The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Norton Juster

There was once a sensible straight line who fell in love with a dot. Unfortunately, the dot was a frivolous creature who preferred the chaos of a squiggly line. Heartbroken, the straight line decided to transform itself into countless shapes (e.g fractals, spider web, a maze, numerous geometric shapes, etc.) to win the affection of the dot.

What can one say about this tiny, cute, novel and strange book? I think it's best to quote from the book's jacket cover, "Some may call [this story] a poignant and sensitive evocation of an eternal theme. Other may see it as a sensitive, soul-searching examination of a heart-wrenching dilemma.

"Or, in these uncertain times, we we seem to stand alienated from the meaning of life itself, it is a shining beacon illumination the pat to some higher understanding? 

"We doubt it."

3 out of 5 stars