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  <title><![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]></title>
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  <description><![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]></description>
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  <original_title>The Christmas Mystery</original_title>
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    <id>1388082</id>
        <name><![CDATA[Jostein Gaarder]]></name>
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    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
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  <average_rating>3.54</average_rating>
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    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
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    <body><![CDATA[If you have ever read Jostein Gaarder's book, Sophie's World, you know this author can twist the plot in such a way as to boggle the mind. The Christmas Mystery is a little more innocuous than Sophie's World, and a little more meaty than most Christmas &quot;fluff&quot; stories. I first read it seve...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/35339124">more...</a>]]></body>
    
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      <review>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
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    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
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    <rating>4</rating>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[Ellen]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[serendipity]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Fri Dec 04 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Dec 02 11:23:17 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Dec 04 06:21:20 -0800 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[I came across this on the library shelf when I was gathering books to put on our Christmas book display.  I noticed it was by Jostein Gaarder, the author of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10959.Sophie_s_World_Paperback_" title="Sophie's World (Paperback) by Jostein Gaarder">Sophie's World</a> and it looked so intriguing.  I read it straight through, but I think it would be more fun to read it day by day starting on Dec...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79656717">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79656717]]></url>
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      <review>
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    <name><![CDATA[Purplycookie]]></name>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/437162.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.28</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>29</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[The bestselling modern classic.  Fifty years ago a girl disappeared from her home in Norway.  She ran  after a lamb and found herself travelling right across Europe to Palestine, and back through 2000 years to meet the Holy Family in Bethlehem.  There she met angels, shepherds, wise men and other biblical characters who joined her on her pilgrimage; and she heard of many of the things that happened in the world in the last 2000 years.  In present-day Norway, a boy acquires a strange old Advent calendar.  Hidden in each of the windows is a tiny piece of paper. Little by little these pieces unfold the girl's story, and as we learn what happened to her, another story is revealed - that of the strange old man who made the calendar.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <read_at>Thu Dec 25 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Apr 13 00:41:26 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Apr 26 03:34:32 -0700 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[<em>&quot;Christmas is the world's biggest birthday party, for everybody in the world is invited to join in. That's why the party has lasted for so many years.&quot;</em><br/><br/>Fifty years ago a girl disappeared from her home in Norway. She ran after a lamb and found herself travelling right across Euro...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52468086">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52468086]]></url>
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      <review>
  <id>9987464</id>
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    <id>353795</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Jaclyn]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Arlington, VA]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
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  <read_at>Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Dec 05 11:17:55 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Dec 24 04:34:12 -0800 2007</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[In 1948, a little girl named Elisabet Hansen disappeared from a department store in Norway not long before Christmas.  She was never heard from again.<br/><br/>Fifty years later, a little boy named Joachim was shopping for an Advent calendar with his father.  In a bookshop window, he spots an Adve...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9987464">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9987464]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9987464]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>16289724</id>
    <user>
    <id>939243</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Stacey]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Derby, The United Kingdom]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/939243-stacey]]></link>
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  <isbn>0753808668</isbn>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174765649m/437162.jpg</image_url>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/437162.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[The bestselling modern classic.  Fifty years ago a girl disappeared from her home in Norway.  She ran  after a lamb and found herself travelling right across Europe to Palestine, and back through 2000 years to meet the Holy Family in Bethlehem.  There she met angels, shepherds, wise men and other biblical characters who joined her on her pilgrimage; and she heard of many of the things that happened in the world in the last 2000 years.  In present-day Norway, a boy acquires a strange old Advent calendar.  Hidden in each of the windows is a tiny piece of paper. Little by little these pieces unfold the girl's story, and as we learn what happened to her, another story is revealed - that of the strange old man who made the calendar.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Feb 24 19:53:18 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Mar 03 11:32:45 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This book is a wonderful and unique one in that it is an advent calendar in book form. There are twenty-four chapters each representing a day from the first to the twenty-fourth of December and tells the story of a boy who finds an old handmade advent calendar in a shop out of which falls tiny piece...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/16289724">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/16289724]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/16289724]]></link>
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      <review>
  <id>50267905</id>
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    <id>2139436</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Saharial]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[London, H9, The United Kingdom]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
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  <read_at>Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2004</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Mar 24 05:35:06 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Mar 26 02:24:23 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count>3</read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[A literary advent calendar its one i try to read every December one chapter a day. Travelling in time and distance from Norway to Bethlehem it is intriguing and fascinating to watch the strands of history unravel and the story tie up neatly.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/50267905]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/50267905]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
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    <name><![CDATA[Fatina]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Italy]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Dec 13 00:56:06 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Dec 13 00:58:08 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[A great book for the christmas period.I have it at home and have read and re-read it. So many neat twists and turns in this story. Would definitely recommend it for a unique and fun read.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/80832652]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/80832652]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>41005325</id>
    <user>
    <id>77131</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Oona]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Ireland]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/77131-oona]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1179188816p3/77131.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">2205845</id>
  <isbn>0753802368</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780753802366</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">2</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-111x148.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2205845.Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.64</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>11</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Sat Dec 27 08:50:22 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Dec 27 08:58:51 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I read this while I was sick.  It was a really fun story, but didn't take as much brain power as Sophie's World (a good thing at the time).  A nice book to read during Advent.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41005325]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41005325]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>79861461</id>
    <user>
    <id>2337580</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Cathy]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Italy]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2337580-cathy]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto-F-111x148.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">2205845</id>
  <isbn>0753802368</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780753802366</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">2</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-111x148.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2205845.Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Dec 04 07:42:34 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Dec 19 07:59:20 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I think this is a lovely book.  I try to read this every year at Christmas time.  I started it after December 1st this year, and changed my mind about reading a chapter a day as it lends itself to be read like that.  The book brings an Advent calendar to life, and in my mind is a truly special story...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79861461">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79861461]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79861461]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>78623221</id>
    <user>
    <id>2654872</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Nicola]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[York, The United Kingdom]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2654872-nicola]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1260471814p3/2654872.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">437162</id>
  <isbn>0753808668</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780753808665</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">3</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174765649m/437162.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174765649s/437162.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/437162.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[The bestselling modern classic.  Fifty years ago a girl disappeared from her home in Norway.  She ran  after a lamb and found herself travelling right across Europe to Palestine, and back through 2000 years to meet the Holy Family in Bethlehem.  There she met angels, shepherds, wise men and other biblical characters who joined her on her pilgrimage; and she heard of many of the things that happened in the world in the last 2000 years.  In present-day Norway, a boy acquires a strange old Advent calendar.  Hidden in each of the windows is a tiny piece of paper. Little by little these pieces unfold the girl's story, and as we learn what happened to her, another story is revealed - that of the strange old man who made the calendar.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>2</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Nov 22 08:08:47 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Nov 22 08:13:05 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I never did manage to finish this story. I became easily bored and distracted. I put it to one side meaning to go back to it and never did.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78623221]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78623221]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>39181348</id>
    <user>
    <id>731014</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Stacey]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Carlisle, PA]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/731014-stacey]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1203713958p3/731014.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">25408</id>
  <isbn>0374123292</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780374123291</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">3</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1223649290m/25408.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1223649290s/25408.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25408.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>2</rating>
  <votes>1</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
            <shelf name="christmas" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Dec 03 04:28:56 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Dec 12 17:54:54 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[We are reading one chapter a day--in the morning or afternoon, not as part of our evening advent time.<br/><br/>We quit. I love the idea, but Eli lost interest, truthfully the story was not all that enticing.<br/>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39181348]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39181348]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>75519489</id>
    <user>
    <id>2871206</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Azita]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Iran, Islamic Republic of]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2871206-azita]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1260705274p3/2871206.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">58301</id>
  <isbn>1842552821</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781842552827</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">15</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063m/58301.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063s/58301.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Oct 23 13:52:29 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Oct 23 13:54:40 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[اين كتاب در واقع نوعي تقويم خانوادگي كريسمس محسوب ميشود.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75519489]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75519489]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>48887821</id>
    <user>
    <id>2086032</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Hon]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Singapore, 00, Singapore]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2086032-hon]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1235991009p3/2086032.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">58301</id>
  <isbn>1842552821</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781842552827</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">15</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063m/58301.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063s/58301.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Mar 10 23:06:12 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Mar 10 23:06:27 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[interesting read...]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/48887821]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/48887821]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>77999983</id>
    <user>
    <id>1166369</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Annet]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Netherlands]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1166369-annet]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1218927471p3/1166369.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">58301</id>
  <isbn>1842552821</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781842552827</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">15</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063m/58301.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063s/58301.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Nov 16 14:49:18 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Dec 22 10:56:42 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[An enjoyable book for the Christmas period. Although in the beginning I was a bit bored by especially the story of the girl going to Bethlehem.<br/>But, I took the book to Rome on a long city break and started enjoying the read in a suitable Christmas environment... ]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77999983]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77999983]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>25757853</id>
    <user>
    <id>1280214</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Hallie]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Caldwell, TX]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1280214-hallie]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1214704843p3/1280214.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">58301</id>
  <isbn>1842552821</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781842552827</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">15</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063m/58301.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063s/58301.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Sat Jun 28 12:22:02 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Jul 02 18:10:03 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[On the one hand, really cool. On the other hand, I didn't really get the ending (maybe it's better not in translation). But the structure is fantastic and this author again pulls off the story-within-a-story beautifully. The edition I read also had charming illustrations (by Rosemary Wells, I believ...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/25757853">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/25757853]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/25757853]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>15904885</id>
    <user>
    <id>757563</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Franziska]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Galloway, OH]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/757563-franziska]]></link>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">1850337</id>
  <isbn>1559213957</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781559213950</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">4</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1189184798m/1850337.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1189184798s/1850337.jpg</small_image_url>
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  <average_rating>3.61</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>18</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. We all love a  beadtime story and here we have a philosophical meditation wrapped in the  simple clothes of a journey across Europe to Bethlehem. The qualities of  wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as  ever in this beautiful and mysterious story. This has a metaphysical matrix  that brings in God and doctrine in a way that will appeals to believers and  non-believers alike.  <p>A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender -- and  uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from  her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and  right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two  thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join  her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent  calendar, makes it possible for her to come home.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Feb 20 10:34:54 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Apr 02 13:57:34 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This wasn't really one of my favorites by Gaarder. Yet, I'd say it's a nice story for younger children to introduce them to basic historic events, places and also basic religious (Christian) stuff. Very simple story line, with a somewhat philosophical ending. Nice morals, nice book, just not awesome...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15904885">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15904885]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15904885]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>14800191</id>
    <user>
    <id>869347</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Jacqueline]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Reading, PA]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/869347-jacqueline-sanders]]></link>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">58301</id>
  <isbn>1842552821</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781842552827</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">15</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063m/58301.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063s/58301.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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          </shelves>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Feb 07 03:15:46 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Feb 07 03:20:35 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This is a unique twist on the Christmas story. I find the current feelings about Christmas nauseating (buying in excess, always wanting more, etc.), and this brings you back to why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/14800191]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/14800191]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>156627</id>
    <user>
    <id>12125</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Seyed Alireza]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Iran, Islamic Republic of]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12125-seyed-alireza]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1173381450p3/12125.jpg]]></image_url>
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  <isbn>1842552821</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781842552827</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">15</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063m/58301.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170505063s/58301.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender - and uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent calendar, makes it possible for her to come home. THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. It has already proved a great success with colour decorations for children, and as a paperback for adults. It has now been abridged for younger readers and freshly illustrated by a talented new young artist.  The qualities of wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as ever in this beautiful and mysterious story which appeals to believers and non-believers alike.]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2005</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Mar 04 09:31:45 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Dec 16 16:18:40 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[پر از تناقض گويي هاي فاحش در زمان بندي است ... گرچه زياد خدشه اي به اصل داستان وارد نمي شود اما بالاخره نويسنده بايد توجه مي كرد]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/156627]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/156627]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>32156661</id>
    <user>
    <id>354383</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Mahdi.dehnavi]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/354383-mahdi-dehnavi]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto-U-111x148.jpg]]></image_url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">2553584</id>
  <isbn>9646641172</isbn>
  <isbn13 nil="true"></isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">1</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[راز تولد]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1200059125m/2553584.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1200059125s/2553584.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2553584._</link>
  <average_rating>3.61</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>23</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[<br/>عنوان اصلی Julemysteriet]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sat Sep 06 00:30:14 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Sep 06 00:33:39 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[ye nokte: 2 ta tashakor dar kole dastan vojood dasht ke jalebe tavajoh bood..<br/>...<br/>man 6 ta seke roye dastane yahya shart mibandam! to chi?!<br/><br/>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/32156661]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/32156661]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>28780216</id>
    <user>
    <id>804922</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Nuclearster]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Hat-Yai, Thailand]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/804922-nuclearster]]></link>
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  <id type="integer">1850337</id>
  <isbn>1559213957</isbn>
  <isbn13>9781559213950</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">4</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[The Christmas Mystery]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1189184798m/1850337.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1189184798s/1850337.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1850337.The_Christmas_Mystery</link>
  <average_rating>3.52</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>512</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. We all love a  beadtime story and here we have a philosophical meditation wrapped in the  simple clothes of a journey across Europe to Bethlehem. The qualities of  wonder and enquiry that readers loved in SOPHIE'S WORLD are as strong as  ever in this beautiful and mysterious story. This has a metaphysical matrix  that brings in God and doctrine in a way that will appeals to believers and  non-believers alike.  <p>A boy called Joachim acquires a strange old Advent calender -- and  uncovers from it the story of a girl called Elisabet, who disappeared from  her home fifty years earlier. Elisabet has been taken back through time and  right across Europe to Palestine, to see the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Two  thousand years of history flash by, and angels, shepherds and wise men join  her on her joyful pilgrimage. It is Joachim who, through the Advent  calendar, makes it possible for her to come home.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>1996</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Jul 30 13:34:06 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Sep 12 11:40:54 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Eventually, I have understanded why the Chrismas is very important for the Christain. Jostein still insert the mystery to make his nice story.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/28780216]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/28780216]]></link>
</review>
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