The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford

There's no Bah Humbug in these pages. This behind the scenes look at A Christmas Carol will entertain all fans of the holiday classic. You'll be treated to some interesting facts too.

Did you know this about Christmas:

• Pope Julius I created the holiday in the 4th century to draw Romans to the Church who celebrated Saturnalia.

• The holiday was banned in Massachusetts during colonial days.

• Charles Dickens rescued his career when he wrote A Christmas Carol and gave new life to the holiday.
  

If these facts intrigue you, then I suggest adding, The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford to your list of books. I felt inspired by Dickens and how he showed guts and an entrepreneurial spirit during a tough time in his life (something we can all relate to in today's economy).

Faced with bankruptcy, he (Dickens) was contemplating giving up writing fiction altogether. Instead, he pulled himself together and, in six short weeks, wrote a book that not only restored him in the eyes of the public but began the transformation of what was then a second-tier holiday into the most significant celebration of the Christian calendar (page 6).

In a rare move for an author, Dickens became responsible for the costs of production, which would be deducted from sales. The publisher who was not interested in some Christmas book "dashed off on the quick" would simply become its printer.

The gamble paid off and A Christmas Carol remains one of the most popular stories of the holiday season.

Standiford's writing could use some editing and adding a synopsis of A Christmas Carol in the middle seemed rather odd (it would be rare to find someone not familiar with Scrooge).

On the whole it's a good read and one I recommend for Christmas aficionados.

Rob's Grade: A B C D

Note: I found a great deal on this book last year and purchased mine through Strand Bookstore on-line.

The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford, Crown Publishers, copyright 2008.

Dreidel Bell Rock: 2009 Virtual Advent Tour

Welcome to Day 14 of the Virtual Advent Tour. It's a pleasure to be part of the tour and also introduce you to my new blog.

The holidays here on Kauai, where I live, have a tropical theme and always include family gatherings and beach time on Christmas Day.

As the title of my post suggests, not only do we celebrate Christmas at our home but also Hanukkah. This year the first night was December 11. We attended Shabbat, watched the children light candles, then feasted on latkes and jam filled donuts (sufganiyot). Here's a 90 second video that my partner took at the event using his iPhone.

My family came to Kauai in the 1800's as missionaries. Celebrating Christmas has always been my tradition and an 8 foot tree goes up each year in our Great Room. The ornaments honor both faiths and include dreidels, shells and souvenirs from our trips (including favorite bookmarks).

One fun ornament we make is using an empty can of Spam. It's a creative way to add a touch of Hawaii to your tree.

I always enjoy reading Christmas themed books. This year I've added on my list, "The Man Who Invented Christmas," by Les Standiford. I hope you'll check back later for my review.

Whatever tradition you celebrate, I wish you and your family Aloha and peace.

If you'd like to read other Day 14 posts, here are the book sites joining me today: Jenn's Bookshelves, Cam's epiBloguer, Meryl's My Bit of Earth and Kerry's So Many Books, So Little Time.

A Deadly Business by Lenny Bartulin

Running a used bookstore in Sydney is one tough business. Owner Jack Susko can land a good punch and take one too. When he's asked to locate some used poetry books his life is suddenly at risk. To further complicate matters, Jack starts a romance with a woman who may not be all that she appears.

This book is the opposite of Lorna Barrett's cozy Booktown Mystery series. Even though there is the prerequisite cat (which every bookstore needs), in this bookshop fists fly and the language gets rough. If you don't like reading the F word, this may not be your cup of tea. 

Author Lenny Bartulin does a great job developing the character of Jack Susko. I kept reading every page because I wanted to see what happened to the guy. Not to mention how poetry books could be involved in murder.

There was one thing I didn't like.  The opening chapter gave too much information. We find Jack hanging over the edge of a cliff looking up at a woman who is pointing a gun. Why reveal the sex of the person? With only several female characters in the book (not counting the cat) it became clear who was involved. There were enough twists along the way, however, that kept me involved to the end.

Bartulin puts a macho spin on running a used bookstore. It's not for the faint of heart and can be, "A Deadly Business."

Question: What type of bookstore mystery do you prefer?

Rob's Grade: A B C D

Note: I purchased my signed (used) edition of "A Deadly Business" in Australia at Gertrude and Alice Bookstore Cafe, Bondi Beach.

A Deadly Business by Lenny Bartulin, Scribe Publications Australia, copyright 2008.

A Week In Sydney: My Favorite Bookstores

Here's my bookshop review from my recent trip to Sydney. With new paperbacks priced at $20 dollars (Australian) I went in search of used bookstores with the goal of finding Australian authors.

Vinnies thrift shops throughout Sydney were a bonus find. My budget pick from one of them was, "Modern Men Don't Shift Fridges," by Australian author Meg Stewart. The title caught my attention and the $2.50 price. Look for a review in January.

I heard there were good bookstores in Glebe so I took the light rail from Darling Harbor and was not disappointed. Gleebooks Antiquarian had lots of great titles and I took home, "30 Days in Sydney," by Peter Carey for $10.00 (hardback). Across the street was another popular used seller called, The Cornstalk.

I also liked Berkelouw Books in Paddington. It's mostly new books but if you venture to the third floor you'll find a wonderful used selection. Across the street we stopped for coffee and book hunting at Ampersand.

My favorite which I'll save for last was Gertude and Alice Cafe Bookstore near Bondi Beach. The store also sells coffee and healthy food which can be enjoyed at many tables throughout the bookshop. It's a 5 minute walk from the beach and a nice place to relax.

My book find there was a signed copy of, "A Deadly Business," by Lenny Bartulin. When I saw that it was a mystery involving a used bookseller in Sydney, I had to take it home. The price was right at $8.00. My review will be coming out this week.

By the way, the Australian dollar is comparable to ours, so I'd go broke buying new books if I lived in Sydney.

If you have any tips on Sydney bookstores, be sure to leave a comment.

 
Thanks for reading Books Are Like Candy Corn. Look for more posts soon.