Books Like...

'Father Christmas' by Raymond Briggs is a humorous and offbeat take on the life of Santa Claus on December 24th and 25th. The book is presented in a comic book format with minimal dialogue, reflecting a very British sense of humor. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at Santa's activities, showcasing a grumpy and somewhat relatable portrayal of Father Christmas as he goes about his Christmas routine, from delivering presents to enjoying a hot shower and some cognac.

The illustrations in 'Father Christmas' depict Santa's day in a frame-by-frame manner, highlighting his grumpy demeanor, his love for his animals, and his dedication to his job. The book captures the essence of Christmas through a unique perspective, showing the challenges and joys of Santa's busiest day of the year. Despite its few words, the book conveys a heartwarming message about the effort and care that goes into making Christmas special for children around the world.

'Letters from Father Christmas' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a charming collection of letters written by Tolkien to his children each year for Christmas. The letters are from the perspective of Father Christmas himself, detailing the adventures at the North Pole, including mishaps involving the North Polar Bear and other magical creatures. The book showcases Tolkien's imaginative storytelling through whimsical illustrations and heartwarming narratives that evolve over the years as the children grow up.

Each letter provides a glimpse into the magical world created by Tolkien, filled with goblins, elves, and new languages, all narrated with a tone that is cute, innocent, and occasionally bittersweet as the children grow older and stop corresponding with Father Christmas. The book captures the essence of family love, childish wonder, and the joy of Christmas, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike.

The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson is a heartwarming Christmas story set in a small town called Christmas Valley. The plot revolves around a couple, Edith and Charles, who open their Bed and Breakfast to five families in need during the holiday season. The story follows the interactions between the hosts, the guests, and the quirky characters in the town, including a pregnant young couple seeking help. The book features themes of hospitality, Christmas spirit, and the idea of entertaining angels unaware, all wrapped in a cozy, predictable storyline with a touch of humor and thought-provoking moments.

'Holidays on Ice: Featuring Six New Stories' by author David Sedaris is a collection of humorous and satirical essays centered around the holiday season. The book includes stories such as 'Season's Greetings to our Friends and Family,' 'Dinah the Christmas Whore,' and 'SantaLand Diaries,' where Sedaris shares his experiences working as a Macy's Christmas elf. The writing style is described as funny, witty, and cool, with a mix of sentimental and twisted tales that provide a different perspective on the holiday season.

The book captures Sedaris's off-kilter storytelling style, blending autobiographical elements with fictional accounts that range from laugh-out-loud funny to cringeworthy. Readers appreciate the humor and honesty in the stories, particularly enjoying Sedaris's unique take on holiday traditions and family dynamics. Despite some unevenness in the collection, the majority of readers find the book entertaining and a good read for those looking for a different kind of holiday-themed book.

"When Santa Fell to Earth" by Cornelia Funke follows the story of Ben, a seemingly underachieving child, and Niklas Goodfellow, the last real Santa Claus. The plot revolves around the evil Gerold Geronimus Goblynch who has outlawed the old ways of Christmas magic for children and is turning Santas into chocolate. When Niklas' caravan crashes to Earth, Ben and his friend Charlotte must help Niklas find his missing invisible reindeer, stop Goblynch, and restore the magic of Christmas and snow. The story blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and Christmas spirit as the characters work together to save Christmas.

The writing style of Cornelia Funke in this book is described as clever and suitable for both children and adults. is praised for its ability to keep readers smiling throughout the entire storyline, making it a perfect read, especially during the holiday season. Despite some characters not showing significant development, the book is appreciated for its ability to depict the magic of Christmas and the importance of family bonding in a heartwarming and entertaining manner.

"The Box of Delights" by John Masefield follows the Christmas adventures of Kay Harker as he encounters mysterious characters, magical boxes, time travel, and a battle between good and evil. Set in a snowy town preparing for its 1,000th anniversary celebration, Kay finds himself on a mission to rescue kidnapped clergymen and prevent the disruption of the Christmas service. The story combines fantasy, adventure, danger, and mystery, capturing the essence of a child's sense of wonder and play in a magical and surreal world.

"Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham is a departure from his usual legal thrillers, offering a humorous and heartwarming take on a couple, Luther and Nora Krank, who decide to skip the traditional holiday celebrations and go on a cruise instead. The book delves into the chaos and frenzy often associated with the Christmas season, exploring themes of commercialism, family dynamics, and the true meaning of the holidays. The story follows the Kranks as they face the reactions of their neighbors and community members who are determined to convince them to embrace the Christmas spirit, leading to unexpected twists and turns as they navigate their unconventional holiday plans.

Grisham's writing style in "Skipping Christmas" is described as fast-paced, funny, and engaging, with a unique blend of humor and irony that sets it apart from his usual legal mysteries. The book offers a light and comedic take on the challenges and joys of the holiday season, presenting a relatable and heartwarming story that resonates with readers looking for a festive and entertaining read that explores the themes of friendship, family, and the spirit of Christmas.

In "The Stupidest Angel" by Christopher Moore, Pine Cove is visited by an angel who sets off a chain of events resulting in a Christmas miracle gone awry - a zombie apocalypse during the town's holiday gathering. The book features quirky characters, absurd situations, and dark humor, making it a unique and entertaining Christmas tale. The plot involves a mix of humor, satire, and fantasy elements, creating a festive yet terrifying atmosphere as the characters navigate through the chaos caused by the angel's misguided actions.

The writing style of Christopher Moore in this book is described as fast-paced, hilarious, and irreverent. Readers find themselves laughing out loud at the witty dialogue, snappy humor, and ridiculous scenarios, while also appreciating the clever structuring of the story with inane character traits coming into play later on. Despite the dark themes of zombies and Christmas terror, the book manages to balance humor and heartwarming moments, making it a fun and enjoyable read for those with a taste for the bizarre.

'Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days' by Jeanette Winterson is a collection of 12 stories and recipes with a Christmassy theme. The stories range from whimsical and magical to gothic and ghostly, featuring elements of fantasy and sentiment. The book also includes personal anecdotes, reflections on the holiday season, and recipes associated with each story, providing a blend of fiction and non-fiction content. Winterson's writing style is described as effortless, varied, and engaging, with a mix of genres and themes that capture the essence of Christmas without being overly sentimental.

The Christmas Books by Charles Dickens is a collection of short stories that evoke the spirit of the festive season. The book includes well-known tales such as A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man. These stories explore themes of redemption, personal growth, self-sacrifice, and the importance of charity and goodwill. Dickens' writing style is characterized by powerful imagery, subtle implications, and a deep sympathy for the poor, highlighting societal issues and hypocritical attitudes of the Victorian era.