what a charming book! ticket to childhood - as nguyen himself asserts - is indeed a children's book that's actually written for those who used to be children. the novel chronicles the childhood shenanigans of the main character little mui and his 3 other friends, deftly written in an affable, ironic yet charming voice, while exploring numerous philosophical + life questions and themes that remain unanswered for many adults still. despite being the story's short length, it nevertheless manages to say a lot and evoke profound emotions; def a book i'll go back to reread and appreciate.