Scan barcode
spaghettification's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Merry Christmas! I'm writing this review on the 25th of December, 2023! I've been reading the Lizzie McGuire junior novels for a while but I was particularly excited to read this one over Christmas. As usual, the book contains two stories. This time, the first story was inspired by Dickens' A Christmas Carol and it has Lizzie learn that the true meaning of Christmas is to be charitable and put others' needs above yourself - sounds great right? Well, the problem for me was that this story was kind if bizarre, and not in a "wow, this is so interesting way!" and more in a "okay, this is kinda weird way". We're introduced to a character called Knobby who's supposed to be one of Santa's elves but he just looks like a regular guy in elf clothing and I can't help but feel a little weird about that, especially when he so easily wins the heart of Lizzie's family that they even invite him to their house! He could be anyone! Lizzie felt the same way for most of the story and I really empathized with her on how weird the entire situation was. Of course, we learn later on that he was able to use some elf magic to get Lizzie out of a sticky situation which confirms he's a real elf to her but by that time I was way too judgemental of the entire situation to feel the Christmas joy. The second story is the novelization of the classic Aaron Carter episode except...he's not called Aaron Carter! I wonder why his name couldn't be used in the books - too expensive? A little bizarre considering he's in the episode and his real name is used but hey, I don't know a thing about licensing rights and things like that. So, instead, Lizzie meets Zander Knight! Honestly, a cooler name than Aaron Carter. I did prefer this story to the other one since it had a more traditional approach to things (don't get me started on the first one's bizarre dream sequence that tried to mimick Scrooge and his ghosts) and thus felt more like the usual thing. I don't remember the episode itself being as strange but things are a bit different in the books since we get way more of Lizzie's thoughts and things can be described in greater detail. Regardless, reading these is always a good time and I love the characters - except you, Knobby.
More...