Skipping Christmas

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That's just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won't be hosting the annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. They won't need one, because come December 25 they're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences - and isn't half as easy as they'd imagined.

A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the charm and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.

©2001 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2001 Random House, Inc.; Random House Audio, a Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Clever...fun to read." (Publishers Weekly)

Simple Pleasures!

I LOVE this story! If you are looking for something around the holidays to make you laugh in the midst of all the insane bustle, this book will point you in the right direction! Within his comical story line, you will find profound truth about what the holidays have become in America. As simple as it might sound, I think this is my favorite Grisham novel. Throughout the whole thing, I kept saying, "He is a genius!" Listening to it as I frantically cleaned my house, baked, and signed Christmas cards made me smile at my own pace and caused me to slow down and reflect as to what I feel is really important around the holidays. Even if you've read it, or simply seen the movie, download this and listen to it - it will definitely make your holidays bright!

Have a very FUNNY Christmas!

I guess I've come late to the party, as I have only this past Christmas finally "read" this sweet little book. John Grisham tells this story so wonderfully that many times I literally laughed out loud (which can be a bit awkward in the crush of public transportation on my daily commute), and the ending was so emotionally satisfying I had to wipe away a few (happy) tears.
Kudos also to the Reader, as he brings as much to the enjoyment of the story as the Author.
I'm adding "Skipping Christmas" to my Holiday rituals next year, along with "A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life".

Laugh Out Loud

Not many times can a book make me laugh out loud but this was one of the funniest books I have ever listened to!! I kept giggling without realizing it. When you want to get into the holiday mood, listen to this audio book. A great story that I will listen to every Christmas.

Had potential but it was vulgar!

Definitely not a merry or heart-felt Christmas experience. I did not find this funny nor was it full of holiday spirit. Too many mentions of the disgruntled father lusting after tanned bikini babes or secretaries lusting after male strippers at an Xmas work party, too much negativity overall. I didnt like the vibe or the theme. It could have been really fun and cute but instead it was not relatable and it was boring. Not recommended if you are looking for holiday spirit.

The ending makes it MOOT

This could have been a good story. It starts as a seeming attempt to bring the over-consumptive habits of Americans at Christmas to light. Just when you think the hero will prevail, the plot turns on itself. For those of us who would like to see family appreciation replace eight foot glowing santas as a holiday them, this book is a loser. However, I will say that it has funny moments ala Year in Provence and that there are some light and charming family moments, so it is not a total wash. However, I'd easily recommend Paint House over this.

A lighthearted romp

I found this title a thoroughly enjoyable listen. A whimsical look at Christmas and our human foibles. You won't find anything particularly astounding, eye-opening or dramatic in "Skipping Christmas" but you will find a gently amusing look at families, expectations and change. Highly recommended.

Highly Entertaining, will make you laugh and cry

What do you do when the last bird leaves the nest? Why plan a romantic vacation to a tropical destination of course. That was the plan and the trials and road blocks along the way are realistic if somewhat exaggerated. This was a great listen, will make you smile one minute, shake your head in agreement the next, laugh out loud and wipe a tear from your eye in the end.

great book for the holidays

I really liked this book! Made me laugh along with all the similar stresses of the Holidays. I liked this so much I purchased the book for my Grandmother as a Christmas gift that I know she will enjoy as well!

Dated

Full of misogynistic stereotypes and detestable characters. Lost interest and didn’t finish, for a 3 hour read, that says a lot.

Honest but Frustrating

Would you try another book from John Grisham and/or Dennis Boutsikaris?

This story was a different genre than the usual John Grisham book. I'll always rea a John Grisham book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nora Krank - I like the way she took over when it was necessary.

Have you listened to any of Dennis Boutsikaris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure I've listened to this narrator before.

Did Skipping Christmas inspire you to do anything?

Think twice before making decisions and how those decisions might affect others. Luther was extremely selfish. He was so focused on himself he didn't do things that would make others happy without altering his plans.

Any additional comments?

Be prepared to laugh but be frustrated with the main character.