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For the Love of St. Nick
Two California boys, coping with the loss of their mother, find themselves uprooted when their father is transferred to a military base in northern Michigan. When the boy's father must leave prior to Christmas to fulfill his secret mission, the boys are surprised by a chance encounter. Author Based on numerous requests, I chose to create the Illustrated version of FOR THE LOVE OF ST. NICK. In addition to the four pencil drawings by acclaimed artist, Al Ochsner, four additional scenes have been added that were not part of the original book. I hope you enjoy reading about the new adventures.
62 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 26, 2008
This is a perfect story for the holidays, but one to help revive anyone's day, throughout the entire year. With a much needed lesson of hope, love and miracles, this little book is a must for everyone's library. What a marvelous gift - not only to a friend or loved one, but to oneself.
For the Love of St. Nick may be short, but it is huge on impact. The power of love and wonder of miracles are front and center in this delightful and heartwarming tale.
After their Mother's death, during the birth of Johnny, he and his older brother "Tiger" live a simple life with their father and nanny. They must endure many battles with Johnny's frequent illnesses. Then, one fateful evening, while their father is away on a top secret mission for the United States military, and their nanny has gone home to get a few things, to hold her over until the end of a terrible snow storm, a miracle is needed to help Johnny survive. That miracle comes in a most wonderful and unforgettable way.
For the Love of St. Nick may be short, but it is huge on impact. The power of love and wonder of miracles are front and center in this delightful and heartwarming tale.
After their Mother's death, during the birth of Johnny, he and his older brother "Tiger" live a simple life with their father and nanny. They must endure many battles with Johnny's frequent illnesses. Then, one fateful evening, while their father is away on a top secret mission for the United States military, and their nanny has gone home to get a few things, to hold her over until the end of a terrible snow storm, a miracle is needed to help Johnny survive. That miracle comes in a most wonderful and unforgettable way.
November 18, 2008
After reading so many reviews describing For the Love of St. Nick by Garasamo Maccagnone as heartwarming and a soon to be Christmas classic I'm going to have be the Scrooge in the group. The story of "Tiger" and Johnny and Commander (their father) trying to be a family during the Vietnam war didn't work for me. Tiger's description of growing up first in San Diego and then in northern Michigan reads more like a "what I did for summer vacation" report than the emotionally charged Christmas novella I was expecting.
A number of plot points in St. Nick left me asking why. First there was the boys' closeness to their dead mother. She dies in childbirth with Johnny. Tiger is three at the time. While Tiger might have some vague memories of his mother and he would be closest to his his father, his Nanny, his grandmother (Nana Beth). Johnny wouldn't have any memory of her and it's difficult to pine for someone you've never met.
My next set of questions focus on Johnny's illness. He seems to get sick more to drive the plot than for any believable reason. His weakened immune system is mentioend in passing but if you want me to believe it, give his condition a name. Does he have leukemia? Lupis? Some sort of rare genetic disease? Let me know so I can get into his head. Instead, Johnny's illnesses, especially the final one is set up as a reason for a Christmas miracle.
Finally, there is the family connection that bothers me. It's the Vietnam war and the Commander was some sort of important mission to run. With this commitments to the Navy he's pretty much an absent father. In his place, there is Mrs. Pennington, the nanny but even she seems to be absent enough that Tiger is raising his sickly brother by himself. How exactly is this situation heartwarming? Heartbreaking , yes but again it feels like an artiificial situation set up for the benefit of the whiz bang miracle ending.
Since the story didn't hold my attention and I didn't get absorbed into the world of Tiger and Johnny, I found myself picking up on the errors in the book. I am more willing to forgive errata if the plot keeps me moving along. If the book becomes a chore, I start to pick nits. There are typos both in spelling and with spacing (words running together) and stray puncutation (floating quotes in the middle of a sentence). Then there are the historical gaffs; Tiger has a picture of his mother cut from her "hard plastic" California driver's license. Up through the late 1980s, the licenses were printed on thick paper. I don't think they were even laminated.
If you are looking for a Christmas novella to read, I recommend instead The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans or the old classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
A number of plot points in St. Nick left me asking why. First there was the boys' closeness to their dead mother. She dies in childbirth with Johnny. Tiger is three at the time. While Tiger might have some vague memories of his mother and he would be closest to his his father, his Nanny, his grandmother (Nana Beth). Johnny wouldn't have any memory of her and it's difficult to pine for someone you've never met.
My next set of questions focus on Johnny's illness. He seems to get sick more to drive the plot than for any believable reason. His weakened immune system is mentioend in passing but if you want me to believe it, give his condition a name. Does he have leukemia? Lupis? Some sort of rare genetic disease? Let me know so I can get into his head. Instead, Johnny's illnesses, especially the final one is set up as a reason for a Christmas miracle.
Finally, there is the family connection that bothers me. It's the Vietnam war and the Commander was some sort of important mission to run. With this commitments to the Navy he's pretty much an absent father. In his place, there is Mrs. Pennington, the nanny but even she seems to be absent enough that Tiger is raising his sickly brother by himself. How exactly is this situation heartwarming? Heartbreaking , yes but again it feels like an artiificial situation set up for the benefit of the whiz bang miracle ending.
Since the story didn't hold my attention and I didn't get absorbed into the world of Tiger and Johnny, I found myself picking up on the errors in the book. I am more willing to forgive errata if the plot keeps me moving along. If the book becomes a chore, I start to pick nits. There are typos both in spelling and with spacing (words running together) and stray puncutation (floating quotes in the middle of a sentence). Then there are the historical gaffs; Tiger has a picture of his mother cut from her "hard plastic" California driver's license. Up through the late 1980s, the licenses were printed on thick paper. I don't think they were even laminated.
If you are looking for a Christmas novella to read, I recommend instead The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans or the old classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
November 25, 2008
In a nutshell: A very short, very touching story about a family who has faced many challenges in a few short years, loss, illness, relocation to a new state, and a Navy father who must occasionally leave his family to complete risky missions with his team. Instead of destroying faith, these challenges serve as a quiet source that affirms faith and strengthens the family. The events on page 41 brought tears to my eyes and made my heart soar! This is a great (and short) holiday read with a touch of Catholic influence and a whole lot of faith!
My Review:
This holiday story is narrated by Tiger, Johnny's older brother by three years. Tiger and his father, known as "The Commander" to most, lose their mother/wife at the same time that they gain their brother/son Johnny due to complications during Johnny's birth. These same complications cause Johnny to fight illness throughout his life.
The family is relocated because of the Commander's job in the Navy, and he hires a nanny to help with the boys. During a secret mission for his country, Johnny becomes terribly ill and Tiger is the only person on hand to tend to him. Just when it seems there is no hope, a miracle happens!
Characters: Although we never meet "Mom", Tiger and Johnny are both boys growing up under the guidance of their father and nanny, Mrs. Pennington. Even though the story is short, it is easy to quickly become attached to the characters, and to experience the wonder they feel during the holiday season.
Story-Line: A gentle story filled with family and faith. The book gives the reader the ability to glimpse the joys of childhood, along with its challenges.
Readability: I found the book easy to read and enjoyable, with touches every reader can enjoy and appreciate.
Overall: This is a nice holiday story with a truly touching ending.
My Review:
This holiday story is narrated by Tiger, Johnny's older brother by three years. Tiger and his father, known as "The Commander" to most, lose their mother/wife at the same time that they gain their brother/son Johnny due to complications during Johnny's birth. These same complications cause Johnny to fight illness throughout his life.
The family is relocated because of the Commander's job in the Navy, and he hires a nanny to help with the boys. During a secret mission for his country, Johnny becomes terribly ill and Tiger is the only person on hand to tend to him. Just when it seems there is no hope, a miracle happens!
Characters: Although we never meet "Mom", Tiger and Johnny are both boys growing up under the guidance of their father and nanny, Mrs. Pennington. Even though the story is short, it is easy to quickly become attached to the characters, and to experience the wonder they feel during the holiday season.
Story-Line: A gentle story filled with family and faith. The book gives the reader the ability to glimpse the joys of childhood, along with its challenges.
Readability: I found the book easy to read and enjoyable, with touches every reader can enjoy and appreciate.
Overall: This is a nice holiday story with a truly touching ending.
November 3, 2008
For the Love of St. Nick may be short, but it is huge on impact. The power of love and wonder of miracles are front and center in this delightful and heartwarming tale.
After their Mother's death, during the birth of Johnny, he and his older brother "Tiger" live a simple life with their father and nanny. They must endure many battles with Johnny's frequent illnesses. Then, one fateful evening, while their father is away on a top secret mission for the United States military, and their nanny has gone home to get a few things, to hold her over until the end of a terrible snow storm, a miracle is needed to help Johnny survive. That miracle comes in a most wonderful and unforgettable way.
I have to say that I was feeling a bit on the glum and "burnt out" side of life, when I picked up For the Love of St. Nick. Once I started reading, I read through until the last page and felt such a wonderful and refreshed feeling. Not only do I think that this is a perfect story for the holidays, but one to help revive anyone's day, throughout the entire year. With a much needed lesson of hope, love and miracles, this little book is a must for everyone's library. What a marvelous gift - not only to a friend or loved one, but to oneself. I greatly look forward to reading Mr. Maccagnone's other works!
Be sure to click here to visit Mr. Maccagnone's website to find out about all of his great past, present and future works.
*overall rating 5/5
After their Mother's death, during the birth of Johnny, he and his older brother "Tiger" live a simple life with their father and nanny. They must endure many battles with Johnny's frequent illnesses. Then, one fateful evening, while their father is away on a top secret mission for the United States military, and their nanny has gone home to get a few things, to hold her over until the end of a terrible snow storm, a miracle is needed to help Johnny survive. That miracle comes in a most wonderful and unforgettable way.
I have to say that I was feeling a bit on the glum and "burnt out" side of life, when I picked up For the Love of St. Nick. Once I started reading, I read through until the last page and felt such a wonderful and refreshed feeling. Not only do I think that this is a perfect story for the holidays, but one to help revive anyone's day, throughout the entire year. With a much needed lesson of hope, love and miracles, this little book is a must for everyone's library. What a marvelous gift - not only to a friend or loved one, but to oneself. I greatly look forward to reading Mr. Maccagnone's other works!
Be sure to click here to visit Mr. Maccagnone's website to find out about all of his great past, present and future works.
*overall rating 5/5
May 15, 2010
Johnny and his beloved brother, known to the reader only as Tiger, are still dealing with the loss of their mother when their Navy Commander father is transferred to a military base in Michigan. Plagued by illness since birth, Johnny along with Tiger and the commander must survive the difficulties of military life from their hunter's cabin on Lake Huron. Luckily, kind and elderly Mrs. Pennington is there to help. But when the commander is called away before Christmas to fulfill his secret mission for the U.S. Military, the boys pray to St. Nicholas for their father's safe return. Can the love of St. Nick save a life and reunite a family?
As with Maccagnone's novel, St. John of the Midfield, this story is held together by human emotions: the sorrow over the loss of a wife and mother, the pain of leaving home behind and the promise of starting fresh, the joys of living in the Michigan wilderness, and the fear of losing the person who connects you to the past. Woven into all this is the magic of Christmas and an undying belief in the love of St. Nick.
Tiger is the perfect narrator. Now older, he looks back upon this time in his life and brings the reader up close to what he and his family experienced, making you want to cry at times, laugh at times, and always hold onto the magic that is Christmas.
A truly remarkable Christmas tale, For the Love of St. Nick is a must read for those who hold family and Christmas close to their hearts.
As with Maccagnone's novel, St. John of the Midfield, this story is held together by human emotions: the sorrow over the loss of a wife and mother, the pain of leaving home behind and the promise of starting fresh, the joys of living in the Michigan wilderness, and the fear of losing the person who connects you to the past. Woven into all this is the magic of Christmas and an undying belief in the love of St. Nick.
Tiger is the perfect narrator. Now older, he looks back upon this time in his life and brings the reader up close to what he and his family experienced, making you want to cry at times, laugh at times, and always hold onto the magic that is Christmas.
A truly remarkable Christmas tale, For the Love of St. Nick is a must read for those who hold family and Christmas close to their hearts.
November 30, 2008
“For the Love of St Nick,” is a story that is short in length but huge in impact. This tale of familial love and the ability to adapt makes a great read. It is a story of Tiger and his younger brother, Johnny, and their life with their father, known as “The Commander,” who was a US Navy commander. The boys are motherless as she died giving birth to Johnny who is a fairly, sickly child. Tiger’s love and devotion to his younger brother is to be admired. The little family is fairly happy in California but when the military transfers the Commander to a small cabin near Lake Huron it brings a lot of changes for the family. The resiliency of the boys in adapting to the harsh winters and embracing winter/snow sports and play shows the ability to make the most of any situation. When the Commander gets called away for a secret mission just before Christmas the boys end up alone one night as their care-taker left for supplies and then due to bad weather was not able to get back to the boys. Johnny falls ill and Tiger has to grow up and handle things. He looks to his favorite saint, St Nick for a miracle. His faith and belief are met in a miraculous way that makes the heart warming story a must read for anyone with even just a little sentimentality and Holiday spirit. Maccagnone is a terrific story teller.
November 30, 2008
This delightful short story, less than 50 pages could go right up on the shelf by, “A Visit from St Nick,” to come out at least once a year for family time at Christmas. However, the skilled story telling and powerful message delivered by Garasamo Maccagnone need not be relegated to holiday time only. The story of two brothers as told by Tiger, the elder and life with their military father, the Commander is an easy read without being simplistic. The motherless family survives a move from their home in California to a huge change in remote Michigan. The change is in climate as well as lifestyle and the boys learn to adapt and love the winter sports and differences that Michigan brings. They lost their mother in child birth with the youngest and Tiger makes sure to tell stories of his mother to Johnny who of course never got to know her. All of that would be tough enough but Johnny is frail and has to deal with many illnesses throughout his life. The boys must look for a miracle and pray to Tiger’s favorite saint, St Nick on a winter night that found them on their own as “The Commander,” was called away on a secret mission and the usual caretaker was away. It is a heartwarming ending that brings this family together and makes a very satisfying read.
November 21, 2008
For the Love of St. Nick
Written By: Garasamo Maccagnone
Published By: BookSurge, a part of the Amazon.com Group Companies, 2008, First Edition, 46 pages, softcover
ISBN 978-1439210123
For the Love of St. Nick is a nice, short story about two young boys who live in an isolated cabin with their father. When their father leaves them to go on a special mission, the boys are promised that their Dad will be home in time for Christmas. As the weather worsens and one of the boys suffers from a reoccurring illness, tensions run high as they wait to see if someone will help them and bring their father home in time for Christmas.
I would recommend this book for children 8-14 years of age.
Written By: Garasamo Maccagnone
Published By: BookSurge, a part of the Amazon.com Group Companies, 2008, First Edition, 46 pages, softcover
ISBN 978-1439210123
For the Love of St. Nick is a nice, short story about two young boys who live in an isolated cabin with their father. When their father leaves them to go on a special mission, the boys are promised that their Dad will be home in time for Christmas. As the weather worsens and one of the boys suffers from a reoccurring illness, tensions run high as they wait to see if someone will help them and bring their father home in time for Christmas.
I would recommend this book for children 8-14 years of age.
November 23, 2012
Two siblings pray to St. Nick for their father’s safe path home. The youngest boy tend to become ill so often that the family fears for him.
Most people know St. Nick as a big jolly fellow who brings present on Christmas but the real St. Nick was much more than a toy giver. St. Nick was known to be the Saint of children. Helping small children that prayed to him.
The book was not what I expected I feel like some of the story in the beginning was just filler. I wish I could say that I had a heartwarming experience but I did not. I did not have enough time to feel for these children as the book is only 44 pages. I felt like a book with St.Nick in the title should have described more of why they pray for St. Nick especially since everything else was seeming fully depicted.
Most people know St. Nick as a big jolly fellow who brings present on Christmas but the real St. Nick was much more than a toy giver. St. Nick was known to be the Saint of children. Helping small children that prayed to him.
The book was not what I expected I feel like some of the story in the beginning was just filler. I wish I could say that I had a heartwarming experience but I did not. I did not have enough time to feel for these children as the book is only 44 pages. I felt like a book with St.Nick in the title should have described more of why they pray for St. Nick especially since everything else was seeming fully depicted.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews