The Phantom Tollbooth
By: Norton Juster
My Rating: FOUR out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 10 and up

The Phantom Tollbooth: A Clever Book with a Bland Story

Somehow I escaped childhood without ever reading The Phantom Tollbooth! So when a mysterious tollbooth appeared on my Kindle, I decided it was time to remedy that gap in my reading pedigree. It’s a classic for a reason, and it is undeniably beyond clever. But I have to be honest: while the puns were fun, the story was a bit bland.

What is it about?

The story follows Milo, a boy who finds everything in life to be a complete bore. That is, until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. With nothing better to do, he drives through, and is transported to the Kingdom of Wisdom—a land that has been torn apart by a disagreement over whether numbers or letters are more important. Joined by a ticking watchdog named Tock and a know-it-all Humbug, Milo embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Rhyme and Princess Reason from the Castle in the Air. Along the way, he visits places like the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), and learns that life is far from dull.

What did I think?

This book is smart. Norton Juster’s wit, wisdom, and wordplay are unmatched. He takes common phrases and ideas and turns them into a literal world of absurdity. The non-stop puns were so much fun… until they weren’t anymore. The book is incredibly clever, but it’s more of a series of vignettes and puzzles than a cohesive, compelling story. Milo is a bit of a blank slate, and I never felt fully invested in the overall journey. The humor and language-based jokes, while creative, sometimes felt like a lecture on grammar.

That said, I did find myself warming to the story by the end. And I have to admit, hearing Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) read this book was a very odd, but ultimately fun, experience.

Sensitive Content:

No content concerns.

Should you read it?

Yes, you should. It’s a classic for a reason, and its themes of curiosity, imagination, and the importance of learning are timeless. It might not have the charm and narrative pull of other classics like Alice in Wonderland, but it’s a book to appreciate for its cleverness and wit. This dad says The Phantom Tollbooth is best for 10 and up.

Happy Reading!