A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens copyright 1843
For the past 15 years, on Christmas Day we listen to an audio presentation of A Christmas Carol while traveling to Grandma's for dinner. It has become a favorite part of my celebration. Last year, I finally broke down and bought an illustrated copy of the book for my library. It is lovely! The story itself charms and delights everyone in the family.
My favorite part of the story is when the ghost of Christmas Present and Scrooge visit the poor family of Bob Cratchit. The whole scene is one of glorious happiness and joy despite what some might describe as being poor. The family loves one another and the time of ease the day affords. My favorite quote from this scene:
"There was nothing of high mark in this. They were not a handsome family; their shoes were far from being water-proof; their clothes were scanty; and Peter might have known, and very likely did, the inside of a pawnbroker's. But they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time . . ." That is what I wish Christmas Day would be like for everyone.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi copyright 2002 Newberry Award winner
I read this book a month or so ago. I found it at the Scholastic book fair at my children's school. Although labeled a "children's" book, I enjoyed it. There is a lot of good to be said about a quick read. The setting is medieval England countryside. The story begins with a thirteen year old boy burying his mother in a pauper's grave with only the town priest in attendance. The boy doesn't even know he has a name other than "Asta's son" which is what people have always called him. He is the lowest of the low on the social rungs of the little country town social ladder. One might think that he would just fade away for lack of a way to support himself, but rather than shrink into nothingness, the boy becomes the object of intrigue and must run away. Before he does, the priest tells him his name and tries to help him, but the priest is killed for his trouble.
The story moves along at a brisk pace with Crispin running for his life, finding a friend and protector and finally learning why he is in trouble in the first place. Although the storyline would like be more developed if it were a book written for an adult audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think there is a sequel, but I haven't located it yet.
I read this book a month or so ago. I found it at the Scholastic book fair at my children's school. Although labeled a "children's" book, I enjoyed it. There is a lot of good to be said about a quick read. The setting is medieval England countryside. The story begins with a thirteen year old boy burying his mother in a pauper's grave with only the town priest in attendance. The boy doesn't even know he has a name other than "Asta's son" which is what people have always called him. He is the lowest of the low on the social rungs of the little country town social ladder. One might think that he would just fade away for lack of a way to support himself, but rather than shrink into nothingness, the boy becomes the object of intrigue and must run away. Before he does, the priest tells him his name and tries to help him, but the priest is killed for his trouble.
The story moves along at a brisk pace with Crispin running for his life, finding a friend and protector and finally learning why he is in trouble in the first place. Although the storyline would like be more developed if it were a book written for an adult audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think there is a sequel, but I haven't located it yet.
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