An Unexpected Christmas: The Story of Johnny Cornflakes

by Denise George

Book by George, Denise

Genres: Christmas

89 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Denise George is an internationally popular writer and speaker best known for creative Biblical application. Denise is married to Dr. Timothy George, executive editor of Christianity Today and founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Reviews

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this book but boy was I wrong. It is the story of a couple from the south that move to the inner city in the New England area to work in a church. The husband has no trouble but his wife is very homesick and hates living with the inner city people. One of the people that disgusts her most is Johnny Cornflakes. He is a drunk who lives on the street and smells awful. But thru him Christmas changes things for her and their community.

[Debi Steeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story! Definitely tugs at your heartstrings. A lot of life lessons. Very well told.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: "Who would expect to find the spirit of Christmas in a roaming, eccentric homeless man? Certainly not Denise, a pampered southerner newly transported to an inner-city area near Boston. Denise and her seminarian husband, Timothy, made the move to urban New England to begin a ministry with the area's street kids. Their ministry goes well, except for the interference of the homeless man, whom the kids call Johnny Cornflakes (so named for his food preferences). Denise finds Johnny's recurrent forays into her life a bit more than she bargained for. But Johnny has some surprises for Denise, who doesn't expect to find compassion she never knew in a most unusual Christmas. This tale, based on a true story, is sure to warm the heart of every reader."

My Review: I am not really sure how I feel about this book. When I read the synopsis I thought it might be a great feel good and inspirational story for the holiday season but honestly it left me with a little bit of a sour taste. It came off a little like bragging to me, like she wanted everyone to see how she went out of her comfort zone and trudged down alleys to help Johnny. It felt less about helping someone but more about redeeming herself. Maybe I was just not in the right frame of mind to read this book but it just didn't work for me.

[Bob Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on true story of Denise and Timothy George's experiences in Chelsea, Mass, as pastor and wife of inner city church. Shows Denise's maturation as an obedient follower of Christ. Demonstrates hope in the midst of hopelessness as Denise comes to terms with sharing Christ's love with homeless Johnny Cornflakes.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young couple living in a crime-filled city do their best to make a positive impact on others. After they meet a homeless man nicknamed Johnny Cornflakes, their lives change forever.