Christmas, Present CD

Rating:
Summary: Brevity is the Soul of Mitchard
Review: As far as I know, this author is noted for long novels; so this short work must be a real departure for the writer who rocketed to fame with "The Deep End of the Ocean" and other hefty narratives. My point is this: "Christmas, Present" might be to Mitchard's work what "The Old Man and the Sea" was to Hemingway's canon or what "The Long March" is to William Styron or what "Sula" is to Toni Morrison. It's a perfectly formed, incredibly concise, deeply moving short novel. This is proof positive that Artie Shaw was right when saying: "Simple is best." NOT simple-minded, but simple in the sense that the story's contours, its characters, the time-frame and the details are all so incredibly right. Yes, it's a family-oriented novel (like Mitchard's other works); and yes it bears down heavily on the intricacies of parent-child relationships and also the connective tissue between a dying wife and her traumatized husband. But the magic here is in the author's control of her material: this book can be read in one long sitting; it's a perfect stocking-stuffer. It's also a short novel that will touch your soul. What a work! Grab a copy w/a box of Kleenex.

Rating:
Summary: A quick, soulful antidote for Christmas bedlam
Review: I recently lost my mother to a disease that moved only slightly less rapidly than Mitchard's central character's, but the reality was much the same. The author manages to capture the pain, urgency and humor of such a time. Those last days with a loved one are both awful and wonderful. The holiday timing only adds to the poignant nature of the book. I also respect the author for the tight prose. Its hard to write a good, short book, but Mitchard manages it while retaining her trademark,every day realism. A smart, mature take on family and life. Just the read if you need a little soulful perspective when you return home from the Christmas bedlam at the shopping mall. Bravo.

Rating:
Summary: Wrap your Heartstrings Around this One
Review: Terribly touching without being maudlin. What makes this little novel such an attention grabber is the main character, Laura who I loved from the start. All the characters in this book are totally believable from Laura's husband Elliot to her mother, Miranda. And the three little daughters will grab your heart and twist it into a big fat knot. Lovely writing from Jacqueline Mitchard - it may be a small book, but it packs a powerful punch.

Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking for all seasons
Review: This is not a book for shallow people. It is sad. But it has a beautiful message. It is not your typical cheesy christmas book please give yourself a gift and curl up with this one when the holiday rush is over. I love this one best of all the Jackie Mitchard books, and I have read them all. it's my personal fave.