lyraofstellaryus's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
lexstalkbooks's review against another edition
2.0
This book had been on my book shelf for many years and I finally got around to reading it. I read it around Christmas time and the main idea of the story was cute and interesting. I didn’t really like it as much and I thought I would. It was cute and I chuckled a few times while reading but it wasn’t my favorite. Some parts felt flat and a little boring but it was a cute book and was easy to read!
aestheticsprkls's review against another edition
2.0
This book was fine. The two main characters were very unlikable. And most of the side characters were unlikable as well. They were all selfish, judgmental, and unwilling to see others’ point of view. The relationship between Nora and Luther was annoying. Nora blamed everything on Luther. At least Luther was trying to give them a fun escape for Christmas. Although he was awful as well. Even their daughter was annoying in the little amount of time we saw her. The neighbors were redeeming at times but otherwise they were awful as well. I think that this is a good commentary about the materialism of the holidays and how people go crazy to try to best each other rather than just enjoying the season and spending it in the presence of those they love and care for. This book was mostly frustrating and annoying. Also, what was that about wondering how dark Enrique would be? I thought that was pretty inappropriate. 2.5/5
cmorris2022's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed discovering this movie ("Christmas with the Kranks") two years ago, so I wanted to try the book (Found it in a Little Free Library!). I think I enjoyed the book more overall, but this was a fun idea and has a great ending.
kkop12's review against another edition
3.0
So really it was a 2 3/4 stars. Easy read, light, but not much substance. Kind of your good feel holiday book. I had hoped there would be a bigger meaning at the end.
jennynenny143's review against another edition
5.0
Just like the movie “Christmas with the Kranks!” Fun holiday read.
exlibrisbitsy's review against another edition
4.0
Nora and Luther Krank are sick of celebrating Christmas. Well, Luther is, and he talks Nora into his point of view. They are tired of the crass commercialism, the crowds, the yelling, the stress, and the exorbitant price ($6,100!) of celebrating Christmas. So, when their daughter Blair leaves for a year to join the Peace Corp Luther decides they are going to skip Christmas. And, to talk his wife into it, he sweetens the pot by saying that instead they will save their money and, at half the cost, go on a cruise that sets sail Christmas Day.
So while everyone else eats too much turkey, ham, duck and more the Kranks go on a diet. While everyone else is racing around the mall stressing about shopping and gifts and last minute deadlines, the Kranks take naps in tanning booths, preparing for ten long days in the Caribbean sun. While their neighbors decorate and string up lights and lug forty pound light up Frosty’s onto their roofs, the Kranks sit back in front of the fire and relax. Their neighbors are shocked and stunned, some outraged, others jealous and consequences soon start to arise. The Kranks soon discover that skipping Christmas might not be so easy to do after all.
It has been a long time since I read a John Grisham novel and it took me awhile to get back into the swing of his gruff writing style. This is very much Christmas from a man's point of view. Hence the "good idea" of trying to skip the whole holiday arising in the first place, I imagine. All of the characters are a little rough around the edges, but that's what makes them more real, more likeable even in some ways. And, the dialog was smart, snappy and, down right Grinch-y. I loved it.
I will admit, I almost wasn't sure I was going to like the book right up until the very end. I wasn't sure where he was taking it and it was a bit like watching one of those slapstick comedy movies. The ones where you know the character is going to do the one worst thing they can in a situation and, like watching a train wreck, you almost can't look away as they totally and completely humiliate themselves. That happens. A lot.
The neighbors were down right cruel. I almost could not believe the stunts they pulled. But, I understood why by the end, without giving too much away I will say that it will all make sense. And, as I was picturing the humorous scenes that were happening I couldn't help but think this would make a great movie, no surprise, it was made into one!
So, Skipping Christmas turned out to be a gruff, male-centric take on Christmas that ultimately had a warm heart and a great ending. The humorous twists and turns, the by turns gruff, pathetic and down right sneaky characters, and the snarky dialogue made this a great and entertaining read. Quick too! One for the husbands, I would say. Though wives will appreciate it too, after all he gets his comeuppance. Skipping Christmas, indeed.
So while everyone else eats too much turkey, ham, duck and more the Kranks go on a diet. While everyone else is racing around the mall stressing about shopping and gifts and last minute deadlines, the Kranks take naps in tanning booths, preparing for ten long days in the Caribbean sun. While their neighbors decorate and string up lights and lug forty pound light up Frosty’s onto their roofs, the Kranks sit back in front of the fire and relax. Their neighbors are shocked and stunned, some outraged, others jealous and consequences soon start to arise. The Kranks soon discover that skipping Christmas might not be so easy to do after all.
It has been a long time since I read a John Grisham novel and it took me awhile to get back into the swing of his gruff writing style. This is very much Christmas from a man's point of view. Hence the "good idea" of trying to skip the whole holiday arising in the first place, I imagine. All of the characters are a little rough around the edges, but that's what makes them more real, more likeable even in some ways. And, the dialog was smart, snappy and, down right Grinch-y. I loved it.
I will admit, I almost wasn't sure I was going to like the book right up until the very end. I wasn't sure where he was taking it and it was a bit like watching one of those slapstick comedy movies. The ones where you know the character is going to do the one worst thing they can in a situation and, like watching a train wreck, you almost can't look away as they totally and completely humiliate themselves. That happens. A lot.
The neighbors were down right cruel. I almost could not believe the stunts they pulled. But, I understood why by the end, without giving too much away I will say that it will all make sense. And, as I was picturing the humorous scenes that were happening I couldn't help but think this would make a great movie, no surprise, it was made into one!
So, Skipping Christmas turned out to be a gruff, male-centric take on Christmas that ultimately had a warm heart and a great ending. The humorous twists and turns, the by turns gruff, pathetic and down right sneaky characters, and the snarky dialogue made this a great and entertaining read. Quick too! One for the husbands, I would say. Though wives will appreciate it too, after all he gets his comeuppance. Skipping Christmas, indeed.
rdiii's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
laura_litandflicks's review against another edition
3.0
Just realized I never posted this review from a couple years ago!
After the initial setup, nearly half the book is just leading up to the action point. The climax event is pretty predictable but does at least make things interesting and eventually very heartwarming. The book points out the little things that we take for granted and through Nora and Luther, we learn a lesson about what’s important.
Full review at litandflicks.com
After the initial setup, nearly half the book is just leading up to the action point. The climax event is pretty predictable but does at least make things interesting and eventually very heartwarming. The book points out the little things that we take for granted and through Nora and Luther, we learn a lesson about what’s important.
Full review at litandflicks.com
onecraftchick's review against another edition
2.0
Very predictable and the main character is unlikable, but then randomly does things that are likeable but OUT of character. It was just annoying/weird.