Helpful Score: 36
This was a fantastic Christmas story. I wish I could give it more than 5 STARS!!
It grabbed me from the start, and I couldn't put it down. The style is quite readable, the characters believable, the story riveting.
When I finished, I passed it along to my Mom, who also couldn't put it down ...
For those of you who've watched Glenn Beck on CNN or listened on the radio, his humor comes through, but without any political overtones. Don't let his politics keep you from reading this fabulous story!!
It grabbed me from the start, and I couldn't put it down. The style is quite readable, the characters believable, the story riveting.
When I finished, I passed it along to my Mom, who also couldn't put it down ...
For those of you who've watched Glenn Beck on CNN or listened on the radio, his humor comes through, but without any political overtones. Don't let his politics keep you from reading this fabulous story!!
Helpful Score: 24
First of all, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy reading this book. But when I saw how many people had it on their wish list, I thought I'd do the right thing and read it before I posted it. Also, it was a Christmas gift from my best friend.
Having said all that, I started reading this before I went to work yesterday (1/19/09). The chapters are fairly short and it's an easy read. I have to say I was pulled right in by the characters and the plot. And since it is autobiographical in nature, I knew that some if not most of the experiences were real. When I got home from work, I continued reading when I went to bed. I finally finished it around 4 a.m. this morning.
While I might agree with some that the writing is not as experienced as other authors (such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Clancy, Tolstoy or others), it nevertheless did strike a few chords in my own experiences. I seriously doubt that Mr. Beck wrote this book entirely for the profit, therefore I couldn't actually agree with one member stating not to buy this book.
Mr. Beck truly makes a statement in the book that most of us should heed. We should be grateful for what we have and cherish those that we're close to. Too many people are self absorbed, greedy, selfish and discontented. This should be a wake up call for all of us.
I'd planned to post this book when I finished with it. However, this has become one of my most cherished possessions - mainly due to the person who gave it to me (thanks, Marcia!). Yes, I am a conservative. Yes, I am a Christian. But I wouldn't say that Mr. Beck bashes people over the head with his beliefs. This is truly a remarkable book, especially in its simplicity.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. And people should be more open minded when reading books. I've read alot of "trash" in my lifetime, but this one is definitely NOT on that list.
Having said all that, I started reading this before I went to work yesterday (1/19/09). The chapters are fairly short and it's an easy read. I have to say I was pulled right in by the characters and the plot. And since it is autobiographical in nature, I knew that some if not most of the experiences were real. When I got home from work, I continued reading when I went to bed. I finally finished it around 4 a.m. this morning.
While I might agree with some that the writing is not as experienced as other authors (such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Clancy, Tolstoy or others), it nevertheless did strike a few chords in my own experiences. I seriously doubt that Mr. Beck wrote this book entirely for the profit, therefore I couldn't actually agree with one member stating not to buy this book.
Mr. Beck truly makes a statement in the book that most of us should heed. We should be grateful for what we have and cherish those that we're close to. Too many people are self absorbed, greedy, selfish and discontented. This should be a wake up call for all of us.
I'd planned to post this book when I finished with it. However, this has become one of my most cherished possessions - mainly due to the person who gave it to me (thanks, Marcia!). Yes, I am a conservative. Yes, I am a Christian. But I wouldn't say that Mr. Beck bashes people over the head with his beliefs. This is truly a remarkable book, especially in its simplicity.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. And people should be more open minded when reading books. I've read alot of "trash" in my lifetime, but this one is definitely NOT on that list.
Helpful Score: 20
At first I wanted to read this book because I was a long time Glenn Beck fan. I thought laughter would be in store while I read. To my surprise, I didnt laugh at all while reading this book. That is not to say that this was not an excellent read, but if you are looking for the critical, in your face, "Beck", then be cautioned. Having stated that, this is a wonderful tapestry of teenage suffering and trials, which lead to an outcome, that is somewhat pedictable. I am not sure that I would read this book again, but I would recomend it to fellow readers. This book is somewhat spiritual, but not in the bible thumping way. This book reminds you of childhood feelings, brings up sad feelings, feelings of remorse, and then feelings of triumph, and warmth.
Helpful Score: 19
Irregardless of who wrote this book, it is a book anyone can relate to.
It's mostly autobiographical about a boy who has to cope with losing most of what means most in his life as a child. His last hope is a bicycle, but receiving a special home made gift from his mother sparks the same bad attitude that many of us have shown and many have had to deal with.
Some parts of this book were based on events that happened later in his life, but the boy and his reactions to how life takes us on a ride we can't always control, how we take the people who love us most for granted, and how there's always hope.
It's an easy-to-read story, not so long as to get tiresome, and I really enjoyed it. My local waiting list grows as friends discuss it.
It's kinda like watching the Hallmark channel!
p.s. reads almost identical to the live production, which I also saw.
It's mostly autobiographical about a boy who has to cope with losing most of what means most in his life as a child. His last hope is a bicycle, but receiving a special home made gift from his mother sparks the same bad attitude that many of us have shown and many have had to deal with.
Some parts of this book were based on events that happened later in his life, but the boy and his reactions to how life takes us on a ride we can't always control, how we take the people who love us most for granted, and how there's always hope.
It's an easy-to-read story, not so long as to get tiresome, and I really enjoyed it. My local waiting list grows as friends discuss it.
It's kinda like watching the Hallmark channel!
p.s. reads almost identical to the live production, which I also saw.
Helpful Score: 15
It was a very quick read about a teenager's actions and the consequences of those actions. Sweet read at Christmas.
Helpful Score: 14
My husband got this book for me for Christmas. I LOVED it and it will have a place on my keeper shelf. The story can be almost anyone's life and I think that is the beauty of the book. Great read!!
Helpful Score: 10
Having been a rude, angry, ungrateful, "I hate everyone" teenager, I was totally able to understand where Eddie was in his life. We all travel through life with hardships and trials but some of us make the choice to react badly to those situations. Eddie found out the sad way that his actions caused pain and hurt to many not just himself. We all must face our storm in the cornfield and decide what we will do with our lives.
This book was recommended to me by my sister and I am so grateful that she asked me to read it. This is a wonderful book that speaks to the human soul about forgiveness, love, understanding and redemption (even when that redemption is from ourselves).
This book was recommended to me by my sister and I am so grateful that she asked me to read it. This is a wonderful book that speaks to the human soul about forgiveness, love, understanding and redemption (even when that redemption is from ourselves).
Helpful Score: 10
Absolutely wonderful! A must read for all generations!
Helpful Score: 10
A sweet old-fashioned story of a boy growing up with frustrations, and working his way through them. A good read.
Helpful Score: 9
This short novel is very moving......especially when you find that it is based on Glenn's life. Very touching story.
Helpful Score: 5
I can't wait to read it. I am anxiously awaiting my turn. If the left wingers don't like it, it must be FANTASTIC.
I think I will just go out and buy it so the money goes directly to Glenn! Yeah!!
I think I will just go out and buy it so the money goes directly to Glenn! Yeah!!
Helpful Score: 2
Decent story line, interesting and well written for the most part; I thought it got a little corny at the end, though.
Helpful Score: 2
What a touching story! You won't want to put it down until you read the last word on the final page. Glenn Beck is a gifted story teller, and knowing that this book is based on his life just makes it even more touching. I love how at the end of the story, Glenn lets you know what parts were fact.
Helpful Score: 1
Glenn Beck isn't the greatest writer around but he knows how to tell a story. Well worth reading.
Helpful Score: 1
I was prepared not to like this book, because of the ending of his children book based on this version. To my surprise, I enjoyed this book.
Eddie was twelve and yearned for a new bike for Christmas even though his mother was in the middle of hard financial times after the death of her husband. So when Eddie receives a homemade sweater instead, he is full of resentment and anger. The book is well written and brings some surprises to the reader.
Eddie was twelve and yearned for a new bike for Christmas even though his mother was in the middle of hard financial times after the death of her husband. So when Eddie receives a homemade sweater instead, he is full of resentment and anger. The book is well written and brings some surprises to the reader.
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book.Once I started reading it I didnt want to put it down.I wanted to find out what happened next.This was an easy read.I like Glen Beck and was surprised when I found out He wrote this book.What kid isn't disappointed on Christmas when he finds out he gets clothes instead of toys.I really liked when he found out that the sweater his mother made him was with love and he felt bad and wore the sweater each christmas.This is a great Christmas story.I hope Glen Beck writes another great story soon I would read it.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic, fast read. I developed a connection to the main character from the first page. The theme of the story, not taking for granted the blessings you have, is one we all need to be reminded of from time to time. Recommend this one!
This is a wonderful book that EVERYONE should read. A true statement of what is really important through out your life. READ IT
Helpful Score: 1
It's difficult to improve upon Mike's review, but I feel that I'm duty-bound to try.
This easily makes the top 5 worst books I've read. It's preachy in a hit-you-over-the-head-obvious parable sort of way. Imagine being held captive in a room full of Precious Moments figurines. You're tied to a chair and forced to watch sappy country music videos that involve someone visiting a gravestone at the end (surprise! not.) Wait...you have to listen to the Christmas Shoes over and over and over until you are driven to a Clockwork Orange-type madness. Then throw in Jesus, except he's not Jesus; he's an imaginary horse whisperer named Russell. And of course a surprise ending that you can see coming a mile away. Oh...wait...don't forget the evil cornfield (Stephen King, anyone?). Don't worry. I'm not giving away any spoilers. It is not possible to spoil this book. That was already done by the "author" who has clearly never had an original thought.
Do yourself a favor. If you need a Christmas feel-good fix, watch "It's A Wonderful Life". If you need something with religious foundations that make you feel warm and fuzzy about being a Christian, read Jan Karon's Mitford series. It's religion done right. And if you need to unload some guilt about blaming everyone else for your problems, go to an AA meeting.
But skip this book. Seriously. Do not encourage this author financially or otherwise. He might try to write again. If you want to support the cause he is supporting with the profits, just donate directly. A tree will thank you.
PS...I am neither a liberal, nor an atheist, so my review does not come from there. It's just a truly bad book.
This easily makes the top 5 worst books I've read. It's preachy in a hit-you-over-the-head-obvious parable sort of way. Imagine being held captive in a room full of Precious Moments figurines. You're tied to a chair and forced to watch sappy country music videos that involve someone visiting a gravestone at the end (surprise! not.) Wait...you have to listen to the Christmas Shoes over and over and over until you are driven to a Clockwork Orange-type madness. Then throw in Jesus, except he's not Jesus; he's an imaginary horse whisperer named Russell. And of course a surprise ending that you can see coming a mile away. Oh...wait...don't forget the evil cornfield (Stephen King, anyone?). Don't worry. I'm not giving away any spoilers. It is not possible to spoil this book. That was already done by the "author" who has clearly never had an original thought.
Do yourself a favor. If you need a Christmas feel-good fix, watch "It's A Wonderful Life". If you need something with religious foundations that make you feel warm and fuzzy about being a Christian, read Jan Karon's Mitford series. It's religion done right. And if you need to unload some guilt about blaming everyone else for your problems, go to an AA meeting.
But skip this book. Seriously. Do not encourage this author financially or otherwise. He might try to write again. If you want to support the cause he is supporting with the profits, just donate directly. A tree will thank you.
PS...I am neither a liberal, nor an atheist, so my review does not come from there. It's just a truly bad book.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book. Glenn Beck is a very good author.
Nice story, well written, and easy read.
Charming book. I am now reading it to a senior citizen reading group.
Give to someone that hates Glen Beck and make them eat their words. This man is all heart. The book is a quick read with a few "Oh wow" moments that will make you pause to catch your breath. I am an atheist and must say this is the best religious book that demonstrates the beauty of Christian belief and Love. Get this to open your heart.
Very good book. If this does not make you look at yourself nothing will.
This book is destined to become a Christmas Classic. It has all you could want in a fiction book that has lots of memories of real life. The authors have hit the mark on this one. You will understand at the end why the little boy then a man has kept the Chirstmas sweater all through the years. It was one I am passing on to friends and family and recommended it to others.
A good book with a twist in "The Way it Begins..." at the end. A look at what every person goes through at sometime in their life, we all face some kind of storm in our lives.
I thought this was a very touching book, especially one for young people to read....
Excellent book about a young boy growing up; struggling and coming to realize what is really important in life.
A real "box of kleenex" kind of story....yes, from THAT Glenn Beck. I was so moved by this story that, at times, my eyes were so full of tears I couldn't read the page anymore. It reaches in and grabs your heart in a choke hold...now that's my kind of story!
The message in the book is good, but very predictable. Quick and easy read.
GREAT Book! We all go through trials and this story just makes a great point of that through the eyes of a child. Definately worth the read.
I enjoyed the story. It was a short, quick read.
Awesome book!
This is a touching book! Although the plot of the book hinges on a Christmas incident, it is a good read all year long.
I ordered this book because I had read my mother's copy and wanted a copy in our home! I hope it will become a tradition for our family to read it at Christmas time. The author, in looking inside himself, helps each of us to look inside ourselves. What is really important in our lives?
Touching story with positive values.
Enjoyed it very much! Great little Christmas read.
This is a great book. A young boy wants a new bike for Christmas. He demands that his widowed mom buy him one. Mom can barely pay the bills. Mom knits him a red sweater for Christmas. He is very angry. Tragedy strikes and he realizes that life is worth much, much more than things. Great gift or for you. Excellent GIFT book and story.
I am not what I would call a big reader of books. But this book was easy to read. Although the author says it is NOT an autobiography, I do believe there is a sheed of truth within the lines of the book. The main character, I believe, is baased on the author's life experiences. This book is best read around the holiday season, but would be a good read at anytime.
Love this book. I give it five stars.
Twelve year-old Eddie makes something of a mess of Christmas when he opens a less than desirable gift (a hand-knitted Christmas sweater) and is less than appreciative of it, and his actions lead him to serious regrets. As Beck lets us into the mind of self-tortured 12 year-old boy, I find I am transported back to my own childhood and I can relate to the disappointment Eddie feels and the actions he displays, and the trap of behaviors he finds himself in. Something tells me that Eddie is going to find out the true meaning and cost of the gift of love - and the Christmas sweater is a key to that discovery.
What was written up to this point was written when I was about a third of the way in. I don't want to give anything away about this story, but my intuition was correct. Eddie learns a lot about himself, and about love, and thankfulness in the pages of this story. Don't fail to read to the last page in this book (perhaps especially, if you're not a person of faith and are skeptical about this story). All of it is inspiring - even the end notes (perhaps more so the endnotes): A Special Message from Glenn.
As a Christian, I will say I don't care for stories that are obvious in their attempts to either proselytize unbelievers, or swaddle believers in sentiment. While, at times I thought it was going to, in the end I didn't find this book did either of these things. While there is reference to church and heaven, and even faith is mentioned, I'd think even an open-minded non-believer-in-spiritual-things would find the ultimate points made in this book to be true (telling the ultimate points, of course, would be giving away too much). Regardless of how great (or not) the overall writing is thought to be, I suspect there are some nuggets of gold to be found for any reader of this book.
What was written up to this point was written when I was about a third of the way in. I don't want to give anything away about this story, but my intuition was correct. Eddie learns a lot about himself, and about love, and thankfulness in the pages of this story. Don't fail to read to the last page in this book (perhaps especially, if you're not a person of faith and are skeptical about this story). All of it is inspiring - even the end notes (perhaps more so the endnotes): A Special Message from Glenn.
As a Christian, I will say I don't care for stories that are obvious in their attempts to either proselytize unbelievers, or swaddle believers in sentiment. While, at times I thought it was going to, in the end I didn't find this book did either of these things. While there is reference to church and heaven, and even faith is mentioned, I'd think even an open-minded non-believer-in-spiritual-things would find the ultimate points made in this book to be true (telling the ultimate points, of course, would be giving away too much). Regardless of how great (or not) the overall writing is thought to be, I suspect there are some nuggets of gold to be found for any reader of this book.
Oh my goodness! I loved, loved, loved this book. Wow. Surprises all along.
Good read for book club......make a great gift for the holidays
good quick read BUT NOT GREAT
Interesting. Not what I would expect from Glenn Beck!
In the wholly original spirit of THE CHRISTMAS BOX and THE CHRISTMAS JARS, here's another book in the classic subgenre of Christmas Noun books. Here's...ugh. Man.
Hey, here's an idea for you, why don't you read some real books? Maudlin, formulaic, seasonal Christmas-miracle tales shat out by far-right conservative talk show hosts: that's really the sort of stuff you want to read? That's the sort of "author" you want to support?
You can request this book from me, but it will not be sent to you with even a dusting of respect for you or your so-called "literary" tastes. Seriously, if this is the sort of crapped-out lameness you seek out to read, you might as well not even read books. Just watch TV and read PEOPLE Magazine. Books aren't for you. Learning's not your thing, evidently.
Just keep in mind, if you do request it, that Glenn Beck used to praise THE CHRISTMAS JARS, one of the shoddiest, most-thrown-together books I've ever encountered, as if THAT was some sort of literary miracle, an ideal worth trying to reach. Oh, and he regularly urges his listeners--the ranks of which no doubt include YOU, since you're looking to get a free used copy of his latest book--to vote against giving homosexual couples the same civil rights as everyone else, and to ignore the consensus of scientists who insist that global warming is real and they can have evidence to prove it. Among other things.
I got this book as a Christmas gift, and I'm eager to get rid of it, but it saddens me that someone out there will be happy to receive it, read it, and probably incorporate it into some incredibly lame family tradition involving special sweaters. Your poor kids.
To you who requests this from me, I would have only contempt for you, if I didn't also have some involuntary pity for you as well. Perhaps you can barely read, and you need especially simple books. Perhaps you just buy whatever the voices on the radio tell you to buy, and you just need something to read while kicking back on your Craftmatic adjustable bed, sucking on an Airborne herbal throat lozenge, and watching your dogs scarf down a huge bowl of Purina One in the corner of your bedroom.
Oh, someone's at the door! Hey, it's a Lobstergram! And what's this? Sean Hannity has even personally Hannitized your order!
Go ahead. Request this book. Make yourself even lamer than I suspect you already are. Or: don't. Get a nonfiction book that will actually teach you something. Or a classic work of literature that will deepen you. Or something from a cutting-edge new writer that will shape the way you view the world.
Do that, and there might be hope for you yet. Otherwise...
Hey, here's an idea for you, why don't you read some real books? Maudlin, formulaic, seasonal Christmas-miracle tales shat out by far-right conservative talk show hosts: that's really the sort of stuff you want to read? That's the sort of "author" you want to support?
You can request this book from me, but it will not be sent to you with even a dusting of respect for you or your so-called "literary" tastes. Seriously, if this is the sort of crapped-out lameness you seek out to read, you might as well not even read books. Just watch TV and read PEOPLE Magazine. Books aren't for you. Learning's not your thing, evidently.
Just keep in mind, if you do request it, that Glenn Beck used to praise THE CHRISTMAS JARS, one of the shoddiest, most-thrown-together books I've ever encountered, as if THAT was some sort of literary miracle, an ideal worth trying to reach. Oh, and he regularly urges his listeners--the ranks of which no doubt include YOU, since you're looking to get a free used copy of his latest book--to vote against giving homosexual couples the same civil rights as everyone else, and to ignore the consensus of scientists who insist that global warming is real and they can have evidence to prove it. Among other things.
I got this book as a Christmas gift, and I'm eager to get rid of it, but it saddens me that someone out there will be happy to receive it, read it, and probably incorporate it into some incredibly lame family tradition involving special sweaters. Your poor kids.
To you who requests this from me, I would have only contempt for you, if I didn't also have some involuntary pity for you as well. Perhaps you can barely read, and you need especially simple books. Perhaps you just buy whatever the voices on the radio tell you to buy, and you just need something to read while kicking back on your Craftmatic adjustable bed, sucking on an Airborne herbal throat lozenge, and watching your dogs scarf down a huge bowl of Purina One in the corner of your bedroom.
Oh, someone's at the door! Hey, it's a Lobstergram! And what's this? Sean Hannity has even personally Hannitized your order!
Go ahead. Request this book. Make yourself even lamer than I suspect you already are. Or: don't. Get a nonfiction book that will actually teach you something. Or a classic work of literature that will deepen you. Or something from a cutting-edge new writer that will shape the way you view the world.
Do that, and there might be hope for you yet. Otherwise...
