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169 reviews for:
The Autobiography of Santa Claus: A Revised Edition of the Christmas Classic
Jeff Guinn
3.62 AVERAGE
169 reviews for:
The Autobiography of Santa Claus: A Revised Edition of the Christmas Classic
Jeff Guinn
3.62 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had some high hopes for this book especially the start when it felt like it was going to be appropriately diverse. Instead what I got was a body conscience old man who constantly name drops every chance he gets. Do yourself a favor and just watch The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.
What a fun holiday tale! The Teddy Roosevelt chapter was definitely my favorite, though I love how all kinds of history got woven in. I can imagine reading this every year as part of my Christmas tradition.
One of the most beautiful, heartwarming stories I’ve ever read. All of the historical facts mixed with magic made this book a treasure.
I do love Santa and Christmas. But this book was a joke.
I think it was trying to be a cute way to give the world history as seen through the eyes of Santa. Atilla the Hun making toys? Felix giving info to George Washington to win the Battle of Trenton? Mrs. Claus inspiring Silent Night? Amelia Earhardt being in charge of global navigation and that's why she went missing?
And in the last few pages, was there really a need for Santa to take jabs at Dan Quayle's spelling? Seriously, isn't that joke about 20 years old?
Lame, lame, lame.
I think it was trying to be a cute way to give the world history as seen through the eyes of Santa. Atilla the Hun making toys? Felix giving info to George Washington to win the Battle of Trenton? Mrs. Claus inspiring Silent Night? Amelia Earhardt being in charge of global navigation and that's why she went missing?
And in the last few pages, was there really a need for Santa to take jabs at Dan Quayle's spelling? Seriously, isn't that joke about 20 years old?
Lame, lame, lame.
December’s book club selection traces the history of St. Nicholas from a village in Greece in 280 AD to his metamorphosis to Santa Claus in the U.S. in the 1800’s. The story includes many historical figures such as Leonardo DaVinci, King Arthur, Attilla the Hun and Theodore Roosevelt. The story, told in 24 chapters, is delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hope that Sam will read it also.
Cute book about the traditions and stories we have come to know of Santa Claus!
OK, the only reason I even read this one is because my book club chose it for our December selection. This book proves to me why Dicken's A Christmas Carol is still so popular-- it was the last decent Christmas book written (although The Santa Land Diaries and Skipping Christmas deserve honorable mention).
This book follows the evolution of the Santa Claus myth starting with Saint Nicholas and ending with the Coca-Cola illustrations (which solidified our vision of how Santa looks).
Although the book is sprinkled with historical information about Santa and the how the celebration of Christmas has changed over the centuries, I found the book to be poorly written. The inclusion of famous legends and historical figures throughout the ages was hokey and ridiculous (won't everyone be pleased to know that Leonardo Di Vinci built Santa's North Pole Workshop and Amelia Earhart is now in charge of global navigation for Santa?).
Even the most outlandish ideas presented in the book would have worked better in the hands of a more capable writer...
And OK we get it-- Santa's fat! Did the author have to mention this on practically every page?
What drivel.
This book follows the evolution of the Santa Claus myth starting with Saint Nicholas and ending with the Coca-Cola illustrations (which solidified our vision of how Santa looks).
Although the book is sprinkled with historical information about Santa and the how the celebration of Christmas has changed over the centuries, I found the book to be poorly written. The inclusion of famous legends and historical figures throughout the ages was hokey and ridiculous (won't everyone be pleased to know that Leonardo Di Vinci built Santa's North Pole Workshop and Amelia Earhart is now in charge of global navigation for Santa?).
Even the most outlandish ideas presented in the book would have worked better in the hands of a more capable writer...
And OK we get it-- Santa's fat! Did the author have to mention this on practically every page?
What drivel.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cute, cute story. Loved the historical detail and the idea of Santa building his entourage. Also great way to explain all of the little things about Santa that people ask - why the North Pole, how does he fly, etc.
Maybe a bit predictable/unlikely as more and more people join Santa, but that didn't detract from the story for me.
If I had kids, I could definitely see this book becoming part of our holiday tradition.
Maybe a bit predictable/unlikely as more and more people join Santa, but that didn't detract from the story for me.
If I had kids, I could definitely see this book becoming part of our holiday tradition.