April 2016: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Date: March 31st 2016
Time: 7:30 discussion begins at 8
Where: Melissa's House 

1. Did you enjoy the book? Why or Why not?

2. How does language reveal a person’s character? Do you think it is fair to judge someone by his or her speech and use of language? What criteria might be used instead?
3. Which is more important words or numbers? Why?
4. Why does the authors elect names such as “Expectations” for the destinations on the map provided with the tollbooth? What might be some similar but different names for other possible places Milo might travel?
5. Who are the colorful characters Milo meets, and who was your favourite one?Why does the absence of Rhyme and Reason help to make the characters more entertaining?
6. Some of the crimes seem very silly, such as “barking without a license”. What do you think the author is trying to say by having such crimes?
7. Why should Dictionopolis, a land of words and language, be located in the Foothills of
Confusion?
8. Although most of the Humbug’s other statements are false, do you think there is any
truth to his pronouncement that “History is full of Humbugs”?
9. Do you think there are equal hazards in using too few or too many words? Which
might be more dangerous?
10. Tell about the cities of Illusion and Reality. What are the people Like? Are real people in real cities similar to the residents of these two cities in the book? Why or
why not?

11. Do you agree with the Soundkeeper that you need unpleasant sounds in order to

appreciate pleasant sounds? Might it be necessary to always have contrasts in order
to appreciate anything in the world?
12.The Dodecahedron says, “…as long as the answer is right, who cares if the question is
wrong?” Which do you think is more important, the question or the answer?
13.. What would happen if you could only eat when you were full, and only sleep when
you were a wake? What other things like that can you think of that would cause
similar problems?
14. The Phantom Tollbooth is considered a modern classic. What qualities determine a classic? Which of these qualities can you see in this book? What other books have you read that you consider classics?

15.. Contrast the first and last sentences in the book. State in your  own words the most

important lesson this book teaches.

16. Although this is considered a children’s book, many people say it is written just as much for the enjoyment of adults. What do you think? Why is it grouped with books for children?  Should it be?

17. Would you recommend this book and/or read it to your children?

MENU:

Be creative bring what you like just make sure you comment what your bringing so we don't end up with doubles.

Alphabet Soup: Sherrie

Drinks: Melissa

for some fun mixed-up treats, search for April Fools Day recipes :-)