First sentence: Of all Charles Dickens's books, A Christmas Carol is his most popular, and--though highbrow critics might disagree--some believe his best.
Are there really fifty-two lessons to be learned by a close, careful reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? Maybe. Part of me wishes that this one was just titled "Little Lessons From A Christmas Carol" because the 52 part of the element makes it gimmicky.
Who is this one written for? Christians primarily. Though A Christmas Carol may be read by believers and unbelievers alike, this book focuses on the spiritual and moral lessons to be gained by reading the book. The publisher is a Christian publisher. I mention this because some reviews are like WHY is the book so spiritual. I could dismiss those reviews without giving them any thought or credit, but realistically every single reader comes to a book with expectations.
The chapters are short and could easily be read as a devotional book. One could use this for devotional readings in November and December.
The lessons are straightforward and somewhat obvious. The advice he gleams from Dickens' novel is not new and extraordinary. "Be the change you want to see." "Learning begins with listening." "Denial prevents change." "You make the chains that shackle you."
Favorite quote: "To not pay attention is to miss the wonder of being alive. To miss the people around us, the needs around us, and the beauty around us. And we miss the umbrella above it all: the God who loves us unconditionally." (55)
Also: "To notice is to see. To see is to feel. To feel is to build connections with those around us. And to build connections with those around us is to fulfill God's co-priority for us: 'Love your neighbor as yourself' (Matthew 22:39). (138)
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
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