Rating: 
Summary: A Different Side to J. Grisham
Review: I picked up this book for the holidays, expecting to see what Grisham could develop aside from law. This book had me laughing on every page. One of the best comedies I've read, and I'll read over in each coming christsmas year. Funny and an entertaining read
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Summary: An unsmiling, grim little tale
Review: A Grisham fan, I looked forward to a different style of novel from him. What I found was an interesting premise but a really mean story. I found the characters hypocritical - those who were "in the spirit" demanded conformity from all and terrorized those who didn't. Without missing too much, I skipped a chunk of the story in the middle and read the ridiculous ending. Unfortunately, it was as slapstick as any "Christmas Vacation" movie and as unbelievable. The only skipping I would recommend is this book altogether.
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Summary: Not The John Grisham We're Used To
Review: This book is a walk on the light side for John Grisham. It's very different for him. I enjoyed it. His presentation reminds me a lot of the already well known "Its A Wonderful Life" and the becoming well known "West Point:.." by Norman Thomas Remick. Like those two stories, "Skipping Christmas" cleverly informs an important contempory issue by using an easy, refreshing presentation. Hats off to Grisham for being so clever to recognize the irony that Americans would love to skip the hassles of Christmas and therefore will read about skipping Christmas but, in the end, will show their true colors by buying his "Skipping Christmas" ----- for Christmas.
Rating: 
Summary: skipping christmas
Review: The book Skipping Christmas was an exciting and out of the ordinary novel, about a husband and wife that decide to skip Christmas for one year. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you skipped all the presents, lights (decorations), and most of all the amount of money that you spend? If you have, you should definitely read this book because it is fun and something way out of the ordinary. If you are the person who likes to read about unusual things that people do, then you will absolutely love this book.
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Summary: My Next Big Christmas Present
Review: I have now discovered what to give for Christmas this year! My step-parents, cousins, acquaintances, and -laws both in- and out- are all getting a copy. I loved it!
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Summary: One of the worst "Christmas" books ever!
Review: I made the unfortunate mistake of buying two copies of this book last year -- one to give as a gift to a dear friend, the other to keep for myself to read over the holidays. Big Mistake. Had I known in advance what a piece of dreck this is, I'd have saved a lot of money and embarassment. I bought this because I really enjoyed "A Painted House," and am always a sucker for a good Christmas read. Boy was I wrong. If this book had been written by Joe Schmuck, it would have been heaved into the reject pile by every editor in town. However, because it has the highly bankable Grisham moniker, it managed to see light of day. The cardboard characters that inhabit this book seem pulled from some surreal 1950's "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" world, but without the charm or humor. The relationships between the couple and their daughter are ludicrous. The writing is banal, and the simplific plot comes across like a bad TV movie starring the cast of Seventh Heaven. If you like good writing, good Christmas stories, or humorous books, you can safely skip this one, because you'll find none of the above. However, if you loved "The Christmas Box" or "The Bridges of Madison County," you'll probably love this book and should order a dozen or so for your nearest and dearest. Otherwise, I'll offer some suggestions for alternatives, especially if you're seeking a gift for a special friend: 1) "Zippy," by Haven Kimmell, is excellent, and although not a classic Christmas tale, will warm your heart with great writing and a story of small-town Americana, with an excellent Christmas ending. 2) "Bluebird" a CD by the Cambridge Singers, is absolutely heavenly music that will transport you to another realm. Also not a classic "Christmas Carol" collection, the music truly celebrates Christ's arrival and Mary's role in it all. The first song in particular is a favorite. 3) "Winter's Dance," a CD by Golden Bough, is truly one of the best collections of Christmas music ever made. Golden Bough performs around the world, on a variety of instruments, with truly magical harmonies, all done with a Celtic twist.
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Summary: Charming and lighthearted Christmas tale.
Review: John Grisham is certainly capable of surprising his readers. "Skipping Christmas" is a big departure, both in theme and style, from the author's earlier works. It is a seriocomic look at one couple's attempt to cut Christmas out of their lives for just one year. Luther and Nora Krank have always pulled out all the stops for Christmas. They always buy a beautiful Christmas tree and throw a lavish holiday party. However, this year, Luther Krank has decided that he would rather not spend thousands of dollars on preparing for the holiday. Instead, he decides to skip Christmas altogether. No tree, no decorations, no donations to the police department, and no fancy party. He and his wife will use the money that they save to take an exciting Caribbean cruise. The Krank's neighbors are scandalized and furious, since they believe that Luther and Nora have selfishly turned their backs on sacred tradition. Grisham captures the feeling of living in a small town. He shows that although the inhabitants of small towns may at times be clannish and judgmental, they can also be very kind and supportive of one another. Luther, as his name implies, is somewhat cranky, yet he is at heart a kind and caring man. Although Luther's wife agrees to his "skipping Christmas" plan, when things change, Nora shows that she has an iron will of her own. Grisham's "Skipping Christmas" is a sweet and touching story about the true meaning of the holiday season. The author's gentle humor and his understated message make this a delightful book that is sure to entertain readers of all ages.
Rating: 
Summary: less than average
Review: since i have read all of grishams other books, i felt obligated to read this one. i am glad that it wasn;t too long because it seemed less than average in terms of grishams typical style. i think that he has a knack for writing, but i think he is better in writing the suspenseful type of books rather than the non suspenseful types... this is a pleasant enough story but nothing to write home about or tell others about...(although i guess that is what i am doing?)
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Summary: A reality check in the middle of the holiday madness!
Review: What a pleasant surprise to discover another side of Grisham's work. Light, fluffy and entertaining, this book is a great satire of the Holiday Season. The characters are very funny, the situations hilarious, and the dialogues right on! It is a mix of "Scrooge" and "Seinfeld" with a touch of "Everybody loves Raymond". It will rejuvenate you and I garantee that upon putting this book down, you will see some of your Holiday traditions in a different light.
A great little gift for hard-to-shop-for people. Entertainment factor garanteed!
Rating:
Summary: Nice little book
Review: I had just finished reading Texas by James A. Michener and was looking for something light and fluffy to read. Skipping Christmas fit the bill nicely. It is a quick read and has some very funny moments. I also appreciated that Grisham kept the language fairly clean. Like others, I think this book is overpriced. I recommend getting it from a used bookstore or checking it out of the library.
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