Rating: 
Summary: A quick, entertaining read
Review: This is a quick reading book. The characters are very believable. I, personally, didn't see a problem with them wanting to "Skip Christmas". Heck sometimes I think that would be fun. However, I must say that I found the ending to be a bit predictable. Even thought it was predictable, it was still humorous. I, myself, have never been a big fan of John Grishim...but this book was the exception to that rule.
Rating:
Summary: Where is the CHRIST in CHRISTmas?
Review: Loved this diversion from legal thrillers. Grisham proves to be an entertaining author giving us what is possibly his personal take on a holiday that's emphasis has moved from the Christ-child to the shopping mall. GREAT little read -- especially during the holiday season when you just cannot take one more traffic jam or office party!!
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Summary: A good first Christmas Story from Grisham.
Review: John Grisham, famous author of the courtroom drama novels, has branched out yet again with this book. The first try at a holiday story for Grisham sees him write a funny story with a good moral. The book is an easy and quick read. Set at Christmas time, the book analyzes all the "craziness" that accompanies the Christmas season and what would happen if we chose to skip Christmas for one year. It is easy to relate to many parts of the story, and you will see yourself, your neighbors, your family, in the characters of the story. Hopefully though, if you have paid attention to the story's moral, you will realize just what Christmas is really about by the end of the story. A good book to read during the Christmas season as a reminder to enjoy the holiday for what it really is, and not what it has become.
Rating: 
Summary: Grisham Attempts Sitcom & Fails
Review: It's rare that I don't finish a book that I've bought, but this was one of those. After it got to a point of total non-believability, much like a ridiculous sitcom in which the characters dig their own holes, I slammed the book shut and gave it to someone else. There are too many real stories, with characters and plot development and great writing, waiting in my library. This could have been a snappy, tautly-written commentary on misplaced values, but instead it was a draggy story of predictable (but not very realistic) human behavior. It was hard to like a single character or care what happened to any of them.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't buck the trend!
Review: I wasn't sure what to expect from Grisham, with this work being very different than his usual writing. But I couldn't put it down as I found it to be very exciting and funny. It flows very well from one paragraph to the next, and from one chapter to the next. I was really curious to find out how one family would try to avoid the Christmas celebrations. A great and light read, if you just want to get away from the everyday hubbub.
Rating: 
Summary: Have Yourself a Merry (?) Little Christmas....
Review: O-kay, let's be honest. This book is not going to win any literary awards, but that doesn't mean it lacks charm. Take the book for what it's worth....a very short, semi-charming, little Christmas tale. I laughed at cranky Luther, could associate the goody-goody neighbors with people I know, and although the book lacks character depth, in the end you get a little lesson of the "meaning" of the holidays. I wouldn't pay 20 bucks for the book, but wouldn't mind a trip to the library for it.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious
Review: Although this is not typical John Grisham, edge of your seat writing, I thought this book took a humorous look at what we put ourselves through every Christmas. On man's quest to skip Christmas - can he actually pull it off with the rest of the caroling world practically knocking down his door?
Rating:
Summary: Comic Relief
Review: This is a very fun, light and unusual book. With everything being so serious now, the last thing we need is another solemn, dignified, law "thriller". (Nothing against Grisham's other books. They're not bad.)You don't have to put much thought into this lighthearted romp, and the moral is simple. The surprise at the end, of course is makes you realize that you actually cared about the characters. You will probably find out what the surprise is if you read the reviews by all the readers below, because they describe every little detail in the story (including the ending) so trust me & free yourself from the stack of reviews below, so should you choose to purchase this book, the little voice in the back of your head won't plague you, singing "You know the ending. You know you do. You know exactly what is going to happen. In fact...."
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Summary: Fun Book, but I have a QUESTION
Review: I bought this book as a gift for my daughter, then decided to read it myself. I enjoyed it, and identified with the main characters.
However, I have a question for any of you out there who also read this book; what was the significance of the character "Marty"? Remember, Nora met him in the grocery store and could not remember his name. He seemed to know her and also Blaire. He later came to their party and sang songs with the new son in law. He was described as having an "orange and grey beard".
His name was only mentioned as being overheard when he introduced himself to someone at the party. HELP! This is driving me nuts, is there a sub-plot here?
Thanks,
Margaret
Rating:
Summary: If Christmas is a frustrating time for you...
Review: If Christmas is a frustrating time for you, then you will really enjoy this book. I've always been frustrated by the commercialization of Christmas, as well as the expectations that I decorate my house, send a card to everyone I've ever met, etc. I found this book to be hilarious, and if you're like me, you will too. I wasn't thrilled by the "surprise" (which is given away in many of the reviews below), which is why I subtracted one star from my rating. Sure, it's not a classic Grisham legal thriller, but it was a fun diversion, a quick read, and left me smiling during another frustrating Christmas season.
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