Despite the heaviness attached with the subject matter, “Butter” manages to be heartwarming and humorous.

In an effort to reclaim some semblance of control, he makes a proclamation to “eat himself to death” live for all to see on New Year’s Eve. “Butter” follows the life of a sweet, saxophone-playing high schooler named Marshall (nicknamed Butter) who faces complex adversity because of his obesity.

25, “Butter,” written and directed by Kaufman and adapted from Lange’s book, debuts in select theaters. Both Lange and Kaufman have much to celebrate this week. Bold and striking, Butter is a powerful and courageous novel that is certain to leave readers with plenty to think about.This week, I had the good fortune of talking with local Arizona author Erin Jade Lange and director Paul A. Lange's portrayal of both Butter and his popular classmates is always complex, sensitive and nuanced, and she writes compellingly about the challenges faced by contemporary teens - in particular the problems of internet bullying, and the tensions between online and 'real-life' identities.

But what will happen when December 31st rolls around?Ĭleverly balancing darkness and light, this is a unique young adult novel which takes an unflinching look at the isuses of bingeing, overeating, depression and suicide. No longer ostracised, Butter soon becomes part of the popular crowd - and life takes an unexpected turn for the better.

Yet Butter's online announcement proves to have unforseen consequences - far from pity, insults or indifference, he suddenly finds himself a celebrity amongst his classmates, who become fascinated by his horrifying plan. Butter makes up his mind life is no longer worth living but decides to go out with a bang, announcing that he plans to eat himself to death live on the internet on December 31st. His love for music has lost its shine, and even his online chats with Anna, the girl of his dreams, have to be carried out under a false persona. Isolated and bullied at school, with a dysfunctional family life and weighing over 400 lbs, 'Butter' as he is nicknamed by his high school classmates, feels he has little left to live for.

Butter book erin jade lange