Imaginary Friend

Single mother Kate Reese flees an abusive relationship with her seven-year-old son, Christopher, seeking a fresh start in Mill Grove, Pennsylvania. The town initially appears welcoming, but Christopher vanishes into the woods. When he returns days later, physically unharmed, he is changed. He now hears a voice in his head that only he can perceive, commanding him to build a treehouse in the woods by Christmas. Failure to complete this task will result in dire consequences for his mother and the entire town. Stephen Chbosky's novel combines horror with emotional depth, exploring themes of maternal protection and supernatural compulsion. The book was recognized as one of the year's best by People, EW, Lithub, Vox, and the Washington Post.