My Top three Books for Decemeber 2013 : Tis the Season you know

You know what they say right? Omne trium perfectum, the best things come in threes. With that in mind, my list includes two classics and one that I think should be a classic:

1. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2. Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol
3. Terry Pratchett's  Hogfather

 Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a time honored classic and I am sure everyone has seen or read it, but your kids might not have. I would encourage anyone who thinks their children haven't seen or read this book to read it to them. Note, when I say read it to them, I mean actually read it to them. The movie is good, and very accurate, but there is something more potent in reading it aloud to your child then to just leave them in front of a Television screen. Also, if anyone has an old copy of the book that they don't think they will need anymore I would recommend donating it, in fact, I would recommend donating any books that you think could be better served somewhere else. Advice I should probably take myself.

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is even more of a classic and I am sure everyone has seen or heard it in one shape or another. Part of why I like this novel is that it has taken so many shapes throughout the years. In fact the previously mentioned story How the Grinch Stole Christmas is in fact an allegory to A Christmas Carol. A bitter and seemingly powerful figure who despises all of those around him, thinking them unworthy of his care or attention, is ultimately changed for the better and becomes a shining light of a person, or whatever the Grinch is (kind of resembles a moldy yeti or something). I personally have fondest memories of A Muppet Christmas Carol, and I don't think any other movie version could usurp its place, but with that in mind the novel needs its own attention. A wonderfully crafted story of reflection and redemption. A tale of spirits and a man's life that will leave you questioning whether or not you yourself are a Scrooge in your own life. Dickens language is fantastic, and although it may not be for everyone, it deserves a fair shake. In addition I recently came across an audio book version of A Christmas Carol done by Jim Dale, a voice actor who in my opinion is quite good. If you find that you like his reading, you can find more information about him and his work on his website.

Finally we make our way to Terry Pratchett's Hogfather, which is where the idea for this post originally started. 

Before I begin on this particular novel I implore you to check out Terry Pratchett's extensive work. Terry Pratchett was the fantasy king long before J.K. Rowling stepped into the scene, and although you might not have heard of him, his works are quite the ride. The creator of the truly manic and marvelous Disc World, Terry Pratchett has built a fantasy realm all his own, which just so happens to sit on the backs of four giant elephants, which sit astride the back of an impossibly large turtle. No really, I am serious, go check it out. He has developed some of my absolute favorite characters, among them being Death. Who believe it or not, is one of the main protagonists of the the Hogfather.

The Hogfather is not your typical Christmas story if not for any other reason than that it isn't about Christmas, it's about Hogswatch. The Hogfather, which is where the novel's name sake comes from, is the Disc World equivalent to Santa Claus. The crux of this story is that something has happened to the Hogfather, and the first "person" to respond is none other than death. Death dawns the appropriate robes, attempts to develop the appropriate attitude, and catch phrases, and replaces the Hogfather for one extremely crazy Hogswatch. There is much more to the story, and the plot can be rather dark at times, but most Christmas stories have their dark points, but we know everything works out in the end. Just ask Death. He knows. I would also highly recommend the two part mini-series film version of the Hogfather it's surprisingly well done and was my first introduction to the story. One of the few occasions where I watched the mini-series, read the book, and didn't say "The book was better," they are both just fantastic.

The Hogfather has actually made it as the first round novel of the book club I am starting with this blog. I will be posting thoughtful questions and ideas about the book as the month of December moves along. If anyone wishes to join just comment or shoot us an email. If will also personally be reading A Christmas Carol again, so if anyone wants to chat about that I will be open to it, and will more than likely be writing about it.

Happy Holidays