Monday, December 1, 2008

The Christmas Sweater

#1 New York Times bestselling author and renowned radio and television host Glenn Beck delivers an instant holiday classic about boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and the true meaning of the gifts we give to one another in love.We weren't wealthy, we weren't poor -- we just were. We never wanted for anything, except maybe more time together....When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder -- and money tighter -- since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning.What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family -- and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell -- to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart.Based on a deeply personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives -- while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them. 

2 comments:

Johnny said...
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Michelle said...

Great pick Casey and Melissa (Let's be honest probably Melissa)! I love reading Christmas books/stories, but this one had a unique touch. I enjoyed the "Christmas Carol" quality to the book, but with a spin. There were many great lessons woven throughout. I found myself relating to many characters and seeing many characters in others that I know. I love the Grandpa! I think he must have been my favorite. He always had such wise words to share as well as a great perspective.

However, my favorite part probably had to be the authors last chapter when he talked about the deeper meaning of his book, the reality, and the insights.

It made me take a look at how I behave on a daily basis. Do I show those around me how much I love and appreciate them. Do I look outside myself in more ways than one (am I selfish, am I always looking to others for answers, etc).

Great read. Anything that gets your thinking and appreciating is worth it.