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tessaspike's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
The Girl Who Saved Christmas is the perfect holiday book for those seeking a story about the real core feeling. This book is dark yet warm. Amelia’s story is quite sad, so it’s something to be aware of before reading it (to your child). However, I believe it’s a compelling narrative that grounds you while also imparting a magical feel.
One aspect I didn’t particularly enjoy was the constant switch between points of view. The switches were random and that was sometimes confusing.
Having read the first book in the series, I appreciated the insights Father Christmas shared about his own journey in ‘A Boy Called Christmas.’ However, if you want to start with this one, it’s alright! It can also be considered a (sort of) standalone.
One aspect I didn’t particularly enjoy was the constant switch between points of view. The switches were random and that was sometimes confusing.
Having read the first book in the series, I appreciated the insights Father Christmas shared about his own journey in ‘A Boy Called Christmas.’ However, if you want to start with this one, it’s alright! It can also be considered a (sort of) standalone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, and Abandonment
bexi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, and Alcohol
bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
journeythroughthechapters's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thoughts
I don't know what it was about this but I didn't love it as much as the first. There was too much happening which usually I love but because it was a short book I feel like the plots were very surface level and didn't get enough time with the story.
The overall message I love even though it was nonsensical. That is the point of these books which is fine and I'm into. But the logic for this felt a bit flat I will admit.
Overall though it was a Christmas read which I was after and if you're after a bit of nonsense with a few deeper topics then pick this up. You might enjoy it more than me.
Ps I feel like this review was a bit negative. I did enjoy this for the festive season I was just disappointed because I liked the first one more. But that's okay.
Representation
Anxiety
Trigger Warning
Death of a loved one, Violence, Kidnapping, Child Abuse
I don't know what it was about this but I didn't love it as much as the first. There was too much happening which usually I love but because it was a short book I feel like the plots were very surface level and didn't get enough time with the story.
The overall message I love even though it was nonsensical. That is the point of these books which is fine and I'm into. But the logic for this felt a bit flat I will admit.
Overall though it was a Christmas read which I was after and if you're after a bit of nonsense with a few deeper topics then pick this up. You might enjoy it more than me.
Ps I feel like this review was a bit negative. I did enjoy this for the festive season I was just disappointed because I liked the first one more. But that's okay.
Representation
Anxiety
Trigger Warning
Death of a loved one, Violence, Kidnapping, Child Abuse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
sheryl_macca's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Girl Who Saved Christmas is my first Matt Haig read that was written for children and as expected it is brilliant. It's still enjoyable as an adult because Haig doesn't 'speak' to children in a patronising or unnatural way. There are mature concepts that are referenced either metaphorically or literally. The metaphorical concepts (e.g. the media not necessarily representing the whole truth) are there for the children to find but if the child isn't ready for it then the metaphor will plant a seed and will add to the story regardless. The more literal mature concepts (e.g. feminism) are explained factually, simply and without judgement but still with a feeling of importance not only to the story or character but to the reader too. The book is cleverly written.
I also loved that it doesn't rely on comedy, slapstick or ridiculous elements to entertain. It doesn't need to. The characters are not black and white goodies or baddies, the plot is generous, adventurous and emotional. I really enjoyed the historical references to Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens too.
This is a great festive light read for an adult like me who wants a little Christmas sparkle.
It's a great festive read for any child but it would be especially good for a parent and child shared read in order to pull out those interesting mature concepts of feminism, journalism, bullying, poverty and opportunity.
I also loved that it doesn't rely on comedy, slapstick or ridiculous elements to entertain. It doesn't need to. The characters are not black and white goodies or baddies, the plot is generous, adventurous and emotional. I really enjoyed the historical references to Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens too.
This is a great festive light read for an adult like me who wants a little Christmas sparkle.
It's a great festive read for any child but it would be especially good for a parent and child shared read in order to pull out those interesting mature concepts of feminism, journalism, bullying, poverty and opportunity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Grief
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