As an avid reader, I always tell folks about books I have read, especially ones that I totally love. So - why not share with all of you? This is my first of hopefully many book reviews....I hope I get it right and do them justice.
I LOVE this book! - On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it a 100!
I have a sickness.....I buy books all the time and they sit unread for a long time. I love finding books for $1.00 or .50 cents....in that case I come home with a box full. I buy them faster than I can read them and I am always reading several at the same time.
Christmas 2024, I am looking on the shelf for a Christmas book to read and find this one (that I of course do not remember buying) - but I am so happy I did!
I honestly didn't know much about Glenn Beck and had not read any of his other books.
The way he writes reminds me a lot of Mitch Albom, you know, he wrote Tuesday's with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
This book captured me from the very start...my favorite kind of book.
Gosh, I want to be careful not to give too much away but enough that you will be jumping out of your skin to read this.
The story is based loosely on the author's deeply personal true story, taking place in Washington State in the 1940's....one of my most favorite eras!
Eddie, the main character is 12 years old and all he wants for Christmas is a Huffy Bike. I mean this bike consumes his every thought (much like Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB Gun). But instead he gets "A stupid handmade, ugly sweater". What follows as a result of his words and actions and poor choices will make your eyes leak.
Haven't we all been there?
It is very relatable in that we have all done or said something or made poor choices that we regret and then had to wrestle with ourselves over the results of said action, words and poor choices.
My favorite relationship in the book is Eddie and his Grandpa....they are just so stinkin cute! His Grandpa is like a mischievous child and reading about their adventures and antics is very amusing.
The most interesting and mysterious character is Russell - you will have to draw your own conclusions as to who Russell is. He plays a large roll in Eddie's healing and path forward.
The ending was a surprise - also my favorite kind of book. I can't stand a predictable book and this was not one bit predictable.
This is certainly one of the few books I would read again and again, likely every year during the Christmas season. It is a quick and easy read, I read it in just a few days.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I am pretty sure that is on my bookshelf! I will for sure read it now if it is! 💜