Christmas Stories from Mississippi

Rating:
Summary: This Book Would Be Drowned by "Chicken Soup!"
Review: I can, and have, read Faulkner and Welty entirely on my own, so I wasn't impressed by the editor squeezing them into this compilation. The "original," or "lesser known" stories that were added to this book appeared to be floundering between attempting to be "Faulkner-esque" or "Chicken Soup for the Soul" impostors.

There is one thing I can usually rely on when reading stories in the popular "Chicken Soup" series; this is why I keep tissues on hand while indulging in "Chicken Soup." Those stories touch me to such a degree that I know I will be daubing tears from my eyes sooner or later. However, this particular compilation of Christmas stories failed to move me in the same way, or even in a similar way. It was quite disappointing. After reading the other works in this book, I finally understood why the addition of Faulkner's and Welty's work was truly vitally necessary. This compilation wouldn't have sold without them.

To boil it all down (if you'll pardon a bad pun) -- the majority of this book reads like a watered down, generic brand of "Chicken Soup." For the sake of YOUR soul, if I were you, I'd stick with the original. Imitations almost always disappoint, and this book proves that fact. From ranch dressing, to chicken soup, to compilations of short stories -- the original is pretty much your best bet. Especially when it comes to THIS compilation of short stories.

Rating:
Summary: Mississippi Memories Revitalized
Review: This is a beautifully compiled collection of short stories from Mississippi authors, including the writings by both of the editors. Tucker's short story, "CLara's Star," reminded me of much of my Mississippi past, even though I left Mississippi, reluctantly, almost forty years ago. This is a beautiful book and I am still enjoying it. A Mississippi past is helpful, but not mandatory, to become thoroughly engrossed in this book. I cannot recommend this book any higher. It is unfortunate it is so difficult to find.

Rating:
Summary: Mississippi Memories Revitalized
Review: This is a beautifully compiled collection of short stories from Mississippi authors, including the writings by both of the editors. Tucker's short story, "CLara's Star," reminded me of much of my Mississippi past, even though I left Mississippi, reluctantly, almost forty years ago. This is a beautiful book and I am still enjoying it. A Mississippi past is helpful, but not mandatory, to become thoroughly engrossed in this book. I cannot recommend this book any higher. It is unfortunate it is so difficult to find.