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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
This is a short story that no publisher wanted. So, it was privately printed in 1943 and distributed as a Christmas card to a select group of friends. Somehow a copy found its way into the hands of a Hollywood producer and the author was stunned to get a telegram saying the movie rights had been sold! It took three screenwriters and a director and lead actor who believed in the story to eventually produce It’s a Wonderful Life (directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart).
To mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie, Stern’s daughter had the story published in a deluxe edition, complete with wonderful illustrations by Scott McKowen. The Afterword, wherein Marguerite Stern Robinson explains how her father’s short story became the iconic movie, is a great companion to the familiar story of one man’s realization that his life really does matter.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie, Stern’s daughter had the story published in a deluxe edition, complete with wonderful illustrations by Scott McKowen. The Afterword, wherein Marguerite Stern Robinson explains how her father’s short story became the iconic movie, is a great companion to the familiar story of one man’s realization that his life really does matter.
melissaverasreads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
This was very cute, heartwarming short story :)
This was very cute, heartwarming short story :)
audgepodgeroma's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lara_bookella's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Mi aspettavo molto di più. C'è qualcosa della dolcezza e del calore del film tratto da questo libro, ma in realtà la storia è molto meno intensa e coinvolgente, forse anche a causa della brevità del racconto (il libro conta meno di 100 pagine). Tutto sommato l'ho trovata una lettura gradevole, ma niente di più.
polly_zilhaver's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
meme_too2's review against another edition
5.0
I found this short story online. There is much more story in It's a Wonderful Life, but this is a sweet story that most definitely shows us that everyone lives a worthwhile life.
rmarcin's review against another edition
4.0
This book was the basis for the movie, It's A Wonderful Life starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. The book was sent as a pamphlet Christmas card by the author to friends. It is very similar but not exactly the same as the plot in the movie.
The short story is wonderful, but I like the expanded version of the movie better. I really enjoyed the afterword by the author's daughter. It really brought the book and the subsequent following due to the movie to life.
This is a perfect holiday read.
The short story is wonderful, but I like the expanded version of the movie better. I really enjoyed the afterword by the author's daughter. It really brought the book and the subsequent following due to the movie to life.
This is a perfect holiday read.
gordonstanheight's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
mayareadsitall's review against another edition
4.0
I'd rate the novella 3 stars for its concise and straightforward story that inspired "It's A Wonderful Life." It zeroes in on the central theme of life evaluation, effectively conveying self-worth, the impact of actions, and the importance of life—themes also present in the movie. However, due to its brevity, character development falls short compared to the film adaptation.
Overall, it was an intriguing read, offering insight into how the visual medium enriches the narrative with humor, drama, and sentimentality, all while preserving the core messages that make it a beloved holiday classic. I'd add another star for the extra chapters beyond the novella, which delve into the story behind the making of "It's A Wonderful Life" and the ensuing discussions because it's one of my favorite movies of all time.
Overall, it was an intriguing read, offering insight into how the visual medium enriches the narrative with humor, drama, and sentimentality, all while preserving the core messages that make it a beloved holiday classic. I'd add another star for the extra chapters beyond the novella, which delve into the story behind the making of "It's A Wonderful Life" and the ensuing discussions because it's one of my favorite movies of all time.