The Christmas Box

"The Christmas Box" is a self-publisher's dream come true. It was originally self-published in '93 but was subsequently sought after by several major publishing houses once its popularity skyrocketed via word-of-mouth and was published again in '95. The book, according to its back-cover copy, was written as a gift to the author's family. It seems to be a somewhat fictionalized version of a true story.

At less than 150 pocket-book-sized pages, it took me about an hour and 15 minutes to read. Though the story takes place mostly near Christmastime, it is appropriate reading for any season, because the real message is in the joy of children and family. The reader's heartstrings are grasped, gripped and twisted until the last tear falls and the final address of the new angel monument is given. I hope to visit it myself someday. 

I highly recommend this book to someone who has an hour or so to kill out by a pool or cuddled up on a chaise with a cup of hot chocolate. Don't forget the extra marshmallows and the Kleenex.

If you haven't yet used BookMooch, I highly recommend it, especially if you aren't much on collecting and keeping books. Visit the site here. You might even be able to mooch your own copy of "The Christmas Box."

Next book: "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel