The Christmas Sweater

By: Glenn Beck

Narrated by: Glenn Beck

Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The #1 New York Times best-selling author and renowned radio and television host Glenn Beck delivers an instant holiday classic about boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and the true meaning of the gifts we give to one another in love.

"We weren't wealthy, we weren't poor - we just were. We never wanted for anything, except maybe more time together...."

When Eddie was 12 years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder - and money tighter - since his father died and the family bakery closed, Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning.

What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.

Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood.

It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family - and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell - to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart.

Based on a deeply personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith, and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives - while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them.

©2008 Mercury Radio Arts Inc. (P)2008 Simon & Schuster

love this story

I loved this story and having the author read out was the best part. I have read this before but this was wonderful

Heart warming

Such an absolutely touching and thought provoking book I could not put it down. This is a book you will listen to/read more than once.

Brings back memories

l loved the story. Reminds me of when i was young. The narrator was great. I listened to the story on my lay over which made the time pass quickly

Close to my reality.

this book moved me in ways I can't say. I have lost my mom 7 years ago to stage 4 cancer in both her chest and brain. I miss her every day and wonder how I am surviving. they say God puts obstacles in your path to make you stronger. I am so tired and don't need anymore strength. God bless everyone.

Scared off by the name Glenn Beck?

I didn't know much about Glenn Beck when I chose this book. I knew he was a republican talking head and that was about it. I was afraid this book would be more propaganda and less story but the other reviews convinced me to get the book anyway. What I heard was a story about dealing with your own personal demons and personal redemption. Does the story have a republican slant? Yes, but only once or twice does the story become heavy handed in that respect. Does the story deal with religion? Definitely. As an atheist I decided it was no different than reading about orcs, dragons, or aliens. Just keep and open mind and give it a listen. The story has a message for anyone that will ever face a rough patch in their life. So basically everyone.

The three stars are for the average writing and less only adequate narration. I really wondered how Glenn Beck gets people to listen to him with some of those character voices.

PS:Length of the story is about perfect so the book doesn't drag on too long.

Christmas Sweater

Well done story with great messages. Easy listen.

A new Christmas tradition

I enjoyed this book very much. My story is alot like his story...thanks for telling it to others.

A beautiful story

I love this book! I've known this story for years and have had this book in my library for quite a while. Whenever I feel that I am passing through a particularly rough storm in life, I listen to this book once again and it brings me hope and peace. God Bless you Mr. Beck!

I Love this Book - Listen to it Once a Year

If you could sum up The Christmas Sweater in three words, what would they be?

Through the eyes and heart of a young boy to a man. The Christmas Sweater will make you wonder "How do I look or have looked at my parents"

What other book might you compare The Christmas Sweater to and why?

No comparison in my opinion

Which character – as performed by Glenn Beck – was your favorite?

Grandpa, a very normal guy.. made me feel I was listening to my own grandpa

bad eddie

eddie was a very bad boy, but with good reason. the ending is worth the read. dont give up, read it all the way thru. its really and truly a wonderful book. thanks glenn.