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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
This book absolutely swept me off my feet! I was laughing, crying, angry all in one seating. Thank you to the person who gifted it to me... WORTH THE READ.
The Gift by Cecelia Ahern is a 2008 Harper Collins publication.
Not your typical holiday story…
The story is centered around Lou Suffern, a workaholic who never spends quality time with his family, and whose multi-tasking leaves much to be desired. Immediately, the reader understands that Lou is not a warm person, and I personally took an instant dislike to him.
But, one day, although completely out of character for Lou, he buys a homeless man named Gabe a cup of coffee, which eventually leads him to help Gabe get a job in the Mailroom. The more he is around Gabe, the more noticeable it is that Gabe has this uncanny ability to get from one place to another in record time.
What Lou doesn’t catch onto immediately, is that Gabe is about to gift him his special talent for being in two places at once. The gift is one we have secretly wished for a time or two, I'm sure- but as it turns out the gift ends up having an unexpected effect on Lou…
This story is a bit different from the usual holiday stories I encounter. There is a magical, supernatural element to it, but that whimsical tone also masks a definite somber tone that took me completely by surprise.
There are some familiar holiday tropes mapped out here, but the author weaves a clever and creative story around them, and tops it off with a surprise twist that caught me off guard.
While the blurb and cover points to a traditional holiday read with lots of holiday goodwill and cheer, with warm and fuzzy endings- be warned - this is more of a sentimental tearjerker. There are plenty of other holiday movies and books that read this way and many people love them, but I'm more of a guaranteed happy ending person- especially right now.
The message, however, is pointed and universal, no matter what time of year, or what circumstances we are living in. For that reason, I'm glad I read the book!!
Not your typical holiday story…
The story is centered around Lou Suffern, a workaholic who never spends quality time with his family, and whose multi-tasking leaves much to be desired. Immediately, the reader understands that Lou is not a warm person, and I personally took an instant dislike to him.
But, one day, although completely out of character for Lou, he buys a homeless man named Gabe a cup of coffee, which eventually leads him to help Gabe get a job in the Mailroom. The more he is around Gabe, the more noticeable it is that Gabe has this uncanny ability to get from one place to another in record time.
What Lou doesn’t catch onto immediately, is that Gabe is about to gift him his special talent for being in two places at once. The gift is one we have secretly wished for a time or two, I'm sure- but as it turns out the gift ends up having an unexpected effect on Lou…
This story is a bit different from the usual holiday stories I encounter. There is a magical, supernatural element to it, but that whimsical tone also masks a definite somber tone that took me completely by surprise.
There are some familiar holiday tropes mapped out here, but the author weaves a clever and creative story around them, and tops it off with a surprise twist that caught me off guard.
The message, however, is pointed and universal, no matter what time of year, or what circumstances we are living in. For that reason, I'm glad I read the book!!
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
There's something about Cecelia Ahern's writing that gets you right in the feels every time.
Also, thank you to my friend Laura who essentially just ruined my Christmas. You're the best!
Also, thank you to my friend Laura who essentially just ruined my Christmas. You're the best!
Heartwarming holiday story. Predictable and dramatic at times. Good read nonetheless.
I was hoping for a lovely magical Christmas read..
I was left feeling rather deflated and not very festive.
I was left feeling rather deflated and not very festive.
actual rating: 3.5/5
I was kind of expecting a cute and happy christmas story. this is not a happy story. despite not being exactly what I was expecting it was still a good read, and had a great message regarding spending time with loved ones which I think we all need over the christmas period.
I was kind of expecting a cute and happy christmas story. this is not a happy story. despite not being exactly what I was expecting it was still a good read, and had a great message regarding spending time with loved ones which I think we all need over the christmas period.
Este é um livro difícil de apreciar. Quando a personagem principal de um livro representa o tipo de pessoa mesquinha e sem valores, o tipo de pessoa que nos irrita ou com quem não costumamos simpatizar, apresenta-se-nos um problema. Lou Suffern é um homem cheio de sucesso profissional. O homem é uma verdadeira máquina de negócios. No que respeita a lidar com a família, digamos que ele não prima pela excelência.
Passado na quadra natalícia, este livro acompanha a história de Lou, incluindo os altos e (principalmente) os baixos por que passa até alcançar a redenção. Uma história que nos relembra a importância do tempo nas nossas vidas. A importância de não o desperdiçar com o que não interessa, e a importância de o partilhar.
Passado na quadra natalícia, este livro acompanha a história de Lou, incluindo os altos e (principalmente) os baixos por que passa até alcançar a redenção. Uma história que nos relembra a importância do tempo nas nossas vidas. A importância de não o desperdiçar com o que não interessa, e a importância de o partilhar.
This month's book club picked a christmas/winter themed book, and whilst searching for my typical Christmas read of the hogfather ,I found this on my bookcase. I found it very hard to put the book down, I loved her style of writing, and although it was a very simple story, I found it utterly captivating.
Also at the end it's very moving. It was a pleasant surprise.
Also at the end it's very moving. It was a pleasant surprise.
Una novela bien liviana y bonita. Cecelia Ahern escribió una historia navideña con los matices necesarios para que no sea tediosa ni tan colorida como tienden a ser este tipo de historias. Es casi un 3.5, pero sentí que le faltó más desarrollo o un final que no me rompiera el corazón.