The Judge Who Stole Christmas

This book was okay. I found it interesting but early on you find out that one of the main characters 2 year old child has died because instead of seeking medical treatment for something that was treatable they just prayed over the child until it was too late. I fully believe in the power of prayer but I also believe that God has blessed us with smart doctors and the ability to treat things like infections. This really colored my view of the character and I think I would have enjoyed the book more if that hadn't been a plot point.

This book was reviewed on the Literary Club Podcast episode 90
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984185

A bit of US apologetics, dealing with "the war on Christmas". The hammonds aren't particularly sympathetic characters (they let a child die whilst praying for a miracle cure). To be honest I'm on the side of the ACLU who are very much painted as the bad guys. That aside this is an easy reading legal procedural, sprinkled with basketball and a bit of the religious right. As others have said the end is more than a little cheesy. Not a Christmas classic, but not outright unreadable polemic either.

I enjoyed 99% of this book very much. The basketball went over my head somewhat (excuse the pun) and the religion was a little outside my comfort zone too, but the book was well written, the characters believable and the legal aspects interesting.

For me, the ending let it down. Just a bit too miraculous to be true. But I suppose it *is* Christmas...

This story will bring tears to your eyes. The town of Possum, Virginia has a live manger display in the town square. When a lawyer for the ACLU arrives and serves 'Joseph' with a summons to appear in court. The judge sides with the ACLU and Thomas Hammond (Joseph) along with the town, try to find a way around the court order to cease and desist. Thomas is willing to spend time in jail for his beliefs, and the judge does not hesitate to send him to jail-until Dec. 26 or an apology is issued. When Thomas finally apologizes to the judge and the court, he leaves jail to once again assume the part of Joseph, this time with a surprising Mary at his side.

This was a cute book. Good ending and some hidden lessons along the way.

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
This short book was still a nice heartwarming read about what happens when a man is ordered by a local judge to stop displaying a living nativity scene in the town square. Singer's legal knowledge is evident as he takes us through several trials and legal proceedings.

Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
"Singer also tries to put a human face on these issues, and shows how people on both sides may be neither the saints nor devils they are often made out to be.
How Good is it?
A nice quick read.

A great book. Especially with all the changes trying to be made of this Christian holiday.