The Christmas List

A Novel

By: Richard Paul Evans

Narrated by: John Dossett

Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Dear Listener,

When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died: in first place on the final lap of the Daytona 500. At the time, I hadn't considered writing as an occupation, a field with a remarkably low on-the-job casualty rate.

What intrigues me most about Mrs. Johnson's assignment is the opportunity she gave us to confront our own legacy. How do we want to be remembered? That question has motivated our species since the beginning of time: from building pyramids to putting our names on skyscrapers.

As I began to write this book, I had two objectives: First, I wanted to explore what could happen if someone read their obituary before they died and saw, firsthand, what the world really thought of them. Their legacy.

Second, I wanted to write a Christmas story of true redemption. One of my family's holiday traditions is to see a local production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. I don't know how many times I've seen it (perhaps a dozen), but it still thrills me to see the change that comes over Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a dull, tight-fisted miser into a penitent, "giddy-as-a-schoolboy" man with love in his heart. I always leave the show with a smile on my face and a resolve to be a better person. That's what I wanted to share with you, my dear listeners, this Christmas - a holiday tale to warm your season, your homes, and your hearts.

Merry Christmas,
Richard Paul Evans

©2009 Richard Paul Evans (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Wonderful Book

Great story line, well developed, heart warming, a journey of emotions and delivered with perfect narration.

A wonderful Christmas story

The Christmas list is a very heartwarming Christmas story. Yes, it is a little sappy, but only partly predictable. it's definitely not preachy, but it is a wonderful reminder of God's grace that entered into the world when Jesus was born here. I suggest the audible version because the narrator does a terrific job.

Heartwarming but predictable

Narrated well, some great characters are developed, but the main story is very predictable and average. Mean, nasty man finds the true meaning of love and Christmas after an unpleasant life experience.

A Nice Story

Very much enjoyed the book. A bit of a connection to the Christmas Carol story.

Beautiful Story

As always a read I can’t put down from Richard Paul Evans and will read again and again.Beautiful end as always.

A favorite Christmas read

A beautifully written book. A true inspiration for everyone to become better people. A reminder of what the true spirit of Christmas is about.

Enjoyable Christmas listen

Where does The Christmas List rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Christmas List?

When the husband and wife reconcile

Which scene was your favorite?

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Any additional comments?

A enjoyable listen for the Christmas Season

A perfect Christmas read.

In the chaos of the world, I need to find some peace and there is no better place to find it than in a Christmas book by Richard Paul Evan. I reread them every year.

Exceptional Christmas Story!

I highly recommend this inspiring book on forgiveness. It was a great listen while Christmas shopping.

such a fan of Richard Paul Evans

This is without a doubt, my favorite Christmas book. I listen to it every year, and it never fails to bring me to tears.