Dimension Why #1: How to Save the Universe Without Really Trying

If you’ve ever gotten a chuckle from a Douglas Adams book, or wanted to pass on his quirky humor and irreverent observations on life, the universe, and everything to your kids, this is the story for you. “Dimension Why” is an adventurous romp through space and time via what’s clearly a deep and abiding love for Adams’ outlook on how ridiculous the universe often is—and yet how meaningful it can be when you’re willing to commit the audacious act of caring about your fellow beings (whether they’re human, bog mutant, mushroom, or something else entirely). Kids will dig the action, the comedy, and the honest look at the main characters’ flaws and strengths. Adults will love the layers of meaning, the nods to sci/fi comedy greats, and the way the plot pieces fold together neatly by the book’s end while still leaving room for a sequel. I took my time and savored this one, because reading it gave me the same giddy delight I felt on my first trip through the Hitchhiker’s Guide series. Highly recommend!

In my experience a can of baked beans on the cover signifies a fart humor book. Rest assured that that is not the case here. This book is goofy and antic, but in a smart and clever fashion than earns its laughs through honestly funny writing, clever plotting, and silliness that both amuses and advances the plot. This is more like a younger Douglas Adams book than an older Captain Underpants book. Our two main characters are Phin, a rich sheltered naive soul, and Lola, a spunky time-kidnapped girl who just wants to go home. They meet cute, (attacked by a very polite killer robot), and their galaxy spanning adventure begins. From there on it\’s all very \”Hitchhiker\’s Guide\” in terms of plot, action, bits of business, set pieces, and larky asides and digressions. That is entirely in good fun, and the dozens of secondary characters all get a few good lines. But the real appeal for me was the interaction between Phin and Lola. They are each a nice balance of vulnerability and sterner stuff, they complement each other, and they are an appealing and very engaging team. This is top drawer buddy space adventure comedy, with a bit of an edge and a cheery gung ho energy. Lots of the amusing bits are on the deadpan side, rather than wacka-wacka, and I always like that in a kid\’s book because I suspect that sort of humor requires more thinking on the reader\’s part. Anyway, this was just plain fun and bright. It\’s the kind of book that, even though the story comes to a close in a satisfying fashion, the promise of a sequel was good news. (Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Dimension Why is like the best of The Hitchhiker\’s Guide to the Galaxy for middle grade readers: fun and super-funny, but not afraid of tackling the big questions. The younger readers in your life are going to LOVE this one – highly recommended!

I’m normally a personal development girl but… This book. Where do I start? I checked it out at our local library as I was there with my son picking out books for the week. He’s more of a graphic novel kid but I thought this one sounded fun for me (the subtitle really did it). I had the hardest time putting it down! It’s witty, clever and never once did I think “omg, author, shut up already and get to the point”. It was more like “omg author, how are we not friends yet??” And also, I immediately googled when they’re making a movie cause that would just be so great (wink, nudge). Also also, I have told all my friends they must read. So, John, flarxing good job. Say “hi” to Prof. Donut for me!

My favorite author ever! Dimension why is a hilarious page-turner that\’s appropriate and relevant to all ages. Excellent natural flow, never a dull moment. Highly recommend to upper level elementary, middle school, and high school teachers for assigned readings and analysis – silly, deceptively wholesome, and transparently articulated with a concise, identifiable, and navigable plot line that maintains the potential to both simplify and expand depending on learning level for students. Wish I could give this book 10 stars.

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