BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Dickens, C. (2016). A christmas carol. Cape Cod, MA/USA. Paraclete Press.
PAGES
125
PURCHASING OPTIONS
ANNOTATION
The heartless Ebenezer Scrooge is about to get a second chance and learn life's meaning.
SUMMARY
A Christmas Carol tells of a cruel and selfish man named Ebenezer Scrooge. He has cut off every relationship he has had and focuses completely on his business. He is prideful, compassionless, and seeks only after wealth. Even though he has a successful business, he hoards his money, hardly spending any on himself. He blames the poor and needy for their misfortune believing that it would be better for them to die.
As Scrooge settles into his empty, dark, and cold home on Christmas Eve, he is given the gift of a lifetime; a second chance at life. He is visited by the spirit of his deceased business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who warns him of the unfulfilling and hate-filled life he lives.
Scrooge is visited in the night by three spirits who all try their best to redeem the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge. Through the story we learn of Scrooge's past, present, and his future if he does not make a change now.
MY REVIEW
After growing up watching this movie, I absolutely loved finally reading the book. It is very thought provoking and a beautiful story of redemption. Dickens does a remarkable job of showing you just how awful Scrooge was and how heartless his life had been. By the end of the book I had tears of joy as I felt Scrooge's unimaginable relief as he learns that he has been given a second chance at life. I felt compelled to action; to give and love more freely.
RATING
Quality: Gold
Popularity: Diamond
The heartless Ebenezer Scrooge is about to get a second chance and learn life's meaning.
SUMMARY
A Christmas Carol tells of a cruel and selfish man named Ebenezer Scrooge. He has cut off every relationship he has had and focuses completely on his business. He is prideful, compassionless, and seeks only after wealth. Even though he has a successful business, he hoards his money, hardly spending any on himself. He blames the poor and needy for their misfortune believing that it would be better for them to die.
As Scrooge settles into his empty, dark, and cold home on Christmas Eve, he is given the gift of a lifetime; a second chance at life. He is visited by the spirit of his deceased business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who warns him of the unfulfilling and hate-filled life he lives.
Scrooge is visited in the night by three spirits who all try their best to redeem the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge. Through the story we learn of Scrooge's past, present, and his future if he does not make a change now.
MY REVIEW
After growing up watching this movie, I absolutely loved finally reading the book. It is very thought provoking and a beautiful story of redemption. Dickens does a remarkable job of showing you just how awful Scrooge was and how heartless his life had been. By the end of the book I had tears of joy as I felt Scrooge's unimaginable relief as he learns that he has been given a second chance at life. I felt compelled to action; to give and love more freely.
RATING
Quality: Gold
Popularity: Diamond
GENRE & SUB GENRES
Classics
Fiction
Holiday
Christmas
Fantasy
Literature
Historical
Historical Fiction
Holiday
Fiction
Holiday
Christmas
Fantasy
Literature
Historical
Historical Fiction
Holiday
APPEAL FACTORS
This is the perfect book to get you in the Christmas spirit. It is a story of compassion and forgiveness. It will move you to action. It is a short and somewhat easy read, but it has so much depth to it. It will change any reader for the better.
BOOKTALKING
Scrooge asks his nephew how he could love Christmas even though it gives him no profit. His nephew replies that while it has not given him profit, it has brought him joy, connection, and opportunities to look outside of himself and serve those who are in more need than him. We are most happy when we are serving others.
Marley's chain that he was bound to for all eternity was made of things like cash-boxes, deeds, and keys. What he sought out in life is what he became eternally bound to in his next life. We become that which we most seek after.
This book teaches choice and accountability. While Marley and each of the three spirits want Scrooge to turn his life around, he ultimately has to decide for himself to change. They never force him.
Redemption is given to the heartless Scrooge because he ultimately makes the choice to live an honorable life.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Why do you think this book has become the well known and loved classic it is today?
What stuck out to you the most from this book?
How do you think Bob Cratchit feels towards Scrooge? What might the little piece of coal symbolize?
Why does Scrooge tell his nephew that he should not be happy? What do we learn here about the things that Scrooge seeks out versus the things that Fred seeks out? What difference has each of their pursuits made in their lives?
Why do the bells announce Marley's ghost?
What does the light above the Ghost of Christmas Past represent? Why does it make Scrooge so uncomfortable?
Why is Scrooge's relationship with his sister, Fan, a significant part of the story? Is it?
Explain Fred, his wife, Bob, and his wife's different views on Scrooge? What does this say about each of them?
How did you feel about the boy and girl under the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present? What does he mean by they are man's?
Did you feel that Scrooge's change was believable? Do you think he will continue this new outlook? Why or why not?
Do you think there was any redemption for Marley?
WHY THIS BOOK?
I grew up watching this movie every year at Christmastime. I read Jacob T. Marley and decided to read this one afterwards since I had never read it before. I loved the story of redemption and the importance of family. I also knew it would get me in the Christmas spirit this year.
THE AUTHOR
Biography
Life and Work
REVIEWS
A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
more
AWARDS
Audie Award for Classic (2005)
- Compassion and Forgiveness
- Choices and Transformation
- Memory and the Past
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