Scan barcode
A review by si0bhan
The Age of Not Believing- A Christmas Tale by Andrew R. P. Szlachetko
4.0
I should preface this review with a few pointers, so that you are aware of a few things before you get down to what you care about (or, if you prefer, you can skip these things and just read what I think about the story – and if such is your wish, merely skip the next paragraph).
Okay, so I will start with a thank you to the author. Andrew Szlachetko messaged me asking if I would be willing to read the book in exchange for a review. I’m always happy to do such things, so as you can guess I gave a yes. Unlike most authors, instead of a download link I received a copy of the story in the post. Therefore, a massive thank you for that! Following on from this point, I would like you all to know the following review is in no way influenced by the above. I would have enjoyed the book just as much had I picked it up in the library or found it in a bookstore. In short, the following is an honest review and the author is deserving of a round of applause for sending out physical copies of the story.
So, what do I think of the story?
In all honesty, I think this should be read by more children around Christmas time. It has the potential of being a Christmas classic. It is such a unique Christmas story, it has so much to offer, that children are sure to love it.
More importantly, for us adults, the story has a real message to it. Unfortunately, a lot of Christmas stories (at least the more recent ones) seem to overlook what Christmas is all about. It is a time of goodwill. It is a time of giving. It is a time of being a better person. This story explain such a thing to children whilst giving them an imaginative fantasy world to visit. In my experience, such a thing is a wonderful way to get a child to remember.
I will admit, however, I’m not the biggest expert on the age range this book is aimed at. My sister has now left that stage of her life, having now moved on to the vampire and boyband loving teenage girl stage. Still, back when she was willing to read stories that did not contain supposedly attractive creatures of the night, books like this would have enthralled her. Moreover, I volunteer working with children of all ages and should I be working with children of the right age around Christmas I shall put the book to the test. Not that there will be much of a test, as I’m positive it will pass with flying colours.
Honestly, it’s wonderful. It’s a full package. Great story. Deep message. Beautiful illustrations.
This is exactly the kind of thing you need to read to your children around Christmas time.
Okay, so I will start with a thank you to the author. Andrew Szlachetko messaged me asking if I would be willing to read the book in exchange for a review. I’m always happy to do such things, so as you can guess I gave a yes. Unlike most authors, instead of a download link I received a copy of the story in the post. Therefore, a massive thank you for that! Following on from this point, I would like you all to know the following review is in no way influenced by the above. I would have enjoyed the book just as much had I picked it up in the library or found it in a bookstore. In short, the following is an honest review and the author is deserving of a round of applause for sending out physical copies of the story.
So, what do I think of the story?
In all honesty, I think this should be read by more children around Christmas time. It has the potential of being a Christmas classic. It is such a unique Christmas story, it has so much to offer, that children are sure to love it.
More importantly, for us adults, the story has a real message to it. Unfortunately, a lot of Christmas stories (at least the more recent ones) seem to overlook what Christmas is all about. It is a time of goodwill. It is a time of giving. It is a time of being a better person. This story explain such a thing to children whilst giving them an imaginative fantasy world to visit. In my experience, such a thing is a wonderful way to get a child to remember.
I will admit, however, I’m not the biggest expert on the age range this book is aimed at. My sister has now left that stage of her life, having now moved on to the vampire and boyband loving teenage girl stage. Still, back when she was willing to read stories that did not contain supposedly attractive creatures of the night, books like this would have enthralled her. Moreover, I volunteer working with children of all ages and should I be working with children of the right age around Christmas I shall put the book to the test. Not that there will be much of a test, as I’m positive it will pass with flying colours.
Honestly, it’s wonderful. It’s a full package. Great story. Deep message. Beautiful illustrations.
This is exactly the kind of thing you need to read to your children around Christmas time.