Because It's Christmas Eve...

...And I'm a sentimental old sot, I'm posting a classic reading for you. Yes I know that makes it sound like I'm not being creative, and I'm not letting a new author have a chance, but there are a few reasons for what I am doing in this post. Not that I really need to validate myself, or really give a reasoning for any of my reading choices. I read because I enjoy reading, but what are the reasons for to-days reading suggestion?

One is that I'm commemorating a memory, and letting you get a glimpse into some of the things that my family is interested in. So, now let me explain and let you in on what's going on today. My father has always liked to watch the old black and white Christmas Carol film when its aired Christmas eve, much to most of our groans and irritated demeanor's, the memory has stuck with me. Now, cable wasn't something we had then, so that's why we often watched whatever was on, which frequently included this story.

Another reason is because it's a well known story, but how many of us have ever actually read it? A Christmas Carol was originally written as a ghost story. In the past Christmas wasn't always about the shiny red paper, and the reindeer with a red nose. There was an undertone of 'the end' of things. It was a celebration during the coldest part of the year, when most things were frozen over, and people were kept inside due to temperatures. Oh, and back then it wasn't like they had tvs or radios either. People then shared stories. And often ghost stories were the most frequent ones told in the flickering light from the different flames.

Yeah, that's what I thought. I'm sure a lot of you have seen some of the movies based on this old tale. I can't even think of all the titles they've come up with, or the variations.

A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
82 pages

I'm sure a lot of you groaned, or have already realized that it was going to be this book. First published in 1843 it really is amazing that it has kept a hold over people's imaginations. As I read the first page of actual story (my copy included a preface and a short biography in the front that took up maybe 4 pages) I realized why it has lasted so well.

The attitudes of the characters are clear, and there seems to be different characters that each reader may love or agree with. (As long as it isn't Scrooge I suppose you're safe.) Impressively there seems to be a good many things in the story that appeal to me, even now. The language is great.

But why read it when there are so many movies based on it? For one thing, reading it is something that can be done in a group if so wished, enabling you to create new opinions about the characters. Not only that you can find ways to make your own interpretations of what a character would sound like. This would definitely be fun to read in the round, passing it around, and hearing how different people express a statement.

Anyways, have a good Christmas eve if that's what you're celebrating.

A different kind of Christmas Carol

Now, I'll let the cat partially out of the bag. This has something to do with a post coming up in a few days. But this particular book didn't really have anything in common with the other. So I'm not going to get in depth about the Christmas Carol junk. But I am going to let you know about my experience reading this novella. And unlike some of the other posts this week, it's not a sex driven romance.

A Vampire's Christmas Carol
Karen McCullough
85 pages

In all reality, this story hasn't got much in common with Dicken's classic Christmas story. Instead the title is a play on words, but you don't find that out until halfway through the story. The main characters are Carol and Michael, and the story examines the events that occur to them on Christmas eve. The reader is offered a window into a sad event because Michael has basically resigned himself to death.

I hope that's caught your interest, because rather than turn this into a pity party for the characters, I want to get a few thoughts out. The story itself is very good. It reads cleanly, and is well thought out. But it SCREAMS Interview with a Vampire like you wouldn't believe. True it has it's own unique solution at the end, but seriously. Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles aren't likely to be supplanted anytime soon.

However, I would like to see more of this authors thoughts and ideas on vampires. Her proposed hierarchy seems as though it may be very complex. Also her suggestion that vampires have an intolerance to human tears is intriguing. What is it about tears that deter, or disquiets the vamp? Are they similar to holy water? Or are they powerful because they represent a primal emotion that humans can express, while vamps cannot?

Even though I was left questioning some things, it was an enjoyable read. The piece may be classified as a romance, but there isn't much of a sexual undertone. It is more idealistic and sweet. That said, mature readers regardless of whether they are t'weens, teens, or adults may find the story entertaining. It was nice to read a Christmas themed piece that had more of a horror edge. After all the mushy gushy romantic stuff it was definitely a pleasant change. If you read this piece, or have already done so, feel free to share your thoughts.
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I'd like to take a moment to remind you that there are only a few more intentional holiday posts left to be made for this year, so don't go anywhere. The fiction programming will be back shortly. I'm also planning some posts on poetry and essays, so you've got that to look forward to in the near future.

Fa la la la la

Yeah, that's right I sound cheerful today. I may not be feeling all that cheerful, but now that I've started listening to my holiday music, I've perked up a little bit.

Anyway for today I'm going to look at something short but fun.

Chills, Kills & Snowflakes
Adam Maxwell
47 pages

Although the piece is short, it actually has a few different stories in it. They evaluate different actions, and the outcomes. Surprisingly it is well written, and intriguing. The main storyline evaluates how the desire to please ones significant other is ingrained into some people.

I am not sure that this story would be appropriate for younger readers, but teens and adults alike would likely enjoy it. Sadly, I wish that the piece had been a bit longer, since some of the ideas presented are slightly refreshing.

Enjoy if you read it, just have fun and be safe this holiday season.

"Disgusting Little Elves"

Did I get your attention? Thought it would. If you want to know what it's actually in reference to you're going to need to read the book am sharing with you today. Why? Because I liked the way those three words sounded together, and they made me laugh.

Bah, Humbug!
Heather Horrocks
96 pages

"A Romantic Comedy Novella"

If you get this book, you're going to find yourself looking at a candy cane sweet story, full of gentle laughs that don't seem to stop. But as much fun as there is in the story, there are also a few sobering ones, that may induce tears. All together in my opinion that makes it a good read.

A unique feature I enjoyed about this book is how the author featured a mothers interactions with her children, straight off the bat. There wasn't a "SURPRISE! There's kids!" moment for the reader. That said, there is no condemnation for her being a single mother either, because we're given an explanation of what happened with her husband. (But I'm not going to spill the beans.)

Another thing I enjoyed was the wonderful way the author described winter fun. It was both clean and imaginative. At half the length of most everyday romance novels, this novella is appropriate for t'weens, teens, and adults. There is no questionable content, at least none that I find harmful to the above reading groups.

Great Story for people that may be having trouble accepting a loss. Though it is a bit heady at times on the topic, if you're sentimental, it's a nice look at the process. It is definitely nice to read a romance novella that was so positive about spending time with family. In short, this is a sweet sentimental piece, anything but 'bah humbug' appropriate.

Another Story with a Moral

I'm going to be lazy today. So only one short story, not a book, not an essay. Although I've been looking for winter stories, but I'm either too picky or the searches haven't been pulling them up. Part of me wants to blame it on being tired ~_~, after all I am only human. I'm honestly exhausted of late.

anyways, on to the story for the day...

Winter Visitor
John T. Gaffield
9 pages

This short horror story has a moral. It gives a winter themed look at how people treat each other. The story also gives a sharp glimpse at the way some folk react to the unknown. It also has an almost familiar feel that the folk who have watched "A Christmas Carol" may see a few similarities. But this story only really has one moral.

Treat others as you'd like to be treated.

I'd recommend this as a story for most readers. There aren't a lot of words that would puzzle young readers. But I do recommend that an older reader verifies that the content is acceptable for their child.

If you read it let me know what you think, it's an interesting short read, even though it is quite short.

These kids are set on Santa

Kids have a tendency to ask for a wide variety of things this time of year. not all of them are always feasible. Some kids that want pets, have allergies and simply can't have them. Other's would like to see people they love healthy again, or a lot of other things.

This particular read is a soft read, aimed at young readers.

All I got for Christmas
Rebecca Shelley
109 pages

This isn't necessarily a book about toys. It's more a book about a group of kids working together to make sure everyone at their school has a chance to see Santa. Basic story is that one of the boys hears their principal say that Santa won't be able to come to the school Christmas party because of the budget. You don't have to worry about disillusioning young ones though, because the author covers her bases.

Very appropriate for grade school readers, it gives short descriptions about winter holidays that different cultures celebrate. This book also examines the idea of consequences, and how thinking outside the box can help a situation.

I am honestly going to say, that if you're having trouble deciding on a book series for a young reader that is a boy, that this is a series they may enjoy. The Smartboys Club books have the same characters as this one (on the most part), and there's no need to worry about whether it might be a bad influence or not, the club is co-ed. Honestly, this is a nice introduction to the collection. My copy was found on the Barnes and Noble Nook Book website, but it's also available on Smashword. (It was free)

To learn more about these books and others that the Author has written, please feel free to visit her website. www.rebeccashelley.com