Whiskaboom

"Whiskaboom" by Alan Arkin is an imaginative tale of invention and its unexpected fallout. This mid-20th century science fiction story follows Jack, a quirky inventor completely consumed by his experiments, with results that shake up his life. The story explores the ambitious drive, the bonds of family, and the funny troubles that spring from Jack’s never-ending quest for scientific breakthroughs. When Jack takes up residence in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs to pursue his work in isolation, he unleashes a whirlwind of chaos. Strange noises fill the air as he labors on his mysterious invention, and a peculiar mishap causes Jack to become two-dimensional. Instead of turning him away, the compassionate Burroughs embrace and tend to Jack in his diminished state. Jack eventually turns to his father for help, leading to a humorous yet heart-warming look at family connections and the blurry line between brilliance and craziness.