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Borgel
Melvin Spellbound's humdrum life suddenly becomes extraordinary when 111-year-old Borgel arrives and takes him and the talking dog, Fafner, on a rollicking trip through Time, Space, and The Other in search of The Great Popsicle, Anthropoid Bloboforms and Grivnizoids!
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
19 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pinkwater
156 books414 followersDaniel Manus Pinkwater is an author of mostly children's books and is an occasional commentator on National Public Radio. He attended Bard College. Well-known books include Lizard Music, The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death, Fat Men from Space, Borgel, and the picture book The Big Orange Splot. Pinkwater has also illustrated many of his books in the past, although for more recent works that task has passed to his wife Jill Pinkwater.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 6, 2007
Daniel Pinkwater is one of the best, insanest and most overlooked writers alive. He's also a "young adult" author.*
Borgel is about the average quiet, chubby, clever Pinkwater protagonist whose uncle from the old country explains Dairy Queens are portals between dimensions and that his car can drive into space. It's basically a road novel, but with the usual array of Fortean coin-flippers, stop-offs at Hell, and searching for god, who is a paper maché popsicle.
*I was totally frowned upon for reading young adult fiction for its awesome, or nostalgia, or a little palate cleanser for years times years. But then Harry Potter, Jesus Haploid Christ. "Oh, young adult fiction is finally good again, thank god children are interested in such engrossing things." Bur guh. There's always, and always has been, good young adult fiction. Eat it, muggle.
Borgel is about the average quiet, chubby, clever Pinkwater protagonist whose uncle from the old country explains Dairy Queens are portals between dimensions and that his car can drive into space. It's basically a road novel, but with the usual array of Fortean coin-flippers, stop-offs at Hell, and searching for god, who is a paper maché popsicle.
*I was totally frowned upon for reading young adult fiction for its awesome, or nostalgia, or a little palate cleanser for years times years. But then Harry Potter, Jesus Haploid Christ. "Oh, young adult fiction is finally good again, thank god children are interested in such engrossing things." Bur guh. There's always, and always has been, good young adult fiction. Eat it, muggle.
September 13, 2023
found myself writing a long passage explaining a metaphysical view of time and a little voice in my head went “lol you’re plagiarizing this from vonnegut” and i was like NO!! i’m plagiarizing it from whatshisname who said time was like a map of New Jersey!!! and i think about that every single day of my life!! anyway saving this so i can stop calling daniel pinkwater “whatshisname” when i try to cite him
July 26, 2007
A space adventure that's really a tour of Jewish Eastern Europe, as well as an introduction to the Kaballah. And it's for kids. A book that works on every level. A work of moral genius.
January 6, 2009
Space is like a bagel. Time is like a map of New Jersey.
February 3, 2019
Borgel is kind of a Borsht Belt Doctor Who. A mysterious stranger comes to live with young Melvin's family. He claims to be a relative of some kind, but he himself isn't sure how he's related. For some reason the family accepts this and lets the stranger, Borgel, live with them. Borgel is a very old man from the Old Country, wherever that is. He has strange friends and strange tastes and speaks strange languages. Melvin is delighted to get to know this man, whom he takes to calling his "uncle", which may or may not be accurate.
Borgel is a funny trip through parallel dimensions and alternate realities and heaven-knows-what. It's a celebration of exploring what's unfamiliar to you. Journeys don't always work out the way you hope they will, and there might be trouble ahead. That's the underlying theme of the book. A big moral of the book is that even if you're not an expert on the places you're planning to visit, as long as you throw yourself into the experience with an open mind, you'll probably get something out of it. You might hate it, too, but there are no guarantees. It's worth trying everything, because you never know.
This is the third time I've read it. There are certain parts of the book that remain seared into my brain, but there are also parts that I forget about, which is great, because that gives me something to rediscover when I revisit it. This book was probably written with the early teen audience in mind, but it's appealing to older people, too, kind of the way MAD magazine is.
I think this would make an awesome animated film. I just checked IMDb and saw that no one has ever even started working on it. I would love to see such a film. If anyone starts making it, let me know. I'd like to audition for voice work on it.
Borgel is a funny trip through parallel dimensions and alternate realities and heaven-knows-what. It's a celebration of exploring what's unfamiliar to you. Journeys don't always work out the way you hope they will, and there might be trouble ahead. That's the underlying theme of the book. A big moral of the book is that even if you're not an expert on the places you're planning to visit, as long as you throw yourself into the experience with an open mind, you'll probably get something out of it. You might hate it, too, but there are no guarantees. It's worth trying everything, because you never know.
This is the third time I've read it. There are certain parts of the book that remain seared into my brain, but there are also parts that I forget about, which is great, because that gives me something to rediscover when I revisit it. This book was probably written with the early teen audience in mind, but it's appealing to older people, too, kind of the way MAD magazine is.
I think this would make an awesome animated film. I just checked IMDb and saw that no one has ever even started working on it. I would love to see such a film. If anyone starts making it, let me know. I'd like to audition for voice work on it.
August 17, 2009
My favorite Daniel Pinkwater book...and the first one I read. I wish I could find more of his books in my hometown...
December 7, 2009
Another awesome one from Pinkwater. I laughed, I howled I experienced every emotion. Would read again.
August 26, 2013
I was tipped off to this book by an economics text talking about 'asymmetric information.' A must read for those interested in a Popsicle deity.
October 16, 2022
A beautiful romp through the human condition, soul tonic for generations of Wandering Ewes aiming to find comfort in ridiculousness... It's wonderful to read outloud; I read it outloud to my mother in her last days, & it brought such pure simple joy
May 19, 2024
Another great Daniel Pinkwater adventure. I started listening to the audiobook as read by the author, which turned out to just be an excerpt. So bought a physical copy!
I'm not religious, or even particularly spiritual, but I actually choked up a little when Melvin and Borgel saw the giant Popsicle.
The Popsicle was dancing all around us, but it felt as though we were moving, dancing with it.
I also felt that all of a sudden I knew a lot of things I never knew before, strange things that were hard to put into words. I feel that I was part of something larger than I could have even imagined a few minutes before--something that included everything and everyone that existed or had ever existed or ever would exist. I felt that the universe was wise, and as part of the universe, I was wise, too.
"This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me," I said to Borgel.
...
(Borgel said.) "Look, it's moving away."
The Popsicle was skipping away into the distance. I really loved that Popsicle. I'd have thought I'd be sorry to see it go, but I wasn't. I somehow knew that it would always be with me in some way or other.
It reminds me a lot of the peace of mind that Neddie feels when he sees the giant, old, old turtle in The Neddiad; or the warm, happy feeling that Walter and Winston get when eating their baked potatoes at Beanbender's in The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death.
Pinkwater often has a very homey way of writing, which has always made me feel good, as a kid, and now, as a (mostly) grown-up.
Reading D.M. Pinkwater's books are always a worthwhile use of my spare time. Borgel is no exception.
I'm not religious, or even particularly spiritual, but I actually choked up a little when Melvin and Borgel saw the giant Popsicle.
The Popsicle was dancing all around us, but it felt as though we were moving, dancing with it.
I also felt that all of a sudden I knew a lot of things I never knew before, strange things that were hard to put into words. I feel that I was part of something larger than I could have even imagined a few minutes before--something that included everything and everyone that existed or had ever existed or ever would exist. I felt that the universe was wise, and as part of the universe, I was wise, too.
"This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me," I said to Borgel.
...
(Borgel said.) "Look, it's moving away."
The Popsicle was skipping away into the distance. I really loved that Popsicle. I'd have thought I'd be sorry to see it go, but I wasn't. I somehow knew that it would always be with me in some way or other.
It reminds me a lot of the peace of mind that Neddie feels when he sees the giant, old, old turtle in The Neddiad; or the warm, happy feeling that Walter and Winston get when eating their baked potatoes at Beanbender's in The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death.
Pinkwater often has a very homey way of writing, which has always made me feel good, as a kid, and now, as a (mostly) grown-up.
Reading D.M. Pinkwater's books are always a worthwhile use of my spare time. Borgel is no exception.
October 27, 2015
I love all of Daniel Pinkwater's books that I've read, but this one is easily my favorite. I don't remember where I picked up the audio book with excerpts that consisted of the first few chapters of the book, but it became a tradition to listen to on any long road trip my family took. We had any number of inside jokes related to the story because we liked it that much. I only wish I had the entire book in the audio version because Pinkwter's voices for the characters were just perfect. Even without the amazing audio, the rest of the story is fun and quirky, but also makes you stop and think about the nature of time, space, and how it all interacts. Plus it has a magical popsicle that may be an incarnation of god. What's not to love?
Edit: Good news! Daniel Pinkwater has the entirety of this book (and many others) in audio format for free on his website www.pinkwater.com. It's absolutely worth listening to if you get a chance.
Edit: Good news! Daniel Pinkwater has the entirety of this book (and many others) in audio format for free on his website www.pinkwater.com. It's absolutely worth listening to if you get a chance.
April 6, 2008
my favorite book? exploring the universe with an old man and a talking dog... looking for the magic popsicle... what is not to like?
July 9, 2010
Truly, truly goofy! A very funny book. I liked the story of the rabbit and the eggplant (based on the rabbit and the tortoise, but with hilarious twists).
May 31, 2023
"Borgel" by Daniel Pinkwater is an excellent, accessible entry-point into science fiction for younger readers, offering a whimsical, entertaining, and thought-provoking journey through space and time.
The story follows the young protagonist, Melvin, who embarks on an unexpected adventure with his peculiar, ancient relative, Borgel. Pinkwater captures the voice of his young protagonist with authenticity and wit, and his zany humor and imaginative storytelling make the narrative thoroughly engaging.
A particularly admirable aspect of the book is its ability to present some of the more complex themes of science fiction in a digestible and engaging way. Concepts such as time and space travel, the nature of existence, and philosophical contemplations about God are introduced in a manner that young readers can appreciate without diluting their significance.
Pinkwater's writing style has echoes of Kurt Vonnegut's - offering a blend of humor, warmth, and philosophical musings, all woven into a tapestry of unique and imaginative worlds. His approach to storytelling is truly delightful and adds to the appeal of the book for readers across a wide age range.
One minor drawback might be the ending, which some readers may find a bit abrupt, and which leaves a few questions unanswered.
However, this does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. "Borgel" remains a wonderfully unique and imaginative tale that offers a satisfying, insightful, and entertaining journey into the world of science fiction.
In conclusion, "Borgel" is a delightful read that successfully bridges the gap between children's literature and science fiction. It's a charming and intelligent story that doesn't talk down to its audience, and a standout example of how to introduce complex ideas to younger readers in an engaging and enjoyable way.
The story follows the young protagonist, Melvin, who embarks on an unexpected adventure with his peculiar, ancient relative, Borgel. Pinkwater captures the voice of his young protagonist with authenticity and wit, and his zany humor and imaginative storytelling make the narrative thoroughly engaging.
A particularly admirable aspect of the book is its ability to present some of the more complex themes of science fiction in a digestible and engaging way. Concepts such as time and space travel, the nature of existence, and philosophical contemplations about God are introduced in a manner that young readers can appreciate without diluting their significance.
Pinkwater's writing style has echoes of Kurt Vonnegut's - offering a blend of humor, warmth, and philosophical musings, all woven into a tapestry of unique and imaginative worlds. His approach to storytelling is truly delightful and adds to the appeal of the book for readers across a wide age range.
One minor drawback might be the ending, which some readers may find a bit abrupt, and which leaves a few questions unanswered.
However, this does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. "Borgel" remains a wonderfully unique and imaginative tale that offers a satisfying, insightful, and entertaining journey into the world of science fiction.
In conclusion, "Borgel" is a delightful read that successfully bridges the gap between children's literature and science fiction. It's a charming and intelligent story that doesn't talk down to its audience, and a standout example of how to introduce complex ideas to younger readers in an engaging and enjoyable way.
April 24, 2019
Daniel Pinkwater was one of my favorite young adult authors growing up. It's hard to describe his work. I would call him a cross between Douglas Addams and Roald Dahl, but that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. But without a doubt he is very silly, and in a very specific way.
Borgel is the story of Uncle Borgel. It is also the story of his young Nephew, Melvin Spellbound. It is also a story about their adventures as Time Tourists in Borgel's time-space-and-the-other traveling car (it's a Dorbzeldge). Their story involves a talking dog, a dancing Popsicle, Hell, and way too many licorice root beer floats. New Jersey comes up on occasion.
I told you he was silly.
Borgel is the story of Uncle Borgel. It is also the story of his young Nephew, Melvin Spellbound. It is also a story about their adventures as Time Tourists in Borgel's time-space-and-the-other traveling car (it's a Dorbzeldge). Their story involves a talking dog, a dancing Popsicle, Hell, and way too many licorice root beer floats. New Jersey comes up on occasion.
I told you he was silly.
July 3, 2017
To be clear, I don’t think the words “Jewish” or “Judaism” ever show up, but Borgel grew up in a shack in the perennially poor Old Country and speaks a language that “sound[s] like…clearing…throats” or “preparing to spit,” time is a map of the state of New Jersey, and space is an elliptical poppyseed bagel.
August 15, 2024
Borgel, a distant relative, or so he claims, has aspects of Pinkwater's father. He is from "The Old Country," wherever that is. As my father used to say: "What Old Country?" "Any old country."
This is a fantastic tale where driving through space and time is similar to driving through New Jersey. In the tradition of East European Jewish humor.
This is a fantastic tale where driving through space and time is similar to driving through New Jersey. In the tradition of East European Jewish humor.
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October 15, 2020Re-read a childhood favorite, with my own child, and it totally held up! Somewhere along the line between Dogman and Terry Pratchett...imaginative, funny, silly, and a little philosophical. My cup of tea.
April 16, 2018
Great book for those kids who love/loved Captain Underpants and the like.
January 24, 2020
A phantom tollbooth for a new generation (i mean, they're both for all generations, really, but this one was published more recently, if you follow linear time)
September 29, 2020
Just loved this book as a child!
April 2, 2021
This was a favorite when I was a kid and I'm glad to find it holds up. Still funny, still insightful, still a pleasure to read.
December 8, 2022
This is a great way to get younger students into Douglas Adams type stuff. Way more inclusivity themes than I remember as a kid.
April 29, 2023
Borgel by Daniel Pinkwater is classic Pinkwater, and the book is the best read aloud book ever -- but only if you do it with accents for each of the characters. It's a joy!
December 19, 2023
Very quirky. Pinkwater at his best.
January 9, 2024
Outer space story.
January 8, 2020
Borgel, although highly imaginative, is exceedingly silly. I've been unable to finish reading it. In many respects, it parallels 'The Wizard of Oz'. Instead of a quest seeking an audience with the Wizard, it's a journey to see 'The Great Popsicle'. Pinkwater's imaginative skills are a helpful lesson to students of creative writing. You know, don't be afraid to let your imagination truely soar. There really are no limits to the use of new words and conjuring up bizarre narratives.
February 28, 2008
This was my first Pinkwater. It started out strong: quirky man (Borgel) shows up on family's door step claiming to be a relative; Melvin (from whose view-point the story is told) enjoys listening to classical music with him; Borgel's stories and actions are hillarious. In the middle part of the book as soon as I realized it was a sci-fi I became less interested. (Not that I don't like sci-fi, but this is not what I expected). During most of the middle of the book there seemed to be no direction at all. I began to lose all faith in Pinkwater. Everything seemed to be totally random; The humor got to be like a broken record (and turned a touch too cynical for me). All I wanted to do was get through it. About this time I also found a couple of typos in my edition. Then Melvin and Borgel met a stranger who started them on a quest to find a certain popsicle... Finally the story had some direction! It kept me reading to the end. If you like quirky, young-adult, soft (I mean *really* soft--Hitchhiker's Guide looks believable in comparison) sci-fi, then you will probably like Borgel.
March 2, 2009
One of my all time favorite Pinkwater books.
Borgel, an odd old man from the 'Old Country' moves in with a family that isn't all that sure they are related to Borgel.
The youngest son gets to like the old man, and one night talks with Borgel on a road trip that takes them through time, space, the other and eventually on a quest for one of the greatest artifacts even seen in space, time or the Other.
Along the way, the family dog learns to speak english, they try many weird foods, encounter aliens, get lost, get seperated, get reunited, eat more weird foods and save the greatest artifact in the etc, etc.
It's Pinkwater channeling Douglas Adams and it is a brilliant bit of sci-fi, which at the same times says some nice things about the little things that make life better.
Borgel, an odd old man from the 'Old Country' moves in with a family that isn't all that sure they are related to Borgel.
The youngest son gets to like the old man, and one night talks with Borgel on a road trip that takes them through time, space, the other and eventually on a quest for one of the greatest artifacts even seen in space, time or the Other.
Along the way, the family dog learns to speak english, they try many weird foods, encounter aliens, get lost, get seperated, get reunited, eat more weird foods and save the greatest artifact in the etc, etc.
It's Pinkwater channeling Douglas Adams and it is a brilliant bit of sci-fi, which at the same times says some nice things about the little things that make life better.
January 2, 2015
I started this book when I was in 5th grade but it was due back at the library before I could finish it and I had another assignment to do. I remembered a lot of it. I love Pinkwater's quirky and imaginative stories. Borgel is a traveler of time-space-and-the-other and decides to bring his "nephew" Melvin for a trip that he'll never forget. With their family dog, the two drive through space and encounter all kinds of creatures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews