Happy Thursday, happy book review day, and Merry (almost!) Christmas!
I've decided for today and next week's book review, to focus on classic Christmas books.
I love Christmas. ("The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.")
Well, that's not entirely accurate. There are lots of reasons I love "the whole Christmas season". I love decorating. Christmas shopping. Wrapping gifts. Writing (and sending) cards. Listening to Christmas songs over and over again. Lights. Garland. Baking.
Everything.
And part of what I love is the Christmas TV specials.
And the books.
Like How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Before I start actually talking about this book, I want to address the TV/movie specials, since they have become so iconic to the season, too.
I haven't seen the new one (despite my love for Benedict Cumberbatch) that came out this year. I've heard mixed reviews, but here is one of the trailers:
My parents and whole family love the Jim Carrey version so much it has become one of their "must watch" movies every year. And yeah, I like it, too.
I think the whole story really was brought to life with that movie, and it ushered in a new wave of great Christmas movies. (Looking at you, Elf!)
But here's the thing. For me, there is only one true cinematic version of this story, and it is the original animated one, from 1966. It follows the book (almost) exactly, so maybe that's why I'm biased.
Dr. Seuss made a character that is as well-known as any from pop culture. In fact, his character has leaked into our regular lexicon. Someone not being festive? We either call him a "Scrooge" or a "Grinch".
The Grinch decides, in his cantankerous fashion, that Christmas itself is to blame for the noise, frivolity, and just general annoyance of the holiday. (I do kind of like the frustration with commercialism that Jim Carrey's movie version brought in.) In short, the Grinch just doesn't "get it".
So he decides to steal Christmas.
Dr. Seuss' language is playful, colourful, and sentimental. It wallops you across the head with its Christmas-ness, for sure, but in such a fun way that all of us feel our own hearts growing "by two sizes". It isn't trying too hard, it isn't over-the-top, at least not more-so than any other Seussian tale. It has a message, yes, and beloved characters, and a fantastical world, and is just a really wonderful, sweet story.
The book is a beloved Christmas classic for a reason.
No, scratch that. It's a beloved classic for a reason, Christmas season notwithstanding.
And, regardless of which version is your favourite, I encourage you to spend a little time cuddling up with the actual book this season. It's short, and lovely, and so gosh-darned seasonal.
Which version of this story is your favourite?
Any other beloved Christmas stories that you return to year after year?
As this year draws to a close, I'd like to hear from you, not only about today's question, but just in general. What were your favourite reads this year? Most and least recommended books and stories from the literary world? And what are you reading that's festive?
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