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Inspiring,
Insightful,
Beautiful

7 reviews

The Christmas List: A Novel
by Richard Paul Evans

Published: 2009-09-22
Kindle Edition : 0 pages
17 members reading this now
14 clubs reading this now
8 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 6 of 7 members
Dear Reader,

When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died: in first place on the final ...

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Introduction

Dear Reader,

When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died: in first place on the final lap of the Daytona 500. At the time, I hadn't considered writing as an occupation, a field with a remarkably low on-the-job casualty rate.

What intrigues me most about Mrs. Johnson's assignment is the opportunity she gave us to confront our own legacy. How do we want to be remembered? That question has motivated our species since the beginning of time: from building pyramids to putting our names on skyscrapers.

As I began to write this book, I had two objectives: First, I wanted to explore what could happen if someone read their obituary before they died and saw, firsthand, what the world really thought of them. Their legacy.

Second, I wanted to write a Christmas story of true redemption. One of my family's holiday traditions is to see a local production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. I don't know how many times I've seen it (perhaps a dozen), but it still thrills me to see the change that comes over Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a dull, tight-fisted miser into a penitent, "giddy-as-aschoolboy" man with love in his heart. I always leave the show with a smile on my face and a resolve to be a better person. That's what I wanted to share with you, my dear readers, this Christmas -- a holiday tale to warm your season, your homes, and your hearts.

Merry Christmas

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Lindsey S. (see profile) 02/23/18

 
by Alison R. (see profile) 01/01/18

 
by Shari H. (see profile) 12/23/16

 
  "The Christmas List"by susan w. (see profile) 12/21/16

Sweet book with an inspirational message of forgiveness and redemption.

 
  "The Christmas List"by Julie R. (see profile) 11/30/12

Words I would use to describe this book are thought provoking, predictable, and quick. I couldn't find any questions to start discussion but it was easy to come up with my own. We ended up with some... (read more)

 
  "Good Book!"by carrie s. (see profile) 04/14/11

Really good. You know exactly what is going to happen and yet you absolutely have to keep reading to stay with the story. And you will cry! I needed tissues! It was a good book and really led to good... (read more)

 
  "depth"by Rachel M. (see profile) 02/01/11

The story was interesting and designed to make you think. The characters weren't very deep, so it was hard to really get to know them or get very involved in the plot.

 
  "A Great Holiday Book!!!"by diana s. (see profile) 11/17/10

 
  "Christmas Gift"by Carrie O. (see profile) 11/17/10

Well-written story that reminds me of a modern day Christmas Carol. A man comes across his own obituary and it causes him to reflect on many of the relationships in his life, especially those people he... (read more)

 
  "The Christmas List"by Jo B. (see profile) 01/10/10

Perfect book for the Christmas season. Loved it!!!!

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