by John Grisham
The Grinch wasn't the only one who wanted to cancel
Christmas.
Reviewed by: Helen Harvey
About Helen Harvey
With the holiday season fast approaching, and
monumental credit card statements following fast
behind, the idea of skipping Christmas is not
altogether unappealing. Let's face it, who wouldn't
want to avoid the forced politeness of get-togethers
with the in-laws, the football-like scrimmage with
fellow shoppers for that last remaining turkey in the
freezer at the local supermarket, not to mention, the
disappointed look on your spouse's face as you realize
that, yet again, you chose the wrong gift.
When, hardly filled with the spirit of the season,
curmudgeonly Luther Crank is informed by his daughter
that she won't be spending Christmas at home, this is
the final straw to break the camel's back, or
Luther's, at least. Tired of the commercialism, and
three-ring-circus that Christmas has become, he
informs his wife Nora that Christmas is cancelled, and
that they will, instead, be taking a vacation in the
sunshine. Despite Nora's protests Luther hurtles
towards December 25th full throttle in Grinch-like
mode. Not a greeting card is sent, no gifts are
bought, no tree is adorned with decorations, and every
chance Luther has to upset the local community with
his miserliness is exploited to the full.
Of course, no Christmas novel can fail to end happily,
and this is no exception. A short but enjoyable read,
it highlights the excesses of the season in wry and
comedic style.
An obvious departure from Grisham's usual fare, take
some time out from trimming the tree, and wrapping the
gifts, to put your feet up, enjoy a glass of eggnog,
and read this salutary tale, before the in-laws
descend upon you, and the turkey needs stuffing.
Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Skipping Christmas
Copyright © by Helen Harvey, 2002
Reviewed by Helen Harvey:
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