Borgel

A short, simple book that made me laugh (Fafner the self-centered, talking dog is a hoot!). Although it's mostly an adventure novel of a young boy, it made me think too. The end message I took away - that there is always good in this world/universe/time-space-other - is powerful. And the absurdist plots, such as searching for a very large popsicle, make the path to that message utterly enjoyable.

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.

Really is funny. Not very significant, not much of a satire/commentary like it would be if it were a 10 year old's Terry Pratchett. More like, imo, a 10 yo's Douglas Adams. Pinkwater's interpretation of Time Travel and Aliens - what's not to like!

Pinkwater is pure fun. Too bad I didn't read him as a kid.