A Christmas Carol

By Solana Cortez

I know, I am late in getting this out.  I have been finishing up my Christmas gifts and getting them all wrapped.  I didn't have time to sit down and read, much less write a review.  Now, the gifts are all wrapped and under the tree, and the cards are sent.  All I have left is making a cheesecake for Christmas dessert.

I sincerely hope everyone has finished their shopping and are taking these last few days to relax and enjoy the remainder of this holiday season.

The book I have chosen for your reading pleasure is another classic.  One that we've all seen on TV in some form or another.  I feel this story embraces the holiday spirit in the way it is meant to be embraced.  The story I am talking about is Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Since everyone has seen some form of this story on TV, or has seen the latest version in the theatre (I, myself, have not had the chance yet), the basic plot is very familiar.

Summary:

Ebenezer Scrooge is a wealthy old man.  He's stingy and a penny pincher.  He's cold hearted and harbours no compassion for others.  Scrooge employs a single clerk, Bob Cratchit, and pays him a meagerly wage.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by his dead partner, Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge of the condition of his soul.  Marley also warns Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits.  These spirits will take Scrooge on a journey through his past, present, and future.  This journey hopefully will end in Scrooge's redemption.

Highlights:

The Writing. 

The writing itself is amazing.  Charles Dickens weaves a wonderful tale.  He puts just enough detail to get the imagination running.

Fred Visits Scrooge.

Fred comes to call upon Scrooge at his office.  Fred is a kind, light hearted character.  He didn't inherit any of his uncle's miserlyness.  And Fred is the only person who does not cower before Scrooge, as is evident is this scene.  The reader can't help but smile at Fred's witty remarks.

Belle's Family.

The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge to see Belle.  Every movie has shown the breakup scene between Scrooge and Belle, but it's left at that.  Belle leaves the movie forever and isn't mentioned again.  Dickens does not do this however.  He shows the reader exactly what happens to Belle.  This is a powerful scene.  Scrooge see the life Belle has made for herself.  A life full of joy and contentment.  A life full of love, surrounded by children.  A life Scrooge could have shared with her.  This realization hits Scrooge so hard, he attacks the Ghost of Christmas Past.  And it's the glimpse into Belle's life that opens Scrooge up for a real transformation.

Ghost of Christmas Present.

This is my favorite spirit.  The Ghost of Christmas Present is so jovial.  It makes the reader want to spread a little Christmas Joy himself.

Bob Cratchit's Family.

The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to see how his clerk lives.  Scrooge sees Tiny Tim for the first time and feels genuine compassion for the child.

Tiny Tim's Death.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Scrooge to see Tiny Tim's family mourning over the child's death.  This is a huge contrast to the unfeeling or happy way people are towards the unknown man's passing.

Recommendations:

This is a great story for anyone over the age of 10 years old to read on his own.  I wouldn't recommend this book for younger readers merely because the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a bit creepy.  It's a great book for the family to read together.  And the story itself is not very long (only 114 pages).

Rating:

This story is timeless.  The theme never gets old.  And in the rush of the Christmas season, A Christmas Carol
is a great reminder of what's truly important.

A Christmas Carol rates a MUST READ AGAIN.

Until next time, happy reading.

And a very Merry Christmas.

Or as Tiny Tim would say, "God Bless Us, Every One!"

Books Make Great Gifts

By Solana Cortez

Christmas is around the corner and people are out getting gifts for everyone on their lists. Children have written and rewritten their letters to Santa asking for the latest toys or coolest clothes. The ladies are hoping for that pretty necklace that they see in the jewelry store window or a ring from that special someone. And the guys are hoping for some power tools or that large screen T.V. Everywhere you go, the sound of Christmas music is permeating through the air.

If you are like me (which I suspect, since you are reading this blog), then reading is one of your passions and you want to be able to spread that passion around this Christmas. So I have sat down and compiled a list of books that would make great gifts this season.

1. Where The Wild Things Are.

I know this book has been made into a movie. Why not give your child (and some adults) the book. The reading is quite simple. Only one or two lines per page. And the illustrations are great. It's one of those books that is timeless. And no matter what your kids say, they will never truly outgrow it.

2. Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs.

Another book that has been made into a movie. I found it quite fun to read when I was growing up. I actually found myself wishing that meals would fall from the sky each day.

3. Anything Doctor Suess.

Youngsters never tire of the rhymes. The words are easy to follow for beginning readers. And they give the young at heart a smile. You can pair these books with a video and some popcorn for an extra treat.

4. Chronicles of Narnia.

This is a timeless series. Young and old alike will enjoy it.

5. Redwall Series.

What's more fun than reading about battles between animals. And the banquets. The detail is great. These books are great for children starting at age 10 to read on their own. Also great for parents to read to their younger childern. The books can be read in almost any order.  Just remember to include a snack since these books will make you hungry.

6. Little House In The Big Woods Series.

Another classic series. Great set of first novels for children. Easy to read, but doesn't skimp on detail. Not just a series for girls. Laura is pretty much a tomboy. And Farmer Boy is about her husband growing up on a farm.

7. City of The Beasts, Kingdom of The Golden Dragon, and Forest of The Pygmies.

 

 

This series of books are by Isabel Allende. Can usually be found in the junior section of the bookstore. Very hard to put down. They would be great for the Fantasy reader in your life. While they are considered young adult type of books, adults will more than enjoy them and they can be read to younger children (if their attention spans can handle it).

8. Ender's Game.

For the Science Fiction reader. It's a great read. Not too difficult, but is not a dumbed down book by any means.

9. Earth Sea Series.

For the Fantasy reader. Great detail. These books transports the reader to another world where magic exists and rules must be followed to keep it balanced.

10. Pride and Prejudice.

Great classic for females on your list. Even some guys I know have enjoyed it.

11. The Odyssey.

Another classic. Hard to put down. Angry gods, seductive gods, monsters, a man beating the odds to return to his family no matter the cost. A great story that's timeless for a reason.

12. Edgar Allan Poe Collection.

For the dark and deary reader on your list. This collection contains both his short stories and his poems. I believe every reader should have a dose of Poe within his lifetime.

Of course this is only a short list of the great books out there to give as gifts. I had to narrow things down just to these ten. If I had listed every book that would make a great gift, no one would one to read this post.

Hopefully this list inspires you to give the gift of reading this Christmas.

Until next time. Happy Reading.