The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics

Aw, come on, Line. You can do better than Dot. Especially after your burst of personal growth! Why didn't you outgrow Dot?

I don't think this is the message I'm supposed to take from this story. I finished it with similar feelings to how I feel about Shel Silverstein's sweet story of codependency The Missing Piece Meets the Big O--a nagging suspicion that I was supposed to find it charming and romantic but instead feeling pity and a mild revulsion to the dynamic.

Why everyone should read this anyway: (a) it's Norton Juster, (b) it involves math jokes, and (c) what do you need a (c) for? It's Norton Juster and makes math jokes. Line's friends were concerned about "how terribly thin and drawn he had become"? Who doesn't think that's hilarious?

Genius.

That would be my one word review, but for those of you who want more I would call this one of the best picture books I've ever read. The story is both simple and complex, much like mathematics. It's the story of a line who's in love with a dot and the plot is filled with all the agony of unrequited love for the entire 80 pages, which will take less than 15 minutes to read. But these will be the most amusing 15 minutes of your day as you explore the theme of love through lower mathematics.

The Dot and the Line is a funny little picture book for kids and adults. It's a humorous allegory about a straight line who falls in love with a dot. Unfortunately the dot loves the more free-spirited squiggle and the straight line nears despair. He tries to rejoice in his wonderful uses (illustrated in creative and humorous ways) but is still frustrated by his lack of creativity and spontaneity. He finally discovers...

Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, but it's a fun little book that packs quite a bit of philosophical punch. Though it's not quite as involved, expect some of the same word plays and humor as the author's most famous book: The Phantom Tollbooth.

A sweet, sentimental romance between a dot and a line. This book is often shelved as children's, but I think it is best appreciated by adults. If you have ever done something extraordinary for love, you will relate to this charming tale.

Well actually it's in my son's permanent collection, not mine. He's a huge fan of Norton Juster, too, and he's currently finishing his degree in mathematics education.

So, yes, the note in the back compares this to Gulliver and Alice in Wonderland, as in, fables for all ages with a dose of math. Another reviewer compares it to Flatland, which would be fine, except that's so heavy with social satire the math gets lost in it. Of course it should be compared to Juster's more famous, and even more wonderful, work, The Phantom Tollbooth. But also I compare it to [b:The Missing Piece|30122|The Missing Piece (The Missing Piece, #1)|Shel show more Silverstein|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388184341l/30122._SX50_.jpg|41394]. And if you like any of the above, read the rest. show less

A classic love triangle occurs between a line, a dot, and a squiggle expressed through geometry. The line loves the dot, the dot the squiggle, and the squiggle is just a squiggle. The line tries to impress the dot by bending, curving, and forming angles. Eventually, the line wins the love of the dot by being the best line it can be. This silly book has so much more to offer than just arithmetic. It is about gaining confidence in being who you are. The illustrations are bright and vibrant which provide various mathematical expressions. This charming book is not only a math builder but a self-esteem builder as well.

This is a good example of a fantasy book because it shows the relationship between a line who is in love with a dot and the different things he has to do to prove himself worthy over a squiggle.
I would use this book when discussing where we use lines and why they are important as well as dots.
I would also use this book to talk about relationships with friends and how friendships should have a deeper meaning than just you like the games they play but that you like all your friends for who they are.
Media: Mixed
GENRE: Fantasy