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A Christmas Story
A beloved, bestselling classic of humorous and nostalgic Americana—the book that inspired the equally classic Yuletide film and the live musical on Fox. The holiday film A Christmas Story, first released in 1983, has become a bona fide Christmas perennial, gaining in stature and fame with each succeeding year. Its affectionate, wacky, and wryly realistic portrayal of an American family’s typical Christmas joys and travails in small-town Depression-era Indiana has entered our imagination and our hearts with a force equal to It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. This edition of A Christmas Story gathers together in one hilarious volume the gems of autobiographical humor that Jean Shepherd drew upon to create this enduring film. Here is young Ralphie Parker’s shocking discovery that his decoder ring is really a device to promote Ovaltine; his mother and father’s pitched battle over the fate of a lascivious leg lamp; the unleashed and unnerving savagery of Ralphie’s duel in the show with the odious bullies Scut Farkas and Grover Dill; and, most crucially, Ralphie’s unstoppable campaign to get Santa—or anyone else—to give him a Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle. Who cares that the whole adult world is telling him, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid�? The pieces that comprise A Christmas Story, previously published in the larger collections In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash and Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories, coalesce in a magical fashion to become an irresistible piece of Americana, quite the equal of the film in its ability to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
271 people are currently reading
3,770 people want to read
About the author
Jean Shepherd
38books149followersJean Parker "Shep" Shepherd Jr. was an American storyteller, humorist, radio and TV personality, writer, and actor. With a career that spanned decades, Shepherd is known for the film A Christmas Story (1983), which he narrated and co-scripted on the basis of his own semi-autobiographical stories.
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December 6, 2018
The Christmas Story by Jean Shepard � narrated by Dick Cavett- is a 2004 RH audio publication. (Read from the book, published in 1983)
I knew the movie, which we have all seen ad nauseum every Christmas, was based on a book, but I’d never read it. The movie version is adorable, but I’ve seen it so many times I can almost quote it verbatim. I decided to stop watching it for a while because It was in danger of losing all its charm, due to the marathon showings of it on television.
But this year I caught myself thinking about holiday movies, the ones I watched growing up and the ones my kids loved, and the way television has burned me out on some of my favorites. So, this year I decided to read more Christmas themed books instead of watching the same movies over and over. But, when I stumbled across this book in audio format on Scribd, I couldn’t resist. I figured it would be a new way to experience an old favorite. However, I was taken aback when I discovered this book was not exactly family oriented.
The book is really like a set of related vignettes or a collection of short stories. Some have described them as essays. The Christmas themed story about the Red Ryder BB gun is super short and made me wonder where all the other parts were.
Have no fear! The ‘major award� episode is here, as well as many other popular scenes from the movie, just not in the order I was accustomed to. The Bumpus� family is described in full detail � something the movie doesn’t address-leading up to a different version of the holiday feast which was stolen by their dogs, but one that is equally madcap.
So, yes, I was able to enjoy a favorite holiday story in an all new way which was very refreshing and so much fun. Dick Cavett did an amazing job with the narration, and the book provides some background information which gave me a new perspective on some scenes in the movie version.
The book is just a funny as the movie, but just in case you have never read it, it should be noted the language can be moderately strong in some places, with adult themes and is not for younger children.
For me the book has a stronger feel of nostalgia and is even a little poignant on a few occasions. Shepard’s deadpan wit and folksy humor are juxtaposed against the adult man living in ‘modern� day New York and the boy growing up in Indiana in the depression era. He has perfect, pitch, tone, and timing! He is occasionally wistful, with a little family tenderness managing to seep out, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book today. It is very short, and only took a few hours to listen to the entire book.
If you love the movie, then you really must check out the book. I recommend trying the audio version, if you get a chance.
I knew the movie, which we have all seen ad nauseum every Christmas, was based on a book, but I’d never read it. The movie version is adorable, but I’ve seen it so many times I can almost quote it verbatim. I decided to stop watching it for a while because It was in danger of losing all its charm, due to the marathon showings of it on television.
But this year I caught myself thinking about holiday movies, the ones I watched growing up and the ones my kids loved, and the way television has burned me out on some of my favorites. So, this year I decided to read more Christmas themed books instead of watching the same movies over and over. But, when I stumbled across this book in audio format on Scribd, I couldn’t resist. I figured it would be a new way to experience an old favorite. However, I was taken aback when I discovered this book was not exactly family oriented.
The book is really like a set of related vignettes or a collection of short stories. Some have described them as essays. The Christmas themed story about the Red Ryder BB gun is super short and made me wonder where all the other parts were.
Have no fear! The ‘major award� episode is here, as well as many other popular scenes from the movie, just not in the order I was accustomed to. The Bumpus� family is described in full detail � something the movie doesn’t address-leading up to a different version of the holiday feast which was stolen by their dogs, but one that is equally madcap.
So, yes, I was able to enjoy a favorite holiday story in an all new way which was very refreshing and so much fun. Dick Cavett did an amazing job with the narration, and the book provides some background information which gave me a new perspective on some scenes in the movie version.
The book is just a funny as the movie, but just in case you have never read it, it should be noted the language can be moderately strong in some places, with adult themes and is not for younger children.
For me the book has a stronger feel of nostalgia and is even a little poignant on a few occasions. Shepard’s deadpan wit and folksy humor are juxtaposed against the adult man living in ‘modern� day New York and the boy growing up in Indiana in the depression era. He has perfect, pitch, tone, and timing! He is occasionally wistful, with a little family tenderness managing to seep out, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book today. It is very short, and only took a few hours to listen to the entire book.
If you love the movie, then you really must check out the book. I recommend trying the audio version, if you get a chance.
December 17, 2016
Only within the last year or two did I realize that the 1983 holiday film, A Christmas Story, was based on a series of short stories penned by radio personality Jean Shepherd. The short pieces contained here and from which the movie was based were originally published in two other Shepherd collections � "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" and "Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories." The movie has become a tradition in many American households, although I personally must admit to seeing this only once when it first appeared at the movie theater. My son received a copy of this film last year and I will soon remedy the fact that I only remember very small bits of this comic movie! Of course what sticks with me the most are the famous words "You’ll shoot your eye out" as well as the legendary leg lamp.
The book itself is a wonderfully nostalgic holiday read. Now, I admit to being around when the movie first came out; however, unlike Ralphie Parker, I was not a child of Depression-era America. But that didn’t stop me from remembering the magical feeling of Christmas as a young child! "Christmas was on its way. Each day was more exciting than the last, because Christmas was one day closer. Lovely, beautiful, glorious Christmas, around which the entire year revolved." Driving downtown to the shops all sparkling and adorned with pretty lights, visiting Santa at his what I believed to be enchanted throne, and anticipating that one special gift that you just had to have this year or else!! In my case it would not have been the Red Ryder BB gun, but perhaps a special doll or maybe a brand new sled. Books were always a welcome possibility of course. I loved going into the local Woolworths and using the small bit of cash I was allotted to spend on my own family members. Searching for the perfect gift for mom, dad, sister and grandma were special memories I will always cherish. Like Ralphie, I did get the whole point of gift giving and receiving at a young age � "The joy of giving can uplift the saddened heart." Living in western New York with the wind and snow blowing across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, I imagine my childhood winters weren’t much different from Ralphie’s in northern Indiana. In fact, the weather here the past couple of days could really be said to be depicted by the same evocative words as in A Christmas Story: "The wind howling down out of the Canadian wilds a few hundred miles to the north had screamed over frozen Lake Michigan and hit Hohman, laying on the town great drifts of snow and long, story-high icicles, and sub-zero temperatures where the air cracked and sang." Simply switch out the words Michigan and Hohman and you have my hometown!
Not all of the five stories contained here are Christmas stories. They are a great sampling of Midwestern American culture during the Depression and should have a little bit of something for everyone here. Next to the Red Ryder BB gun story, I would say my next favorite is the section titled "My Old Man and the Lascivious Special Award that Heralded the Birth of Pop Art" � definitely a hilarious story that most would recognize from the movie. Once you’ve seen it, the image of that outlandish lamp will stay with you always! "A monstrous, barrel-shaped bulging tube of a shade, a striking Lingerie pink in color, topped by a glittering cut-crystal orb, was lifted reverently up and put onto the table. Never had shade so beautifully matched base. Within an instant the Old Man had screwed it atop the fulsome thigh, and there it stood, a full four feet from coquettishly pointed toe to sparkling crystal."
Just a note � these stories are not linked together in a seamless fashion. They are really just a series of what could be stand-alone vignettes which focus on short pieces of Ralphie’s childhood. This did not bother me, but I suppose that I rather expected them to be linked only because of my knowledge of the movie. I recommend this book to those fans of the movie that want to see where the story originated, as well as anyone that relishes a quick, fun holiday read. I wish all my ŷ friends a peaceful, holiday season!
The book itself is a wonderfully nostalgic holiday read. Now, I admit to being around when the movie first came out; however, unlike Ralphie Parker, I was not a child of Depression-era America. But that didn’t stop me from remembering the magical feeling of Christmas as a young child! "Christmas was on its way. Each day was more exciting than the last, because Christmas was one day closer. Lovely, beautiful, glorious Christmas, around which the entire year revolved." Driving downtown to the shops all sparkling and adorned with pretty lights, visiting Santa at his what I believed to be enchanted throne, and anticipating that one special gift that you just had to have this year or else!! In my case it would not have been the Red Ryder BB gun, but perhaps a special doll or maybe a brand new sled. Books were always a welcome possibility of course. I loved going into the local Woolworths and using the small bit of cash I was allotted to spend on my own family members. Searching for the perfect gift for mom, dad, sister and grandma were special memories I will always cherish. Like Ralphie, I did get the whole point of gift giving and receiving at a young age � "The joy of giving can uplift the saddened heart." Living in western New York with the wind and snow blowing across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, I imagine my childhood winters weren’t much different from Ralphie’s in northern Indiana. In fact, the weather here the past couple of days could really be said to be depicted by the same evocative words as in A Christmas Story: "The wind howling down out of the Canadian wilds a few hundred miles to the north had screamed over frozen Lake Michigan and hit Hohman, laying on the town great drifts of snow and long, story-high icicles, and sub-zero temperatures where the air cracked and sang." Simply switch out the words Michigan and Hohman and you have my hometown!
Not all of the five stories contained here are Christmas stories. They are a great sampling of Midwestern American culture during the Depression and should have a little bit of something for everyone here. Next to the Red Ryder BB gun story, I would say my next favorite is the section titled "My Old Man and the Lascivious Special Award that Heralded the Birth of Pop Art" � definitely a hilarious story that most would recognize from the movie. Once you’ve seen it, the image of that outlandish lamp will stay with you always! "A monstrous, barrel-shaped bulging tube of a shade, a striking Lingerie pink in color, topped by a glittering cut-crystal orb, was lifted reverently up and put onto the table. Never had shade so beautifully matched base. Within an instant the Old Man had screwed it atop the fulsome thigh, and there it stood, a full four feet from coquettishly pointed toe to sparkling crystal."
Just a note � these stories are not linked together in a seamless fashion. They are really just a series of what could be stand-alone vignettes which focus on short pieces of Ralphie’s childhood. This did not bother me, but I suppose that I rather expected them to be linked only because of my knowledge of the movie. I recommend this book to those fans of the movie that want to see where the story originated, as well as anyone that relishes a quick, fun holiday read. I wish all my ŷ friends a peaceful, holiday season!
November 23, 2024
When it comes to holiday comedies, for me, it doesn't get much better than A Christmas Story.
Now, up to this point, I'd only ever seen the movie version of Jean Shepherd's book. Finally, after all these years, I decided it was time to check out the real thing!
That movie version doesn't deviate much from A Christmas Story the book. The reader gets a pinch of the narrator's adult life, but the biggest deviation from the movie is the elaboration on the Bumpuses, the inbred, backwoods hicks that move in next door and who are only personified in the movie by their invasive pack of hounds. Though about 75% of this book is replicated in the movie, the addition of the Bumpuses alone make the book a worthwhile read.
I love Shepherd's homey sense of humor. I love humor in general, but especially when it's applied to one's childhood. Shepherd has plenty of memories to mine from his Depression-era upbringing. He smartly ties them into the Christmas theme, for the most part. And here I should warn the few of you who are expecting a word-for-word replay of the movie: The book is not laid out exactly the same way. And that's where the movie triumphs. It perfectly plots out its topic material. The book is a bit scattered in comparison. Even so, most all of the movie elements you've come to love are right here between these pages. I'd suggest grabbing a copy if you're in the mood for a really good holiday read!
Now, up to this point, I'd only ever seen the movie version of Jean Shepherd's book. Finally, after all these years, I decided it was time to check out the real thing!
That movie version doesn't deviate much from A Christmas Story the book. The reader gets a pinch of the narrator's adult life, but the biggest deviation from the movie is the elaboration on the Bumpuses, the inbred, backwoods hicks that move in next door and who are only personified in the movie by their invasive pack of hounds. Though about 75% of this book is replicated in the movie, the addition of the Bumpuses alone make the book a worthwhile read.
I love Shepherd's homey sense of humor. I love humor in general, but especially when it's applied to one's childhood. Shepherd has plenty of memories to mine from his Depression-era upbringing. He smartly ties them into the Christmas theme, for the most part. And here I should warn the few of you who are expecting a word-for-word replay of the movie: The book is not laid out exactly the same way. And that's where the movie triumphs. It perfectly plots out its topic material. The book is a bit scattered in comparison. Even so, most all of the movie elements you've come to love are right here between these pages. I'd suggest grabbing a copy if you're in the mood for a really good holiday read!
December 20, 2016
The essays used as the basis for A CHRISTMAS STORY, as howlingly funny as anything in the film. A great little Christmas read, for fans of the film or simply for fans of great comic writing.
Reread, 2014: 6yo daughter has watched the movie every day since Thanksgiving, so I busted out the book in a day. Every year I think, I need to get his other books!
Reread 2016: A quick and always delightful reread!
Reread, 2014: 6yo daughter has watched the movie every day since Thanksgiving, so I busted out the book in a day. Every year I think, I need to get his other books!
Reread 2016: A quick and always delightful reread!
May 12, 2017
I really loved the stories, but not so much the narrator because it seemed to fast to me. Still 4 stars!
December 11, 2015
For many people, Christmas isn't Christmas unless you sit down to watch the "A Christmas Story" on TBS on Christmas Eve. We all know the classic lines: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid." "Oh, fuuuddgge!" "He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny!" "I triple-DOG dare ya!" You might be surprised that only one of these phrases actually came from this book.
The book, like the movie, is the quintessential look at life in Depression-era Upper Midwest America. Back before the internet invaded our lives, back before satellite/cable TV, heck, even before black-and-white-rabbit-ears TV, the primary means of entertainment was radio, which people listened to every evening: Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, and Red Ryder. I don't have to explain the overwhelming desire that Ralphy has for the Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle, all because of this radio show.
It might surprise many that the book has little in common with the Christmas movie. The book moves through five interrelated stories, starting with the BB gun story, and progressing through the months after Christmas, ending with the Bumpus Hounds stealing the EASTER ham and the family going to the "Chop Suey place" for their Easter dinner. Kind of a letdown. Shepherd wrote the screenplay to the movie, and he incorporated the stories of the secret decoder ring, the leg lamp, the bully, the Bumpus hounds, and of course, the Red Ryder BB gun, into a coherent and sensible script. I'm glad he wrote it this way; it makes for a much better Christmas tradition and taste of Americana.
The narration by Dick Cavett was pretty good, but there were instances in which his voice was simply overwhelmed by the sound effects. Yes, sound effects. Christmas carols, jingling bells, hounds baying, the kitchen sink gurgling, all of it got in the way. At first, it was cute, but as the book progressed, the sound effects guy got carried away.
I really only recommend this book (and narration) for those that are interested in where the classic Christmas movie originated. This is one of those very rare cases in which I can say, the movie is better than the book.
The book, like the movie, is the quintessential look at life in Depression-era Upper Midwest America. Back before the internet invaded our lives, back before satellite/cable TV, heck, even before black-and-white-rabbit-ears TV, the primary means of entertainment was radio, which people listened to every evening: Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, and Red Ryder. I don't have to explain the overwhelming desire that Ralphy has for the Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle, all because of this radio show.
It might surprise many that the book has little in common with the Christmas movie. The book moves through five interrelated stories, starting with the BB gun story, and progressing through the months after Christmas, ending with the Bumpus Hounds stealing the EASTER ham and the family going to the "Chop Suey place" for their Easter dinner. Kind of a letdown. Shepherd wrote the screenplay to the movie, and he incorporated the stories of the secret decoder ring, the leg lamp, the bully, the Bumpus hounds, and of course, the Red Ryder BB gun, into a coherent and sensible script. I'm glad he wrote it this way; it makes for a much better Christmas tradition and taste of Americana.
The narration by Dick Cavett was pretty good, but there were instances in which his voice was simply overwhelmed by the sound effects. Yes, sound effects. Christmas carols, jingling bells, hounds baying, the kitchen sink gurgling, all of it got in the way. At first, it was cute, but as the book progressed, the sound effects guy got carried away.
I really only recommend this book (and narration) for those that are interested in where the classic Christmas movie originated. This is one of those very rare cases in which I can say, the movie is better than the book.
November 18, 2022
We like to watch the movie every year during the holiday season as a family tradition. I decided I'd like to read the book prior to this year's holidays. It's much like the movie: funny, irreverent, and believable. The curmudgeon father is my favorite character. If you've seen the movie, you'll already know many of the plots in the book. If you're looking for light reading with a holiday theme, you might find this title satisfying.
December 21, 2022
The writing style is great. I really enjoyed reading the stories that created one of my favorite Christmas movies.
February 13, 2023
Jean Shepherd, one of the greatest storytellers ever, and a down-to-earth humorist, created this classic Christmas story.
Just in case you thought your own family was uniquelly quirky...
Greatness!!!
Just in case you thought your own family was uniquelly quirky...
Greatness!!!
December 24, 2016
Please note that I gave this book 3.5 stars and rounded it up to 4 stars on ŷ.
Who hasn't seen "A Christmas Story?" I have been watching this movie since I was 6 years old and it's been a holiday tradition in my family that every year we watch this. Heck, I am not going home this year, but my brothers, sister, and I are still going to watch it and group chat. My favorite scene hands down is always watching how proud the Old Man was watching Ralphie playing with his BB gun that he wanted for Christmas.
Reading the book that inspired the film I can say that I was a bit disappointed with the structure. Since I am so familiar with the movie and can quote that thing off the top of my head, the book only really focuses on Christmas for one part of the book. The other parts occur at different times of the year, and I thought the last part focusing on the Bumpus's family was off-putting and pretty gross in parts.
The book starts off introducing the book and tying it into the movie that many readers may know about. From there it goes into the quest for the Red Ryder BB Gun. There are course are many of the same scenes in the movie so we have the whole "you'll shoot your eye out." and even the same admonishments from his teacher and Santa Claus, however, he still gets his gift, the day before Christmas. Apparently in this household, Christmas Eve was when all of the presents were opened by this family, with Christmas Day all of the other relatives showing up to provide gifts. We also do get that scene were he almost did shoot his eye out, but lied to his mother about what happened and got away from it. I found parts of this story sweet and found myself smiling throughout.
We are provided other details about the terrible Little Orphan Annie decoder ring, The Old Man and his special award, his fight with a bully named Grover Dill, and how much the family hated it when a clan of hillbillies (the books words) called Bumpus moved in next door. I am really surprised with how well the movie/screenplay was since the movie intertwines everything quite beautifully. The book jumped around a lot and maybe it wouldn't have bothered me so much if I did not have the movie playing in my head as background while reading.
I thought the writing hit the right level of nostalgia for childhood things like snow storms, being warm in the house, and love of Christmas and Santa Claus. After that though, we get Shephard's comments on marriage (his parents) and how they work. I thought looking at the major award section and how his father and mother quietly dueled over the lamp that my mother would have outlawed in our home too was pretty funny. However, unlike with the movie, this causes a three day freeze between his mother and father, before his father finally breaks the silence and everyone goes to the movies afterwards.
The flow didn't really work though in this one I have to say. I think it's because we have Shepard using a present incident (like the woman who was screeching about the terrible toy industry to him as an adult) to recall his childhood affection for his Red Ryder BB Gun. We get another off segue when Shepard does his best to hit on some woman (sounds like this took place during the 1960s) and is thwarted by her female lover which leads to him talking about his parents struggle over a lamp.
The setting of the book takes place in Indiana during The Great Depression. I didn't really get a sense that the family was struggling, which is weird, cause my grandmother before she passed away still was all about never throwing out food and keeping everything she had ever been given because she always had a fear about running out of food or needing clothes and blankets. She also passed this along to my mother who was a pack rat and this is why if any of you ever visit my home you will see how minimalist I am. I do a yearly purge because I still dream of rooms filled with old blankets that scratch and smelled, but we had to put on our beds every winter because they were still good.
Shepherd does a great job though with describing his neighborhood and the times of the day and how everyone was crazy for prizes in newspapers along with listening to the radio every night.
The ending was a bit of a letdown though. The book abruptly ends and I thought it needed an epilogue or something included since you feel like another story is just waiting to be told.
I read this for the twelve tasks of the festive season, task 8, the movie ticket.
Who hasn't seen "A Christmas Story?" I have been watching this movie since I was 6 years old and it's been a holiday tradition in my family that every year we watch this. Heck, I am not going home this year, but my brothers, sister, and I are still going to watch it and group chat. My favorite scene hands down is always watching how proud the Old Man was watching Ralphie playing with his BB gun that he wanted for Christmas.
Reading the book that inspired the film I can say that I was a bit disappointed with the structure. Since I am so familiar with the movie and can quote that thing off the top of my head, the book only really focuses on Christmas for one part of the book. The other parts occur at different times of the year, and I thought the last part focusing on the Bumpus's family was off-putting and pretty gross in parts.
The book starts off introducing the book and tying it into the movie that many readers may know about. From there it goes into the quest for the Red Ryder BB Gun. There are course are many of the same scenes in the movie so we have the whole "you'll shoot your eye out." and even the same admonishments from his teacher and Santa Claus, however, he still gets his gift, the day before Christmas. Apparently in this household, Christmas Eve was when all of the presents were opened by this family, with Christmas Day all of the other relatives showing up to provide gifts. We also do get that scene were he almost did shoot his eye out, but lied to his mother about what happened and got away from it. I found parts of this story sweet and found myself smiling throughout.
We are provided other details about the terrible Little Orphan Annie decoder ring, The Old Man and his special award, his fight with a bully named Grover Dill, and how much the family hated it when a clan of hillbillies (the books words) called Bumpus moved in next door. I am really surprised with how well the movie/screenplay was since the movie intertwines everything quite beautifully. The book jumped around a lot and maybe it wouldn't have bothered me so much if I did not have the movie playing in my head as background while reading.
I thought the writing hit the right level of nostalgia for childhood things like snow storms, being warm in the house, and love of Christmas and Santa Claus. After that though, we get Shephard's comments on marriage (his parents) and how they work. I thought looking at the major award section and how his father and mother quietly dueled over the lamp that my mother would have outlawed in our home too was pretty funny. However, unlike with the movie, this causes a three day freeze between his mother and father, before his father finally breaks the silence and everyone goes to the movies afterwards.
The flow didn't really work though in this one I have to say. I think it's because we have Shepard using a present incident (like the woman who was screeching about the terrible toy industry to him as an adult) to recall his childhood affection for his Red Ryder BB Gun. We get another off segue when Shepard does his best to hit on some woman (sounds like this took place during the 1960s) and is thwarted by her female lover which leads to him talking about his parents struggle over a lamp.
The setting of the book takes place in Indiana during The Great Depression. I didn't really get a sense that the family was struggling, which is weird, cause my grandmother before she passed away still was all about never throwing out food and keeping everything she had ever been given because she always had a fear about running out of food or needing clothes and blankets. She also passed this along to my mother who was a pack rat and this is why if any of you ever visit my home you will see how minimalist I am. I do a yearly purge because I still dream of rooms filled with old blankets that scratch and smelled, but we had to put on our beds every winter because they were still good.
Shepherd does a great job though with describing his neighborhood and the times of the day and how everyone was crazy for prizes in newspapers along with listening to the radio every night.
The ending was a bit of a letdown though. The book abruptly ends and I thought it needed an epilogue or something included since you feel like another story is just waiting to be told.
I read this for the twelve tasks of the festive season, task 8, the movie ticket.
December 22, 2017
Ralphie Parker and his family live in Indiana during the Depression Era. Their day to day life varies. Wether there is a battle between the parents over the placement of a quite peculiar lamp, the neighbours are wrecking havoc (again) or Ralphie's plot to get the BB gun for Christmas is not going well, there is never a dull moment. Through humour and laughter, the Parker family navigate their life in their own unique style.
Christmas is almost upon us and this title kept coming up on my GR feed so I decided to give it a go. I am in the minority that has not seen the movie. I know about it and have definitely seen that iconic lamp. In this case though, that played in my favor as I had no preconceived ideas about the book. With wit, Midwestern Indiana charm and a wry humour this collection of short but related stories was quite to my liking. The prose had a nostalgic feel and the setting was a great contrast to the lively Parkers. While not all the stories dealt with Christmas, it tied in nicely. Overall, this was just a fun and cute book. Will try to watch this film before the season is over. It is my sister's theory that one can not watch a Christmas movie if its not Christmas time; listening to Christmas music year round, however, is fine. Don't quite get her rationale.
Just one more observation. The Hecks from the sitcom 'The Middle' seem to be like a modern version of the Parkers. Both wacky but lovable families.
Christmas is almost upon us and this title kept coming up on my GR feed so I decided to give it a go. I am in the minority that has not seen the movie. I know about it and have definitely seen that iconic lamp. In this case though, that played in my favor as I had no preconceived ideas about the book. With wit, Midwestern Indiana charm and a wry humour this collection of short but related stories was quite to my liking. The prose had a nostalgic feel and the setting was a great contrast to the lively Parkers. While not all the stories dealt with Christmas, it tied in nicely. Overall, this was just a fun and cute book. Will try to watch this film before the season is over. It is my sister's theory that one can not watch a Christmas movie if its not Christmas time; listening to Christmas music year round, however, is fine. Don't quite get her rationale.
Just one more observation. The Hecks from the sitcom 'The Middle' seem to be like a modern version of the Parkers. Both wacky but lovable families.
December 15, 2008
Every scene of the 1983 holiday film A Christmas Story is so thoroughly etched in my mind that I thought reading the story would be a bit of a letdown. Usually I'll read the book and skip the movie - such is not the case here - the movie finds its way into everyone's heart. "You'll shoot your eye out, kid," rings as clear as Ebeneezer Scrooge's "Bah, Humbug." Or maybe you just need to be a kid from the 50's to appreciate the pull of the Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range-model air rifle.
I picked up the little book at the local library nonetheless and am glad I did. The book focuses on three of the fifteen autobiographical essays taken from Shepherd's In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash; four actually, and the fourth scenario is the fun one because in the book it is featured as an Easter happening, and the introduction (in the book) of Delbert Bumpus and his hillbilly kin who move in next door to the Parker family is not really featured in the film. Makes one want to read more of Jean Shepherd's childhood recollections.
I picked up the little book at the local library nonetheless and am glad I did. The book focuses on three of the fifteen autobiographical essays taken from Shepherd's In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash; four actually, and the fourth scenario is the fun one because in the book it is featured as an Easter happening, and the introduction (in the book) of Delbert Bumpus and his hillbilly kin who move in next door to the Parker family is not really featured in the film. Makes one want to read more of Jean Shepherd's childhood recollections.
November 25, 2019
This is even better then the movie, even better then listening to Shep tell the story yearly on his radio show. If you enjoyed the movie you really owe it to yourself to give this a read.
The fight
Santa
The lamp
The fight
I had woven a tapestry of obscenity that as far as I know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan. And my mother had heard!
Santa
Every evening immediately after supper we would pile into the car and drive downtown for that great annual folk rite, that most ecstatic, golden, tinseled, quivering time of all kidhood: Christmas shopping.
The lamp
That night, for the first time, our home had a Night Light. The living room was bathed through the long, still, silent hours with the soft glow of electric Sex.
December 13, 2023
Simply the best Christmas tale. Why did I wait so long to read this?! I grew up loving the movie and being proud that it was written by a Hoosier who lovingly wrote about where I grew up (the "region"). Reading this collection of short stories (taken from another short story collection by Jean Shepherd) that inspired the cult classic Christmas movie, I was in awe of how truly funny it was. I literally laughed out loud on multiple occasions much to the annoyance of my cats. I can't praise it enough. It's fantastic and I want to reread it every holiday season. It's too damn good to read just once. For fans of the movie adaptation, humor, and Hoosiers. Not to be missed!
December 14, 2016
Dick Cavert is brilliant as the narrator, with his dry wit. I absolutely loved listening while on my commute to & from work with a smile on my face and an occasional yelp of laughter!
I also listened to this book while making a 3 hour drive to and from relatives in PA last weekend and it was very enjoyable - some reviewers said they didn't like Dick Cavett's narration, but I thought he was great - I've always loved him.
I also listened to this book while making a 3 hour drive to and from relatives in PA last weekend and it was very enjoyable - some reviewers said they didn't like Dick Cavett's narration, but I thought he was great - I've always loved him.
December 15, 2008
When I found out that A Christmas Story, one of my favorite Christmas movies, was based on books written by Jean Shepherd I immediately went to my library and checked one out. I loved reading about the hijinks of his childhood. This book got me thinking about the quirkiness of all families and made me think about viewing some of my own family quirks (like our Norwegian Code of Silence) with humor instead of annoyance, embarrassment, etc. Kind of weird that I got a lesson out of a book that is meant to be humorous and entertaining. One part made me think of my own dad, "He was always an aggressive sleeper. Sleep was one of the things he did best, and he loved it. Some look upon sleep as an unfortunately necessary interruption of life; but there are others who hold that sleep is life, or at least one of the more fulfilling aspects of it, like eating or sex. Any time my old man's sleep was interrupted, he became truly dangerous." My sister and I called my dad a bear when we were little because he hibernated. It was funny to read someone else's account of the same thing!
January 3, 2017
Marvelous! I had never read Jean Shepherd. I've barely SEEN the movie A Christmas Story. I knew it involved a BB gun, a leg lamp, and "shooting your eye out." This is actually a series of short stories about Shepherd's childhood with his gruff father, stay-at-home mom, and younger brother.
Shepherd's writing is so rich with description. I loved this. Maybe I'll start a new Christmas tradition of listening to these delightful stories.
Oh, and the narrator was Dick Cavett. His reading added just the proper amount of ascerbicness to add to the humor.
Shepherd's writing is so rich with description. I loved this. Maybe I'll start a new Christmas tradition of listening to these delightful stories.
Oh, and the narrator was Dick Cavett. His reading added just the proper amount of ascerbicness to add to the humor.
December 23, 2015
I love Jean Shepherd's reminiscences on his childhood in the steel mill country of northern Indiana. This grouping of stories, originally published in , were cobbled together to create the script for the classic 1983 movie A Christmas Story. Watching this has become an annual ritual for many of us. Shepherd's humor is laugh out loud and his writing is so vivid that you can picture the scene even if you've never seen the movie. If you are a fan of the movie, reading these can be disorienting because they provided the fodder for the movie, but are not exactly like the movie nor presented in the same order. But don't let that stop you from listening or reading these stories. They are likely to transport you to you to your own childhood; the themes are universal even if you didn't grow up in the Great Depression in northern Indiana.
Not only were "Shep's" stories published in books, he had a radio show on WOR, New York City, in the 1960's-70's where he read his stories. When I lived in Chicago in the 1970's, WBEZ the local NPR outlet, played his radio show at 6:30 in the morning. For a couple of years, I woke up in a good mood having listened to these programs before getting out of bed. Such a great way to start the day.
I listened to Dick Cavett narrate this book and thought he did not hold a candle to Jean Shepherd. His narration lacked the type of pacing and energy needed to bring this to life and the included sound effects were sometimes distracting. You can hear Jean Shepherd read the central story that became A Christmas Story here.
As a side note, two other films were made from Jean's stories. Phantom of the Open Hearth, his experience working in the steel mills as a teen, and The Great American 4th of July. Both highly recommended.
Not only were "Shep's" stories published in books, he had a radio show on WOR, New York City, in the 1960's-70's where he read his stories. When I lived in Chicago in the 1970's, WBEZ the local NPR outlet, played his radio show at 6:30 in the morning. For a couple of years, I woke up in a good mood having listened to these programs before getting out of bed. Such a great way to start the day.
I listened to Dick Cavett narrate this book and thought he did not hold a candle to Jean Shepherd. His narration lacked the type of pacing and energy needed to bring this to life and the included sound effects were sometimes distracting. You can hear Jean Shepherd read the central story that became A Christmas Story here.
As a side note, two other films were made from Jean's stories. Phantom of the Open Hearth, his experience working in the steel mills as a teen, and The Great American 4th of July. Both highly recommended.
March 16, 2018
Every Christmas the husbeast puts this movie on for all to see, on replay, all day.
So, when no one had a December pick for our book club: Ralphie to the rescue!
Or not.
Ralphie's rolling narration fills the house with background noise as we go about our day until I cry "Uncle, Uncle!" and we get to listen to something else.
I do enjoy the movie, a leg lamp (a, blessedly, smaller version that is) sits in our living room during the holiday season.
The book was, sadly, a bit of a miss for me. This disappointment was due mainly to then inevitable comparison of book to movie throughout the experience.
The timeline is slightly skewed and one of the biggest events (the Bumpuses dogs vs. the turkey) was drastically changed to an Easter Ham. (Ralphie's mother has very questionable safe food handing practices I must say.)
There was a sizeable section about the Bumpuses, giving us an unsavory taste of how it was to live next to them.
The focus of the book was less on the 'Christmas season' and more on how it was to be a kid growing up during the depression. Not exactly what I was going for in this read.
For seasonal reading you only get about 50 pages, the rest are off topic. I did not enjoy the jumps to 'Ralphie now' (or Jean) during the story. I don't feel that they added anything at all to the book.
It was a cute read but I wouldn't necessarily suggest it again for holiday reading.
Now, off to find some more 'Christmas Spirit'!
So, when no one had a December pick for our book club: Ralphie to the rescue!
Or not.
Ralphie's rolling narration fills the house with background noise as we go about our day until I cry "Uncle, Uncle!" and we get to listen to something else.
I do enjoy the movie, a leg lamp (a, blessedly, smaller version that is) sits in our living room during the holiday season.
The book was, sadly, a bit of a miss for me. This disappointment was due mainly to then inevitable comparison of book to movie throughout the experience.
The timeline is slightly skewed and one of the biggest events (the Bumpuses dogs vs. the turkey) was drastically changed to an Easter Ham. (Ralphie's mother has very questionable safe food handing practices I must say.)
There was a sizeable section about the Bumpuses, giving us an unsavory taste of how it was to live next to them.
The focus of the book was less on the 'Christmas season' and more on how it was to be a kid growing up during the depression. Not exactly what I was going for in this read.
For seasonal reading you only get about 50 pages, the rest are off topic. I did not enjoy the jumps to 'Ralphie now' (or Jean) during the story. I don't feel that they added anything at all to the book.
It was a cute read but I wouldn't necessarily suggest it again for holiday reading.
Now, off to find some more 'Christmas Spirit'!
January 1, 2017
Had I read the book before seeing the movie, I might have enjoyed this more fully. It helps tremendously that it’s read by Dick Cavett, who captures that wry tone of voice that Jean Shepherd used in narrating the movie. The primary difference between the two is that the events in the book are more a disconnected set of stories, rather than events woven together to make it flow. But still, an entertaining story and worth 3 ½ hours spent listening to it.
Audio version, via Audible.
Audio version, via Audible.
December 21, 2015
I hate to admit this, but I think "A Christmas Story"the movie, is better than the book. I know, quite a rarity, but in my humble opinion, true.
Jean Shepherd wrote these five unrelated novellas. Someone then took them, poured them all into a bowl, stirred them around, and out popped a heck of a good movie.
Jean Shepherd wrote these five unrelated novellas. Someone then took them, poured them all into a bowl, stirred them around, and out popped a heck of a good movie.
October 22, 2016
Such a funny book! I have watched this movie every Christmas for years but never read the book! Even though I think the movie was better I still think this was great, so glad I finally read it!
August 6, 2016
I don't tend to read a lot of holiday-themed books. Even if I do, I usually end up reading them months away from the relevant holiday. I bought A Christmas Story last year when I found it for a good price, decided I would read it before Christmas rolled around again, and promptly forgot about it. I remembered I had it in my TBR pile just in time!
A Christmas Story is one of my favourite Christmas movies, so I was really curious to read the book. Although the book is comprised of five unrelated short stories, it manages to cover most of the major events in the film. I can't say that I was really surprised by anything in the book (other than the fact that, originally, the Bumpus hounds stole an Easter ham instead of a Christmas turkey); certain parts of the book were taken almost verbatim and put into the film.
While the stories are amusing, they seem a bit dry in comparison to the magic of the film version. I also wasn't crazy about the writing. The stories are told in an autobiographical fashion, with the narrator reminiscing about childhood events. However, the tenses were constantly switching between past and present tense (sometimes in the middle of a paragraph) and that grated on my nerves.
If you've seen the movie, you won't get much more out of reading the book. If you haven't seen the movie... where have you been every Christmas since 1983?
A Christmas Story is one of my favourite Christmas movies, so I was really curious to read the book. Although the book is comprised of five unrelated short stories, it manages to cover most of the major events in the film. I can't say that I was really surprised by anything in the book (other than the fact that, originally, the Bumpus hounds stole an Easter ham instead of a Christmas turkey); certain parts of the book were taken almost verbatim and put into the film.
While the stories are amusing, they seem a bit dry in comparison to the magic of the film version. I also wasn't crazy about the writing. The stories are told in an autobiographical fashion, with the narrator reminiscing about childhood events. However, the tenses were constantly switching between past and present tense (sometimes in the middle of a paragraph) and that grated on my nerves.
If you've seen the movie, you won't get much more out of reading the book. If you haven't seen the movie... where have you been every Christmas since 1983?
February 26, 2015
A Christmas Story, by Jean Shepherd is a funny book about a boy named Ralph.
Ralph just wants to have fun. This Christmas, he thinks, I will get a red rider BB gun. When he finds out that there is no possible way he'll get it, he tries harder and harder. Through funny mistakes and possibilities Ralph makes his way to Christmas morning, hoping for the best.
I loved the movie, so when I saw this book I just needed it. Although some scenes or moments seemed out of place, I still loved it. I recommend this book to some of my friends, and also to my dad.(he loves the movie.)
Ralph just wants to have fun. This Christmas, he thinks, I will get a red rider BB gun. When he finds out that there is no possible way he'll get it, he tries harder and harder. Through funny mistakes and possibilities Ralph makes his way to Christmas morning, hoping for the best.
I loved the movie, so when I saw this book I just needed it. Although some scenes or moments seemed out of place, I still loved it. I recommend this book to some of my friends, and also to my dad.(he loves the movie.)
March 28, 2015
I'm reading this again for the holidays. I love this book!
December 22, 2017
3.5*
Dick Cavett does a fine narration of this set of semi-autobiographical stories. Despite the title, only the first story is related to Christmas.
Dick Cavett does a fine narration of this set of semi-autobiographical stories. Despite the title, only the first story is related to Christmas.
December 18, 2023
To construct the setting for his stories, Jean Shepherd relies on the little things, from the smell of boiled cabbage to a long-forgotten advertisement for soda pop. These serve to fix these stories in a time and place, and help you believe these things really happened.
And I’m sure they did, if not as humorously as they’re related here. They happened, in one way or another, to anyone who’s been a kid and had a family.
Only P. G. Wodehouse can rival Shepherd for smiles per paragraph, but Shepherd has a warmth to his writing and a touch of melancholy that make his stories more memorable.
And I’m sure they did, if not as humorously as they’re related here. They happened, in one way or another, to anyone who’s been a kid and had a family.
Only P. G. Wodehouse can rival Shepherd for smiles per paragraph, but Shepherd has a warmth to his writing and a touch of melancholy that make his stories more memorable.
December 21, 2010
Most of you will recognize this title as one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. Okay, some of you might not agree with it being one of the greatest, since I know there are people out there who don't like it. But in my family it is a classic and we always have whatever channel is playing it for 24 hours on when we open presents on Christmas morning. I could quote it all day.
Even if you don't LIKE it, you are probably familiar with the story. 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle for Christmas, and schemes his best to get it. In between Red Ryder plotting, he deals with neighborhood bully Scut Farkas, pines to be in Little Orphan Annie's Secret Circle with his official decoder pin, enjoys a little light from his father's Major Award, and generally is just witness and participant in his slightly dysfunctional but ultimately happy family. Some of you, however, might not realize that this movie made famous by TV showings was based on a series of essays by humorist and radio personality Jean Shepherd.
Because I love the movie so dearly, I decided it was about time to read what inspired it. All in all, I am glad I did, not only because it gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of the movie, it was incredibly funny. Here's a line describing walking to school in the winter to give you the idea:
Scattered over the icy waste around us could be seen other tiny befurred jots of wind-driven humanity. All painfully toiling toward the Warren G. Harding School, miles away over the tundra, waddling under the weight of frost-covered clothing like tiny frozen bowling balls with feet. An occasional piteous whimper would be heard faintly, but lost instantly in the sigh of the eternal wind. (p. 9).
Another difference between the text and the movie is the setting—it is never really definitively said in the latter what time this takes place in, but the essays make it clear this was during the Depression. As a result, among the incredible wit and hilarity of Shepherd's prose, there is a hint of seriousness that is lacking in the film, though it is only a slight undertone. Mostly it's just funny, though it's a bit darker than the film.
Because the essays weren't meant to be published as a package originally, and were four in a larger volume called In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, they aren't all Christmas stories, but will still make you smile with recognition if you know the movie, especially when lines and phrasing are the same. There is a fifth essay included that has to do with their neighbors the Bumpuses, which was originally from another collection, for the reader's enjoyment.
This was great for fans of the movie and for those who have yet to see it. If you hate the movie, I'm not sure you'll like the book, since I'm kind of biased, but it was different enough for me to decide I like the movie better. I liked how all the stories were intertwined rather than broken up into separate stories, but like I said I'm biased. It's certainly worth the read.
Have you read this, or seen A Christmas Story? Are you a loyal watcher of this beloved film (I've been known to watch it outside the Christmas season), or do you hate it completely?
Even if you don't LIKE it, you are probably familiar with the story. 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle for Christmas, and schemes his best to get it. In between Red Ryder plotting, he deals with neighborhood bully Scut Farkas, pines to be in Little Orphan Annie's Secret Circle with his official decoder pin, enjoys a little light from his father's Major Award, and generally is just witness and participant in his slightly dysfunctional but ultimately happy family. Some of you, however, might not realize that this movie made famous by TV showings was based on a series of essays by humorist and radio personality Jean Shepherd.
Because I love the movie so dearly, I decided it was about time to read what inspired it. All in all, I am glad I did, not only because it gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of the movie, it was incredibly funny. Here's a line describing walking to school in the winter to give you the idea:
Scattered over the icy waste around us could be seen other tiny befurred jots of wind-driven humanity. All painfully toiling toward the Warren G. Harding School, miles away over the tundra, waddling under the weight of frost-covered clothing like tiny frozen bowling balls with feet. An occasional piteous whimper would be heard faintly, but lost instantly in the sigh of the eternal wind. (p. 9).
Another difference between the text and the movie is the setting—it is never really definitively said in the latter what time this takes place in, but the essays make it clear this was during the Depression. As a result, among the incredible wit and hilarity of Shepherd's prose, there is a hint of seriousness that is lacking in the film, though it is only a slight undertone. Mostly it's just funny, though it's a bit darker than the film.
Because the essays weren't meant to be published as a package originally, and were four in a larger volume called In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, they aren't all Christmas stories, but will still make you smile with recognition if you know the movie, especially when lines and phrasing are the same. There is a fifth essay included that has to do with their neighbors the Bumpuses, which was originally from another collection, for the reader's enjoyment.
This was great for fans of the movie and for those who have yet to see it. If you hate the movie, I'm not sure you'll like the book, since I'm kind of biased, but it was different enough for me to decide I like the movie better. I liked how all the stories were intertwined rather than broken up into separate stories, but like I said I'm biased. It's certainly worth the read.
Have you read this, or seen A Christmas Story? Are you a loyal watcher of this beloved film (I've been known to watch it outside the Christmas season), or do you hate it completely?
October 6, 2008
05/15/07
A Christmas Story is a series of semi-autobiographical short stories by humorist Jean Shepherd. They were first published in Playboy in the mid 1960s. These stories were later put together to make the very funny film of the same title in 1983. The book in its current form was published posthumously in 2003.
The short stories which now act as chapters are:
* "Duel in the Snow, or the Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid"
* "The Counterfeit Secret Circle Member Gets the Message, or the ASP Strikes Again"
* "My Old Man and the Lascivious Special Award that Heralded the Birth of Pop Art"
* "Grover Dill and the Tasmanian Devil"
* "The Grandstand Passion Play of Delbert and the Bumpus Hounds"
Of these stories, my favorite two are "My Old Man..." and "...Bumpus Hounds." The first covers the scene with the lamp and I'm just a fan of that sort of kitsch. Reading his family's reaction to the lamp always makes me smile and laugh. The "...Bumpus Hounds" story closes out the book with a tale of the worst neighbors imaginable and how they ruined the Easter ham. It's the description of the house's deterioration and the hordes of animals that crack me up in that story.
Overall, A Christmas Story is a very quick read. It's only a 124 pages. I think the film takes longer to watch the book does to read! The book interestingly has less swearing than the film which surprised me.
A Christmas Story is a series of semi-autobiographical short stories by humorist Jean Shepherd. They were first published in Playboy in the mid 1960s. These stories were later put together to make the very funny film of the same title in 1983. The book in its current form was published posthumously in 2003.
The short stories which now act as chapters are:
* "Duel in the Snow, or the Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid"
* "The Counterfeit Secret Circle Member Gets the Message, or the ASP Strikes Again"
* "My Old Man and the Lascivious Special Award that Heralded the Birth of Pop Art"
* "Grover Dill and the Tasmanian Devil"
* "The Grandstand Passion Play of Delbert and the Bumpus Hounds"
Of these stories, my favorite two are "My Old Man..." and "...Bumpus Hounds." The first covers the scene with the lamp and I'm just a fan of that sort of kitsch. Reading his family's reaction to the lamp always makes me smile and laugh. The "...Bumpus Hounds" story closes out the book with a tale of the worst neighbors imaginable and how they ruined the Easter ham. It's the description of the house's deterioration and the hordes of animals that crack me up in that story.
Overall, A Christmas Story is a very quick read. It's only a 124 pages. I think the film takes longer to watch the book does to read! The book interestingly has less swearing than the film which surprised me.
December 10, 2016
I grew up watching the classic movie and found so much humor in the story.
This year, one of my groups, voted to read Jean Shepherd's classic holiday tale. And, what a tale! Shepherd brings his story to life with such vivid imagery! A sampling or two of how he brings his story to life:
"First Nighters packed ear-muff to earmuff, their steamy breath clouding up the sparkling plate glass, jostled in rapt admiration before a golden, tinkling panoply of mechanized, electronic joy."
"Every evening immediately after supper we would pile into the car and drive downtown for that great annual folk rite, that most ecstatic, golden, tinseled, quivering time of all kidhood: Christmas shopping. Milling crowds of blue-jowled, agate-eyed foundry workers, gray-faced refinery men, and motley hordes of open-hearth, slag-heap, Bessemer-converter, tin-mill, coke-plant, and welding-shop fugitives trudged through the wildly pulsing department stores, through floor after floor of shiny, beautiful, unattainable treasures, trailed by millions of leatherette-jacketed, high-topped, mufflered kids, each with a gnawing hunger to Get It All."
I'm glad to have finally read the stories. Note, they are a grouping of shorter tales from Shepherd's other work. Will definitely revisit it again during the holidays.
4 Stars
This year, one of my groups, voted to read Jean Shepherd's classic holiday tale. And, what a tale! Shepherd brings his story to life with such vivid imagery! A sampling or two of how he brings his story to life:
"First Nighters packed ear-muff to earmuff, their steamy breath clouding up the sparkling plate glass, jostled in rapt admiration before a golden, tinkling panoply of mechanized, electronic joy."
"Every evening immediately after supper we would pile into the car and drive downtown for that great annual folk rite, that most ecstatic, golden, tinseled, quivering time of all kidhood: Christmas shopping. Milling crowds of blue-jowled, agate-eyed foundry workers, gray-faced refinery men, and motley hordes of open-hearth, slag-heap, Bessemer-converter, tin-mill, coke-plant, and welding-shop fugitives trudged through the wildly pulsing department stores, through floor after floor of shiny, beautiful, unattainable treasures, trailed by millions of leatherette-jacketed, high-topped, mufflered kids, each with a gnawing hunger to Get It All."
I'm glad to have finally read the stories. Note, they are a grouping of shorter tales from Shepherd's other work. Will definitely revisit it again during the holidays.
4 Stars
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