Review of Of Zots and Xoodles
Posted: 30 Dec 2021, 23:56
[Following is a volunteer review of "Of Zots and Xoodles" by Zarqnon the Embarrassed.]
Of Zots and Xoodles: Theodil Creates a Universe is an entertaining read that approaches the creation of the universe in a unique and engaging way. Zarqon the Embarrassed, also known as JW McLaughlin, works with illustrator Frank Louis Allen to bring the main character, Theodil, and the role he played in creating the universe to life. Theodil takes dots and turns them into zots, and so begins the creation of the universe as told by McLaughlin.
This story was wacky from beginning to end, and while it was a charming book filled with humour, it often took a while to understand what was happening. The often random thoughts and dialogue can take away from the core plot of the book. While this book deals with a usually confusing topic, it presents it in a simple way and puts a twist on what readers already know. Therefore, this book, while short, takes time to absorb and read.
Throughout the book, common questions about the universe are asked and answered, often in a unique and thought-provoking way. This book allows readers the freedom to put what they think they know away and work through a new thought process. Much like the entire book, McLaughlin makes otherwise simple concepts confusing and simplifies often confusing concepts.
The main character, Theodil, played a minimal role in this book. This book is definitely plot-driven rather than character-driven. While Theodil does impact the plot in a significant way, much of the book goes forth without mention of him. This exclusion often made the book seem to drone on. Without any natural breaks or chapters, the reader is forced to read the entire book in one sitting or become confused.
However, the inclusion of illustrations by Frank Louis Allen allows for a more immersive experience with the story. The images, while not adding a significant amount to the plot, will enable the reader to interpret them alongside the plot and come to their own conclusions of their relevance. Therefore the illustrations add another element to the story and break up the long sections of writing within the story.
Overall, I believe this book was professionally edited due to its lack of mistakes. On the whole, this book allowed me to expand my thinking on the universe and was a unique and entertaining read. I would rate this book 2 out of 4 stars due to the distinctive way the book takes on often simple concepts. However, the length of the book limits the exploration and explanation that can take place within the story, which I believe hurts the quality of this book and its ability to convey a quality story.
I recommend this book to young adults and adults that want a short story to challenge their thinking and offer a different way of looking at the world.
******
Of Zots and Xoodles
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Of Zots and Xoodles: Theodil Creates a Universe is an entertaining read that approaches the creation of the universe in a unique and engaging way. Zarqon the Embarrassed, also known as JW McLaughlin, works with illustrator Frank Louis Allen to bring the main character, Theodil, and the role he played in creating the universe to life. Theodil takes dots and turns them into zots, and so begins the creation of the universe as told by McLaughlin.
This story was wacky from beginning to end, and while it was a charming book filled with humour, it often took a while to understand what was happening. The often random thoughts and dialogue can take away from the core plot of the book. While this book deals with a usually confusing topic, it presents it in a simple way and puts a twist on what readers already know. Therefore, this book, while short, takes time to absorb and read.
Throughout the book, common questions about the universe are asked and answered, often in a unique and thought-provoking way. This book allows readers the freedom to put what they think they know away and work through a new thought process. Much like the entire book, McLaughlin makes otherwise simple concepts confusing and simplifies often confusing concepts.
The main character, Theodil, played a minimal role in this book. This book is definitely plot-driven rather than character-driven. While Theodil does impact the plot in a significant way, much of the book goes forth without mention of him. This exclusion often made the book seem to drone on. Without any natural breaks or chapters, the reader is forced to read the entire book in one sitting or become confused.
However, the inclusion of illustrations by Frank Louis Allen allows for a more immersive experience with the story. The images, while not adding a significant amount to the plot, will enable the reader to interpret them alongside the plot and come to their own conclusions of their relevance. Therefore the illustrations add another element to the story and break up the long sections of writing within the story.
Overall, I believe this book was professionally edited due to its lack of mistakes. On the whole, this book allowed me to expand my thinking on the universe and was a unique and entertaining read. I would rate this book 2 out of 4 stars due to the distinctive way the book takes on often simple concepts. However, the length of the book limits the exploration and explanation that can take place within the story, which I believe hurts the quality of this book and its ability to convey a quality story.
I recommend this book to young adults and adults that want a short story to challenge their thinking and offer a different way of looking at the world.
******
Of Zots and Xoodles
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon