Bennett, R. W. (2011). Jacob t. marley. Salt Lake City, UT/USA. Shadow Mountain.
PAGES
202
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Hardcover $23.00
Hardcover $23.00
Paperback $8.99
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ANNOTATION
We've all heard the story of Scrooge. But before Scrooge, there was Jacob T. Marley.
SUMMARY
Jacob Thelonius Marley is the grandson of the beloved grandfather, Thelonius. Thelonius gave his life to safe children from a fire. Jacob grows up resenting this tie he has to his grandfather because he doesn't like to explain to everyone he meets that he is, in fact, the grandson of the famous Thelonius. He shortens his name to Jacob T. Marley and eventually gets rid of the T altogether.
As he forgets his roots and excels past his peers at numbers and mathematics, he soon loses who he is to pride. It swallows him up and turns him into a terrible, heartless business man.
He soon meets Scrooge who has just as much passion and skill in crunching and calculating numbers in his favor. They join in business and Jacob, as he himself has done in his own life, sees to it that Scrooge says good-bye to any familial relationship he has, including Scrooge's fiancé. Together they make a successful business in terms of profit, but they hurt others in the process.
When Jacob dies, he finds himself carrying around a weight of chains and cashboxes; almost more than he can bear. He sees that he is responsible for turning Scrooge into the compassionless person he has become. Not wanting his same fate for his life business partner, Jacob makes a deal with a spirit in desperate hopes of changing Scrooges fate.
In A Christmas Carol we are left believing that Jacob T. Marley's fate has been sealed. But has it?
MY REVIEW
This was an incredible back story of the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. The author did an amazing job of writing the story in a clear and simple language, while keeping the feel of A Christmas Carol. I loved reading the background of Marley's character and learning the type of family he came from and what made him the way he was. The messages Bennett shares in this book are beautiful and unforgettable. My favorite part of this book was learning that Jacob T. Marley is redeemed in the end. This book has brought me a whole new perspective on A Christmas Carol that has made it an even more enjoyable story for me.
RATING
Quality: Gold
Popularity: Emerald
We've all heard the story of Scrooge. But before Scrooge, there was Jacob T. Marley.
SUMMARY
Jacob Thelonius Marley is the grandson of the beloved grandfather, Thelonius. Thelonius gave his life to safe children from a fire. Jacob grows up resenting this tie he has to his grandfather because he doesn't like to explain to everyone he meets that he is, in fact, the grandson of the famous Thelonius. He shortens his name to Jacob T. Marley and eventually gets rid of the T altogether.
As he forgets his roots and excels past his peers at numbers and mathematics, he soon loses who he is to pride. It swallows him up and turns him into a terrible, heartless business man.
He soon meets Scrooge who has just as much passion and skill in crunching and calculating numbers in his favor. They join in business and Jacob, as he himself has done in his own life, sees to it that Scrooge says good-bye to any familial relationship he has, including Scrooge's fiancé. Together they make a successful business in terms of profit, but they hurt others in the process.
When Jacob dies, he finds himself carrying around a weight of chains and cashboxes; almost more than he can bear. He sees that he is responsible for turning Scrooge into the compassionless person he has become. Not wanting his same fate for his life business partner, Jacob makes a deal with a spirit in desperate hopes of changing Scrooges fate.
In A Christmas Carol we are left believing that Jacob T. Marley's fate has been sealed. But has it?
MY REVIEW
This was an incredible back story of the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. The author did an amazing job of writing the story in a clear and simple language, while keeping the feel of A Christmas Carol. I loved reading the background of Marley's character and learning the type of family he came from and what made him the way he was. The messages Bennett shares in this book are beautiful and unforgettable. My favorite part of this book was learning that Jacob T. Marley is redeemed in the end. This book has brought me a whole new perspective on A Christmas Carol that has made it an even more enjoyable story for me.
RATING
Quality: Gold
Popularity: Emerald
GENRE & SUB GENRES
Holiday
Christmas
Fiction
Historical
Historical Fiction
Christmas
Fiction
Historical
Historical Fiction
APPEAL FACTORS
Jacob T. Marley would really appeal to anyone who has grown up reading and loving A Christmas Carol. It's a story of redemption, joy, and love. While this book has incredibly deep and moving themes and lessons, it is also written is such a simple way that makes it an easy read that anyone can enjoy.
BOOKTALKING
The most appalling and unlovable character is able to turn himself around and find redemption, giving hope that change is possible.
Through the heartbreaking yet beautiful story of Scrooge's sister Fan, we see that no encounters in our life are coincidental. Even if they were bad encounters, they can be made for our good if we choose.
Marley sees that his whole life, spirits on the other side were trying to help him turn his life around. He sees that those who have gone before us are very invested in our spiritual well-being. It's a beautiful thought especially for those who love family history.
At one point, Marley wonders why the spirits can't themselves feed the hungry and protect everyone from hardships. The spirit explains that every hour of the day spirits are trying to inspire us from the other side to do good and help those around us. If the spirits did it all, there would be nothing redeemable about us. We are on earth to help others and become kind and loving. I felt that this explanation answered the question we hear so often, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" We make it so when we don't listen to our conscience and help others we see in need of help. This book teaches that we are all part of one big family and we need to help each other.
DISCUSSION POINTS
How does Scrooge feel towards Marley's death? How does Bennett show this?
What does Marley realize right before he dies? How does he come to this realization? How does this help him in his next life?
What do Marley and Bogle find Scrooge doing in his room after he has been reliving his past? What does Bogle do? Why?
How does Marley react to Bogle's anger?
Explain Marley and Bogle's last encounter. Why does Bogle smile?
What does Marley learn about himself and others?
WHY THIS BOOK?
I grew up watching A Christmas Carol and loved the story. I came across this book because my wife was reading it in her bookclub. Because I grew up loving Dickens' classic, I knew I had to read this book. I have always wondered whether or not Marley was redeemed and I was hoping this book would answer that question for me.
THE AUTHOR
R. William Bennett
REVIEWS
SIMILAR TITLES/AUTHORS
A Christ-Centered Christmas: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to the Savior by Emily Belle Freeman
Letters in the Jade Dragon Box: A Historical Novel by Gale Sears
The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus by Tim Slovermore
POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Redemption and forgiveness
- Kindness and mercy
- Backstory of A Christmas Carol
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