Book Club+ MPC discussion

Hi everyone,

Author, architect, academic, Norton Juster has passed away at 91 years old. My dad gave me a copy of "The Phantom Tollbooth" and I thought that book was magical. I took the ride into that Kingdom of Wisdom and never thought I could have so much fun with words. My parents never wanted to hear the words "I'm bored" and always provided me with books that challenged my imagination and I am happy Norton Juster's books were included.

So many wonderful quotes from that book. A few of my favorites:

“You may not see it now," said the Princess of Pure Reason, looking knowingly at Milo's puzzled face, "but whatever we learn has a purpose and whatever we do affects everything and everyone else, if even in the tiniest way. Why, when a housefly flaps his wings, a breeze goes round the world; when a speck of dust falls to the ground, the entire planet weighs a little more; and when you stamp your foot, the earth moves slightly off its course. Whenever you laugh, gladness spreads like the ripples in the pond; and whenever you're sad, no one anywhere can be really happy. And it's much the same thing with knowledge, for whenever you learn something new, the whole world becomes that much richer.”
― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

“Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven't the answer to a question you've been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you're alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.”
― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Thank you Norton Juster.

-Donna

Hi Donna. Thanks for posting this and I was sorry to hear about this.

I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth when I was in 5th grade, and I really loved it. It's my favorite book I read in elementary or middle school.

Those quotes you shared are great.

I might just have to read the book again!

Colton

Hi Colton,

Yes, I always enjoyed The Phantom Tollbooth. The cover was one of my favorites by Jules Feiffer. Did you ever see the 1970 animated movie version of it? So many fun characters and adventures with Milo.

The beauty of books, no matter how old we are, we can re-read them over and over. I still read picture books, middle, YA, everything. Isn't it great that you can pick up a book you read as a kid and it instantly brings back memories from the past? Hopefully good memories!

A big affirmative on reading it over again.

Have a good day.

-Donna

I actually do believe I have seen the movie. I have a feeling we watched it in class after reading the book. I barely remember it though since it's been like 20 years!

And I definitely agree. Just last year I re-read "The Island of the Blue Dolphins," which was another book I had read in elementary school. It was definitely interesting to re-read it and was pretty nostalgic. I was thinking of reading "Holes" again next (which was one of my other favorite books I read in middle school), and will be sure to add "The Phantom Tollbooth" to that list!

Colton wrote: "I actually do believe I have seen the movie. I have a feeling we watched it in class after reading the book. I barely remember it though since it's been like 20 years!

And I definitely agree. Jus..."

Hi Colton,

I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins. Holes! Louis Sachar books were very popular. I also liked the movie version. While isolating and doing more reading, I think many of us have become very nostalgic for so many things and that includes books, movies and music. While growing up had its ups and downs, you certainly could count on a good book to read.

Have a good day.

-Donna

I loved Louis Sachar books. I remember when I was in 6th grade one of our class's projects was to write a letter to one of our favorite authors. I chose Louis Sachar. And he actually responded! He mailed back a personalized letter responding to mine (not a generic fan letter response since he acknowledged things in my letter and addressed me personally and also signed it himself). It was very cool. And I was the only one in my class who got a response from their author (which was sad). I should definitely reread Holes soon!

And I completely agree with what you said. You can always count on a good book during the ups and downs!

Colton wrote: "I loved Louis Sachar books. I remember when I was in 6th grade one of our class's projects was to write a letter to one of our favorite authors. I chose Louis Sachar. And he actually responded! He ..."

Hi Colton,

You are so lucky to have received a personal letter from Louis Sachar. Authors writing to readers was much more common years ago. I would've been excited to have received a letter. Technology has taken over much of author-reader communications, although I'm sure some authors still write a letter here and there.

Have a good weekend.

-Donna