Rating: 
Summary: Quick read but not believable
Review: This quick, laugh-out-loud funny book really caught me up in the spirit of no Christmas. He makes a novel out of a hypothetical "What if...we skip Christmas silliness?" idea, and makes some good points about the craziness of the holidays. But it seems Grisham didn't care to ever describe the relationship between the main character and his wife, and at the end the book took a completely stupid twist. I mean, who would really rearrange their $3000 Christmas cruise for a kid they'd only not seen for a month who unexpectedly comes home with a (probably temporary) fiance? You'd have to be a sniveling (...)to do something like that, and in the space of a page I completely lost respect for the 2 main characters. I couldn't even laugh at the absurdity of it all because I don't know anyone that would do something so weak and (...). I only gave this book 3 stars because of its easy flow and novel subject idea. Ack!
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyed reading this Christmas Story
Review: I really enjoyed reading this story. This is how I am sure many people feel about the Christmas in things that have to be done. Was there some meaning to the character that was introduced late in the book - Martin. I was not sure what this person had to do with the family or Christmas to them. This book will be out for my whole family to enjoyed this Christmas.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Change of Pace for the Holidays
Review: This novel came in the mail on Saturday and my wife and I had both completed reading it by Monday evening. It's short (176 pages) and takes 5-6 hours to read. More authors should try using the short novel format. I have been so happy with Painted House and now Skipping Christmas as a change of pace from Grisham's legal thrillers. Don't get me wrong, he is still the master of the legal thriller and I'll read The Summons within a week of its release, but with these last two stories, Grisham has proven that he is one of our top contemporary authors, in the same category with Irving and Crichton, at least in my opinion. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a great story that should soon become a Holiday classic.
Rating:
Summary: Great Christmas Read!
Review: Absolutely loved this delightful book! This is just the great type of light reading needed at this time of year. I laughed, I cried, I saw myself and my neighbors. For anyone who has ever thought of 'skipping out', during a frantic holiday season this book puts it all in perspective. I think Grisham is a great writer because he is versatile. Lots of people have one style and theme, and Grisham is showing his readers that he can do a wide variety of literature. I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for a light, folksy, down-home America style book. Grisham, do another one like this for the 4th of July!
Rating:
Summary: Bought 10 copies for friends and family!
Review: Loved it, loved it, loved it! A quick fun read that left me in stitches at times. I'm the original scrooge and was pulling for Luther to make it to the Caribbean all the way. We used to "do Christmas" early and cruise the Caribbean with our teenage boys until high school wrestling practice took over our holiday schedule. I was disappointed in the ending, not because it wasn't fun, but because Luther didn't have the fortitude to stand his ground and make it to the ship on time. Another win for the American Way and a blow for the non-traditional! I just went out and bought 10 copies for friends and family so we can discuss over the coming holiday season.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: funny, entertaining and moving story with a wonderful ending. And I thought this would be another conventional 'Scrooge' story with predictable plot.
Rating:
Summary: A BOOK TO BE READ "BEFORE" CHRISTMAS
Review: OK, it's not your typical Grisham courtroom drama but, once again, he makes a plausible argument for "skipping Christmas" in his latest book of the same title. "Bah Humbug", I said, when first hearing about the book's premise until the plans surrounding the main characters' scheduled departure for the Caribbean sounded so enticing that it left me wondering if they might take me along.While this book is not about doing away with Christmas forever, it's one couple's desire to just skip it, for just one year, and spend the money on a cruise instead. And, why not? Their only child Blair has just left for a stint in Peru with the Peace Corps and they are looking at spending their first Christmas alone in a very long time. But skipping Christmas entirely means not doing anything "holiday" related at all - no cards, no presents, no holiday parties and, most importantly, no rooftop Frosty...the "symbol" of Christmas in their Hemlock Street neighborhood in Illinois. But Luther and Nora KRANK are about to find out what the true "symbol" of Christmas really is -- whether they like it or not. While their friends and neighbors are appalled at their decision to forego the Christmas festivities, Luther and Nora remain stalwart in their resolution of "no Christmas for the Kranks." Grisham throws some humor into many of the scenes as he has the Kranks hiding out in their own home as carolers sing Christmas songs on their lawn and then has them eating lettuce leaves in an effort to lose weight for the trip. But it's the end of the book where the true meaning of Christmas will be exhibited. It's not money spent or gifts bought or Frosty's on the roof. It's much simpler and easier than that. The Kranks will find out that the true meaning of Christmas, in Grisham's story, is that of giving...giving of yourself. And, you'll have a good time reading how they get to this point and hoping, just as I am, that all of us will come to this realization during this upcoming holiday season.
Rating: 
Summary: worst!
Review: I have high respect for Grisham but the he may want to be just writting legal fiction. I am frustrated as I do not see any story or any point to the whole book. I mean the plot is absurd, ending predictable from the very first page and characters are way too out of reality. Disappionted and I am wondering if I am going to ever get a legal fiction out of Grisham! Thanks
Rating:
Summary: quick read, felt like a short story
Review: I've never read any of Grisham's other novels. However, it was due to Grisham's "bankable" name (as one reviewer pointed out) that I even noticed this book at all. The story is very well written and the characters' ideosyncracies add a touch of realism. The main character's frustrations about Christmas and the cost it involves ring a bell. (I would love to "skip" a christmas.) When I read this book, I somehow felt as if it were one of O Henry's short stories. Maybe it's just me. But if you want a quick escape for a few hours on some light reading, then this is a good book for you. On another level, I'm not sure if this novel tries to teach a lesson (if at all). I'm Catholic, and to me, it's trying to say that if I were to pause and reflect a while I'd have realized that a lot of what we do in the name of tradition has no connection to the birth of Christ 2000 years ago. Or maybe this novel has a motivational purpose. It tells you to treat your neighbors (people all around you) right because you never know when you'll need their help.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful Christmas romp
Review: I like to read and watch everything about Christmas. I could not imagine however, that a book by John Grisham could be this entertaining on the subject of Christmas. Each page is filled with fun and and enjoyment. I have felt the way the main character does at some time in my life and I am sure many of the readers of this book will have had these feelings. I have a great deal of admiration for his attitude and his determination. Those whose choose this book with have a wonderful time. The spirit of Christmas lives in this book. Have a Merry Christmas time reading this tale.
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