Reviews

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

magsmaenad's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rahnawyn's review against another edition

4.0

So, after I realized almost everyone else I know has read this book and I hadn't, I figured it was time to try it.

And I must say, I'm pretty sure I got much more out of it reading it now than I would have when I was 7 or so.

megray1126's review against another edition

5.0

I first read this book in elementary school, and a friend recently reminded me of its existence. It begins with a boy bored with school and believing it is a waste of time. Until one day, a tollbooth shows up out of nowhere. With nothing better to do, he hops into a car that takes him on an adventure through a land with out Rhyme or Reason.

Although it is a kid's book, I think I enjoyed this more as an adult, as I was able to pick up on the puns and important themes the author was trying to convey. In the end, the purpose of the book was to instill the importance of learning, which Justor demonstrates through his entertaining tales.

wanderingstories's review against another edition

3.0

Outside the window, there was so much to see, and hear, and touch - walks to take, hills to climb, caterpillars to watch as they strolled through the garden. There were voices to hear and conversations to listen to in wonder, and the special smell of each day.

The Phantom Tollbooth is imaginary, funny, humorous, magical and has a hidden message inside it, which every Reader will find out and know how to use it.

There are memorable characters in it, like the loyal and affectionate "dog" and the daring but outlandish Humbug, to the Kings of Words and Mathematics.

melindamaureen's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mcmah303's review against another edition

5.0

This was a quick read for me as an adult, but still a lot of fun! I think If I had com across this book as a child, it would have been one that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately I think I missed the age window where I would have enjoyed it the most, but even so this was a fun read and I'm glad my friend put me onto it!

kenziethebean's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

This book was amazing. Equal parts dry wit and innocence with a splash of comedy, this book quickly captured my heart. The characters were lovable, the villains spooky. The plot was relatively simple, but I found that it worked perfectly for the story it was trying to tell.

If you're looking for the next greatest classic to get your brain thinking critically, this probably isn't it. But if you're looking for a story to easily dive into and fall in love with--one that leaves you with the soft fluffy feelings afterwards--then I highly recommend The Phantom Tollbooth.

manglitter's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 Stars.
It was nice and really enjoyable in general.

bradburylogic's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Beautiful; fun; an inspiration.

somabam's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25