Book review: The Jester Has Lost His Jingle

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, by David Saltzman

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, by David Saltzman -- highly recommended Although this book is rated for children ages 4-8, this is one of those books like The Clown of God that everybody should read, whether or not you have children. In this case, especially if you or a loved one have a serious illness like cancer.

That really puts this on a serious, depressing note, doesn't it? Not really… not if you've read the book. In a nutshell, the Jester in some mythical kingdom has 'lost his jingle' -- is no longer able to make people laugh. And what good is a Jester who can't jest? So the Jester leaves, on a quest to find his 'jingle.' At one point, he ends up in a hospital, visiting a child who replies to his question with "Here I lie with a tumor, and you ask where's my sense of humor?"

That's really the crux of this book. It's about finding your sense of humor regardless of your circumstances. It's a lesson the author, David Saltzman, found in the midst of his own struggle with cancer. It's a question that everyone needs to face; and in my own highly biased opinion, this is a wonderful book that everyone should read, regardless of whether or not you have children. Go to your local library, or buy a copy at Amazon.com, and do yourself a favor.

I rate it 4 clowns on a 5-clown scale.