Phantom Tollbooth

Though it may not be seen as a higher-level piece of literature, the enlightenment that the Phantom Tollbooth gives to its readers speaks beyond its juvenile bounds. My favorite childhood book is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. My reason being the interaction I have had with the book and how it has affected me. It may be somewhat difficult for you as readers to understand my feelings towards this book without background of the book as well as appropriate examples supporting my feelings.

This book takes the protagonist, Milo on a journey to show him how amazing life is, due to his theory that life is nothing but boring and depressing. Because of Milo's theory, Juster creates a surreal and fantastical world that Milo becomes lost in. Through Juster's description and development of this unrealistic world, the moral of the story is found. I love the fact that the moral behind the book is realizing the vast array of color we have within our lives rather than a humdrum, solid grey, meaning, our lives are filled with excitement and beauty that we should never take for granted or overlook. Juster's use of play on words (e.g. the whether man), a kingdom of numbers feuding against a kingdom of letters, the journey to find Rhyme and Reason (women rather than the abstract ideas), and the various perspectives that can be taken upon one thing are poignant for a juvenile book.

I have read this book four times and every time I read it I learn something new. I enjoy the use of play on words within this book, because it gives the book a sense of humor that adults and somewhat complex thinkers can enjoy. I like the concept of conflict between numbers and letters, because within our everyday lives we are using both. To think that they are fighting over which one is more important is humorous but also thought provoking. In the book, Juster names many characters by their role or intent within the book. Milo is on a journey to find Rhyme and Reason so that peace may be