LIBRARY CORNER
DECEMBER 2007
In case you don't think you have time to sit down and read an entire novel this month, we have some wonderful Christmas DVD selections that can be enjoyed with the whole family. Last Christmas, we reviewed Donna VanLiere's heart-wrenching and heart-warming The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing. (To read any past reviews, look in the white "Monthly Reviews" binder in the library.) We now have both of these stories available on DVD. The books are fairly short, so if you are a purist and prefer to read before viewing, you should be able to make time for both.
Delana's book/movie selection was enjoyed by her whole family, and it is sure to be enjoyed by yours as well. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski tells the story of Jonathan Toomey, a reclusive woodcarver, and two newcomers-the widow McDowell and her son-who have moved to the valley after a tragedy of their own. Hoping to ease her son's heartbreak over the loss of his father and their special "Christmas people," Mrs. McDowell asks Mr. Toomey to carve a nativity set to replace the one lost during their move. As the boy watches Mr. Toomey work on the pieces, offering unwanted advice regarding their appearance, all three characters begin to come to terms with each other and their painful memories, allowing the healing to begin. I would highly recommend reading the book and enjoying its beautiful illustrations before watching the 87-minute movie.
Here's a tricky book/movie combination from Max Lucado, an author popular with children and adults alike. The 48-page book The Christmas Cross tells the story of a Chicago journalist who finds himself in the small town of Clearwater, Texas days before Christmas. Jack is having problems at home and is looking for answers to his own past as he nears his fortieth birthday. He is intrigued by the story surrounding a very large, hand carved nativity scene in the churchyard. The book is fun to read because it includes several small envelopes that hold photos and other items Jack encounters during his journey. The movie is based on the same story, but is titled Christmas Child. Compared to Jonathan Toomey, this selection touches on more difficult subjects (adoption, marital problems and death), but I have no hesitation suggesting this for family viewing. The powerful messages of faith, family and forgiveness shine through.
Enjoy another title in Jan Karon's Mitford Series when you read Shepherds Abiding. It is a favorite of Pat's, and is available in Large Print. In this, the eighth and final book of this series, the residents of Mitford are in for an unexpected Christmas surprise. Father Tim is busy refurbishing a nativity scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect as a surprise for Cynthia. As he struggles to learn how to work with his hands, the joy of the season touches everyone around him. Fix a hot chocolate, sit back and enjoy a delightful story!