Butter by Erin Jade Lange - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Butter
Author: Erin Jade Lange
Year Published: 2012


Synopsis: A lonely obese boy everyone calls "Butter" is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death-live on the Internet-and everyone is invited to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his classmates, Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer indifference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a lot like popularity. And that feels good. But what happens when Butter reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn't go through with his plans? 

Review: I read this book in less than 2 days. I could not put it down. Lange tackles a lot of social issues in a fluid and natural way that just flow with the story. Some of the subjects addressed include: eating disorders, catfishing, obesity, health, dieting, high school social life, music, performance, online bullying, and family. 

The whole book is from Butter's perspective. Lange does an excellent job at using perspective. Butter notices things and perceives things based on his outlook on life and his past. The reader gets to experience that. 

All the characters were really fleshed out. They appeared as pretty stereotypical high school students at first, but they each had their quirks. I liked Butter's saxophone playing. 

The feel of this book is that of an indie unknown film I would find on Netflix and absolutely love. A high school outcast finding his place. 

I recommend this book to everyone. It really makes you think about a lot of things. If you are looking for an intense read that tackles social issues excellently, this is a perfect book for you! I give this book a 5/5.

-PAUL