The Phantom Tollbooth

by Norton Juster

The Books for Boys Book Club meeting for this book was held October 20, 2016, at 6:30 in the Community Room.

Book club reading copies were available for checkout from the circulation desk about a month prior to the meeting.

For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams. . . .

Ratings and Reviews from the Librarians

Bekka rated it ★★★★★ and said, “This was one of my favorite books as a child, and I had all but forgotten the plot. It was very nice to remember it again after so much time. The adventures of Milo and Tock are timeless! There are so many wonderful lines – I particularly like the part where they meet the boy who grows down, not up, and talks about some of his family who grow upside down – “They become giants and walk among the stars.” There are so many profound and simple lessons, all in a very funny and enjoyable plot.”

Lorna rated it ★★★★★ and said, “I wish that I had children in my home right now to read this book to. I laughed and enjoyed all the tidbits of wisdom as well as the VERY clever use of language. I now have a new favorite children’s book!”

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