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humbird's review against another edition
2.0
Recreates new back stories for Christmas traditions and symbols--I like the real ones better.It also contains unnecessary crudeness. It's main redeeming value is the message of needing to find one's purpose in life and the joy that comes from giving to others and sacrificially doing what is right. Wouldn't have picked it up except it was on a recommended list by someone I usually trust. I disagree with her on this one, though.
dgrstory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A funny, charming and inventive ‘origin’ story. I can see why reviewers are calling this a modern classic – it really could become a perennial seasonal read – it’s not twee or sentimental, it’s delightfully twisted at times, and it ticks all the Santa boxes.
It even has an Oliver Twist feel to it – Nikolas and his father are dirt poor, the woodcutter giving his son a turnip doll as a Christmas present for lack of anything better. When he goes away to make his fortune by proving there really ARE elves in the Far North, and Nikolas’s less-than-loving aunt comes to ‘look after’ him, the son decides he will follow his father into the cold of winter…
You know what is likely to appear in the story, and yes – you will meet reindeer and elves, but Haig’s tale takes a few macabre and twisted turns, taking Nikolas to prison, to death’s door, to some incredibly sad scenes that certainly take this above the average children’s Christmas tale.
I loved it, I loved the arc of Nikolas’s journey from small boy to the figure he is destined to become, I liked Matt Haig’s ideas for each element of the Father Christmas persona – where the reindeer came from, why he gives presents, why he doesn’t age, the sleigh, the hat and outfit – all are present and correct, all questions answered.
And who can fail to snigger (young or old) at a reindeer who takes his own revenge on enemies with his own ammunition? There’s a very funny scene involving characters who like making heads explode. And an elf who has taken all the joy and fun out of Christmas.
Wonderful – I’m not usually one for trying to read seasonal books in December, but I can see myself making time to read this again next year, and with a six year old next Christmas, might be sharing this with him as well.
I think this could be a perfect class read for the end of a school day through December, the chapters are short and it’s within the understanding and humour levels of an infant or junior class, and it’s also a very enjoyable read for an adult looking for a light Christmas read that brings a few twists to the story, as well as some delicious Mould illustrations, he makes his characters both vulnerable and Burton-esque.
I’ve loved the Haig books I’ve read for adults, and he’s also a deft touch with younger readers – highly recommended.
It even has an Oliver Twist feel to it – Nikolas and his father are dirt poor, the woodcutter giving his son a turnip doll as a Christmas present for lack of anything better. When he goes away to make his fortune by proving there really ARE elves in the Far North, and Nikolas’s less-than-loving aunt comes to ‘look after’ him, the son decides he will follow his father into the cold of winter…
You know what is likely to appear in the story, and yes – you will meet reindeer and elves, but Haig’s tale takes a few macabre and twisted turns, taking Nikolas to prison, to death’s door, to some incredibly sad scenes that certainly take this above the average children’s Christmas tale.
I loved it, I loved the arc of Nikolas’s journey from small boy to the figure he is destined to become, I liked Matt Haig’s ideas for each element of the Father Christmas persona – where the reindeer came from, why he gives presents, why he doesn’t age, the sleigh, the hat and outfit – all are present and correct, all questions answered.
And who can fail to snigger (young or old) at a reindeer who takes his own revenge on enemies with his own ammunition? There’s a very funny scene involving characters who like making heads explode. And an elf who has taken all the joy and fun out of Christmas.
Wonderful – I’m not usually one for trying to read seasonal books in December, but I can see myself making time to read this again next year, and with a six year old next Christmas, might be sharing this with him as well.
I think this could be a perfect class read for the end of a school day through December, the chapters are short and it’s within the understanding and humour levels of an infant or junior class, and it’s also a very enjoyable read for an adult looking for a light Christmas read that brings a few twists to the story, as well as some delicious Mould illustrations, he makes his characters both vulnerable and Burton-esque.
I’ve loved the Haig books I’ve read for adults, and he’s also a deft touch with younger readers – highly recommended.
booagnes's review against another edition
4.0
This time of year can be one of magic and wonder for so many around the world. Families and friends get together, people shop and create gifts for their loved ones, the air smells of pine and cookies, there is a feeling of giving and good cheer you can't help but share with others. Having the opportunity to add this charming novel to the list of magical things during the holidays is absolutely perfect. I am enchanted with A Boy Called Christmas!
Nikolas is by no means a spoiled child. He hasn't had a traditional Christmas experience growing up, only receiving a handful of gifts in his short life, but he is a happy kid. His father, however, feels bad for not being able to provide his son with everything he believes he deserves, so he accepts a job that takes him away from his son... but he is gone far longer than anticipated. Nikolas is left with his selfish, horrid Aunt, but figures he would be better off braving the freezing cold temperatures to search for his father. So he leaves on an adventure with only his friend mouse, Miika, and has quite an adventure along the way.
Our main character, Nikolas, is a really good kid. He is kind, thoughtful, hopeful, and brave. He truly believes in magic and is determined to make people happy every day like his mother did before she passed away. A wonderful boy, right? I was touched by how happy and goodhearted he was determined to be even with his humble upbringing. It really makes you think about what you truly need in life to be happy, as opposed to what you think you need. Anyway, I loved Nikolas and his friends he meets on his journey. One friend is an injured reindeer he names Blitzen. Talk about determination! Just when Nikolas thinks he may not be able to make it any further up the mountain, Blitzen carries him and keeps moving forward. I want a Blitzen!
This is the first book I have read by Matt Haig, and I must say, I like his style. The pace, writing style, cheeky voice, and everything in between was absolutely marvelous and magical. He has a distinct voice that draws the reader in and makes you want more, more, more! If all of his books are like this, there is no reason why I shouldn't read them all as soon as humanly possible. Also, the illustrations by Chris Mould are amazing! I have decided I want some of the prints for my desk at work, they are that magical.
Though this is an origin story of the jolliest of legends, Santa Claus, the message is timeless. Believe in magic. Be true to yourself. Do what is right. There is sadness, danger, and uncertainty, but also joy, hope, love, and humor to be found within the pages of this story. I have a feeling A Boy Called Christmas is going to become a holiday tradition for many a reader and family. I know it will for me!
**The publisher sent me a digital advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I originally posted on my blog, She Dreams in Fiction.**
Nikolas is by no means a spoiled child. He hasn't had a traditional Christmas experience growing up, only receiving a handful of gifts in his short life, but he is a happy kid. His father, however, feels bad for not being able to provide his son with everything he believes he deserves, so he accepts a job that takes him away from his son... but he is gone far longer than anticipated. Nikolas is left with his selfish, horrid Aunt, but figures he would be better off braving the freezing cold temperatures to search for his father. So he leaves on an adventure with only his friend mouse, Miika, and has quite an adventure along the way.
Our main character, Nikolas, is a really good kid. He is kind, thoughtful, hopeful, and brave. He truly believes in magic and is determined to make people happy every day like his mother did before she passed away. A wonderful boy, right? I was touched by how happy and goodhearted he was determined to be even with his humble upbringing. It really makes you think about what you truly need in life to be happy, as opposed to what you think you need. Anyway, I loved Nikolas and his friends he meets on his journey. One friend is an injured reindeer he names Blitzen. Talk about determination! Just when Nikolas thinks he may not be able to make it any further up the mountain, Blitzen carries him and keeps moving forward. I want a Blitzen!
This is the first book I have read by Matt Haig, and I must say, I like his style. The pace, writing style, cheeky voice, and everything in between was absolutely marvelous and magical. He has a distinct voice that draws the reader in and makes you want more, more, more! If all of his books are like this, there is no reason why I shouldn't read them all as soon as humanly possible. Also, the illustrations by Chris Mould are amazing! I have decided I want some of the prints for my desk at work, they are that magical.
Though this is an origin story of the jolliest of legends, Santa Claus, the message is timeless. Believe in magic. Be true to yourself. Do what is right. There is sadness, danger, and uncertainty, but also joy, hope, love, and humor to be found within the pages of this story. I have a feeling A Boy Called Christmas is going to become a holiday tradition for many a reader and family. I know it will for me!
**The publisher sent me a digital advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I originally posted on my blog, She Dreams in Fiction.**
sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
Oh this book is so magical, I loved every minute of it. I am going to be buying this for all of my nieces and nephews for Christmas when each of them are old enough.
I hope it is a well loved Christmas book by many many children and adults alike.
Matt Haigs writing style is one I've always loved.
Fabulous book.
I hope it is a well loved Christmas book by many many children and adults alike.
Matt Haigs writing style is one I've always loved.
Fabulous book.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
For some reason this first book in the trilogy was the last one to arrive. Luckily I had already watched the movie before I read the other two books, so I didn't miss all the winks and nudges towards this story in those sequels. However, time was ticking. I might not be against reading Christmas themed novels at any time, but it's a little more special reading them during the holidays. Well, this book arrived yesterday, so that was still on time to count, right?
Just like the other two books, and just like the movie, it's quite clearly a children's book. Nicolas decides to go searching for his father, who went on a trip to find proof that Elves exist for the king of Finland. And that's exactly what this book is, and actually all you need to know about it. It's an adventure. And since the book starts with telling us that this is the story of how Santa Claus became Santa Claus we already know how it will end. Mostly.
However, the book wouldn't be a Haig book without some messages along the way. The elves in this book are learning that one can't judge all humans for the deeds of a few, although I totally understand where they're coming from since the first ones they met weren't exactly great ones. And Nicolas is learning that sometimes giving gifts is just about the giving, about making other people happy, about spreading a little cheer when times are dark and grim.
Kids will mostly find a great book to dive into and they will meet all kinds of amazing creatures and characters. Not only Nicolas is an important character. We're also becoming friends with his mouse, with a rendeer he saves from pain and death, with the Elves of Elfheim, with a truth pixie incapable of lying, even when it are small white lies, and we're also briefly meeting one of the trolls and we're witnessing how Nicolas slowly introduces all the Christmas traditions we know nowadays.
There are quite a few differences with the movie, but I think the changes are justified, simply because a movie asks for different storytelling techniques.
Just like the other two books, and just like the movie, it's quite clearly a children's book. Nicolas decides to go searching for his father, who went on a trip to find proof that Elves exist for the king of Finland. And that's exactly what this book is, and actually all you need to know about it. It's an adventure. And since the book starts with telling us that this is the story of how Santa Claus became Santa Claus we already know how it will end. Mostly.
However, the book wouldn't be a Haig book without some messages along the way. The elves in this book are learning that one can't judge all humans for the deeds of a few, although I totally understand where they're coming from since the first ones they met weren't exactly great ones. And Nicolas is learning that sometimes giving gifts is just about the giving, about making other people happy, about spreading a little cheer when times are dark and grim.
Kids will mostly find a great book to dive into and they will meet all kinds of amazing creatures and characters. Not only Nicolas is an important character. We're also becoming friends with his mouse, with a rendeer he saves from pain and death, with the Elves of Elfheim, with a truth pixie incapable of lying, even when it are small white lies, and we're also briefly meeting one of the trolls and we're witnessing how Nicolas slowly introduces all the Christmas traditions we know nowadays.
There are quite a few differences with the movie, but I think the changes are justified, simply because a movie asks for different storytelling techniques.
andinanindy's review against another edition
5.0
"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet"
I love the feeling of reading a children book when I'm already an adult. Bukunya menyimpan banyaaaaaaaak sekali pesan yg sebenarnya sangat applicable di umur yg mulai tua ini. Tp di sisi lain, tetep bisa ngasih kehangatan yg dicari sama inner child ako
I love the feeling of reading a children book when I'm already an adult. Bukunya menyimpan banyaaaaaaaak sekali pesan yg sebenarnya sangat applicable di umur yg mulai tua ini. Tp di sisi lain, tetep bisa ngasih kehangatan yg dicari sama inner child ako
cadmanreads's review against another edition
5.0
Matt Haig sensibilities with an audiobook narrated by Stephen Fry.
You know you are onto a winner with that combo. I'd recommend this to any kid or grownup who wants to add a little Christmas cheer to their life.
5stars!
You know you are onto a winner with that combo. I'd recommend this to any kid or grownup who wants to add a little Christmas cheer to their life.
5stars!
pep_pooja's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.75
boomakes's review against another edition
5.0
Even as a 41 year old adult I fully embraced this origin story! Full of magic. Perfect Christmas story that will be loved for generations to come.