Rating:  Summary: Better than The Burbs! Review: This was a laugh-out-loud book. I have read many Grisham books and was not expecting the humor. Towards the end of the book the story turned so funny it reminded me of the Tom Hanks movie, "The Burbs." This book can be read in one long night...you don't want to put it down. I loved the twist at the end! I plan to give this book to many on my Christmas list...not skipping it this year!
Rating:  Summary: Compellingly Real Review: Grisham takes a cold and hard look at the over-materialism rampant in the celebration of Christmas today. The characters are real, the challenges that someone would face trying to distance themselves from all the hubbub that is modern Christmas is highly believable. A very well written and thought out book - if a little short.
Rating:  Summary: Satirically Entertaining Review: In this satirically entertaining book, John Grisham presents Christmas, a season of joy and much-celebration, through an entirely different perspective. Skipping Christmas shows us just how insanely chaotic the holiday has become. Luther, a grumpy accountant, and Nora, his obliging wife, are the Kranks, a wealthy couple who have a daughter off in Peru and a season of restlessness, headaches and mayhem fast approaching. So, they come up with an idea, to skip the holidays all together; to skip the crowded malls, hectic schedules and enormous bills and take a cruise down to the Caribbean. There is only one problem, their neighbours. Being that the Kranks house will be the only one on Hemlock Street without a Frosty on the roof, or even a Christmas tree, the neighbours are horrified and you will laugh out loud as the Kranks go through the pressures to conform and finally conclude in a tense, yet comical ending. This is not one of Grisham's usual novels about lawyers and juries and drama, nor is it his best but, Skipping Christmas is quick and fun and can be enjoyed by even teenagers like myself. It is a delightfully amusing book for those who understand the chaos and frenzy that have become a part of our holiday tradition.
Rating:  Summary: A humorous look and the frenzy of Christmas Review: This book caught my eye last year, but I never got around to reading it. I found it this year and absolutely loved it. It was a very quick and easy read. Everyone can relate to the frenzy that surrounds Christmas and this book puts a humorous spin on it.
Rating:  Summary: Skipping Christmas Review: A light-reading Christmas novel with a cute plot. I recommend it if you want to read something short (several hours) and yet get in the mood for Christmas. Great to read in the airport, during lunch or in a waiting room. I couldn't put it down until I was finished. It made me think of the real meaning of Christmas without being too religious or heavy.
Rating:  Summary: Great holiday book Review: John Grisham gives us a holiday thriller. Nora and Luther decide to skip Christmas when their daughter leaves for Peru. Luther books a trip for a cruise in the Carribean when an unexpected visitor is received.
Rating:  Summary: Good, quick satire Review: Skipping Christmas can be divided into two parts. The first is spent building the anticipation of what a wonderful idea it would be to skip Christmas. All the insanity of the holiday season is exposed, making you feel tired just thinking about it, and relieved for the characters who are going to be able to avoid it. However, a plot element that was fairly easy to see coming occurs and derails their plans, which makes the second part of the book. Though predictable, this second part is quite funny. If you ever thought skipping Christmas might be a good idea, or if you just don't enjoy the holiday season, then this is a good read. If you love everything about the holidays, then skip the book. You wouldn't get it, anyway.
Rating:  Summary: fabulous little book Review: This book was very comical, and reminded me of some christmases past with my own family. I would definetely recomend reading it. Although, the story is kinda slow in coming to the plot, it is an easy read. Not much mystery involved however. Being that its a John Grisham novel I sort of expected it to pack a bit of a punch in that category. Some of the scenerios that Mr. Krank went through actually made me laugh out loud. In all its a very good book.
Rating:  Summary: An Easy but Pleasant Read Review: As John Grisham is one of my favorite authors, and a friend had reccomended Skipping Christmas to me, I decided to spend a few hours reading this skinny novel. I was told that it was "hilarious", and even though it was September and nowhere near Christmas, I decided that I could use a light book to break me from the heavy reading I'd been doing.I wouldn't really describe the beginning of the book as hilarious, but it did describe how Christmas has gotten entirely out-of-control. However, near the middle to the end of the book, I found myself cracking up after every sentence. If you're looking for a light and funny read, Skipping Christmas is a must.
Rating:  Summary: Lighthearted and humorous Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this light satire. I think many people can identify with Luther Krank, fed up with the expense, commercialism and stress of the Christmas season and desiring nothing more than to just skip it altogether. Yet, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for - you just might get it! I especially enjoyed the scenes with the crazy neighbors competing over the Christmas decorations ( I wonder if Clark Griswald lived on Hemlock Street?) Not to mention the hilarious sales pitches Luther must fend off for everything from fruit cakes to calendars. The premise of this book is not new but it's a cute story and will make you smile. And possibly take your mind off counting the number of shopping days left till Christmas!
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