Skipping Christmas

Rating:
Summary: A Simple Read to Kill a Short Amount of Time
Review: I liked it better than "A Painted House". The characters seemed real, the story amusing, the idea of going on a cruise and skipping Christmas intriguing. I had a real problem, however, with the main character's concern over his daughter's boyfriend's skin color. It was brought up twice and ruined the book for me. Remember how relieved the parents were when they saw that the boyfriend was almost as light-skinned as they were? Did any of you readers out there notice this??

Rating:
Summary: Is this really Grisham?!?
Review: It is my opinion that this book was not written by John Grisham. It is a trite, sappy, story-book style Christmas tale, which is of little interest, especially if one doesn't care much about the holiday. I read it to the end thinking that perhaps there would be a twist, or a surprise plot. Instead, all I found was a childish, happy Christmas story ending.

Don't buy this book expecting Grisham quality or style, or you will be sadly disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: easy pleasant reading with a surprise ending
Review: If you need a book to relax with in front of the TV...one which won't scare you or make it tough to sleep then this is a good candidate. It's very funny and if you are a middle-aged average American, then you'll be able to identify with the problems neighbors can bring. It really is amazing the difficulty skipping Christmas presents and they almost manage it perfectly....almost.

Rating:
Summary: A fun little story
Review: This story reminded me very much of "The Vinyl Cafe" by Stuart McLean, with a somewhat normal family suddenly in the midst of an unusual situation with funny undertones.

A nice young couple sees off their only child who is leaving to join the Peace Corps in Peru for two years. The father, a tax accountant, starts thinking of the upcoming holidays, with all the money and stress that go along with it. Realising what Christmas costs, he and hid wife decide to skip Christmas this year and go off on a cruise instead.

The story revolves around the preparations for the trip, but mostly at the incredulousness of everyone in their neighbourhood who can't believe someone can actually skip over Christmas. And then they receive an unexpected phone call on Christmas Eve...

A very quick read, just the thing to get you (not) started on your holiday shopping this year.

Rating:
Summary: What a quick read!!!
Review: This is the first book I have read by John Grisham. And what I've been told is that this is far from what he normally writes.
I loved it! It should be a motion picture released at Christmas. Definate potential to be a classic book & film. I read this book in two days I couldn't wait to see what happened when his daughter got home. The characters were so realistic. I think the response of the town is exactly how my own townspeople would respond if we skipped christmas!!! I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Grisham's Gift
Review: You will enjoy reading this somewhat short story. I appreciate a book every once in awhile that doesn't take forever to finish.

Rating:
Summary: Not your typical Grisham, but still a good book
Review: As an ex-law student, I always enjoy reading John Grisham's books. Although this one is by no means legal fiction, and will seem incredibly short compared to his other works, it is still a nice tale. I was given it for Christmas last year, and read it that day. It is not as action-packed as his other books, so for some readers it will lack the punch they are looking for and expecting when they pick up a Grisham novel.

Instead of recommending this book to Grisham fans, I would recommend it to Christmas lovers everywhere. It really tries to bring across the true meaning of Christmas, and does so quite well.

(As I mentioned, I read it Christmas day, which is summer in Australia. It was a complete heatwave, and I think I would have enjoyed it even more if it had been snowing outside!)

Rating:
Summary: Just around the corner - the holidays!
Review: I read Skipping Christmas last November and while I wrote my review then, never got around to posting it. Must have been the holidays that interfered. In any event, as the days of summer dwindle down and thoughts turn to school beginning and cool weather, I thought this might be an appropriate time to remember what's around the corner.

As November turns to December who hasn't thought about skipping the holidays, whatever they may celebrate. The very thought of shopping, sending cards, wrapping presents, cooking, baking and then entertaining is cause an anxiety attack even for the calmest of people. Is it any wonder, then, that when I saw this book I just had to read it. Now before you laugh at the name of the author, better known for legal thrillers, allow me to say this is an entertaining title and a perfect read before the holidays.

With their daughter off to Peru to serve in the Peace Corps, and Luther Krank figuring just how much they spent on Christmas last year, he makes the decision to skip Christmas. At first his wife, Nora can't imagine forgoing the rituals and traditions of Christmas. But when Luther proposes a cruise instead, Nora is only too happy to think of sun and surf instead of snow and shopping. At first their decision seems to only affect the Kranks, but soon their neighbors and community observe they are skipping Christmas and now the Kranks must explain their decision which their friends and neighbors. And when the Luther and Nora's circumstances change and these events unfold, Grisham has the perfect opportunity to send his readers a message about the true meaning of friendships and the real spirit of the holidays. For as we all know it's the people in our lives that really count more than the gifts, decorations and food.

This is a worthwhile and most enjoyable read. Just right to spend a few hours with when you're bedraggled from the holidays and start thinking about "Skipping Christmas."

Rating:
Summary: Easy and simple reading!
Review: What a wonderful way to pass a few hours....with a book that has whimsical and delightful portrayals of fun and realistic characters. We can all relate to them on SOME level...and certainly find the humor in the events that occur! Quick, simple, and a lighthearted read. I can see this as a Sunday night primetime movie! Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Not the usual Grisham
Review: This is a delightful little story and unfortunately, probably too true as it describes how hard it would be in this culture to just not celebrate Christmas. Nothing too deep here and no legal intrigue but it's fun. I was cheering for the main characters to make it through the season with no tree, no presents, no parties. May try it myself one of these years. The message in the ending (which I won't give away) is a valuable one.