Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

It’s been weeks since I finished The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle–time got away from me and I put off my review–but here I am now, at last. And OH MY GOODNESS. Mason is a naive (although not completely so) narrator, which is absolutely perfect for this poignant story about friendship, truth, and trust. He’s still grieving the loss of his best friend, Benny, who died over a year ago; the investigation into Benny’s death lingers and affects some of Mason’s relationships in ways he doesn’t fully understand. When he makes a new friend in tiny Calvin Chumsky, they find new ways to escape the neighborhood bullies; eventually, however, Mason is once again in danger of being dangerously misunderstood. Only the whole truth can set him free.

I debated using that biblical reference, worried that it might sound too cliched; ultimately, however, there are some definite biblical themes here–of the Old Testament variety. (Not that the story feels biblical, particularly. But they’re there.) I loved Mason so very much, and watching him and his family over the course of the novel was both heartbreaking and joyful. Calvin is the friend every kid with struggles deserves, and as for the adults in the novel…well, that’s a different biblical theme altogether. (After you’ve read it, take a look at Matthew 18:3-4.)

Bottom line? This is a book full of heart and honesty, and while it may break your heart at first, joy does come in the morning. (Psalms 30:5. Seriously.) Read it!