Book Review: Pinball by Jon Chad

“In this dynamic, nonfiction graphic novel, Jon Chad illustrates the little-known story of pinball―how it works and why it all matters in an age of special effects and on-screen gaming…”

Goodreads blurb for Pinball

Review:

I saw this book on display at the library and it caught my eye. I’ve been a super casual pinball player and haven’t touched a machine for years outside of digital games. I figured this would be a nostalgic read. I had no idea I’d end up learning so much about the history and mechanics of the game. 

Did you know that there was a time when pinball was outlawed? I never would have guessed. It took a champion courtroom pinball game to prove that pinball is a game of skill and not one of luck and chance. From 1976 onward, the evolution of pinball boomed along with the technological advancements of the next thirty years making it the game that can still be found and enjoyed today. 

The illustrations are bold and educational, often showing the physical elements of gameplay and the machinery of the machines throughout the century. This is accompanied by a detailed history of the game dating back to King Louis XIV. 

While pinball isn’t the staple of American culture as it once had been, there is still a cult following and what sounds like a bit of a revival in certain places around the country. Personally, I know of a nearby pub that has an upper level filled with pinball machines. Since reading this book, I’ve been itching to go play! 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Thorough and engaging.
• The author’s passion for the topic shined through the pages.

What I didn’t like:

• The print was super small.

Afterthoughts:

I may purchase a copy of this for myself in the future.

Where to buy the book: