling of their complex friendship prove easier said than done. Between imaginary creatures stalking her son and a tumultuous relationship with David’s biological father, Anna may find it impossible to have room in her life or her heart for another man. But as David’s visions become more threatening, Anna must learn to differentiate between which dangers are real and which are imagined, and whom she can truly trust.
REVIEW:
Normally, when I write a review of a book, I start off by giving you pointers on why I loved/hated it and a breakdown of those parts. This time I would like to start out by saying FIVE STARS! As you all know, I do not give five stars lightly. Andrea Lochen deserved it with “Imaginary Things”.
When I first read the synopsis of this book I was intrigued. I thought I was going to read a slighty supernatural story with some fun ups and downs. I mean, a book about a single, young mom who can see her kids imaginations come to life? This book is so much more than that, though. I have never read anything like it.
Lochen developed characters that so many people can relate to. I found myself comparing my life to that of Anna’s, being a single mom myself, and there were so many things I found myself encouraging her through or shaking my head because I’d made the same mistake. This is a story of life. Simple as that. ‘Imaginary Things’ is a glimpse of reality mixed with imagination, the ups and downs, and the awesome adventure we call life. This book is the perfect description of a parent connecting with their child, the urge to keep them safe at all costs (even from… wait for it… imaginary things), falling in love, and moving on from the past. A tale of letting go and things falling into place.
‘Imaginary Things’ is such a magical book with a great lesson intertwined in the pages that I encourage everyone, young and old, to take the time to read this book. It is going on my favorites shelf and will probably be re-read sometime in the future (most likely multiple times). Have I mentioned the cover art is incredible too? It fits it so perfectly. I do not have enough hands to clap or hats to take off to let Andrea Lochen know how incredible her book was. If I could, I’d scream it from the rooftops. FIVE STARS!
The book is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and you can check it out on Astor + Blue’s site. Add it to your TO READ list on Goodreads! Also pick up her other book ‘The Repeat Year‘ and add it to your reading list too!
You may find out more about the author, Andrea Lochen at her website HERE!
Sounds amazing, I love finding books that sync with you like that, will definitely pick this up over the weekend