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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Nostalgia and the magic that can be found in odd connections. A quick read about a tough childhood and holiday memories, made best by those we are closest to.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
~I received this book free from Netgalley in return for an honest review~
I was so ready to love this book. I really enjoy reading festive books around Christmastime and I love finding books that I can revisit year upon year. But this book didn't have the Christmas magic that I was looking for, well at least not when it got going.
I found the beginning rather charming. The idea of making fruitcakes every year for almost everyone you know really seemed to capture the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed reading about Buddy and Miss Sook. They are the most interesting characters in my opinion.
But it wasn't long before racism started to show. The main character, as well as many of the other characters, don't look at BIPOC as people and it was rather horrible to read. Hardly any BIPOC are named and many of them described in rather horrible ways. This continues for the rest of the book and for this reason I wouldn't recommend this book.
I know that people will probably read this review and think that this book was written a while ago and therefore times were different, but this book was originally published in 1956 which is still rather recent. Also just because it was published a while ago, does not mean that it's contents are acceptable and shouldn't be discussed.
I won't be adding this to my Christmas reading list each year.
I was so ready to love this book. I really enjoy reading festive books around Christmastime and I love finding books that I can revisit year upon year. But this book didn't have the Christmas magic that I was looking for, well at least not when it got going.
I found the beginning rather charming. The idea of making fruitcakes every year for almost everyone you know really seemed to capture the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed reading about Buddy and Miss Sook. They are the most interesting characters in my opinion.
But it wasn't long before racism started to show. The main character, as well as many of the other characters, don't look at BIPOC as people and it was rather horrible to read. Hardly any BIPOC are named and many of them described in rather horrible ways. This continues for the rest of the book and for this reason I wouldn't recommend this book.
I know that people will probably read this review and think that this book was written a while ago and therefore times were different, but this book was originally published in 1956 which is still rather recent. Also just because it was published a while ago, does not mean that it's contents are acceptable and shouldn't be discussed.
I won't be adding this to my Christmas reading list each year.
I had the strongest emotional reaction to this than any of the 50 books I read this year. So good to read a classic, too. It was far beyond your average childrens book. A child whose parents read this to them is very lucky and bound for a good education.
Full review at The Pluviophile Reader: http://wp.me/p3VFNP-1p
3/5 stars.
e-book, 48 pages.
Read on November 20, 2013.
I have to admit this is my first Capote read. I have yet to read [b:In Cold Blood|168642|In Cold Blood|Truman Capote|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365125582s/168642.jpg|1940709] or anything else by him as he hasn't really ever peaked my interest but this little short story has intrigued me to reconsider Capote.
At seven, Capote knows that the Christmas season begins when his much older cousin, Sook, exclaims that "It's fruitcake weather!". The story focuses on the wonderful relationship that Capote has with his eccentric and quirky cousin and the traditions that the two of them take part in during Christmas. It's absolutely endearing that the two of them save all year so that they can make fruitcake for their family, friends and neighbours and that they both yearn to give each other something spectacular for Christmas but can never afford to so they just make each other kites. While the story ends rather sadly with Capote eventually being sent away to school and losing touch with his dear cousin the story is a nostalgic reminder of the spirit of Christmas and to be grateful for all of the wonderful miracles that life has already presented us. As Sook realizes:
This story is about finding finding beauty in everyday life, appreciating your loved ones and being grateful for what you have no matter how little that may be. That is the Christmas spirit.
3/5 stars.
e-book, 48 pages.
Read on November 20, 2013.
I have to admit this is my first Capote read. I have yet to read [b:In Cold Blood|168642|In Cold Blood|Truman Capote|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365125582s/168642.jpg|1940709] or anything else by him as he hasn't really ever peaked my interest but this little short story has intrigued me to reconsider Capote.
At seven, Capote knows that the Christmas season begins when his much older cousin, Sook, exclaims that "It's fruitcake weather!". The story focuses on the wonderful relationship that Capote has with his eccentric and quirky cousin and the traditions that the two of them take part in during Christmas. It's absolutely endearing that the two of them save all year so that they can make fruitcake for their family, friends and neighbours and that they both yearn to give each other something spectacular for Christmas but can never afford to so they just make each other kites. While the story ends rather sadly with Capote eventually being sent away to school and losing touch with his dear cousin the story is a nostalgic reminder of the spirit of Christmas and to be grateful for all of the wonderful miracles that life has already presented us. As Sook realizes:
"You know what I've always thought?" she asks in a tone of discovery and not smiling at me but a point beyond. "I've always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord. And I imagined that when he came it would be like looking at the Baptist window: pretty as colored glass with the sun pouring through, such a shine you don't know it's getting dark. And it's been a comfort: to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling. But I'11 wager it never happens. I'11 wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself. That things as they are"—her hand circles in a gesture that gathers clouds and kites and grass and Queenie pawing earth over her bone—"just what they've always seen, was seeing Him. As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes."
This story is about finding finding beauty in everyday life, appreciating your loved ones and being grateful for what you have no matter how little that may be. That is the Christmas spirit.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Even though his childhood was a different childhood than that of mine, the pervading string of nostalgia throughout the story awakened a familiar feeling; of my best days left behind.