Kringle

Just in time for Christmas I finished Kringle a fantasy based story about Santa Claus' origins. Tony Abbott wrote this young adult novel. The story begins with a retelling of Kringle's mysterious birth and how he was named for the sound of a bell. A lonely old woman kept Kringle hidden from goblins who have sought his destruction. Early into the story, Kringle and the old woman are attacked by goblins and the teen-aged Kringle is on his own. Kringle experiences many adventures, meets up with elves, a priest, and a final confrontation with goblins.

There were things I liked and disliked about the book, giving it a mixed review. I liked the idea of writing a fantasy based story with a teen Santa Claus. So much potential. I liked the elves, just what I imagined. But I didn't like the handling of the Christian story of Jesus and the magical world. Finally, I didn't like the characterization of Kringle. He comes across as unbalanced and not heroic.

Young adult readers who love fantasy may like this story. I could easily see this book turned into a fantasy Christmas movie. For the rest of us, it is a one-time, entertaining read (and fast too).

Book rating: 3 stars

The Christmas Quilt

Many popular authors are not unlike popular singers. In order to extend their brand of music, they will release a Christmas album. Often the singers interpretation of traditional Christmas carols are less than desirable. And yet the resulting sales justify the weak effort. Some book authors are similar. Mary Higgins Clark, Debbi Maccomber, Nora Roberts, Richard Paul Evans, John Grisham and others have all come out with the obligatory Christmas story. (I wouldn't be surprised if Clancy also came out with one since he has sold out in so many ways....).

The Christmas Quilt story doesn't fall into that category. True, the story is a Christmas story but only a chapter or two actually deals with Christmas events. Most of the story involves the 7 months leading up to Christmas. Written by Thomas J. Davis, it is a charming look at a small town and simple family life. It takes it's point of view from a 13 year old boy as he starts down the road toward adulthood.

The story is entirely predictable, yet that is ok. It is a comfortable journey for the reader, despite the expected events. It is easy to relate to the reactions and day-to-day life of the family. The story is more about family and less about the "magic" of Christmas. Christmas is the event that motivates certain characters to behave a little kinder because they recognize it as a day to show more love and charity (having a strong grasp on their Christian faith). In that sense, the story is a lot more real.

The story is a gentle book and it does have some religious passages which I did not find over bearing. Instead, it helps you to understand the characters better.

Book Rating: 3 1/2 Stars