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The Phantom Tollbooth

By: Norton Juster
Narrated by: Rainn Wilson, Norton Juster
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Publisher's summary

Hailed as "a classic...humorous, full of warmth and real invention" (The New Yorker), this beloved story - first published more than 50 years ago - introduces readers to Milo and his adventures in the Lands Beyond.

For Milo, everything's a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he's got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason!

Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it's exciting beyond his wildest dreams....

"I read [The Phantom Tollbooth] first when I was 10. I still have the book report I wrote, which began 'This is the best book ever.'" (The New York Times)

"The Phantom Tollbooth is the closest thing we have to a modern Alice in Wonderland." (The Guardian)

"The book lingers long after turning the final page.... A classic indeed." (Los Angeles Review of Books)

©1961 Norton Juster (P)2018 Listening Library
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Critic reviews

"I read The Phantom Tollbooth first when I was 10. I still have the book report I wrote, which began 'This is the best book ever.'" (Anna Quindlen, The New York Times)

The Phantom Tollbooth is the closest thing we have to a modern Alice in Wonderland.” (The Guardian)

"A classic - Humorous, full of warmth, and real invention." (The New Yorker)

“You loved the humor and adventure...and [now] you’ll marvel at [the book's] wit, complexity, and its understanding of how children perceive the passage of time.” (Entertainment Weekly)

Featured Article: The top 100 fantasy listens of all time


When compiling our list of the best fantasy listening out there, we immediately came up against the age-old question: Is this fantasy or science fiction? The distinction is not as clear as you may think. Dragons, elves, and wizards are definitely fantasy, but what about wizards that also fly space ships? (Looking at you, Star Wars.) For the sake of fantasy purity, the top 100 fantasy listens include the best audio works in all manner of fantasy subgenres.

What listeners say about The Phantom Tollbooth

Average customer ratings
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Brilliant

Fantastic book, amazing performance. I'm discovering it at 26 and it's one one of the most joyful and entertaining books I've read in a while. Recommend to everyone!

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For kids and adults alike !

Awesome ! Adults should read , to remember and remind us of the all the wonder and possibilities around us. And maybe during this believe and act like nothing is imposible

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  • Overall
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phantom tollbooth

it's a great story always a good go to in order to pass some time

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  • Overall
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masterpiece

Wilson does a great job speaking the story into existence and had a great range of character voices. I've read this book every year for over 40 years Because I love the reminder. enjoy

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  • Overall
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Great book

It is a really good book for kids and I would recommend it it was very good not a dull moment

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  • Overall
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A GIFT TO THE WORLD - FOR ANY AGE

Don't ask me how, but I had never heard about this book when I stumbled across it, since then it pops up everywhere.
If you're like me and have missed it:
Honestly, this is one of the top 10 books you absolutely do not want to miss in a lifetime.

I got the hard copy for my 8-year old, before I had had a chance to take a look at it. Handed it to her, and said that the reviews were really good. She got absorbed, and while reading, kept calling out; "This book is amazing!"

The other day, I turned on the audiobook in the car on our way home from school, and it IS an amazing listen/read.
I pulled out her hardcopy, and started making notes in the book as I was reading and savoring the concepts communicated, and the play with words.

You WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS ONE.
An absolute gift to the world.

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    5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would totally recommend for adventureus children teaches math skills ,life lessons and has usfull information but also sooooo fun and dilightfull I know and I'm only 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Moms get this it's better even than I make it sound 😍😍 😍 😍 😍😍 😍😍 😍💗💖💖💗💖💗💗💗💖💖💖!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes I'm 10 and I wright comments I'm a girl and my name not josh😒😲

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Few can compare

this is an exceptionally fine book. I'd recommend it for adults and children alike. it's genius!

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Phantom Tollbooth

I had never read the book only seen the animation from the 1980’s.
Both are very good.
The narrator did a very good job.

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Clever and well written. good narrator

I and my 11 year old enjoyed this very much! We'll seek more from this author.

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