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Skipping Christmas
Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That's just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won't be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. They won't need one, because come December 25 they're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences-and isn't half as easy as they'd imagined.
A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.
A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2001
About the author
John Grisham
432 books82.7k followersJohn Grisham is the author of forty-nine consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include The Judge's List, Sooley, and his third Jake Brigance novel, A Time for Mercy, which is being developed by HBO as a limited series.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
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December 6, 2021
"Who would ever dream that two otherwise sensible adults would skip Christmas and go on a cruise?"
- John Grisham, Skipping Christmas
The question above is posed by an idiot. The idiot in question being Nora Krank, who learns too late the awful price to be paid for not strictly conforming to your neighbors’ Christmastide expectations.
One is tempted to treat the query as the rhetorical device of an imbecile. And yet, the urge to answer is overwhelming, if only because the answer is so obvious to everyone except the people inhabiting this insipid Christmas novel.
So, why would two otherwise sensible adults skip Christmas and go on a cruise? Maybe they are Jewish. Or Muslim. Or Hindus. Maybe they have just suffered a loss, and in the process of grieving, don’t feel like celebrating. Or maybe they live in a cold latitude, where the idea of a peaceful cruise in a tropical locale is actually freaking awesome. There are literally billions of people on Earth who do not celebrate Christmas. Thus, there are literally billions of answers to that stupid bit of inquiry.
John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas doesn’t recognize this fact. Indeed, it is set in a world in which this fact isn’t a fact at all. Skipping Christmas takes place in a white, upper middle class suburb where such things are barely mentioned. There was once a Pakistani couple in the neighborhood, we are informed, but they moved very quickly. By the end of this nasty little work, you will understand why.
We begin with a fairly anodyne premise fully articulated in this book’s title.
Luther and Nora Krank’s daughter, twenty-three year-old Blair, has just left home for Peru, where she will be serving with the Peace Corps. With their grown daughter out of the nest, and facing a Christmas bill that runs to over $6,000 each holiday season, Luther has an inspired idea. Instead of burning 6K on parties, decorations, food, booze, and presents, Luther discovers that he and Nora can go on a warm-weather vacation for half that amount.
This makes sense to me. It should make sense to you. This is a rational idea on a personal level (daughter gone for the first time, meaning the break of old traditions), on a financial level (you’re saving money), and on a temperature-level (it is not snowy and icy on a cruise). Going on a Christmas cruise is an excellent idea to everyone except the holiday Nazis who live on Hemlock Lane.
(It should be noted that Luther is a tax accountant and drives a Lexus. His wife is a full-time volunteer, and drives an Audi. Their financial considerations thus necessarily fall into the realm of uptown problems).
Like Galileo, though, Luther is condemned for his heresy. His main nemesis is neighborhood Gauleiter Vic Frohmeyer. Vic’s job is to enforce social compliance among the residents. Chiefly, he ensures that everyone places a large Frosty the Snowman on their roof. Because nothing says “Christmas cheer” quite like being forced to purchase, install, and display a decoration chosen by a guy who lives down the street.
This is a novel about intolerance. Wait, that’s not correct. Sorry. This is a novel that celebrates intolerance. Vic soon has the neighbors rise up against Luther and Nora. People trespass on his lawn and post signs. People chant “Free Frosty.” Carolers are sent to annoy them. Their neighbors treat them coldly for their refusal to abide Frohmeyer’s edict.
As satire, this might have worked.
The latent fascism of the neighbors is ripe for parody. It might have been interesting to see how American notions of “freedom” and “religious tolerance” and “the right to be left alone” rub uncomfortably against the reality that “freedom” means I get to tell you what to do; and “religious tolerance” is being a Christian or shutting up; and “the right to be left alone” means you just need to surrender to the Christmas magic as it gets shoved up your – well, as it gets shoved in your stocking, which better be hanging on the mantel or else. When I read this, I kept thinking about the Christmas bullies who demand stores and cashiers say Merry Christmas, as though forcing some minimum-wager at Wal-Mart to utter bland holiday greetings in the checkout line is somehow actualizing.
But I don’t think this is satire. Grisham never allows that he’s in on the joke. Ultimately, he approves of the neighbors’ triumph over Luther’s free will.
Just about everyone in Skipping Christmas is a low-grade monster. Luther, despite his utterly logical plan, is also a raging asshole. I suppose this is Grisham’s way of stacking the deck against him. His wife Nora is a blubbering nitwit. One classic scene has her discussing the cancellation of her Christmas Eve party while volunteering at a battered woman’s shelter. As you might imagine, the specter of domestic violence pales in comparison to Nora’s shocking decision to go on a vacation. The neighbors are grim, backbiting, gossipy, small-minded conformists.
Scenes like the one in the shelter made me question Grisham’s self-awareness. There is little textual support for this being a satire. However, it occurred to me that this might be an Andy Kaufman-esque performance piece. Nothing in this book is funny or charming or pleasant. But perhaps the overall meta-joke is that Grisham created an utterly hateful fable packaged as a delightful little spree with the understanding that because it was labeled a Christmas book no one would realize they’re being conned. This might be a literary version of the Rickroll. I suggest this only to give Grisham some benefit of the doubt. There is little evidence to support this interpretation.
To the contrary, the weight of the evidence goes the other way. We know this because the lesson that Luther is forced to learn is that you don’t skip Christmas. Midway through, Blair, realizing that she has cut the cord of extended adolescence too quickly, calls and informs her mother and father that she is coming back for Christmas. She has been gone for only a month, but Millennials, amiright?
Not only is Blair returning to the roost, but she’s bringing Enrique, her Peruvian boyfriend that she’s known for three weeks. I mention Enrique only because the Kranks are obsessed with his skin tone. Don’t worry, though. The Kranks quickly discover, that if necessary, Enrique can pass for Aryan.
Well, thank God we dodged that bullet! Let the bloodlines remain pure. Or something. I really don’t know what Grisham was getting at. It made me a bit uncomfortable.
Anyway, Blair’s imminent return means that the Kranks have to have Christmas after all. Luther is verbally bludgeoned by his wife, beat down by his neighbors, and finally surrenders to the joys of the season.
There are obvious parallels to A Christmas Carol. Both have wealthy men learning an important truth. For Ebenezer Scrooge, the lesson is social consciousness, to take care of the least of his brothers and sisters. For Luther, it is that any attempt to withdraw from the conspicuous consumption of Christmastime will be dealt with by public ostracism. Both receive this message through visitors. For Ebenezer, those visitors are three ghosts. For Luther, it is the Yuletide Gestapo coming to make sure the tinsel is on the tree.
I don’t write this as a cynic. I love Christmas. I celebrate Christmas. I started watching sappy holiday movies while my kids were still out trick-or-treating. My enjoyment, however, does not require everyone else to love it too. I know plenty of people who don’t get into the season like I do, for various reasons. It never occurred to me to bully them into line.
The sad truth is that I picked this up in the spirit of Christmas cheer. When I finished, I just wished it was Spring.
- John Grisham, Skipping Christmas
The question above is posed by an idiot. The idiot in question being Nora Krank, who learns too late the awful price to be paid for not strictly conforming to your neighbors’ Christmastide expectations.
One is tempted to treat the query as the rhetorical device of an imbecile. And yet, the urge to answer is overwhelming, if only because the answer is so obvious to everyone except the people inhabiting this insipid Christmas novel.
So, why would two otherwise sensible adults skip Christmas and go on a cruise? Maybe they are Jewish. Or Muslim. Or Hindus. Maybe they have just suffered a loss, and in the process of grieving, don’t feel like celebrating. Or maybe they live in a cold latitude, where the idea of a peaceful cruise in a tropical locale is actually freaking awesome. There are literally billions of people on Earth who do not celebrate Christmas. Thus, there are literally billions of answers to that stupid bit of inquiry.
John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas doesn’t recognize this fact. Indeed, it is set in a world in which this fact isn’t a fact at all. Skipping Christmas takes place in a white, upper middle class suburb where such things are barely mentioned. There was once a Pakistani couple in the neighborhood, we are informed, but they moved very quickly. By the end of this nasty little work, you will understand why.
We begin with a fairly anodyne premise fully articulated in this book’s title.
Luther and Nora Krank’s daughter, twenty-three year-old Blair, has just left home for Peru, where she will be serving with the Peace Corps. With their grown daughter out of the nest, and facing a Christmas bill that runs to over $6,000 each holiday season, Luther has an inspired idea. Instead of burning 6K on parties, decorations, food, booze, and presents, Luther discovers that he and Nora can go on a warm-weather vacation for half that amount.
This makes sense to me. It should make sense to you. This is a rational idea on a personal level (daughter gone for the first time, meaning the break of old traditions), on a financial level (you’re saving money), and on a temperature-level (it is not snowy and icy on a cruise). Going on a Christmas cruise is an excellent idea to everyone except the holiday Nazis who live on Hemlock Lane.
(It should be noted that Luther is a tax accountant and drives a Lexus. His wife is a full-time volunteer, and drives an Audi. Their financial considerations thus necessarily fall into the realm of uptown problems).
Like Galileo, though, Luther is condemned for his heresy. His main nemesis is neighborhood Gauleiter Vic Frohmeyer. Vic’s job is to enforce social compliance among the residents. Chiefly, he ensures that everyone places a large Frosty the Snowman on their roof. Because nothing says “Christmas cheer” quite like being forced to purchase, install, and display a decoration chosen by a guy who lives down the street.
This is a novel about intolerance. Wait, that’s not correct. Sorry. This is a novel that celebrates intolerance. Vic soon has the neighbors rise up against Luther and Nora. People trespass on his lawn and post signs. People chant “Free Frosty.” Carolers are sent to annoy them. Their neighbors treat them coldly for their refusal to abide Frohmeyer’s edict.
As satire, this might have worked.
The latent fascism of the neighbors is ripe for parody. It might have been interesting to see how American notions of “freedom” and “religious tolerance” and “the right to be left alone” rub uncomfortably against the reality that “freedom” means I get to tell you what to do; and “religious tolerance” is being a Christian or shutting up; and “the right to be left alone” means you just need to surrender to the Christmas magic as it gets shoved up your – well, as it gets shoved in your stocking, which better be hanging on the mantel or else. When I read this, I kept thinking about the Christmas bullies who demand stores and cashiers say Merry Christmas, as though forcing some minimum-wager at Wal-Mart to utter bland holiday greetings in the checkout line is somehow actualizing.
But I don’t think this is satire. Grisham never allows that he’s in on the joke. Ultimately, he approves of the neighbors’ triumph over Luther’s free will.
Just about everyone in Skipping Christmas is a low-grade monster. Luther, despite his utterly logical plan, is also a raging asshole. I suppose this is Grisham’s way of stacking the deck against him. His wife Nora is a blubbering nitwit. One classic scene has her discussing the cancellation of her Christmas Eve party while volunteering at a battered woman’s shelter. As you might imagine, the specter of domestic violence pales in comparison to Nora’s shocking decision to go on a vacation. The neighbors are grim, backbiting, gossipy, small-minded conformists.
Scenes like the one in the shelter made me question Grisham’s self-awareness. There is little textual support for this being a satire. However, it occurred to me that this might be an Andy Kaufman-esque performance piece. Nothing in this book is funny or charming or pleasant. But perhaps the overall meta-joke is that Grisham created an utterly hateful fable packaged as a delightful little spree with the understanding that because it was labeled a Christmas book no one would realize they’re being conned. This might be a literary version of the Rickroll. I suggest this only to give Grisham some benefit of the doubt. There is little evidence to support this interpretation.
To the contrary, the weight of the evidence goes the other way. We know this because the lesson that Luther is forced to learn is that you don’t skip Christmas. Midway through, Blair, realizing that she has cut the cord of extended adolescence too quickly, calls and informs her mother and father that she is coming back for Christmas. She has been gone for only a month, but Millennials, amiright?
Not only is Blair returning to the roost, but she’s bringing Enrique, her Peruvian boyfriend that she’s known for three weeks. I mention Enrique only because the Kranks are obsessed with his skin tone. Don’t worry, though. The Kranks quickly discover, that if necessary, Enrique can pass for Aryan.
The door opened and Blair rushed in. Nora and Luther both glanced at her first, then quickly looked beyond to see how dark Enrique was. He wasn’t dark at all! At least two shades lighter than Luther himself!
Well, thank God we dodged that bullet! Let the bloodlines remain pure. Or something. I really don’t know what Grisham was getting at. It made me a bit uncomfortable.
Anyway, Blair’s imminent return means that the Kranks have to have Christmas after all. Luther is verbally bludgeoned by his wife, beat down by his neighbors, and finally surrenders to the joys of the season.
There are obvious parallels to A Christmas Carol. Both have wealthy men learning an important truth. For Ebenezer Scrooge, the lesson is social consciousness, to take care of the least of his brothers and sisters. For Luther, it is that any attempt to withdraw from the conspicuous consumption of Christmastime will be dealt with by public ostracism. Both receive this message through visitors. For Ebenezer, those visitors are three ghosts. For Luther, it is the Yuletide Gestapo coming to make sure the tinsel is on the tree.
I don’t write this as a cynic. I love Christmas. I celebrate Christmas. I started watching sappy holiday movies while my kids were still out trick-or-treating. My enjoyment, however, does not require everyone else to love it too. I know plenty of people who don’t get into the season like I do, for various reasons. It never occurred to me to bully them into line.
The sad truth is that I picked this up in the spirit of Christmas cheer. When I finished, I just wished it was Spring.
December 13, 2022
☃️
I'm not doing Frosty
☃️
I almost missed out on one of the funniest holiday books! I can't believe I borrowed this last year and returned it after listening to just one chapter. For some strange reason, I just didn't get it then.
As crazy as it may sound, this "dnf" last year is now proudly on my favorite shelf! I laughed so hard that I was in tears. I didn't know John Grisham can be so funny.
This is what the holiday is all about. Love LOVE this book. 💓🎄
[3H 42M narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris]
I almost missed out on one of the funniest holiday books! I can't believe I borrowed this last year and returned it after listening to just one chapter. For some strange reason, I just didn't get it then.
As crazy as it may sound, this "dnf" last year is now proudly on my favorite shelf! I laughed so hard that I was in tears. I didn't know John Grisham can be so funny.
This is what the holiday is all about. Love LOVE this book. 💓🎄
[3H 42M narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris]
December 1, 2015
The story is simple enough: the only child of a family won't be home for Christmas, so the parents decide to treat themselves to a cruise instead of dealing with all the drama that comes along with the holiday and then the neighbors get super angry at them!!!!!
This part got my hackles raised. I'm not a fan of people being in my business or giving me unsolicited opinions or advice about things that don't concern them. I've gotten pretty good at going dead-eyed and giving a terse "No." to pushy people. I can see why the neighbors would want Frosty on the roof for a neighborhood award, but you gotta respect when someone tells you no the first time.
I couldn't live in this neighborhood. I know it's a community and they all come together at the end, but I'm a firm believer in setting boundaries with people. *blows whistle* "No means No!"
Further, the parents should have just told the daughter the truth. They get a phone call that she's on the plane home when they already have plans for a cruise. Right then and there they should have explained to the daughter that you can't just surprise people like that; holidays take planning, overnight guests take planning too. "Listen, we already made plans, you need to make other arrangements. You're an adult, so you need to understand that you can't just expect people to drop whatever they are doing to accommodate you." is what the parents should have said instead of rushing around to set up the holiday for the air-headed daughter.
Nevertheless, I still liked the book and read it just about every Winter since it's really short.
This part got my hackles raised. I'm not a fan of people being in my business or giving me unsolicited opinions or advice about things that don't concern them. I've gotten pretty good at going dead-eyed and giving a terse "No." to pushy people. I can see why the neighbors would want Frosty on the roof for a neighborhood award, but you gotta respect when someone tells you no the first time.
I couldn't live in this neighborhood. I know it's a community and they all come together at the end, but I'm a firm believer in setting boundaries with people. *blows whistle* "No means No!"
Further, the parents should have just told the daughter the truth. They get a phone call that she's on the plane home when they already have plans for a cruise. Right then and there they should have explained to the daughter that you can't just surprise people like that; holidays take planning, overnight guests take planning too. "Listen, we already made plans, you need to make other arrangements. You're an adult, so you need to understand that you can't just expect people to drop whatever they are doing to accommodate you." is what the parents should have said instead of rushing around to set up the holiday for the air-headed daughter.
Nevertheless, I still liked the book and read it just about every Winter since it's really short.
May 26, 2022
Going through and slowly but surely re-reviewing all of my old reviews that somehow got deleted.
This book is a bit nostalgic for me as I decided on a whim to pick this up early December of 2019 and so created my new obsession of books. It ended up being the perfect timing due to Covid-19 and so that's all I ever did during lockdown. My big thanks goes out to this book and John Grisham for creating a reading monster!
I recall thinking this was such a fun book! I remember watching the corny movie numerous times growing up, but reading this as an adult I had a way different perception as I've started to relate to wanting to skip a large family event with a ton of people in light of the pandemic and how nice it would be to spend my Christmas or Thanksgiving morning reading or hanging out with my kids instead of making some elaborate meal that no one will end up eating or spending a fortune on Holiday-esque expenses. As such, it's the fantasy of it rather than the reality as I couldn't imagine not doing something that's been such a part of my life my whole life. I think it was fun reading about something a lot of people probably fantasize about doing but know they never will because of how important seeing family and celebrating the Holidays are.
My Dad is a HUGE John Grisham fan and he tells me that his books are quite different from this one so although I anticipate I will read more from Grisham eventually, I'll go in with expectation of his other works being still good/great, yet different from this entertaining read.
A solid 4 stars!!
This book is a bit nostalgic for me as I decided on a whim to pick this up early December of 2019 and so created my new obsession of books. It ended up being the perfect timing due to Covid-19 and so that's all I ever did during lockdown. My big thanks goes out to this book and John Grisham for creating a reading monster!
I recall thinking this was such a fun book! I remember watching the corny movie numerous times growing up, but reading this as an adult I had a way different perception as I've started to relate to wanting to skip a large family event with a ton of people in light of the pandemic and how nice it would be to spend my Christmas or Thanksgiving morning reading or hanging out with my kids instead of making some elaborate meal that no one will end up eating or spending a fortune on Holiday-esque expenses. As such, it's the fantasy of it rather than the reality as I couldn't imagine not doing something that's been such a part of my life my whole life. I think it was fun reading about something a lot of people probably fantasize about doing but know they never will because of how important seeing family and celebrating the Holidays are.
My Dad is a HUGE John Grisham fan and he tells me that his books are quite different from this one so although I anticipate I will read more from Grisham eventually, I'll go in with expectation of his other works being still good/great, yet different from this entertaining read.
A solid 4 stars!!
December 31, 2015
I am not very traditional. When we were kids, we decorated, because it was fun for my parents to see us excited about the holiday - but we never really did the Perfect Christmas thing as, apparently, people do. Last year, we went to Asian Cafe and had sushi, and the year before that we did Rainbow Trout for dinner. (I imagine that my mom will start getting festive now, and decorating her house and going all out for the holiday because my nephew is getting to the age where he'll get excited about that kind of thing.) But for my boyfriend and I... it's just a day. We do gifts, we get a little Charlie Brown type tree (if any) and we have dinner at home or out somewhere that's open in true A Christmas Story style, but all of the OMGCHRISTMAS is something that we don't buy into or understand. We're heathens.
I honestly don't know why this book exists. I didn't get it at all. If you want to do your own thing for the holidays, do it. It's not a big deal. Everyone in this book acted like it was, but that's because they're all nosy shit-heads who think that conformity and homogeneity makes a good neighborhood, and good neighbors are expected to participate in the festivities. I think that's bullshit. Don't do the tree, don't do the gifts, don't do the decorating, or the dinner, or the party, or the cards, or whatever. It's nobody's business but yours, and if your neighbors have a problem with it... well, that's their problem isn't it? Last I checked, Christmas wasn't a requirement.
Anyway, I'd seen this movie (Christmas with the Kranks) and thought that it was pretty funny, so when I discovered that I actually had it on my kindle, I decided to read it as one of the short books to fill my remaining quota of challenge reads. I WILL NOT FAIL!
This book should have taken me about 2 hours, but instead it took me two days. For some reason, I just found the book annoying, in a way that the movie wasn't, despite it having Tim Allen in the lead. I found the characters to all be simply annoying. So superficial and suburban, upper middle class, keep up with the Joneses, traditional. They all decorate, and all have Frostys (placement and date of set up dictated by that one neighbor who thinks he's King Shit of Turd Hill), they do the overpriced cards, have the big holiday party, make the same dinner every year, blah blah blah. They all do this, not for the joy of the season, or because they like to, but because it's expected of them. Because it's what they've always done. Because they'll be judged by their neighbors if they fail to assimilate. Resistance is futile.
So, god forbid, someone want to do something different. The nerve. The gall. The SELFISHNESS.
Regardless, the Kranks decide to not do Christmas and instead go on a cruise. Which mortally offends everyone ever. Their neighbors go on a campaign of terror to bully the Kranks into the Christmas spirit, even going so far as to recruit college kids to carol in front of their house repeatedly or send them Frosty the Snowman cards or leave "Free Frosty" campaign signs on their lawn. Which only makes the Kranks more stubborn and resistant. Of course, everyone has a lovely change of heart on Christmas eve when, for some reason, everyone comes together to help save the day and protect the illusion of a Perfect Christmas for the 23 year old Krank daughter and her fiance (whom she's known for literally 3 weeks) when they unexpectedly call on Christmas Eve to surprise everyone by coming home for Christmas. So the whole neighborhood rallies to their rescue. Because again... I guess it's expected that Christmas be properly perfect.
Nora was such a whining ninny that she got on my nerves about 3 seconds into the book, with her constant "Is she OK??" questioning. For god's sake, the girl is 23 and in Peru TEACHING. She's not in a war zone. And how the hell is Nora's husband supposed to know if she's OK? His crystal ball works no better than anyone else's.
Luther got on my nerves, too. Just because stuff happens at the end of December doesn't mean that it's part of Christmas. He'd already agreed to charitable giving as the exception to their skipping Christmas... yet when the police department and fire departments come to collect money for their charities, he turns them away, cherry-picking "Christmas" vs "Charity" based on whether he feels like he's being shaken down for cash or not. He's essentially railing against being expected to give to these organizations, which I can understand... but again, it's hypocritical. All in the guise of saving money, but then he throws hundred of dollars away for tanning sessions while insisting on skipping the free holiday events. He would rather be miserable and hide himself away from his neighbors than compromise.
Ugh. Such a stupid premise for a book. ZOMG! Someone's not doing Christmas right! Let's harass the shit out of them until they do it the way we think is proper! That's TRUE Christmas spirit.
I honestly don't know why this book exists. I didn't get it at all. If you want to do your own thing for the holidays, do it. It's not a big deal. Everyone in this book acted like it was, but that's because they're all nosy shit-heads who think that conformity and homogeneity makes a good neighborhood, and good neighbors are expected to participate in the festivities. I think that's bullshit. Don't do the tree, don't do the gifts, don't do the decorating, or the dinner, or the party, or the cards, or whatever. It's nobody's business but yours, and if your neighbors have a problem with it... well, that's their problem isn't it? Last I checked, Christmas wasn't a requirement.
Anyway, I'd seen this movie (Christmas with the Kranks) and thought that it was pretty funny, so when I discovered that I actually had it on my kindle, I decided to read it as one of the short books to fill my remaining quota of challenge reads. I WILL NOT FAIL!
This book should have taken me about 2 hours, but instead it took me two days. For some reason, I just found the book annoying, in a way that the movie wasn't, despite it having Tim Allen in the lead. I found the characters to all be simply annoying. So superficial and suburban, upper middle class, keep up with the Joneses, traditional. They all decorate, and all have Frostys (placement and date of set up dictated by that one neighbor who thinks he's King Shit of Turd Hill), they do the overpriced cards, have the big holiday party, make the same dinner every year, blah blah blah. They all do this, not for the joy of the season, or because they like to, but because it's expected of them. Because it's what they've always done. Because they'll be judged by their neighbors if they fail to assimilate. Resistance is futile.
So, god forbid, someone want to do something different. The nerve. The gall. The SELFISHNESS.
Regardless, the Kranks decide to not do Christmas and instead go on a cruise. Which mortally offends everyone ever. Their neighbors go on a campaign of terror to bully the Kranks into the Christmas spirit, even going so far as to recruit college kids to carol in front of their house repeatedly or send them Frosty the Snowman cards or leave "Free Frosty" campaign signs on their lawn. Which only makes the Kranks more stubborn and resistant. Of course, everyone has a lovely change of heart on Christmas eve when, for some reason, everyone comes together to help save the day and protect the illusion of a Perfect Christmas for the 23 year old Krank daughter and her fiance (whom she's known for literally 3 weeks) when they unexpectedly call on Christmas Eve to surprise everyone by coming home for Christmas. So the whole neighborhood rallies to their rescue. Because again... I guess it's expected that Christmas be properly perfect.
Nora was such a whining ninny that she got on my nerves about 3 seconds into the book, with her constant "Is she OK??" questioning. For god's sake, the girl is 23 and in Peru TEACHING. She's not in a war zone. And how the hell is Nora's husband supposed to know if she's OK? His crystal ball works no better than anyone else's.
Luther got on my nerves, too. Just because stuff happens at the end of December doesn't mean that it's part of Christmas. He'd already agreed to charitable giving as the exception to their skipping Christmas... yet when the police department and fire departments come to collect money for their charities, he turns them away, cherry-picking "Christmas" vs "Charity" based on whether he feels like he's being shaken down for cash or not. He's essentially railing against being expected to give to these organizations, which I can understand... but again, it's hypocritical. All in the guise of saving money, but then he throws hundred of dollars away for tanning sessions while insisting on skipping the free holiday events. He would rather be miserable and hide himself away from his neighbors than compromise.
Ugh. Such a stupid premise for a book. ZOMG! Someone's not doing Christmas right! Let's harass the shit out of them until they do it the way we think is proper! That's TRUE Christmas spirit.
December 27, 2009
What a way to end 2009: reading one of the worst books I've read this year, and I've read some real stinkers. Usually I have to at least contemplate giving one or two stars. I didn't even have to think about how many stars this deserves: one. Well, really zero, but that's not an option here.
Where to begin? First, I did not like a single character. The Kranks were aptly named. The father was surly and touchy and seemed annoyed by the entire world. The mother was weak and whiny. And the daughter was selfish and had no sense of reality, even though partly that's because Grisham decided to do absolutely no research into the Peace Corps. I have a friend in the Peace Corps right now and they get two days of vacation per month of work. So, no, little Blair would not be coming home for ten days of Christmas after less than a month of service. Plus, getting engaged and taking the fiance to a foreign country to meet her parents after knowing each other less than four weeks? Really, Grisham, you put so little effort into this book that you can't even be bothered to have a decent plot device to have the Kranks give up their skipped Christmas? Considering the fiance lived in Lima and Blair lived a 3-day bus ride into the mountains from Lima, they probably saw each other about twice between the initial meeting and coming to America engaged. I guess they called each other a lot? Plus, getting last minute plane tickets during the Christmas season? On whose money?
And don't get me started on the neighbors. We are supposed to feel all heart-warmed and mushy that they pulled together to give the Kranks a Christmas in the end. Except they completely harassed them for the previous few weeks. Their behavior was spiteful and rude.
I know this is supposed to be a book about the madness of the holiday season and crass consumerism or something, but, really, there's a line that most people walk between giving into the holiday frenzy and not doing a single Christmas-related thing. The Kranks were so unhappy because they went from one end of the spectrum to the other without attempting any decent moderation.
The best thing about this book--in fact, the ONLY good thing about this book--was that it was short.
Where to begin? First, I did not like a single character. The Kranks were aptly named. The father was surly and touchy and seemed annoyed by the entire world. The mother was weak and whiny. And the daughter was selfish and had no sense of reality, even though partly that's because Grisham decided to do absolutely no research into the Peace Corps. I have a friend in the Peace Corps right now and they get two days of vacation per month of work. So, no, little Blair would not be coming home for ten days of Christmas after less than a month of service. Plus, getting engaged and taking the fiance to a foreign country to meet her parents after knowing each other less than four weeks? Really, Grisham, you put so little effort into this book that you can't even be bothered to have a decent plot device to have the Kranks give up their skipped Christmas? Considering the fiance lived in Lima and Blair lived a 3-day bus ride into the mountains from Lima, they probably saw each other about twice between the initial meeting and coming to America engaged. I guess they called each other a lot? Plus, getting last minute plane tickets during the Christmas season? On whose money?
And don't get me started on the neighbors. We are supposed to feel all heart-warmed and mushy that they pulled together to give the Kranks a Christmas in the end. Except they completely harassed them for the previous few weeks. Their behavior was spiteful and rude.
I know this is supposed to be a book about the madness of the holiday season and crass consumerism or something, but, really, there's a line that most people walk between giving into the holiday frenzy and not doing a single Christmas-related thing. The Kranks were so unhappy because they went from one end of the spectrum to the other without attempting any decent moderation.
The best thing about this book--in fact, the ONLY good thing about this book--was that it was short.
November 28, 2016
One of my favorite "Grisham" translations... Probably, because every Christmas I have the same idea/wish of skipping it! And being a child from a mixed marriage and having both Ortodox and Catholic Christmas does't help a thing! :) Same feeling goes for Easter :)
November 15, 2020
Langsam kommt auch bei mir Weihnachtsstimmung auf.
Daher musste jetzt ein Weihnachtsbuch her. Habe mich für dieses Büchlein von John Grisham entschieden, da ich bisher nur die Verfilmung kenne und liebe ("Verrückte Weihnachten" mit Tim Allen und Jamie Lee Curtis).
Zum Glück war das Buch genauso witzig und charmant wie der Film und hat mir ein paar gemütliche Lesestunden an diesem Sonntag verschafft.
Wenn ich nicht wüsste, dass das Buch von John Grisham geschrieben ist, hätte ich das nie im Leben erraten. Wer hätte gedacht, dass er auch solche Geschichten wunderbar erzählen kann?
Wegen mir hätte das Buch noch ein paar mehr Seiten haben dürfen, allerdings war es so genau auf den Punkt erzählt.
Die Situationen, in die Nora und Luther geraten, sind so herrlich abstrus. Und es kommt beim Lesen wirklich Weihnachtsstimmung auf, da es um den ganzen Wahnsinn rund um Weihnachten geht, wie beispielsweise das Dekorieren der Häuser und der Einkaufsstress rund um die Feiertage.
Und das Ende ist einfach perfekt kitschig und harmonisch. Klare Leseempfehlung für die kommenden Wochen! Und ihr müsst den Film ansehen, falls ihr ihn noch nicht kennt :)
Daher musste jetzt ein Weihnachtsbuch her. Habe mich für dieses Büchlein von John Grisham entschieden, da ich bisher nur die Verfilmung kenne und liebe ("Verrückte Weihnachten" mit Tim Allen und Jamie Lee Curtis).
Zum Glück war das Buch genauso witzig und charmant wie der Film und hat mir ein paar gemütliche Lesestunden an diesem Sonntag verschafft.
Wenn ich nicht wüsste, dass das Buch von John Grisham geschrieben ist, hätte ich das nie im Leben erraten. Wer hätte gedacht, dass er auch solche Geschichten wunderbar erzählen kann?
Wegen mir hätte das Buch noch ein paar mehr Seiten haben dürfen, allerdings war es so genau auf den Punkt erzählt.
Die Situationen, in die Nora und Luther geraten, sind so herrlich abstrus. Und es kommt beim Lesen wirklich Weihnachtsstimmung auf, da es um den ganzen Wahnsinn rund um Weihnachten geht, wie beispielsweise das Dekorieren der Häuser und der Einkaufsstress rund um die Feiertage.
Und das Ende ist einfach perfekt kitschig und harmonisch. Klare Leseempfehlung für die kommenden Wochen! Und ihr müsst den Film ansehen, falls ihr ihn noch nicht kennt :)
December 10, 2008
An absolute horror-show of a book. The two worst people in the entire world decide to not celebrate Christmas for a year and their Nazi suburban beehive neighbors treat them like they're hosting a donkey show in the front window. There isn't a single character in this book who passes the basic test of decency. The couple lie to their daughter and treat her like a non-person. The husband is a hateful a-hole. The wife is shallow and defeated. The neighborhood men are bullies. The neighborhood women are a backbiting hen house. Despite the faint glimmer of kindness in the last chapter, this book is a contemptable look at contemptable people. Merry Christmas, shitheads.
December 24, 2022
Christmas 2022 - Meh
I finally got around to reading this novella on which the dreadful movie Christmas with the Kranks* is based. They are very similar. The book has a better title, so of course the movie didn't use it. I really dislike the message of the story. At first it seems to be condemning the mindless conformity and consumerism that has overtaken our celebration of Christmas; but then it turns around and embraces these as the way to achieve happiness and community.
*Shameful disclosure: Even though I KNOW it's dreadful, I watch Christmas with the Kranks every year. I'm not sure why. I hated it with a fiery passion the first time I saw it, yet somehow it grew on me and has now become a tradition.
I finally got around to reading this novella on which the dreadful movie Christmas with the Kranks* is based. They are very similar. The book has a better title, so of course the movie didn't use it. I really dislike the message of the story. At first it seems to be condemning the mindless conformity and consumerism that has overtaken our celebration of Christmas; but then it turns around and embraces these as the way to achieve happiness and community.
*Shameful disclosure: Even though I KNOW it's dreadful, I watch Christmas with the Kranks every year. I'm not sure why. I hated it with a fiery passion the first time I saw it, yet somehow it grew on me and has now become a tradition.
December 26, 2021
الهروب من طقوس الاعياد؛ لا انكر انها فكرة مغرية؛فالاجازات قد تضغط الي حدود لا معقولة.. فتغريك بالهرب و قد نفذتها مرة؛ و لكن في عيدنا الكبير
و قد نفذوها العائلتين في فيلم وحدي في المنزل بدون ضجة بل و لعامين متتاليين
جريشام يناقش هنا تطرف بعض الأمريكيين في التمسك "بمظاهر العيد" من خلال اب يقرر بعد سفر ابنته ان يتجنب الكريسماس و؛ يقاطع الاحتفال و يوفر الاف الدولات و يسافر بزوجته للكاريبي؛ لنتبين معه ان احتفالك بالعيد و العام الجديد؛ ليس لاجلك بالضبط بل لاجل كل من حولك و عدم احتفالك يفسد روح العيد علي الكل
ففي النهاية جيرانك هم من يشاهدون سانتا الذي تنحته و زينة منزلك التي قد تكسر ساقك و انت تعلقها فهناك دوما منافع متبادلة بين البشر مهما كانت اختياراتهم و تفضيلاتهم؛ و الفردية الأنانية لن تناسب المواسم ابدا عبر العالم
و بالطبع هذه اغرب روايات جريشام المتمسك دوما بالملاحم القانونية للابد؛ و لكنه هنا استعرض قانون الإجازات الصارم
February 22, 2023
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, Christmas (duh)
This short book follows Luther & Nora. Luther is frustrated about spending $6,100 on Christmas last year, so this year they are going on a cruise and skipping Christmas. The plans are made and the tickets are purchased when they get news that their daughter, Blair, is coming home for Christmas. So now they are rushing around trying to bring the magic back into their home. Can they pull it off in time for Santa's arrival?
Overall, a super quick likable Christmasy tale.
Narration ~
Dennis Boutsikaris ~ 3 hours and 42 minutes ~ he did a fine job.
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
This short book follows Luther & Nora. Luther is frustrated about spending $6,100 on Christmas last year, so this year they are going on a cruise and skipping Christmas. The plans are made and the tickets are purchased when they get news that their daughter, Blair, is coming home for Christmas. So now they are rushing around trying to bring the magic back into their home. Can they pull it off in time for Santa's arrival?
Overall, a super quick likable Christmasy tale.
Narration ~
Dennis Boutsikaris ~ 3 hours and 42 minutes ~ he did a fine job.
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
December 6, 2014
I was not much impressed by this book. I should have read the reviews more closely because lots of people seem to feel the same and worse! The story was weak, the characters unlikeable and there was really very little humour. For me it fell apart right from the basic premise that the Kranks were doing something unusual in going on holiday over Xmas. Really? Millions of people do it every year including me some years. And the neighbours were just awful. I suppose it was intended to be funny but I barely raised a smile. Apologies to readers who liked it but it obviously was not my cup of tea!
January 8, 2024
This was a quick and funny read (even if you don't like Grisham thrillers, try this one), but oh so true... I only wish I had the courage to really skip Christmas... we came close one year when we spent Christmas in Disney-- no tree, no major wrapping, no frantic cookie baking... it was such a relief!
(Read in Dec 2006)
(Read in Dec 2006)
December 21, 2008
This review contains spoilers because this book is not worth reading. You have been warned.
The book portrays the over-the-top commercialism that many people live every day, but even more so at Christmas time. A couple tries to skip Christmas and spend the money on a cruise instead. They are ridiculed by their neighbors, office workers, and friends. Everything is going fine until a surprise Christmas Eve phone call from their daughter, who has been in Peru for a month, that she is returning home for Christmas with her fiance. The wife start an emergency Christmas, blaming her husband for not having Christmas this year. They decide to not tell their daughter about the cruise and stay home for Christmas. They pull it off Christmas and give the cruise to their neighbor, whose wife has cancer and doesn't have long to live.
The couple gave in to their adult daughter and protected her from knowing about their plans. They should have told their daughter that they were grateful for her visit, but they had different plans this year and would be leaving on Christmas Day for a cruise. Instead, they reacted like parents of a toddler that throws a tantrum in the store, "BUY ME SOME CANDY!". Children, especially adult children, need to learn that the world does not revolve around them.
The wife should not have blamed her husband for not having Christmas. She was in agreement about the cruise. While it was harder for her to skip Christmas, she did it willingly. She and her husband are equally responsible for this.
The book portrays the over-the-top commercialism that many people live every day, but even more so at Christmas time. A couple tries to skip Christmas and spend the money on a cruise instead. They are ridiculed by their neighbors, office workers, and friends. Everything is going fine until a surprise Christmas Eve phone call from their daughter, who has been in Peru for a month, that she is returning home for Christmas with her fiance. The wife start an emergency Christmas, blaming her husband for not having Christmas this year. They decide to not tell their daughter about the cruise and stay home for Christmas. They pull it off Christmas and give the cruise to their neighbor, whose wife has cancer and doesn't have long to live.
The couple gave in to their adult daughter and protected her from knowing about their plans. They should have told their daughter that they were grateful for her visit, but they had different plans this year and would be leaving on Christmas Day for a cruise. Instead, they reacted like parents of a toddler that throws a tantrum in the store, "BUY ME SOME CANDY!". Children, especially adult children, need to learn that the world does not revolve around them.
The wife should not have blamed her husband for not having Christmas. She was in agreement about the cruise. While it was harder for her to skip Christmas, she did it willingly. She and her husband are equally responsible for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2011
Lame. Pointless. Pathetic. Unworthy.
Instead of Skipping Christmas, skip this book.
I barely enjoyed the movie and it was way better than the book. I read this ASSuming that the film was based on a funnier, better characterized, more in depth holiday story of a couple attempting and failing to skip Christmas. Wrong. That ASSumption made an ASS out of me and I'm hoping to spare you the same fate.
Every character was as unlikable as the next. The entire presumptuous town basically abused this couple for not conforming to the status quo of commercialized Christmas and then only came to their rescue once they supposedly saw the light. I would definitely choose to be an atheist amongst those people. Blair was an over indulged flighty brat. Vic, a self important blowhard who ran the neighborhood like a Mafia boss. Luther was portrayed as a grinch like character who needed an attitude adjustment. Dude just wanted a freaking vacation with his wife alone after 25 something years of her obsessing over their daughter. What was wrong about that? Nora was the worst however. She basically only cared about appearances with the community and her daughter. The book's ending should have been Luther running off with another woman to the Bahamas.
Lastly, what was with all the racist comments regarding the Peruvian fiancé? How dark was he? Oh, what a relief he's 2 shades lighter than us? Wow, his English is good. He is only smart because he was educated in England. Really!?!
Totally sickening book. Not heart warming in the least. Actually confirmed for me why I hate the spectacle of Christmas. Disgusting people like these have ruined it. Tis the Season.
Instead of Skipping Christmas, skip this book.
I barely enjoyed the movie and it was way better than the book. I read this ASSuming that the film was based on a funnier, better characterized, more in depth holiday story of a couple attempting and failing to skip Christmas. Wrong. That ASSumption made an ASS out of me and I'm hoping to spare you the same fate.
Every character was as unlikable as the next. The entire presumptuous town basically abused this couple for not conforming to the status quo of commercialized Christmas and then only came to their rescue once they supposedly saw the light. I would definitely choose to be an atheist amongst those people. Blair was an over indulged flighty brat. Vic, a self important blowhard who ran the neighborhood like a Mafia boss. Luther was portrayed as a grinch like character who needed an attitude adjustment. Dude just wanted a freaking vacation with his wife alone after 25 something years of her obsessing over their daughter. What was wrong about that? Nora was the worst however. She basically only cared about appearances with the community and her daughter. The book's ending should have been Luther running off with another woman to the Bahamas.
Lastly, what was with all the racist comments regarding the Peruvian fiancé? How dark was he? Oh, what a relief he's 2 shades lighter than us? Wow, his English is good. He is only smart because he was educated in England. Really!?!
Totally sickening book. Not heart warming in the least. Actually confirmed for me why I hate the spectacle of Christmas. Disgusting people like these have ruined it. Tis the Season.
August 9, 2012
I adore holiday books, especially those centered around Christmas, but this is one I wish I had skipped. At least it was short.
First of all, I didn’t like anybody through 7/8 of the book. Mr. Krank, is, well, a crank. His wife agrees with his skipping Christmas idea but still manages to lay all the blame on him. Their neighbors and friends are jerks. I would be jealous if someone I knew were taking a cruise for Christmas not angry. I do think the Kranks were going a little overboard though. I’d still do some decorating, after all they were planning on being in town through most of December.
Even the daughter was inconsiderate, assuming that her parents had made no alternative plans. And why they didn’t just tell her that they would be happy to spend Christmas Eve with her, but they were leaving on Christmas Day for a cruise is beyond me. She’s a grown woman, out of college, capable of heading across the world on her own.
The last bit of the book held all the feel good moments, but overall I didn’t care, and by the end felt manipulated. I guess it had an anti-materialism message somewhere, but there are way better stories out there.
First of all, I didn’t like anybody through 7/8 of the book. Mr. Krank, is, well, a crank. His wife agrees with his skipping Christmas idea but still manages to lay all the blame on him. Their neighbors and friends are jerks. I would be jealous if someone I knew were taking a cruise for Christmas not angry. I do think the Kranks were going a little overboard though. I’d still do some decorating, after all they were planning on being in town through most of December.
Even the daughter was inconsiderate, assuming that her parents had made no alternative plans. And why they didn’t just tell her that they would be happy to spend Christmas Eve with her, but they were leaving on Christmas Day for a cruise is beyond me. She’s a grown woman, out of college, capable of heading across the world on her own.
The last bit of the book held all the feel good moments, but overall I didn’t care, and by the end felt manipulated. I guess it had an anti-materialism message somewhere, but there are way better stories out there.
January 5, 2024
Christmas With the Kranks seemed to be on every time I was looking for something to watch on television while on vacation time so I decided to do what I do best and finally pull this off the shelf and read instead of watch. The premise here is a cute one - new empty nesters decide to skip their usual Christmas festivities and take a cruise. When their daughter surprises them with news she’ll be home for the holidays after all the entire neighborhood pulls together to make the spirits bright. If you’re are looking for good olde timey Christmas feels this novella might be right up your alley.
December 4, 2021
All the way back in the summer of 2004, my mom and I were seeing some movie in the theater; I believe it was The Terminal, but I'm not 100% sure. We arrived earlier than usual, so, they had some advertisements for other flicks, one of which was an upcoming holiday comedy called Christmas with the Kranks. The promotional material we saw--or, actually, she saw more of it than I did; I only saw a small part of it because I made a restroom trip before the feature presentation started--mentioned that it was based on John Grisham's Skipping Christmas. The title was likely changed to avoid confusion with Surviving Christmas, a film allegedly so dreadful that it should never have been made. Soon after we saw that ad for Christmas with the Kranks, my mom borrowed the audiobook of Skipping Christmas from the library, and had a field day with it; she said it was hilarious because of how deadpan the narrator was. That Black Friday, my mom, my grandmother, and I saw it in theaters...and I enjoyed it. We got the DVD the next Christmas season, and have watched it more than once since; in fact, it was the first film that I popped into my Blu-Ray home theater system that I got as a gift from my parents one Yule.
Despite seeing the film multiple times in various formats and even hearing parts of the audiobook version, I had never read the book...until now. While the print and celluloid versions differ in some ways, I still like both of them. The original Grisham work had occasional profanities and suggestive references--that is, more so than the flick did--that were unnecessary, but, it was still a fun story. Fans of the Allen/Curtis movie versions should seek out the book, either in print or audio format; you'll be glad you did!
Despite seeing the film multiple times in various formats and even hearing parts of the audiobook version, I had never read the book...until now. While the print and celluloid versions differ in some ways, I still like both of them. The original Grisham work had occasional profanities and suggestive references--that is, more so than the flick did--that were unnecessary, but, it was still a fun story. Fans of the Allen/Curtis movie versions should seek out the book, either in print or audio format; you'll be glad you did!
December 22, 2020
Need something to listen to during the rush before the holidays? This book is almost twenty years old, but there are some timeless dilemmas that are addressed. There are lots of 'good' traditions we add into our routines for any type of celebrations. As more and more get added over the years, all the things on the 'to do' list can become a crushing burden. The first instinct may be to throw off that yoke entirely as Luther Krank tries to do. What he and wife Nora discover is how intricately those traditions are ties to family, friends, and community. With the COVID concerns this year, it could be an optimal time to determine which activities should endure and remain on the list. For some it may be a good time to leave them behind. Some of you may not realize that this book was the inspiration for the film 'Christmas With the Kranks.' If you ask me, though, the book is better.
December 24, 2023
Quick, cute Christmas read that I was overall very pleased with. One star off because Blair is a bit of an ✨ungrateful brat.✨
Read
June 15, 2024Un crucero por el Caribe, la intención de no celebrar la Navidad y la presión de todo un vecindario.
Cuando Luther Krank, contable de profesión, decide no celebrar la Navidad y ahorrarse el montón de dinero que la fiesta conlleva, cree que va a ser fácil salirse con la suya. Con la excusa de que su hija Blair está en Perú y no pasará las fiestas con ellos, Luther convence a su mujer de cambiar la Navidad por un crucero por el Caribe: nada de fiestas, regalos, invitaciones, calendarios solidarios, cena de empresas, compras a contrarreloj,... Ambos se ponen a dieta y comienzan los preparativos para su inolvidable viaje el día 25, mientras todos los vecinos de la calle Hemlock intentan sabotear los planes de la pareja para que pongan el Papá Noel en el tejado, organicen su fiesta de Nochebuena, se involucren en las celebraciones del barrio y abandonen su idea de no celebrar la Navidad. La prueba de fuego llegará el mismo día de Nochebuena con una inesperada llamada.
En "Una Navidad diferente" John Grisham construye una maravillosa crítica a la sociedad y el espíritu navideño más consumista, un tipo de historia completamente distinta de las habituales del autor. Una novela que se adentra en temas como el consumismo, la solidaridad, la comunidad, el chantaje, las tradiciones y la familia.
✔️ Puntos fuertes: lectura ágil y amena gracias a una prosa muy sencilla, ágil y directa y capítulos breves, los toques de humor, las situaciones cómicas y rocambolescas, la fuerte crítica social, la evolución de la trama y el final.
❤ Te gustará si: buscas una lectura agradable, con humor y cierta crítica, ambientada en a época Navideña.
Cuando Luther Krank, contable de profesión, decide no celebrar la Navidad y ahorrarse el montón de dinero que la fiesta conlleva, cree que va a ser fácil salirse con la suya. Con la excusa de que su hija Blair está en Perú y no pasará las fiestas con ellos, Luther convence a su mujer de cambiar la Navidad por un crucero por el Caribe: nada de fiestas, regalos, invitaciones, calendarios solidarios, cena de empresas, compras a contrarreloj,... Ambos se ponen a dieta y comienzan los preparativos para su inolvidable viaje el día 25, mientras todos los vecinos de la calle Hemlock intentan sabotear los planes de la pareja para que pongan el Papá Noel en el tejado, organicen su fiesta de Nochebuena, se involucren en las celebraciones del barrio y abandonen su idea de no celebrar la Navidad. La prueba de fuego llegará el mismo día de Nochebuena con una inesperada llamada.
En "Una Navidad diferente" John Grisham construye una maravillosa crítica a la sociedad y el espíritu navideño más consumista, un tipo de historia completamente distinta de las habituales del autor. Una novela que se adentra en temas como el consumismo, la solidaridad, la comunidad, el chantaje, las tradiciones y la familia.
✔️ Puntos fuertes: lectura ágil y amena gracias a una prosa muy sencilla, ágil y directa y capítulos breves, los toques de humor, las situaciones cómicas y rocambolescas, la fuerte crítica social, la evolución de la trama y el final.
❤ Te gustará si: buscas una lectura agradable, con humor y cierta crítica, ambientada en a época Navideña.
December 30, 2008
Honestly, when I got to the ending, I thought "what was the point of this?" The author, it seemed, slapped two different concepts together and as a result, created a very disappointing book.
First half had great potential in the Krunks fighting a losing battle against forced gaiety and the commericialization of Christmas. I was rooting for the Krunks to make it to the end.
Then the daughter decides to come home.
All is lost as they attempt to recreate Christmases of the past for the daughter. Why?
I was very deflated at the end to see the Krunks cave. There was no lesson in this except that when spoiling your daughter, no sacrifice or compromising of ideals or caving to the Stepford neighborhood is too much.
Author could have made a blistering commentary on the overblown excess of the season, and caved to it instead.
First half had great potential in the Krunks fighting a losing battle against forced gaiety and the commericialization of Christmas. I was rooting for the Krunks to make it to the end.
Then the daughter decides to come home.
All is lost as they attempt to recreate Christmases of the past for the daughter. Why?
I was very deflated at the end to see the Krunks cave. There was no lesson in this except that when spoiling your daughter, no sacrifice or compromising of ideals or caving to the Stepford neighborhood is too much.
Author could have made a blistering commentary on the overblown excess of the season, and caved to it instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2023
Sinopsis: Saltarse la Navidad parece fácil, pero cuando se vive en una calle como Hemlock, sempiterna ganadora de los premios de decoración navideños, y en la que las fiestas son el acontecimiento más esperado del año, supone casi un suicidio social. En su intento por vivir una Navidad distinta, los Krank se convertirán en víctimas de un cúmulo de situaciones que les harán desear no haber tenido jamás tan estrambótica ocurrencia.
Pues ha sido una lectura desenfadada y muy apropiada para esta época del año, con la Navidad a la vuelta de la esquina.
Un matrimonio los Krank, se van a quedar solos en casa por primera vez y el Sr Krank le plantea a su mujer saltarse la festividad, con todo lo que ello conlleva para sus vecinos, que intentaran por todos sus medios que no lo haga, (muñecos adornando la casa, el árbol, la fiesta en casa...) todas esas cosas a las que están acostumbrados y que el Sr Krank les quiere arrebatar; toca pelear por ellas y en este conflicto surgen las situaciones cómicas.
Y es que escapar de la Navidad no es tan fácil como parece, con un inicio con una critica clara a lo que se ha convertido la Navidad, consumista y derrochadora, tenemos una historia sencilla y dinámica que nos hará soltar alguna que otra carcajada.
Además en 2004 se estrenó su adaptación cinematográfica con el título "Christmas with the Kranks" (Conocida en español como "Una Navidad de locos"), comedia Dirigida por Joe Roth y protagonizada por Tim Allen y Jamie Lee Curtis.
Valoración: 6/10
Pues ha sido una lectura desenfadada y muy apropiada para esta época del año, con la Navidad a la vuelta de la esquina.
Un matrimonio los Krank, se van a quedar solos en casa por primera vez y el Sr Krank le plantea a su mujer saltarse la festividad, con todo lo que ello conlleva para sus vecinos, que intentaran por todos sus medios que no lo haga, (muñecos adornando la casa, el árbol, la fiesta en casa...) todas esas cosas a las que están acostumbrados y que el Sr Krank les quiere arrebatar; toca pelear por ellas y en este conflicto surgen las situaciones cómicas.
Y es que escapar de la Navidad no es tan fácil como parece, con un inicio con una critica clara a lo que se ha convertido la Navidad, consumista y derrochadora, tenemos una historia sencilla y dinámica que nos hará soltar alguna que otra carcajada.
Además en 2004 se estrenó su adaptación cinematográfica con el título "Christmas with the Kranks" (Conocida en español como "Una Navidad de locos"), comedia Dirigida por Joe Roth y protagonizada por Tim Allen y Jamie Lee Curtis.
Valoración: 6/10
December 12, 2016
A light holiday read, this book actually makes me tear up at the end. (Ignore the horrifying movie, Christmas with the Kranks, which was loosely based on it.) This is the story of a rather unlikeable guy who, with his only daughter away for Christmas, convinces his wife that they will actually save money and enjoy the holiday more if they "skip" Christmas and go on a cruise instead. No donations, no decorations, no gifts, just a cruise. Of course, forces conspire against him, sometimes too over-the-top, often hilarious, as he learns his lesson. The main problem with this book is that Luther is almost too unlikeable. He's fairly mean to his wife, is rude in the way he turns away people trying to get him to participate, and doesn't entirely change at the end. But the story is very engaging, and again, the ending is fun and touching.
2013 reread: Still loathe Luther, but also love even more how close knit his neighborhood is.
2016: Seriously, he's so awful. And I want to know more about Marty Whatshisname.
2013 reread: Still loathe Luther, but also love even more how close knit his neighborhood is.
2016: Seriously, he's so awful. And I want to know more about Marty Whatshisname.
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November 16, 2022I hate is town when pep told y what you done and what you dont.I love some time skip some event why not .Once for while or ever.But still i havnt skip any event but still i wish i do. And i love in town when you have proplem all negphour stant with y.
December 7, 2020
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham was the PERFECT Christmas story for me! It was fun and refreshing. The general premise of the story is exactly something I could see my husband and me doing. Read it and learn a bit about our personalities!
If you’re looking for a Christmas story that is not a ‘sappy romance’ or a ‘Hallmark movie,’ pick this up! This story is hilarious. Hilariously ironic and thought provoking. What is Christmas all about, really? I laughed, I cried (i.e. I cried from laughing), I was touched, and ultimately just felt happy reading this gem.
The writing has an excellent tempo and reads very quickly; it’s also a short read just under 200 pages. For a quick, lighthearted, and Christmas filled fun story, please read Skipping Christmas!
Having never read a Grisham novel before, this has to be the best introduction to his books!
On a sentimental note, this story made me realize how important it is to us adults to make Christmas special for children - it’s all about the kiddos! Am I right?! What’s Christmas spirit without a whole lot of childhood magic!
Thank you for reading my review on Goodreads! Follow me on Instagram (@journeyofthepages) for further bookish engagement! www.instragram.com/journeyofthepages I hope to meet you there!
If you’re looking for a Christmas story that is not a ‘sappy romance’ or a ‘Hallmark movie,’ pick this up! This story is hilarious. Hilariously ironic and thought provoking. What is Christmas all about, really? I laughed, I cried (i.e. I cried from laughing), I was touched, and ultimately just felt happy reading this gem.
The writing has an excellent tempo and reads very quickly; it’s also a short read just under 200 pages. For a quick, lighthearted, and Christmas filled fun story, please read Skipping Christmas!
Having never read a Grisham novel before, this has to be the best introduction to his books!
On a sentimental note, this story made me realize how important it is to us adults to make Christmas special for children - it’s all about the kiddos! Am I right?! What’s Christmas spirit without a whole lot of childhood magic!
Thank you for reading my review on Goodreads! Follow me on Instagram (@journeyofthepages) for further bookish engagement! www.instragram.com/journeyofthepages I hope to meet you there!
November 28, 2014
A long time ago I used to read John Grisham. A lot of John Grisham. I was definitely a fan of the courtroom drama written in his words. So, I thought this book might be a safe (and also easy) choice for book club.
Not so.
Unfortunately, this book was surprisingly terrible. It was so bad that it might just be the standard by which to judge all other terrible books. Underdeveloped, shallow characters, pointless diatribe, a complete lack of conviction, and a splash of random racism combine to make this a book you should probably avoid.
And, what's worse is, the more I think about this book, the more I hate it.
Not so.
Unfortunately, this book was surprisingly terrible. It was so bad that it might just be the standard by which to judge all other terrible books. Underdeveloped, shallow characters, pointless diatribe, a complete lack of conviction, and a splash of random racism combine to make this a book you should probably avoid.
And, what's worse is, the more I think about this book, the more I hate it.
January 29, 2018
This was a cute little Christmas themed book. Very much looking forward to watching the movie, and could very distinctively feel Jaimie Lee Curtis losing her s@#t!
I like to read a theme book every festive season, and this filled the spot nicely. Regardless of calling off Christmas or not (which is what this couple decided to do), the Christmas they do do every year is way over the top. I'm quite boring and love a tree, some nice decorations and a few tasteful lights.
No street themed snowmen and keeping up with the Jonses for me, thank you very much!
Light hearted, fun and a little silly - just what you want at Christmas!
I like to read a theme book every festive season, and this filled the spot nicely. Regardless of calling off Christmas or not (which is what this couple decided to do), the Christmas they do do every year is way over the top. I'm quite boring and love a tree, some nice decorations and a few tasteful lights.
No street themed snowmen and keeping up with the Jonses for me, thank you very much!
Light hearted, fun and a little silly - just what you want at Christmas!
October 4, 2019
A refreshing,light and breezy read.A couple plans to skip Christmas,save money and go on a cruise.Good fun,and thankfully does not go on for 400 plus pages,like his other books.
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