Rating: 
Summary: Funny change of pace
Review: If you are a Grisham fan looking for something a little different, don't switch authors, read this book. It is a funny refresher from his legal thrillers. I actually laughed out loud at several points while reading this. It will make you wonder why we do everything we do at the holidays and then show you why. I recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: BORING AND PREDICTABLE!!!
Review: Okay, so I have never read a Grisham book before this. And I assure you, I will not be reading another one. I understand that this is different from the type of things he usually writes. But I can't imagine how anything could be any better. Predictable comes to mind. Dull, another. Not too mention, what kind of writing style is that? It reads like a bad timeline. This happened, then this. The tale of a family whose daughter is away. So, they decide no Christmas this year. Their neighbors get made and try everything to change their minds. I understand this will be a movie. I can see that, but take my advice and wait for that. The book just isn't worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Not so Inspiring - I expected more from a talented writer...
Review: A clever thought, poorly executed. I would have preferred a different ending, rather than a traditional Christmas one that we find in "It's a wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story". Maybe it would be considered black humor, then, but hey, why not go out on a limb and try something new? I've read a few of John's books, great page turners, false drama created by not telling us who the "evil" person behind the story is. And then in one chapter, the person is exposed, and whammo, its over. Nonetheless, I enjoyed those books and that's what counts! This one, however, was just too stereotypical, predictable, and after a while downright tiresome. I really enjoyed the first half of the book because it exposes the mass consumerism rampant during the holidays, something we all should reflect upon. I say, read the first half, until their daughter calls from Florida, and then toss it.
Rating:
Summary: A Christmas Comical
Review: John Grisham's latest book is a humorous story about a couple who decides that they are going to attempt to "skip Christmas." It is very comical in a soap-opera kind of way as it moves through the days of December and the mishaps that encounter them. It is a quick read (one or two sittings) and is successful in delivering the Christmas spirit. This would be a great read if you want to read over the holiday but haven't a lot of time.
Rating:
Summary: An Easy Light Read
Review: I read this book in the space of a day spent flying home after Thanksgiving. It was pleasant and certainly amusing, with a few truly funny scenes. A great book if you want a nice diversion for a little while.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow start, perfect finish. Good movie material
Review: I found this book a little slow to get into but I am a Christian who celebrates a religious Christmas and some of it was wearing a little thin by midbook. The end was what I saw comming, but it was even better. I could see Chevy Chase or Dan Akroyd and Bette Midler in this as a perfect holiday film. This is an excellent gift to the scrooge in your family. Only point in the book that was oddly very inaccurate (shame on someone) is that Methodists do not call their ministers "Father" as the Krank's do in this book. Roman Catholics and high church Episcopalians, but not Methodists as far as I ever heard.
Rating:
Summary: The Truth About This Holiday
Review: Most of today's holidays have become cliched and most of us have forgotten what Christmas is supposed to represent. Instead, we get lost in the mass hysterics of shopping, decorating, cooking, and partying rather than realizing what this holiday really is - a time we can spread peace and love to all. Grisham captures the reality of this madness and while the Kranks do eventually come to realize the true spirit of Christmas, they fall back into the "routine" with renewed vigor, yet knowing that sometimes Christmas, in spite of the competition and madness, is spending time with those that you love. Good job!!
Rating:
Summary: Real people at Christmas
Review: I enjoyed this book so much-especially at this time of year. When the story begins at the airport and Luther is griping about the parking, I knew that the author had experienced such a situation. As it progressed I enjoyed it even more. The people are very real and the humorous way he points out the materialism of the American holiday season is wonderful. Those who look for deeper meaning are missing the point. I never thought of John Grisham as a humorist before this book but he certainly displayed that side of his writing persona here.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Book!
Review: Before telling you my opinon of the book I would like to remind readers of the phrase, "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story." So I believe that although having the Peace Corps located in a spot where it existed in reality may have improved the story for those people who really seem to get stuck on small details, it doesn't degrade the book in any way. I still find it funny and entertaning, although I believe that it isn't among the best of Grisham's novels. If you were to compare it to the novels written by many other authors in the same genre you would find that it is really a wonderful story!
Rating:
Summary: Funny, fun book
Review: We listened to this book on a car trip the Monday after Thanksgiving. It was perfect timing. This is a funny book, but the characters seem real. Listening with others is a great way to "read" this book: you can laugh together.
| 
