3 out of 4 stars
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Have you ever wondered why the universe is as it is today? Have you ever struggled to think why things work the way they do? Have you ever wondered why we are here? If your answer to these and other similar questions is YES! –don’t get worried because Of Zots and Xoodles by Zarqnon the Embarrassed is going to answer some of your questions in a unique and surprisingly fun way.
The book tells a story of Theodil. The setting is in a time outside of time and in a place outside of place. In this hilarious story, Theodil creates the universe using scientific methods in front of a committee. He uses dots (Zots) and noodles (Xoodles) to create the universe. The committee seems bored and constantly complains about his methodology.
The story is told in a casual and conversational manner –making it a pleasure to read. The imagery used is rather dull for my liking, but the dialogue is fun and entertaining. Some of the points in the book are confusing though somewhat easy to follow after flipping back a page or two. Though entertaining, the story does not flow as smoothly as other ordinary everyday stories that I am used to. The sentences ‘wiggle and wind’ like spaghetti roads –the plot might easily ‘slip’ out of your head.
The writer uses rhyme and personification among other literary devices. The author uses long sentences in some parts of the story. A couple of sentences are more than four lines long. I particularly came across a sentence with six lines - making meanings unclear. Let me hasten to say that, the illustrations are equally as important as the words if you are to realise what Theodil is creating. If you don’t slumber in concentration, you will definitely have a great time reading the book.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy dealing with scientific thought processes. Fanatics and students of physics who enjoy a spin of literature will also benefit from this book. Those with a short concentration span must stay away from this book –the long sentences and the language used will detract them from enjoying the book.
Of Zots and Xoodles is a short interactive story which is allegorical in nature. The book is both entertaining and educational. The long, winding sentences make reading overly detracting. Editing is flawless save for the difference in spelling on the author’s name on the cover page and on page six of the kindle version that I read. I also came across a typo on page 16. One typo would normally not be an issue, but in such a small book with long sentences, a single typo is overly detracting. Due to the reasons I have highlighted above, I rate Of Zots and Xoodles 3 out of 4 stars.
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Of Zots and Xoodles
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And because of that, I agree with your recommendations. This seems like something that thinkers, especially those inclined toward "scientific thought processes," will likely enjoy. As for me, I don't think I'd make it halfway through. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this!
