One of the worst books ever written, from which an equally horrible movie was made. Skip this one... ( )

Having never read anything by John Grisham before, and not having anything to do one fine Christmastide season at my parents' house, I discovered this book on their shelves. It didn't see to be too long a commitment to read, so I read it, and I enjoyed it.

The book, later adapted into the Christmas film Christmas with the Kranks features a modern-day Scrooge, Luther Krank, who, after his Christmas-loving daughter moves out, figures out exactly how much the Krank household spends celebrating Jesus and Santa and Frosty each year. The amount shocks him, and he realizes that that amount applied to say, a vacation, could make for a pretty nice cruise or other non-Christmas celebration. He then tries to get his wife on board, to which she finally agrees.

The Kranks are bombarded by all the normal Christmas peddlers, of trees and whatnot, and word spreads fast when its discovered that the Kranks are not celbrating Christmas this year.

The entire neighborhood tries in vain to repossess them with the Christmas spirit, but nothing seems to work, tactics loving, harsh, or otherwise. That is, until they get surprising news from their daughter: She's coming home for Christmas, plus one!

Now it's a mad dash to give their daughter the best Christmas they can manage, and the entire neighborhood must join together in brotherly love and good cheer.

It's a touching and comical story, and from what I've heard, deviates from most of what Grisham writes. If you're looking for something light to read for Christmas, and Lemony Snicket's Christmas books just aren't your cup of tea, then this may definitely be a book for you. ( )

This book is a change from John Grisham's usual legal thrillers, but it is probably my favourite written by him. It is funny and very much a feelgood book, but gripping at the same time. I found it particularly well written with a great story line right the way through to the end. ( )

By far, not my favorite Grisham book. The book has a great premise but is - gasp! - poorly executed. A couple seeking to forego the chaotic, commercialized circus that the Christmas season has become decides to escape on a week-long cruise and "skip Christmas". No gifts, no tree, no parties, no big holiday dinner... no hassle. At least that's the plan. The story is humorous but lacking. I am a big Grisham fan - loved everything from The Testament to A Painted House - but I am just not digging this one. Sorry, Mr. G. ( )

John Grisham's absolute poorest novel to date. Would not, could not, should not recommend to a living soul! ( )