Between his books, I forget how much I love Dickens. I still can't remember if I've read "A Christmas Carol" before, but in any case I've just finished it for perhaps the first, perhaps the second time.

Now on to two stories I know I've never read.

***

"The Chimes" is a very odd story, and one where the point seems to be flying right over my head. It is compelling, though too long, and without the punchiness of "A Christmas Carol."

***

"The Cricket on the Hearth" is more accessible than "The Chimes" and more enjoyable. Still, having read all three, it's apparent why "A Christmas Carol" became the most famous. It's simply head and shoulders above the other two.