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yarnmouse 's review for:

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
2.5

I struggle here because I know this is a classic. And there's some good quotes and insights into life here. I also appreciate the concept of the doldrums because it perfectly describes what it's like as an adult to get stuck scrolling on the phone.

My problem is that it's mostly a series of gimmicks and puns and is basically devoid of any and all emotion. The main character just serves to move the plot along, but the plot is also just a frantic train ride from one pun to the next pun. 

Maybe I'd have liked this better as a child. I don't know. I'd say to avoid this book if you mainly enjoy stories for the characters.