The stupidity we need right now, but maybe not the stupidity we deserve

So, arguably not the timeliest of reads, considering this is a Christmas-themed novel and it’s February. But there’s no way I’m going to remember to review this come December, and it’s not my fault I read it in February. I can only read what the audiobook people send to me when they do; and despite how I order my list, they seem determined to fulfill it on their own whim!

 

However, despite it being unseasonable, this book is so great it doesn’t matter. If you need a laugh (and who doesn’t these days?), it’s worthy of reading any time. Christopher Moore has taken the classic Christmas tale—a spoof on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—and twisted it into something both hilarious and terrifying. It focuses on the town of Pine Cove, California, where a young boy, Joshua, witnesses “Santa” being murdered by a shovel. Joshua is worried this means he won’t get the video game system he was hoping for, so he prays to God to bring Santa back. As it so happens, the Archangel Raziel is in town, sent down to perform a “Christmas miracle.” He responds to Joshua’s prayer, but Raziel is lacking in the brains department, so it becomes one of those “be careful what you ask for” scenarios. Chaos, as they say, ensues.

 

I’ll add that I read this book during the saddest time of my life, deep in grief, and yet it still made me smile. It’s silly and frivolous and easy to follow and quick to read and the characters are ridiculous yet likeable and there’s a fruit bat named Reynaldo. It was basically everything I needed at this time in my life. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.