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19th out of 204 books
—
221 voters
Miracle and Other Christmas Stories
The winner of multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, Connie Willis capture the timeless essence of generosity and goodwill in this magical collection if Christmas stories.These eight tales-two of which have never before been published-boldly reimagine the stories of Christmas while celebrating the power of love and compassion.This enchanting treasury includes:
"Miracle," in which...more
"Miracle," in which...more
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
October 31st 2000
by Bantam
(first published 1979)
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Rating: 2* of five
The Book Description: Connie Willis loves Christmas. "I even like the parts most people hate--shopping in crowded malls and reading Christmas newsletters and seeing relatives and standing in baggage check-in lines at the airport. Okay, I lied. Nobody likes standing in baggage check-in lines," she writes. Willis knows it's hard to write good Christmas stories: the subject matter is limited, the writer has to balance between sentiment and skepticism, and too many fall into the Vi...more
The Book Description: Connie Willis loves Christmas. "I even like the parts most people hate--shopping in crowded malls and reading Christmas newsletters and seeing relatives and standing in baggage check-in lines at the airport. Okay, I lied. Nobody likes standing in baggage check-in lines," she writes. Willis knows it's hard to write good Christmas stories: the subject matter is limited, the writer has to balance between sentiment and skepticism, and too many fall into the Vi...more
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A Christmas favorite, I have just begun my annual re-read. A must for anyone looking for a good Christmas story. "Newsletter" and "Epiphany" are my favorites, with "Miracle" and "Inn" coming close behind, but all the stories are gems.
Reread 2012: Still so wonderful! Puts me right in the Christmas mood!
Reread 2012: Still so wonderful! Puts me right in the Christmas mood!
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I had a moment of pure happiness when I realized that it was the holiday season, and that meant I got to read this book again. My yearly tradition is to start around Thanksgiving with the introduction - just as wonderful as the stories - and work my way through slowly. "Epiphany" I save for the new year, when things are gray and going back to humdrum, and it brings Christmas back into my heart. I "honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year," but this book, and each story, are...more
Perfection!
There is a Christmas story in this book for everyone, whether you're a soppy sentimentalist, a B-movie lover or a fan of the disturbing. Brilliant. My only complaint is that I got the book from the library, and now I have to find a copy so I can own it!
There is a Christmas story in this book for everyone, whether you're a soppy sentimentalist, a B-movie lover or a fan of the disturbing. Brilliant. My only complaint is that I got the book from the library, and now I have to find a copy so I can own it!
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Picked this up on a whim the week before Christmas at the library's used book sale. I am a fan of Connie Willis, especially "To Say Nothing of the Dog" (which has got to be the Funniest time travel book I have ever read, bar none!), so although I do not gravitate to either short stories nor seasonal/sentimental literature, I decided to give it a try. I was by no means disappointed. The collection is a quick read: I read it over four evenings, and typically read two or three stories in a sitting,...more
It’s December 23rd. Do your Christmas traditions include family readings, or reading for yourself? Have you pulled out your favorite Christmas books yet? Last year, I bought autographed copies for myself and my two sisters of Connie Willis’ Miracle and Other Christmas Stories. If you only know Willis as a science fiction writer who won numerous Hugo and Nebula awards, the author of To Say Nothing of the Dog, Doomsday Book, and Blackout/All Clear, among others, you’re missing a treat. Connie Will...more
Okay, so what's a Nice Jewish Boy like myself doing reading Christmas stories? And why read them in January?
Because I love Connie Willis, that's why.
These stories, like so much of her writing, are a pure pleasure to read. Many of them are funny. Some are a bit depressing. Some are a bit disturbing. All of them are filled with people that you could swear you've met.
And that, I think, is a big part of the joy of reading something by Connie Willis: the people in it are so real.
I was a bit worried,...more
Because I love Connie Willis, that's why.
These stories, like so much of her writing, are a pure pleasure to read. Many of them are funny. Some are a bit depressing. Some are a bit disturbing. All of them are filled with people that you could swear you've met.
And that, I think, is a big part of the joy of reading something by Connie Willis: the people in it are so real.
I was a bit worried,...more
Jan 02, 2010
Walt
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those looking for the Christmas Spirit.
Recommended to Walt by:
Book Club (my wife suggested it.)
I've put the Connie Willis Christmas book away for now, stowed it carefully in my Kindle, and if it gets too crowded there, it'll always be available on my computer or in the Amazon archives. Come next November, however, I'll want it back there, right at the top of my reading list again, to savor some quirky story of Willis's in the quiet moments while waiting somewhere in a line, while riding in the car or bus to some destination, when a speaker's delivery isn't up to snuff, or when I'm waiting...more
These are nowhere near as good as her novels Doomsday Book and Passage and To Say Nothing of the Dog, but they are charming Christmas-related stories by the most-honored living science fiction writer, so that's worth something. The final piece, "Epiphany," is quite affecting, and "Miracle" and "Newsletter" are screwball comedies in short-story form.
I think my favorite parts were the introduction and the two afterwords, in which she explains what makes a good Christmas story and recommends twelv...more
I think my favorite parts were the introduction and the two afterwords, in which she explains what makes a good Christmas story and recommends twelv...more
Connie Willis offers readers an early holiday gift with this wonderful short story collection. I admit that I found this book in the sci-fi section, but I honestly think it transcends that. Yes, it's got some stories that deal with themes common to science-fiction and have sci-fi elements, but it's more than that. There is a holiday themed mystery, an examination of the original Christmas story and even a story that sets out to prove why Willis thinks "Miracle on 34th Street" is a superior holid...more
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"Miracle and Other Christmas Stories" collects a variety of yuletide tales from SF and Fantasy author Connie Willis. There are a variety of delightful tales in the book, and it's well worth reading. Nothing stands out as amazing to me, but several are very good. Thoughts about a couple of them:
My favorite story is "Newsletter," which follows an amusing tale of suspicious Christmas cheer and the stress that the season brings on people. The fomenting horror of a conspiracy during the holidays is...more
My favorite story is "Newsletter," which follows an amusing tale of suspicious Christmas cheer and the stress that the season brings on people. The fomenting horror of a conspiracy during the holidays is...more
As a Jew, I do not tend to seek out Christmas stories; but as a reader, I do read all of Connie Willis’ books. This is nine Christmas- themed short stories. (Plus there’s an introduction, afterward, and two lists: one of the twelve best Christmas stories and one of the twelve best Christmas movies.) “Inn” that I loved in The Winds of Marble Arch, is about a choir member rehearsing the Christmas pageant at her church, when a homeless couple, she is pregnant, they are young and don't speak English...more
I liked all the stories to varying degrees, but be forewarned - having a serious appreciation for nostalgic trips down Christmas's past, is essential in order for you to really enjoy this book. The stories seem very personal to Willis, and are filled with references to all things Christmassy, like classic books & movies.
My Favorites
Miracle is a fantastic introduction and a very cute story that left me with a huge dopey smile on my face when it was finished. It's about an office worker who ho...more
My Favorites
Miracle is a fantastic introduction and a very cute story that left me with a huge dopey smile on my face when it was finished. It's about an office worker who ho...more
Will post full review after I'm done, but the title story was one of my favorites from Asimov Science Fiction magazine back about, oh, 15+ years ago. Some of the stories are definitely in the "amazing" category, but one I couldn't figure out, and another actually bored me. Still, Willis' writing is definitely above average, hence her being one of my favorite writers.
Update: just wanted to add that, now that I've finished the book, I'll keep the rating at 4. Mostly that's for her great writing st...more
Update: just wanted to add that, now that I've finished the book, I'll keep the rating at 4. Mostly that's for her great writing st...more
Usually I avoid Christmas stories like the plague. Not only do I dislike the holiday's celebration, but rarely are the stories any good. Nonetheless I picked this up when it. crossed my circ desk because, well, it is Connie Willis. Need I say any more?
The introduction reinforces my desire to meet Ms Willis. Not only does she not genuflect in front of It's a Wonderful Life, but her logic on holiday stories mirrors my own. Yet, we both still love much about Christmas. Now to hope her versions of...more
The introduction reinforces my desire to meet Ms Willis. Not only does she not genuflect in front of It's a Wonderful Life, but her logic on holiday stories mirrors my own. Yet, we both still love much about Christmas. Now to hope her versions of...more
Delightful, as is usual for Connie Willis. Most of the stories had the tone of BELLWETHER, which is hysterical and recommended. One tale took place in a bookshop and starred Dickens' famous Christmas Ghosts. Willis has a wonderful way of dropping references to other books, rather like Pamela Dean and her quotes. The bookshop story sticks in my mind, along with the creepy one about the obnoxious guy trapped in the toy store, the choir member meeting Mary & Joseph, and the final story about th...more
Amazing book! Willis packs into each short story more heart, more soul, more of the true meaning of Christmas than all of the other holiday books I've read thus far. From the overtly spiritual of "Inn" and "Epiphany" to the soul rending "Adaptation" (Ms. Willis, should you read this review, I named my daughter Sara after "A Little Princess" - I knew that would be my daughter's name in 4th grade) which hit me particularly hard. There's the hilarious "Miracle" and "Newsletter" and the delightful c...more
An unusual combination of Christmas stories and science fiction, this collectin of stories by Greeley, CO author Connie Wills (whom my daughters pointed out to me recently tapping away on her laptop in Starbucks in Greeley), is a fun holiday read. A couple of the stories were rather strange (even bordering on creepy), but overall I liked the tone and the hopeful images of her stories.
I read her book To Say Nothing of The Dog many years ago and loved it and I will have to find more of Connie Will...more
I read her book To Say Nothing of The Dog many years ago and loved it and I will have to find more of Connie Will...more
I was looking for something to put me in the Christmas mood and remembered how much I had liked this book the first time I read it. It was good the second time also. I could pick it up read one story and then move on to other activities. This is what I love about short stories. I don't feel like I get caught up into a long story when I don't have time.
As much as I love the stories, I like the introduction and the lists at the end even more. I agree with Willis that It's a Wonderful Life is not t...more
As much as I love the stories, I like the introduction and the lists at the end even more. I agree with Willis that It's a Wonderful Life is not t...more
This is an enjoyable collection of short stories by Connie Willis all set during the Christmas season. My three favorites were "Inn," a vignette that shows the Holy Couple lost in time and appearing at a church pageant rehearsal, "Cat's Paw," a mystery involving a primate-loving socialite, and "Newsletter," a tale of alien parasites invoking a suspicious amount of good will and Christmas cheer. The author's depictions of the feel of the contemporary celebrations and traditions ring true, and her...more
Reread. Because it's that time of year, and this is always a good read. Two of my three favorite stories are the ones that weren't previously published: "Cat's Paw" always delights me (a detective / country murder mystery story that's also awesomely science fiction--the sciences being biology, zoology, and psychology) and "Epiphany" fills me with longing and wonder and a happy sigh as I set the book down. (Also, Mel's understated horror at B.T. stealing a Bible always makes me giggle.) It's pret...more
This book was recommended to me by T. I was a bit worried about trying it because I haven't been very fond of fantasy lately.
However it had a Christmas theme and I decided to follow her advice and start it. It was the best thing I did because I really enjoyed it.
I had never heard of Connie Willis but after browsing the WWW I discovered she is very well known in the Sci Fi community.
This is an anthology including 8 stories with a Christmas theme. I must say I also really enjoyed reading the intro...more
However it had a Christmas theme and I decided to follow her advice and start it. It was the best thing I did because I really enjoyed it.
I had never heard of Connie Willis but after browsing the WWW I discovered she is very well known in the Sci Fi community.
This is an anthology including 8 stories with a Christmas theme. I must say I also really enjoyed reading the intro...more
Update: 12/2/11 It's time again! And this time I've been privileged to MEET the lovely, phenomenal, delightful, self-effacing Connie Willis and it makes me even more happy to read her fabulous Christmas stories!!!
Update: So, I'm rereading Connie Willis's fantastic Christmas short story collection, as I have done every year, since my sister introduced me to this fabulously imaginative, descriptive writer! I have a hard time selecting which story is my favorite, but I do think fondly the most ofte...more
Update: So, I'm rereading Connie Willis's fantastic Christmas short story collection, as I have done every year, since my sister introduced me to this fabulously imaginative, descriptive writer! I have a hard time selecting which story is my favorite, but I do think fondly the most ofte...more
Short stories. Eight stories about Christmas, and one about the Second Coming. These aren't all secular tales; two of them put the Christ in Christmas, and while that's not really my thing, those stories, like the rest, are suspenseful and understated and kept me interested, if a little wary. Inn, for example, involves a temporally misplaced Mary and Joseph who, on their way to Bethlehem, take an accidental detour through the 20th Century and end up in a church parking lot. While the premise (an...more
Cute collection of Christmas tales (which I'm a sucker for!). Not your typical saccharine-sweet fare. Instead there's a murder mystery, an alien invasion, and more.
Willis is a great writer but often I felt thrust into the story with no idea of who the characters were. Just a little description (physical, age, temperament) would have helped distinguish them in my mind. Instead, many seemed interchangeable.
All the same, it was a fun and quick read.
Willis is a great writer but often I felt thrust into the story with no idea of who the characters were. Just a little description (physical, age, temperament) would have helped distinguish them in my mind. Instead, many seemed interchangeable.
All the same, it was a fun and quick read.
It's hard to give a overall rating to a book of short stories. Some included where worth 4 or even 5 stars, and many were only 2.
My favourite was The Pony, followed in no particular order by In Coppelius's Toyshop, Cat's Paw and Epiphany. The first story, Miracle, was particularly disappointing. Still, it would have been worth it just for The Pony.
My favourite was The Pony, followed in no particular order by In Coppelius's Toyshop, Cat's Paw and Epiphany. The first story, Miracle, was particularly disappointing. Still, it would have been worth it just for The Pony.
I loved the first story called "Miracle" the best. The others were OK, but I had to read the first one out loud to my husband and he laughed, and my two oldest children also found themselves caught up in the story of a woman who's Christmas present from her sister is the Spirit of Christmas Present, who promises to give her what she really wants for Christmas.
OK. So, I felt kinda weird starting to read a Christmas book after Christmas, but I finished this book before Epiphany so it's all OK. These are definitely not Hallmark Channel stories, but that's a good thing. A guy can only take so many saccharine Christmas stories. All the stories were entertaining. I like "Miracle", "Epiphany", and "Newsletter" the best.
This is my favorite holiday-themed book. I bought a half-dozen copies of it a few years ago and gave one to each of my closest family members. The stories are very, very well-written and manage to be sentimental without being syrupy, humorous but not silly, and altogther striking and memorable... just as Christmas should be.
Best xmas stories ever! Connie Willis is not only a master of the science fiction short story, but also a rock-solid provider of science fiction xmas stories, often with humor and romance added to the mix. Most Decembers find me retracing this book, trying to stretch it out by limiting myself to a single story a day.
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Constance Elaine Trimmer Willis is an American science fiction writer. She is one of the most honored science fiction writers of the 1980s and 1990s.
She has won, among other awards, ten Hugo Awards and six Nebula Awards. Willis most recently won a Hugo Award for All Seated on the Ground (August 2008). She was the 2011 recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Ficti...more
More about Connie Willis...
She has won, among other awards, ten Hugo Awards and six Nebula Awards. Willis most recently won a Hugo Award for All Seated on the Ground (August 2008). She was the 2011 recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Ficti...more
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