{"product_id":"9780140374384","title":"Oddballs","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe author of such reliably offbeat sf thrillers as Strange Attractors (1990) radically changes pace for ten hilarious, semi- autobiographical stories. With affection and a splendid sense of comic timing, Sleator drags forth incidents from his family closet's darkest recesses—the time young Tycho was hypnotized and then made to drink from the toilet; an indignant skit that laid bare the failings of certain parents, to their vast amusement; rough-and-tumble car games; and deliciously horrifying pranks played on unsuspecting passersby. Vivid characterizations (sister Vicky ''had always enjoyed making dolls fight with each other; when the dolls wore out, she ripped off their arms and legs. Now she is a nurse'') always balance foibles with saving graces; embarrassment is eased by laughter, while painful circumstances always come right in the end. Sleator shows how, in a loosely run household presided over by indulgent working parents, he and his three siblings developed confident, independent spirits. Though he admits to making up a few things, his dedication is telling – ''To my family: Please forgive me!''\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e– Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Young Readers Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47010638102768,"sku":"9780140374384","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780140374384_p0.jpg?v=1763642279","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780140374384","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}