Erin Jade Lange’s ‘Butter’ tackles issues of bullying, teen suicide

“BUTTER,” by Erin Jade Lange, Bloomsbury USA Children’s, Sept. 4, 2012, hardcover, $16.99 (young adult)

Butter is lonely. He’s obese. He’s got nothing to live for. That’s why he’s going to eat himself to death — live via his website on New Year’s Eve. Everyone’s invited to watch. He’s even taking advice on how to do it. Just leave your comments and he’ll take your suggestions under advisement.

Butter earned his nickname when a group of bullies forced him to eat a pound of butter. No one even knows his real name. To everyone, he’s an oddity living on the fringes of high school society.

That changes though when he announces his plan. Instead of pity or insults, Butter finds morbid popularity. People actually want to sit with him. They talk to him. Invite him to parties. But as his suicide deadline approaches, Butter realizes how hollow fame can be. It may be the final straw that pushes Butter to end it all.

Erin Jade Long’s “Butter” is as heartbreaking as it is thought provoking. She gives readers a front-row view of Butter’s struggles at home and at school. Most importantly, she writes in such a way that readers can put themselves in Butter’s place.

“Butter” is not an easy book to read. Butter’s experiences are vivid and his depression palpable. Add to that the horrific actions of bullies and the unintentionally hurtful comments of those who surround him, and you can come away from this novel feeling pretty down.

Fortunately, there is also lightness. Butter is someone you would want to be friends with. He’s smart and interesting and is an awesome musician. Underlying all the doubt is a sprinkle of hope.

People who want to bury their heads in the sand will likely look down on “Butter.” It’s about a complex topic and real-life issues. But that’s why people should read it. If nothing else, it creates a dialogue worth having.

*Read Cracking the Cover’s interview with “Butter” author Erin Jade Lange.