The Christmas List

By Pete Nelson

Book Overview

The uplifting conclusion of The Christmas List, a heart-warming account of the power of encouragement and appreciation, is based on a true story that circulated on the Internet. A nun told her fourth-grade students to write their names on a piece of paper and then pass the paper to the next person, who was to write a sentence of appreciation about the person named at the top. When the exercise was done, each student had twenty-four comments of admiration and appreciation - one from each classmate. The Christmas List follows James Engler, who returns home to Iowa one Christmas, after his fiancee calls off their marriage, and discovers that his best childhood friend, Mike, has just been killed in the Gulf War. When Mike's parents reveal at a memorial service that Mike had carried his fourth-grade list with him, most of James's former classmates confess that they, too, kept their lists as a reminder, even in the worst of times, of their admirable traits and that they were appreciated. James also renews his acquaintance with his former classmate Sarah, who wrote on his list, "You are a great guy and some day I'm going to marry." And she does.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 140160143X
• ISBN13: 9781401601430
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Rutledge Hill Press
• Length: 229 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

A Wonderfully Touching Book

I was in the bookstore browsing for something new to read when I came across this book. It touched my heart to read that children were asked to write something they liked about their classmates. This book should be required reading for all school children and their families so that they understand the importance of kindness, compassion and understanding of others. If children were introduced to writing something kind about their fellow students on a regular basis, they would only appreciate their friends and acquaintances even more. A kind word is never forgotten.

A holiday classic

I loved this book. I came across it in a local bookstore and picked it up not knowing what to expect but thought the premise sounded intriguing. First, Nelson is a first-rate writer who has created an incredibly moving and inspirational story without ever veering into sentimentality. James Engler and his family are such vividly drawn characters that I felt as though I'd spent the holidays with them. This is an ideal gift for anyone who likes a great story or needs a lift. The Christmas List will be a book that I will be sharing for years to come.