Rating: 
Summary: Worth a tax deduction...but not your time.
Review: Grisham has wisely decided to return to his roots with his most recent legal thriller, and that's where he ought to stay. While he is gifted in that particular genre, his attempts beyond have been disappointing. Skipping Christmas is the best example of all. If you bought this book because you wanted to contribute to the 9-11 charity it's proceeds go to--I applaud you. If you bought it for a short, fun read, I sympathize with you. I don't say this to be unkind, I believe Mr. Grisham may actually have thought he had a handle on the story. So I will break this to him gently--you didn't. Characters need just that, character. These were so one dimensional, and their actions so predictable, it was painful to read. But I did (shame on me). I kept thinking, surely, a unique twist or two is lurking only a page away. Nope. No unique twists, no revelations, no unexpected chuckles.
If you are thinking of reading this book, let me say this. Imagine for a moment, you and your spouse decide to skip Christmas--your only child won't be home--and take a cruise. The vast majority of your neighbors, friends and business associates have not progressed, emotionally, past the age of ten. They don't understand, they take it personally--what motivates them? Who knows, who cares. Throw in your child's sudden decision to return home, very unexpectedly, on Christmas Eve. Imagine all the hilarious mayhem that ensues. Got it? That's about all there is. Save your money, contribute to the charity of your choice, and read something else.
Rating:
Summary: Flat, flat, flat!
Review: Like other reviewers, I had great expectations from this book. Not just because it's a Grisham work. The first several chapters set the stage for a fantastic, groundbreaking story. The very thought that one couple's idea to go out of town for Christmas would cause such a stir is, indeed, hilarious.Once the fantastic stage is set, however, everything goes downhill. Near the beginning of the story -- as the adventure begins -- it's easy to sympathize (and empathize) with the characters. At the end, frankly, I couldn't wait for them to shut up, celebrate the holiday their own way, and tell their lousy neighbors to butt out. You don't need to have your lawn and house aglow to Celebrate the holiday. You don't need a tree in your house. You just need your family. And that's the message I was hoping would be intrinsic to this dog of a book. Oh well. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Ptooey.
Rating:
Summary: sentimental drivel
Review: This was too silly for grade school reading group. I couldn't believe Grishman was the author (at least not a grownup Grisham). Did he write this as a pre-teen. Stereotypical goody-goody characters and stupid people doing stupid things. Ugh.. I think I'll celebrate Christmas and skip Grisham!!!
Rating: 
Summary: I am so pleased!
Review: This story is a departure for John Grisham, moreso than that of "A Painted House." The book is easy to read and enjoyable. That said, this review is for the Limited Edition I received today. My family will cherish this for years to come, I suspect. My immediate family as well as my aunts, uncles, cousins and etc. know of my strong affinity for John Grisham, and it is an honor for me to own #28 of the 350 copies available worldwide. If you get the chance to buy one, perhaps from an auction site, do so. The book comes boxed in a cloth slip cover, numbered and signed by Mr. Grisham himself. Receiving this special item causes me to forgive him for writing "The Brethren!" Even if you don't care for the story at all, attempt to procure this wonderfully handsome book. I haven't decided where in the house I'm going to display it, but folks at work are already wanting to see it. Thank you, John, for signing my copy. Keep up the good work!
Rating:
Summary: I Can See This as a Chevy Chase Movie
Review: Luther Krank has a brain storm and convinces his wife, Nora that since their daughter could not be with them this Christmas, that going on a cruise would be a nice change from their usual holiday celebrations. Living in a very conventional and pro-Christmas decorating type of neighborhood, the Krank's quickly find out what their neighbors think about their "skipping Christmas" attitude. This is quite different from the other books written by John Grisham, but it shows that he can handle writing humor. This was a Christmas gift from Jen & Chris, and was thoroughly enjoyed. Don't miss this book, it makes you take a long look at the commercial side of Christmas.
Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK ...
Review: I bought this book as a nice, little surprise for my wife at Christmas. "What a nice little picture on the cover," I said to myself when I bought it. "She's always liked Grisham novels", I said to myself as I wrapped it in gold foil paper. "This will be so funny, I can't wait," as she opened it. DAMN! What a piece of...! This "book"... so badly, I'm still mopping the floor. This is without a doubt the worst book I have ever read. I cannot believe it ever got published, and millions of us bought a copy. If Grisham is even interested in redeeming himself in the public eye, he should donate every penny from the sales of this book to a worthy cause.
Rating: 
Summary: Cute Story
Review: Ok, I wasn't too sure about buying the book, but I did and thought it was well worth it. I needed a little time out to read something cute. My mother told me that she thought the book was cute so I thought I would try it. Well, I thought the book was delightful. It's true how much you spend on Christmas get's out of control. It was just a silly book but very well written. I would say, you want a little funny reading, read this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Skipping Christmas? NOT!!
Review: I viewed the first 2 chapters on the net. I admit, I was hooked! I couldnt wait to get my hands on the book. When I finally received it, I was alittle disappointed that the book was so small, I read it in 3 hrs. The beginning was excellent, but as I got to the end, boy was I disappointed! I find myself feeling like Luther Krank, just wanting to skip it all together. The way he describes the hassle and expense of the whole over-rated, commercialized (def. to exploit for profit) holiday, I surely related to all this. As I approched the end, I thought "Oh no, NO NO No! But I guess the moral of the story is, Christmas is not the hassle and expense that comes with the holiday, but the spirit of sharing and Love.
Rating:
Summary: A real treasure!
Review: I can't say enough about this book! I laughed so hard in some spots I almost cried. I totally related to the main character. He is so pathetic, and yet so lovable at the same time. This book is a MUST READ!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely delightful!
Review: I loved the story, but having read some of the negative comments I can't help but wonder what has happened to our sense of humor?
True, this little book is not written in the typical Grisham style but nonetheless, it's a refreshing change and a short but sweet read. Exaggerated comical satire, with shades of the late whimsical Erma Bombeck, prevail throughout the story as a former yuppie couple are suddenly faced with the cold hard facts of 'empty nest syndrome'. The husband conjures a brainstorm scheme to skip Christmas the year their daughter leaves the nest to embark on a new adventure to Peru with the Peace Corps. He convinces his wife that in lieu of spending the usual astronomical sum for Christmas commercialization in the way of expensive gifts, elaborate outdoor lighting, lavish dinners and parties to instead indulge themselves in a luxury cruise to the Caribbean. However, the neighbors in this tight knit community are diehards in their Christmas traditions and spirit. When they find out, they rebel and subtley do everything possible to make their life miserable. Despite my many outbursts of hearty laughter as the story unfolds, the unpredictable ending actually left me with misty eyes and a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
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