{"product_id":"oddballs-0140374388","title":"Oddballs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0140374388\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sleator, William\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e New\u003c\/p\u003e\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!''- Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mia Karts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51533712949536,"sku":"NEW0140374388","price":8.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0980\/7426\/3840\/files\/51caRBB9pjL.jpg?v=1777350550","url":"https:\/\/miakarts.com\/products\/oddballs-0140374388","provider":"Miakarts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}