Reviews

The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson

tiedyedude's review against another edition

2.0

Supremely silly, a little lazy, very predictable, but fairly inoffensive. This probably could have been about half the length if the narrator didn't keep attempting quippy remarks (such as: the bird lined up a peck at his eye like Luke Skywalker lining up a shot at the Death Star)(ugh). Overall, I liked the character arcs and the story, I just did not like the writing or the story's narrator (and the narrator reveal at the end made no sense). The author felt bored towards the end, not giving more than a paragraph to the drummers and fast-forwarding through what could have been satisfying conclusions for characters to get to a predictable ending.

audiogirl511's review against another edition

4.0

Patterson’s take on the classic 12 days of Christmas was a fun read. Something whimsical to take you away from daily reality.

marlamd's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 ⭐️

kshiffler's review against another edition

3.0

A fun light holiday read.

nahyaqina's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

this was a very cute book to read. reminds me of those christmas movies like Home Alone, but this had a deeper meaning, showing how grief of a loss can tear apart a family without them noticing and can also lead to issues like depression and germophobia. it is quite a touching book, but there lacks some depth in emotion and grief process especially among the two kids. it would be more heartwarming if there is some sort a touch into the kids’ emotional wellbeing. 

i still did enjoy the book and it still touches me especially the ending. very light read with no twists and turns.

jencunn2024's review against another edition

2.0

This is a humorous love story about a broken hearted family that has lost Christmas. The plot itself is cute and endearing with two kids, Ella and Will, who try to help their dad, Henry, find his way back to them and the holiday after losing himself in grief. I have only given this book 2 out of 5 stars even though it’s a nice Christmas story. The plot is set to encompass the song and the gifts from The 12 days of Christmas, notorious for its tedium. And just as the song drags on, so does this story. The writing was simple and would have made a nice family read as well, if not so drawn out. Each verse of the song has anywhere from one to four chapters dedicated to as each of these three family members works out their individual problems on top of trying to solve the overarching mystery of whom would be sending them these ridiculous Christmas gifts. The story is family- friendly and deals with bullying, friendship, struggles at work, alcoholism, and grief. In my opinion, I think oils recommend print format over audio in this case, if you have the opportunity to choose.

starlitcursebreaker's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

What a fun, magical, entertaining, hilarious and heartwarming Christmas story!! We all know the Twelve Days of Christmas song but I will never sing this song again without thinking about this story. I am still giggling thinking about how each day the Sullivan family received one of those gifts😂🤣!! You read that right! They received

five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, etc.. Can you image how crazy that would be?! The real question is who is sending these gifts and why? At the end of the twelve days, they discover who is behind it all and I might have shed a few bittersweet tears. 😭 

Even though this is a cute and delightful story it has so much more than that! It is a story about a family that has suffered a horrible loss and have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. During all the craziness, the family comes back together and learn that the moments in life that defy hope, expectation, or even imagination, might be the best gifts of all. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I absolutely loved this Christmas story so much!! I highly recommend the audio narration because it was very entertaining and added to this wonderful story.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

sharon68's review

5.0

Loved it.
It was family, love and togetherness.
It was fun.

lisakerd's review against another edition

3.0

The story is predictable and only mildly interesting, but the narration style is charming and funny.

sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition

5.0

This is equally hilarious as it is stress inducing. The way it's written is very clever.

The Uninvited visitors the family keep receiving is expected eventually but not initially.

Throughout the book you feel as though you're both cringing and laughing until the last chapter. It was a very emotional ending. Heartbreaking and Heartwarming this book was fabulous.