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briarsreviews's review against another edition
5.0
If you're looking for a humorous, seasonal book packed full of holiday comedy, you need to pick up A Very Scalzi Christmas by John Scalzi.
I am new to John Scalzi. I have been informed his writing is superb and he can be quite snarky, so of course I was in. To top it off, who doesn't want some Christmas cheer during a time like this?! Even if it is making fun of the whole holiday season! Honestly, this book was exactly what I needed in my life right now.
This collection holds fifteen short stories, poems and snippets that will leave you giggling and breathless. Here's just some of the lovely, little pieces of literature you'll come across (in no particular order):
1. An Interview With Santa's Lawyer - this one was by far the best of the bunch for me. Seeing this lawyer explain Santa's liabilities and how Rudolph screwed everything up had me chuckling the way no other book has managed. It's absolutely ridiculous while being funny at the exact same time. Santa's corporation, his billionaire coal master status, and the elves's union rights are just some of the wildly amusing topics brought up. Not gonna lie, I want an entire book just on this alone!
2. A Bitter November - I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the months go off at each other. Poor November is upset over December and it's shining glory. The personification in this little story could be used in a master class. I'm thoroughly impressed by John Scalzi's writing here, it's too good and too funny.
3. Christmas in July - this one had me guessing for a while what was going on. Why did Santa move Christmas up to July suddenly? We see a peek inside the government trying to figure out why there was a mass home invasion leaving everyone exactly what they wanted. The ending was quick, short and sweet, but I wanted just a little bit more out of it...
4. Interview with Santa's Reindeer Wrangler - the interviews are apparently the pieces of this collection that had me laughing the most. The conversations are so dumb funny and yet perfectly written. It's exactly what you're picture a reindeer wrangler complaining about if he had the job. Rudolph never existed and gave everyone a bad name, and the reindeer positions are actually jobs. It's a super witty take and I applaud John for the cool idea.
It's shocking this book has so many reviews and ratings, because I absolutely LOVED this book. Very rarely can I find a comedy book that keeps me interested the whole way through, and this one did just that. There's satire in here, pure comedy and so many great takes on holidays - and it's not just Christmas!
You don't need to celebrate Christmas to find joy in this book. Since it is so satirical, it's a great way to laugh at the holiday season in general and how ridiculous it can be. So, I highly recommend this book if you love or hate Christmas, if you love comedy and want a laugh, or if you just want a really well written book. Spice of your book shelf with this collection! Everyone will be able to find at least one story in this collection that will have them chuckling and chortling away.
Five out of five stars!
I am new to John Scalzi. I have been informed his writing is superb and he can be quite snarky, so of course I was in. To top it off, who doesn't want some Christmas cheer during a time like this?! Even if it is making fun of the whole holiday season! Honestly, this book was exactly what I needed in my life right now.
This collection holds fifteen short stories, poems and snippets that will leave you giggling and breathless. Here's just some of the lovely, little pieces of literature you'll come across (in no particular order):
1. An Interview With Santa's Lawyer - this one was by far the best of the bunch for me. Seeing this lawyer explain Santa's liabilities and how Rudolph screwed everything up had me chuckling the way no other book has managed. It's absolutely ridiculous while being funny at the exact same time. Santa's corporation, his billionaire coal master status, and the elves's union rights are just some of the wildly amusing topics brought up. Not gonna lie, I want an entire book just on this alone!
2. A Bitter November - I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the months go off at each other. Poor November is upset over December and it's shining glory. The personification in this little story could be used in a master class. I'm thoroughly impressed by John Scalzi's writing here, it's too good and too funny.
3. Christmas in July - this one had me guessing for a while what was going on. Why did Santa move Christmas up to July suddenly? We see a peek inside the government trying to figure out why there was a mass home invasion leaving everyone exactly what they wanted. The ending was quick, short and sweet, but I wanted just a little bit more out of it...
4. Interview with Santa's Reindeer Wrangler - the interviews are apparently the pieces of this collection that had me laughing the most. The conversations are so dumb funny and yet perfectly written. It's exactly what you're picture a reindeer wrangler complaining about if he had the job. Rudolph never existed and gave everyone a bad name, and the reindeer positions are actually jobs. It's a super witty take and I applaud John for the cool idea.
It's shocking this book has so many reviews and ratings, because I absolutely LOVED this book. Very rarely can I find a comedy book that keeps me interested the whole way through, and this one did just that. There's satire in here, pure comedy and so many great takes on holidays - and it's not just Christmas!
You don't need to celebrate Christmas to find joy in this book. Since it is so satirical, it's a great way to laugh at the holiday season in general and how ridiculous it can be. So, I highly recommend this book if you love or hate Christmas, if you love comedy and want a laugh, or if you just want a really well written book. Spice of your book shelf with this collection! Everyone will be able to find at least one story in this collection that will have them chuckling and chortling away.
Five out of five stars!
mag_da's review
3.0
I really enjoyed the Interview with Santa's Lawyer and Christmas in July, but the rest was simply ok.
metchap's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
khimaera's review against another edition
4.0
If you're looking for a delightful and heart-warming collection of Christmas tales for the book lover in your life look no further than John Scalzi's A Very Scalzi Christmas. Filled with charming wit, this set of tales from Subterranean Press will have you thinking about the holiday season in a whole new light. You'll be providing the laugh track. In this collection you'll find:
Poor Cousin Chet.
November, who is quite depressed that everybody thinks Thanksgiving is the end of his month. He really deserves some proper respect for those forgotten days between Thanksgiving and December 1st.
Ten holiday specials that time forgot, but should be cherished like the Muppet Christmas Special with President Carter's National Security Advisor.
Interviews with Santa's lawyer, the Christmas Bunny (yes, it's a franchise ruled over by the Easter Bunny who seems like a lost member of the Corleone family), Santa's Reindeer Wrangler who has logistical difficulties with speed traps, and the Innkeeper at the Nativity.
Meet Jangle the Elf who is only trying to do what's right to fulfill Christmas wishes like swapping some PTA bake sale brownies around so a daughter's wish for her mother to be happy is granted in a perfectly practical fashion.
It wouldn't be a Christmas book without some of your favorite song titles like, "I Want a Colonoscopy for Christmas" and learning the true origins of Baby, It's Cold Outside.
Browse through the script notes on the birth of Jesus starring Ariana Grande and Charli XCX so that the story will be more marketable.
Amidst the humor there are heartfelt moments of spreading Christmas joy and kindness due to a scheduling change that brings us Christmas in July, a poetic lesson in learning that giving can be much more gratifying than receiving, and the poignant story of Sarah as her sister is brought into the world.
The book winds up with a helpful and pragmatic list of some New Year’s resolutions. Many of these have previously been published on Scalzi’s blog, but if you’ve not followed it or are looking for a few new tales only to be found here, then this is a stocking stuffer sure to please.
Poor Cousin Chet.
November, who is quite depressed that everybody thinks Thanksgiving is the end of his month. He really deserves some proper respect for those forgotten days between Thanksgiving and December 1st.
Ten holiday specials that time forgot, but should be cherished like the Muppet Christmas Special with President Carter's National Security Advisor.
Interviews with Santa's lawyer, the Christmas Bunny (yes, it's a franchise ruled over by the Easter Bunny who seems like a lost member of the Corleone family), Santa's Reindeer Wrangler who has logistical difficulties with speed traps, and the Innkeeper at the Nativity.
Meet Jangle the Elf who is only trying to do what's right to fulfill Christmas wishes like swapping some PTA bake sale brownies around so a daughter's wish for her mother to be happy is granted in a perfectly practical fashion.
It wouldn't be a Christmas book without some of your favorite song titles like, "I Want a Colonoscopy for Christmas" and learning the true origins of Baby, It's Cold Outside.
Browse through the script notes on the birth of Jesus starring Ariana Grande and Charli XCX so that the story will be more marketable.
Amidst the humor there are heartfelt moments of spreading Christmas joy and kindness due to a scheduling change that brings us Christmas in July, a poetic lesson in learning that giving can be much more gratifying than receiving, and the poignant story of Sarah as her sister is brought into the world.
The book winds up with a helpful and pragmatic list of some New Year’s resolutions. Many of these have previously been published on Scalzi’s blog, but if you’ve not followed it or are looking for a few new tales only to be found here, then this is a stocking stuffer sure to please.
shell_s's review against another edition
5.0
Not sure why spoiler alert automatically appears at the start of this review, since I don't spoil anything?
My advice, do not drink egg nog while reading this collection, or it will come out your nose. You're welcome!
Also fair warning, while it's 98% silliness and poking fun at the absurdities of commercialism, of X-mas carols and lore, and of the classic nativity story, it's not all just quips that make you go "Ho, ho, ho, that's rich!"
You should bring a box of tissues (or hanky if that's your choice) for the heart-wrenching short story "Sarah's Sister." You're welcome.
John Scalzi is one of those speculative fiction writers whose entire canon I plan to read, and usually collect. This holiday anthology did much to boost my merriness during what can become a stressful season---when I lose sight of the wonderful seasonal push for family closeness and good fellowship, and for generosity and kindness, and for child-like wonder, and for quiet reflection on the divine.
My 'hot take' on a handful of the selections...
"Ho, Ho Intro...:" Do not skip this! It contains no spoilers and it briefly presents the author's intentions, his fondness for absurdity, and his genuine gratitude for X-mas and the seasonal spirit. Actually one line sums up the writer's general attitude very well: "I had fun writing them, so I hope you have fun reading them."
"Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace:" A strong start, and so hilarious I want to make reading it aloud at the table a Thanksgiving tradition. The author has a point, we should all be grateful the "predictions" of sci-fi blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Signs haven't come true yet.
"The 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time:" Much playful and clever skewering here that shows a deep knowledge of (and often affection for) the original material. Of course one would expect no less for the fan favorite entry "The Lost Star Trek Christmas Episode: 'A Most Illogical Holiday'" from the mind that gave us Redshirts and rightfully nabbed the 2013 Best Novel Hugo for it.
"An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper:" In which a sarcastic and witty innkeeper sets the record straight for a naive reporter. This is the kind of humor you can expect weekly on the author's long-running blog Whatever here: https://whatever.scalzi.com/ .
My favorite bit was this:
Reporter: The song of that incident suggests the [Little Drummer Boy's] drum went over well.
Innkeeper: Let me ask you. You're a parent, your child has just been born, he's tired, you're tired, people won't leave you alone, and then some delinquent comes by and unloads a snare solo in your baby's ear. Does this go over well?
Christmas in July: Starts out with a funny and heartwarming family scene of kids waking up their parents, transitions into silly and satirical territory (government paranoia in the face of a miracle that threatens domestic and national security), and comes back around to a heartfelt exploration of why the goodwill often called "the Christmas spirit" is vital all year round.
"Christmas in July" and "Resolutions for the New Year: A Bullet Point List" (as penned by a bitter budding mad-scientist) are original to this collection and in my opinion worth the price of admission.
In closing I'd say big fun and laughs come in this small package---it's a great gift to give yourself by reading it, or to anyone, anytime of year and regardless of how you do or don't choose to celebrate the winter holidays.
If you don't take my advice to check this book out, I humbly submit to you that my perpetual closing advice below is still worth your consideration.
WHEN A BOOK BRINGS YOU GOOD CHEER, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
My advice, do not drink egg nog while reading this collection, or it will come out your nose. You're welcome!
Also fair warning, while it's 98% silliness and poking fun at the absurdities of commercialism, of X-mas carols and lore, and of the classic nativity story, it's not all just quips that make you go "Ho, ho, ho, that's rich!"
You should bring a box of tissues (or hanky if that's your choice) for the heart-wrenching short story "Sarah's Sister." You're welcome.
John Scalzi is one of those speculative fiction writers whose entire canon I plan to read, and usually collect. This holiday anthology did much to boost my merriness during what can become a stressful season---when I lose sight of the wonderful seasonal push for family closeness and good fellowship, and for generosity and kindness, and for child-like wonder, and for quiet reflection on the divine.
My 'hot take' on a handful of the selections...
"Ho, Ho Intro...:" Do not skip this! It contains no spoilers and it briefly presents the author's intentions, his fondness for absurdity, and his genuine gratitude for X-mas and the seasonal spirit. Actually one line sums up the writer's general attitude very well: "I had fun writing them, so I hope you have fun reading them."
"Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace:" A strong start, and so hilarious I want to make reading it aloud at the table a Thanksgiving tradition. The author has a point, we should all be grateful the "predictions" of sci-fi blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Signs haven't come true yet.
"The 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time:" Much playful and clever skewering here that shows a deep knowledge of (and often affection for) the original material. Of course one would expect no less for the fan favorite entry "The Lost Star Trek Christmas Episode: 'A Most Illogical Holiday'" from the mind that gave us Redshirts and rightfully nabbed the 2013 Best Novel Hugo for it.
"An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper:" In which a sarcastic and witty innkeeper sets the record straight for a naive reporter. This is the kind of humor you can expect weekly on the author's long-running blog Whatever here: https://whatever.scalzi.com/ .
My favorite bit was this:
Reporter: The song of that incident suggests the [Little Drummer Boy's] drum went over well.
Innkeeper: Let me ask you. You're a parent, your child has just been born, he's tired, you're tired, people won't leave you alone, and then some delinquent comes by and unloads a snare solo in your baby's ear. Does this go over well?
Christmas in July: Starts out with a funny and heartwarming family scene of kids waking up their parents, transitions into silly and satirical territory (government paranoia in the face of a miracle that threatens domestic and national security), and comes back around to a heartfelt exploration of why the goodwill often called "the Christmas spirit" is vital all year round.
"Christmas in July" and "Resolutions for the New Year: A Bullet Point List" (as penned by a bitter budding mad-scientist) are original to this collection and in my opinion worth the price of admission.
In closing I'd say big fun and laughs come in this small package---it's a great gift to give yourself by reading it, or to anyone, anytime of year and regardless of how you do or don't choose to celebrate the winter holidays.
If you don't take my advice to check this book out, I humbly submit to you that my perpetual closing advice below is still worth your consideration.
WHEN A BOOK BRINGS YOU GOOD CHEER, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
cabridges's review against another edition
4.0
Over the years John Scalzi, known primarily for his best-selling science fiction work but almost as much for his snarky blog and social media presence, has written short little Christmas bits for his blog readers. Now they're collected, along with a few new ones, and everyond can see what his blog readers already knew:
John Scalzi is seriously messed up. In a good way.
There are interviews with Santa's lawyer, the Christmas Bunny (it's a franchise, it gets complicated), and the innkeeper who rejected Mary and Joseph and stil doesn't understand why they put the baby in the animals' food trough, lists such as the 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time, some studio notes on punching up the birth of Jesus, and more whimsical ruminations on the holiday season. Plus a tear-jerking emotional story that would seem out of place here except all of his works have heart, somewhere in there. I particularly liked the interview with November, who is really tired of December creeping in sooner and sooner every year.
Scalzi writes with irreverent, silly charm and this collection of Christmas writings will make your yuletide ring, if that's something you're into.
John Scalzi is seriously messed up. In a good way.
There are interviews with Santa's lawyer, the Christmas Bunny (it's a franchise, it gets complicated), and the innkeeper who rejected Mary and Joseph and stil doesn't understand why they put the baby in the animals' food trough, lists such as the 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time, some studio notes on punching up the birth of Jesus, and more whimsical ruminations on the holiday season. Plus a tear-jerking emotional story that would seem out of place here except all of his works have heart, somewhere in there. I particularly liked the interview with November, who is really tired of December creeping in sooner and sooner every year.
Scalzi writes with irreverent, silly charm and this collection of Christmas writings will make your yuletide ring, if that's something you're into.
iamltr's review
5.0
I will admit that I wasnt expecting to get emotional while listening to this, but I was mistaken.
I was driving and heard this part from the reindeer wrangler and literally snorted.
"Where do you get the reindeer from?"
"Craigslist"
The one that got me sniffling was the baby sister story. I knew how it was going to go, but it still got me.
I have to advise people to get the audible version of this book, the full cast made the stories and interviews so much better.
I was driving and heard this part from the reindeer wrangler and literally snorted.
"Where do you get the reindeer from?"
"Craigslist"
The one that got me sniffling was the baby sister story. I knew how it was going to go, but it still got me.
I have to advise people to get the audible version of this book, the full cast made the stories and interviews so much better.
icameheretoread's review
4.0
Found this one on the shelf at the library and decided to give myself a chance to get into the Christmas spirit. This is pretty damned funny, exactly what I expect from Scalzi. I had a clear favorite, A Bitter November- something I was thinking about a lot this November. He just brought it to life.
mayer3417's review
4.0
I read this a year ago n release and decided to pick it up again as I wanted some holiday reading to kickstart the season. I found A Scalzi Christmas just as enjoyable and I know I'll pick it up again in years to come.
It's a short story collection, so there are always some pieces that are better than others. None of then left me feeling I wasted my time. Most are incredibly short in length, this forced me right into the next because I was just having fun.
The pieces are largely quirky with a couple that are downright touching. Scalzi is a sci fi author, for those unfamiliar, but I wouldn't put anything here in that genre. Rather the stories are off the same world as Rudolf and Frosty with more grown-up or real world references interspersed.
It's a short story collection, so there are always some pieces that are better than others. None of then left me feeling I wasted my time. Most are incredibly short in length, this forced me right into the next because I was just having fun.
The pieces are largely quirky with a couple that are downright touching. Scalzi is a sci fi author, for those unfamiliar, but I wouldn't put anything here in that genre. Rather the stories are off the same world as Rudolf and Frosty with more grown-up or real world references interspersed.