Items related to The Special Guest: A Christmas Story
Synopsis
In an inspirational tale, a family struggles with tragedy as their little girl lies in a coma following a terrible accident, and they learn about the power of love and forgiveness through the charity of a kind stranger
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From Publishers Weekly
As do several Christmas books this season, this one transports readers to a simpler, better America that never existed. On the last shopping day before Christmas, teenager Scott Reid, bagging groceries at a supermarket, befriends a mysterious stranger and invites him home for the holiday weekend. The curious old man, whose white bushy eyebrows, old fashioned clothes and cherubic disposition immediately endear him to the unbelievably hospitable Reid family, says his name is Zachery and claims to work for a charitable agency. Zachery soon elicits from the Reids a recital of the sad event that has afflicted the family. Exactly one year ago, Scott's younger sister, whom he was teaching to ride her bicycle, was run down by drunk driver Jake Fincastle; she remains in a coma. In short order, Zachery convinces the Reids to commit "an act of forgiveness"?visit Jake in prison and bring good cheer and food to his wife and children. When the Reids' own lives are next blessed by a double miracle, even the most credulous reader will not be surprised. A series of cliches stitched together by coincidences and facile solutions, one-dimensional characterization, predictable props (hot chocolate, a crackling fire) and issues reduced to the lowest common denominator rob the narrative of suspense, much less inspirational magic. Previously self-published by Allen, this sentimental story drips with a syrupy piety. 75,000 first printing; $300,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherKensington Pub Corp
- Publication date1996
- ISBN 10 1575661179
- ISBN 13 9781575661179
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages102
- IllustratorAllen Donna
- Rating
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The Special Guest: A Christmas Story
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Allen, Donna (illustrator). Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00027944052
Quantity: 3 available
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The Special Guest: A Christmas Story
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Acceptable. Allen, Donna (illustrator). Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00060366727
Quantity: 1 available
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The Special Guest: A Christmas Story
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Allen, Donna (illustrator). Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # E21K-00356
Quantity: 2 available
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The Special Guest: A Christmas Story
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: USED_ASNEW. Allen, Donna (illustrator). Like New condition. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Seller Inventory # W05C-01277
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The Special Guest
Seller: medimops, Berlin, Germany
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very good. Allen, Donna (illustrator). Gut/Very good: Buch bzw. Schutzumschlag mit wenigen Gebrauchsspuren an Einband, Schutzumschlag oder Seiten. / Describes a book or dust jacket that does show some signs of wear on either the binding, dust jacket or pages. Seller Inventory # M01575661179-V
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