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kla413's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
byp's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. Like many other reviews stated, this starts out strong, but gets sillier and less engaging. Cute idea, and a fun holiday read, but I wish either the history were more relevant to the story, or that the author questioned more.
darcys01's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book a lot. Listened to it one chapter a day starting December 1st and recommend doing it that way- it was a lot of fun and an easy daily commitment. Great weaving in of all the lore and aspects of Santa.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book on CD narrated by John H Mayer
From the book jacket This enchanting Christmas Chronicles classic combines solid historical fact with glorious legend to deliver the definitive story of Santa Claus. For anyone who has ever wondered … you’re right to believe in him!
My reactions
I should really pay closer attention to book jacket information. Somehow I expected this to be a light , fluffy, humorous story of the “jolly old elf.” But it is a history of Western civilization told through the lens of the legend that has become Santa Claus. It starts with the birth in 280 A.D. in Lycia (now Turkey) of a baby who would become Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who would be known for his generosity in giving to the poor.
The magic begins when he sets out to travel and give more gifts and finds he can cover much more land than a normal man, and never tire. He meets a beggar / thief named Felix who becomes his first helper. Soon they realize that as long as they continue to give gifts anonymously, they are immortal. Through the years (and the history lessons), they meet and collect a variety of helpers including Attila the Hun, King Arthur, Leonardo da Vinci and Amelia Earhart (among others).
John Mayer’s delivery on the audio is ponderous. He gives so much weight to the history lesson that I grew quite bored. I had a text version handy and read several sections myself rather than listen.
From the book jacket This enchanting Christmas Chronicles classic combines solid historical fact with glorious legend to deliver the definitive story of Santa Claus. For anyone who has ever wondered … you’re right to believe in him!
My reactions
I should really pay closer attention to book jacket information. Somehow I expected this to be a light , fluffy, humorous story of the “jolly old elf.” But it is a history of Western civilization told through the lens of the legend that has become Santa Claus. It starts with the birth in 280 A.D. in Lycia (now Turkey) of a baby who would become Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who would be known for his generosity in giving to the poor.
The magic begins when he sets out to travel and give more gifts and finds he can cover much more land than a normal man, and never tire. He meets a beggar / thief named Felix who becomes his first helper. Soon they realize that as long as they continue to give gifts anonymously, they are immortal. Through the years (and the history lessons), they meet and collect a variety of helpers including Attila the Hun, King Arthur, Leonardo da Vinci and Amelia Earhart (among others).
John Mayer’s delivery on the audio is ponderous. He gives so much weight to the history lesson that I grew quite bored. I had a text version handy and read several sections myself rather than listen.
harperrg's review against another edition
2.0
Started out good, lots of interesting facts about how Christmas came to be. Towards the end it just got to be too much and I lost interest. Had I not been listening to it on a trip, I doubt I would have finished it.
jpaul7383's review
3.0
This was cute. I liked reading about all the history but I felt a little called out. Who says adults can’t still wish for presents from Santa? Felt like he was calling me selfish?! Pfft. I keep the magic alive!
bookedupb's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. It had elements of history and was just a really good read.
noella_t's review against another edition
3.0
Actually, I really enjoyed the book. After reading negative reviews, I was worried. I kind of wish the author had concentrated a little more on more modern times (the Coca Cola pictures, etc.), maybe added a real elf or two. A little more description of the buildings at the north pole would have been nice.
I'm not sure that any book would compare, though, with the wonderful visuals at the beginning of Santa Claus, the Movie - that's still how I picture Santa and his favorite elf, the Dudley Moore character.
All in all, it was nice to imagine along with the author.
I'm not sure that any book would compare, though, with the wonderful visuals at the beginning of Santa Claus, the Movie - that's still how I picture Santa and his favorite elf, the Dudley Moore character.
All in all, it was nice to imagine along with the author.
mybookloveobsession's review against another edition
5.0
Each year I read this book, I love a little more. There is something about know true facts about the magic of Christmas that draws you closer. There is a reason for the season for each person, and some of those reasons may differ. I've enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading it next year!!