jackiesam's review against another edition
5.0
Pure Christmas Fun :) I loved the use of historical figures, Leonardo Da Vinci was of course my absolute favorite! I also loved that the story focused on kindness and generosity more so than religion. Can't wait to read the sequels!
sarahcoller's review against another edition
3.0
I read another copy of this several years ago and loved it---and I enjoyed it again this time around, all the more. This year, our family has begun attending a Torah Pursuant fellowship and most of the people don't celebrate Christmas. God hasn't really shown us clearly that we should do anything much differently than we normally do at Christmas so we are going ahead with our normal. However, it has been a bit of a bummer not to be able to have much community with friends --- (between that and Covid keeping the Christmas-practicing churches from doing much in the way of celebrating). It was fun to read this part history, part fantasy of the original St. Nicholas through to the current figure of Santa Claus. I loved how the book had so many fun nods to history and historical figures who had something significant happen (usually their deaths, honestly, but used in a way that brought a happy ending) on one of the traditional Christmas gifting days. I also really loved how the author continuously pointed back to the fact that Christmas was originally, and still usually is, dedicated to the celebration of the coming of Christ. I don't think I could have enjoyed this had that not been the central theme and I just appreciate the respect of this author, whether or not he is actually a believer.
dereadergal's review against another edition
4.0
This well written story has a great combination of documented historical facts blended into a cute tale that bends the truth just a smidgen. Some of the tales are sweet and endearing, while some border on the ridiculous, but regardless of the possible Forrest Gump type of silliness, this is a magical tale that can be shared and cherished by everyone, both young and old. A must read for those who believe (and even more important, those who doubt his existence) in Santa Claus, because after all, as he says, "You're right to believe in me..."
megansgc's review against another edition
4.0
Well this is sure a good dose of the magic of Christmas. A beautiful blending of fact and history with a magical tale with added interesting elements. I think I want to read this with the kids every year. Might get the whole set. Thanks for boosting my spirit
dpiegaro's review
2.0
This book was just not for me. I liked the beginning, when you get to see how Nicholas lived his life before becoming Santa, but after that I had a hard time. The characters were really flat, and the dialogue made me want to scream “no one actually talks like that!”. Overall, it just wasn’t my favorite .
ahgasesarah's review against another edition
4.0
The writing was mediocre and the story itself moved pretty quickly (meaning it kind of lacked depth) but overall, I really enjoyed it!
teriboop's review
3.0
This is the "autobiography" of Santa Claus. Written from the perspective of Saint Nicholas, he begins his story at the year of his birth, 280 AD. He grew up in a Christian home and was well educated and of financially comfortable means. Nicholas always felt that he should share his wealth with the people of his home in Lycia, and at the advice of his priest Philip, he found ways to enter the homes of poor families while they slept and left items and money that were needed. By being secretive, he was able to help these families without hurting anyone's feelings of pride. Nicholas grew up to be a bishop in the church and continued to bless local families in need. He eventually branched out beyond his home but had developed a following and was eventually sainted after locals believed he had passed away. Secretly, Nicholas had simply moved to new areas where he could be of help to those without. He also realized that he was not aging the way many his age were. Allowing him to continue giving secret gifts for hundreds and thousands of years.
Along the way, Nicholas meets many people that learn of his timeless circumstances and his secret of gift giving to children throughout the world. Some of these people included historical figures such as Attila the Hun, Leonardo Di Vinci, King Arthur, and Benjamin Franklin. Even Teddy Roosevelt got in on it and had Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus in America, name a toy, the Teddy Bear, after himself. Santa also meets his wife Layla, who is eventually known as Mrs. Claus. The story ends when Santa makes his home at the North Pole.
This book was an interesting concept and I particularly enjoyed the first 1/3, learning some of the historical backstory to Saint Nicholas. However, it turned into a bit of an implausible story as the historical characters that Santa met along the way, joined with him and lived throughout the centuries as his helpers. It was hard to think that Leonardo Di Vinci lived centuries, along with King Arthur and Atilla the Hun. That's when the unbelievable was truly unbelievable. I think it would have been better if Santa met these characters and moved on to met others that would help for those specific eras. I do think it was an interesting story and I know there are other books in the series, so I will revisit these other books in the future for Christmas reads. I think this is worth reading, but a little on the hokey side. Others may not be bothered by historical characters living forever.
Along the way, Nicholas meets many people that learn of his timeless circumstances and his secret of gift giving to children throughout the world. Some of these people included historical figures such as Attila the Hun, Leonardo Di Vinci, King Arthur, and Benjamin Franklin. Even Teddy Roosevelt got in on it and had Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus in America, name a toy, the Teddy Bear, after himself. Santa also meets his wife Layla, who is eventually known as Mrs. Claus. The story ends when Santa makes his home at the North Pole.
This book was an interesting concept and I particularly enjoyed the first 1/3, learning some of the historical backstory to Saint Nicholas. However, it turned into a bit of an implausible story as the historical characters that Santa met along the way, joined with him and lived throughout the centuries as his helpers. It was hard to think that Leonardo Di Vinci lived centuries, along with King Arthur and Atilla the Hun. That's when the unbelievable was truly unbelievable. I think it would have been better if Santa met these characters and moved on to met others that would help for those specific eras. I do think it was an interesting story and I know there are other books in the series, so I will revisit these other books in the future for Christmas reads. I think this is worth reading, but a little on the hokey side. Others may not be bothered by historical characters living forever.
vampar's review against another edition
4.0
An 'autobiography' of a favorite holiday celebrity. I enjoyed this very much. There are some historical inaccuracies but overall was enjoyable. It ties in all of the elements one would want Santa Claus to talk about from how reindeer fly, to A Christmas Carol and on to Coca-Cola advertising. A perfect pre-Christmas read to get me in the right mood.