Rating: 
Summary: More satisfying than the other holiday tripe
Review: It's a wonderful book, you really must allow yourself to read it.Taking issue w/ other reviewers who gave this one star, here I quote, "One of the things that stood out to me was the fact that main characters were running to a tanning booth before their cruise - but on the other hand the father was afraid that his daughter's Peruvian boyfriend was dark skinned." If you don't find this idea offensive then don't read it... in a few years your humor will mature, and then you can enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book For Busy Holiday Season
Review: Although this book was lacking in some areas, it was a very simple and cute story. It is great for book lovers, who during the holiday season don't have much time to read. It was a quick read, but ultimately left a good feeling with me.
Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining
Review: I received this as a gift and I am NOT a Grisham fan but I truly enjoyed this book. It was written in the spirit of Christmas.
Rating: 
Summary: 'Skipping Christmas' cannot be skipped!
Review: Skipping Christmas has got to be one of the funniest books I've ever read. You'll be laughing the whole way through at the dispense of poor Luther, who is sick of everything Christmas. He hates traffic, presents, ham, turkey, parties, fruit cake, and decorations. All he wants is to skip Christmas altogether. An amazing accomplishement for Grisham. A Must-read book!
Rating: 
Summary: Go to the Library
Review: I will keep this short and simple:
A fun, quick read but save your money and check it out from the library.
Rating:
Summary: different
Review: not having read much of mr grishams work before I didn't know what to expect. I was thouroughly delighted by the characters and the theme for this story. He took an odd situation, with lots of challenges, and brought it to an only conclusion that could happen. Everyone should be so lucky!!!
Rating:
Summary: Christmas is cancelled--or is it?
Review: Skipping Christmas is the first Grisham book I have read. It was a delightful story of the Kranks, who are suddenly empty nesters faced with their first Christmas without their daughter.
When Luther Krank hatches a plan to skip Christmas, the stage is set for mayhem and fun.
Factor in a neighborhood where everyone knows what everyone else is doing, and a bewhildered wife, and you have the makings of a truly great story.
I was able to read this book in 2 hours--it's a fast read, but is quite realistic. You get the feeling that you are actually *in* the neighborhood. You wonder about the mindset of people like Luther Krank. I rate this book at 5 stars for the fact that it is a sweet book with a surprise twist. Marguerite Nico
December 12, 2001
Rating: 
Summary: Skipping "Skipping Christmas"
Review: NOTE: If there was a minus one star I would have chosen that. It seems you will either love or hate this little "story." I just wanted to LIKE it, but alas, its insipid story and two-dimensional characters kept reminding me of an episode of some moronic TV sit-com. I cannot believe an author of Grisham's talent and storytelling ability would come up with a piece of tripe like this. It has all the earmarks of a bunch of publishing suits wanting to create a "Christmas Classic". Who is this book aimed at? Obviously people who drive Lexuses, who live in some kind of mind-controlled neighborhood, who are wealthy with more money than they know what to do with, who spend upwards of six to ten thousand dollars a year on Christmas folderol, and whose personal values are thoroughly selfish and self-serving. Sorry, John, I don't relate to that world. I don't relate to the valueless Christmas or even the kind of sketches you call characters. There is absolutely no self-reflection or self-enlightenment that comes through the "events" this story tries to tell. This is not a satire, nor is it a parable of modern values, nor is it even a good read - it is a clear example of a good first or second draft of something that may have potential if you got rid of the characters, the story, the dialog and the idea. Even the ending (a feeble attempt to be Frank Capra-like) is contrived and maudlin. Skip this book... save your money. Better yet, find a good charity and donate the money you would have spent on this waste of paper and ink.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable reading
Review: I picked this book up on a whim while at Costco. I read it quickly; in one day, I think. I could relate to each and every feeling of the Kranks. Wanting to stop the world and jump off even if it were for just 10 days. I LOVE Christmas passionately but I work at keeping it fun, believable, nearly stress-free and family-centered. It's so easy to want to experience everything and become almost inflexible about how holidays should be. I was really hoping that the Kranks would get to experience their cruise. However, when you have children, you will scale Mount Everest for them. Life is precious and uncertain, especially these days. This book I will keep and re-read during the holidays to remind me of the simple kindnesses of people that you don't always realize until you need help.
Rating:
Summary: Good Beginning, Silly Ending
Review: This one gave me mixed feelings. The beginning was great but the last part almost forced me to put it down. I found myself completely agreeing with the absurdity of Christmas spending and decadent traditions. There's a lot to relate to in the first part of the book. The middle takes a disturbing twist with the subtle and overt coercion of the protagonists (the Kranks). I wanted to tell the Krank's neighbors and friends to "cram it with walnuts." Unfortunately, the last part takes a frustrating turn into absurdity. The marathon events during the last day are completely unbelievable. The "rescue" and heartstring ending is a bit predictable but makes for a warm finish. "A Painted House" was a refreshing and wonderful tale about simple life. This story, however, is not nearly as compelling. It's a decent quick read but is not on my recommended list.
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