THIS IS A DOOR

A boy, a dog, and a mouse embark on the journey of a lifetime—and well beyond.

First introduced as Nothing the Younger, this story’s protagonist is a boy called Nothing—Ing for short—whose existence evokes the familiar question: What’s in a name? It also compels him to find his life’s purpose in a world where folks’ names “were their calling” and “everyone had good work to do.” From the outset, this book offers an original reading experience through its spare, vivid prose that’s enhanced by the playful arrangement and imaginative layout of the printed text, adding a distinct, interactive visual aspect to the narrative. Following Ing’s trajectory, that of a hapless orphan whose quest accidentally transports him from the Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead and back again, the plot unfolds over 12 chapters comprising the classic hero’s journey and imparts life lessons in unconventional ways. The fairy-tale setting “in the city on the mountaintop of a far-off and long-lost country” feels comfortingly familiar, as do the archetypal characters: the self-absorbed and materialistic king and queen, the Wander Prince who evolves into the Wonder Prince, the wimmelworm (a serpentine monster that must be subdued), the nurturing and wise mentor Nana, intuitive besties Pöppy the dog and mOmO the mouse, haunting spirits, and more. An author’s note detailing the work’s structure and format provides a mini-lesson on craft.

Engaging, pensive, quirky: A portal that shows the transformative powers of creative thinking and life experiences.