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A Very Scalzi Christmas
New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author John Scalzi gift-wraps fifteen short takes on the holiday season—interviews with holiday notables, “informational” articles about TV specials and Christmas carols, short stories and poems, and even a couple of nods to Thanksgiving and New Year’s—and puts them all into a stocking stuffer-sized package that makes the perfect gift for friends, family, or yourself.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 2019
106 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
John Scalzi
185 books28.6k followersJohn Scalzi, having declared his absolute boredom with biographies, disappeared in a puff of glitter and lilac scent.
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
June 8, 2025
A Very Scalzi Christmas
by John Scalzi
This is such a fun book! I giggled all the way through it! It has many short stories with Christmas themes, but I am quite sure none of these stories are anything like your regular Christmas stories. They are all unique, hilarious, and typical Scalzi! I love his books anyway, but this one was super fun! A true stress relief.
by John Scalzi
This is such a fun book! I giggled all the way through it! It has many short stories with Christmas themes, but I am quite sure none of these stories are anything like your regular Christmas stories. They are all unique, hilarious, and typical Scalzi! I love his books anyway, but this one was super fun! A true stress relief.
December 29, 2020
This is a collection of 15 Christmas-themed stories and short works by John Scalzi, mostly humorous but with a few serious notes. Review first posted on FantasyLiterature.com:
I spent part of Christmas Day 2020 reading A Very Scalzi Christmas, a (mostly) humorous collection of short Christmas-themed pieces by, naturally, John Scalzi. As Marion so aptly commented in her review of Scalzi’s highly similar collection Miniatures: The Very Short Fiction of John Scalzi, “this collection of works does verge on the silly. It jumps the border of silly. It tap-dances and cartwheels through the world of silly, shrieking ‘Wheeeee!’ ” It’s the same in this case, except with a few more serious pieces to offset the absurd and satirical ones.
Of the humorous pieces, I had two favorites: First, there’s “Jangle the Elf Grants Wishes,” in which Jangle’s boss, the head of the Department of Non-Material Christmas Wishes, tries to make Jangle understand that he can’t just grant someone’s Christmas wish without considering the larger repercussions. If Genevieve wants a white Christmas, Jangle’s style is to send a blizzard that dumps two feet of snow on four states, causing massive travel delays and power outages. Jangle is kind of the Christmas version of the monkey’s paw. The other is the final piece, “Resolutions for the New Year: A Bullet Point List,” which begins in classic fashion, losing weight and exercising more, but devolves into a diatribe against his ex-girlfriend Kate, who left him for Chuck, the annoying dude from Accounting. Probably because of all of the narrator’s monologues about robot uprisings and cloning. He’s clearly an alarmingly creepy person, but it’s still a very funny piece.
The Christmas holiday frequently sits somewhat uneasily at the intersection of religious observance and commercial overindulgence, and Scalzi has a keen eye for the foibles of some of the secular traditions associated with Christmas. In “A Bitter November,” the month of November invades Scalzi’s kitchen and, while swiping and eating his Thanksgiving leftovers, complains, well, bitterly, about how December and its holiday festivities have invaded the month of November, especially the days after Thanksgiving, when everyone’s attention shifts to Christmas decorations and shopping. “Interview with Santa’s Reindeer Wrangler” explains how nobody at the North Pole is a fan of the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”:
Underlying the satirical humor is Scalzi’s goodhearted affection for Christmas, which comes out most clearly in the sole poem in the collection, “Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy,” in which a girl with an immense collection of dolls begins to understand how the joy of Christmas is more in giving than getting, and in the short stories “Christmas in July” and “Sarah’s Sister.” Those two stories are the longest works in this collection, and the most serious and touching, particularly “Sarah’s Sister,” which shoots straight past sentimental and heads for the tearjerker target.
Most of the pieces in A Very Scalzi Christmas have been previously published on his website “The Whatever” or elsewhere, but three of the better pieces are new and exclusive to this collection. The collection was an amusing way to while away an hour or two with Christmas-flavored works.
I spent part of Christmas Day 2020 reading A Very Scalzi Christmas, a (mostly) humorous collection of short Christmas-themed pieces by, naturally, John Scalzi. As Marion so aptly commented in her review of Scalzi’s highly similar collection Miniatures: The Very Short Fiction of John Scalzi, “this collection of works does verge on the silly. It jumps the border of silly. It tap-dances and cartwheels through the world of silly, shrieking ‘Wheeeee!’ ” It’s the same in this case, except with a few more serious pieces to offset the absurd and satirical ones.
Of the humorous pieces, I had two favorites: First, there’s “Jangle the Elf Grants Wishes,” in which Jangle’s boss, the head of the Department of Non-Material Christmas Wishes, tries to make Jangle understand that he can’t just grant someone’s Christmas wish without considering the larger repercussions. If Genevieve wants a white Christmas, Jangle’s style is to send a blizzard that dumps two feet of snow on four states, causing massive travel delays and power outages. Jangle is kind of the Christmas version of the monkey’s paw. The other is the final piece, “Resolutions for the New Year: A Bullet Point List,” which begins in classic fashion, losing weight and exercising more, but devolves into a diatribe against his ex-girlfriend Kate, who left him for Chuck, the annoying dude from Accounting. Probably because of all of the narrator’s monologues about robot uprisings and cloning. He’s clearly an alarmingly creepy person, but it’s still a very funny piece.
The Christmas holiday frequently sits somewhat uneasily at the intersection of religious observance and commercial overindulgence, and Scalzi has a keen eye for the foibles of some of the secular traditions associated with Christmas. In “A Bitter November,” the month of November invades Scalzi’s kitchen and, while swiping and eating his Thanksgiving leftovers, complains, well, bitterly, about how December and its holiday festivities have invaded the month of November, especially the days after Thanksgiving, when everyone’s attention shifts to Christmas decorations and shopping. “Interview with Santa’s Reindeer Wrangler” explains how nobody at the North Pole is a fan of the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”:
Well, it makes us look like jerks, doesn’t it? A young reindeer is discriminated against up to and until he has marginal utility. I mean, really. Who looks good in that scenario? Not all of the other reindeer, who come across as bigots and bullies. And not Santa, who is implicitly tacit in reindeer bigotry.“An Interview with the Christmas Bunny” is a Q&A session with the newly-appointed Christmas Bunny, under a franchise sold by the Easter Bunny. The Bunny is in the thick of plans to compete with Santa and drive down his popularity, though he admits he’s been told he needs to leave Jesus strictly alone. There’s also “An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper,” in which the innkeeper defends his actions on that fateful night and criticizes the wise men’s gift choices for the Christ child (“Have you ever in your life gone to a baby shower where someone says, congratulations on the baby, here’s some perfume. No. Because most people have some sense.”).
Underlying the satirical humor is Scalzi’s goodhearted affection for Christmas, which comes out most clearly in the sole poem in the collection, “Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy,” in which a girl with an immense collection of dolls begins to understand how the joy of Christmas is more in giving than getting, and in the short stories “Christmas in July” and “Sarah’s Sister.” Those two stories are the longest works in this collection, and the most serious and touching, particularly “Sarah’s Sister,” which shoots straight past sentimental and heads for the tearjerker target.
Most of the pieces in A Very Scalzi Christmas have been previously published on his website “The Whatever” or elsewhere, but three of the better pieces are new and exclusive to this collection. The collection was an amusing way to while away an hour or two with Christmas-flavored works.
December 5, 2025
Chaotic and Hilarious!
Would read better in small portions.
about 100 pages of short stories, playful song lyrics, fun lists, and random letters. Very chaotic, very Scalzi
Would read better in small portions.
about 100 pages of short stories, playful song lyrics, fun lists, and random letters. Very chaotic, very Scalzi
March 17, 2020
“When you give a gift, you are presenting kindness. You are showing the person that you see them. That you appreciate them. That you want something for them that will ease their burdens and the load they carry. You want to make them happy, if only for a moment.“
I couldn’t agree more with Scalzi. And if you see them happy, you are happy as well.
I bought this one last Christmas because I thought it would be an amusing reading and I was right, it is. I also got copies for myself. They are not your usual kind of Christmas stories, because, duh, Scalzi; they are quite weird but nice and touching. There are also unique details about some TV specials and carols, and it was interesting to read about those too.
I won’t go into details because the blurb is pretty accurate. I’ll just say that if you want a light and hilarious read, this could be it. But read it in the Holiday season; I think it will be best.
I couldn’t agree more with Scalzi. And if you see them happy, you are happy as well.
I bought this one last Christmas because I thought it would be an amusing reading and I was right, it is. I also got copies for myself. They are not your usual kind of Christmas stories, because, duh, Scalzi; they are quite weird but nice and touching. There are also unique details about some TV specials and carols, and it was interesting to read about those too.
I won’t go into details because the blurb is pretty accurate. I’ll just say that if you want a light and hilarious read, this could be it. But read it in the Holiday season; I think it will be best.
March 15, 2020
If you're looking for a humorous, seasonal book packed full of holiday comedy, you need to pick up A Very Scalzi Christmas by John Scalzi.
I am new to John Scalzi. I have been informed his writing is superb and he can be quite snarky, so of course I was in. To top it off, who doesn't want some Christmas cheer during a time like this?! Even if it is making fun of the whole holiday season! Honestly, this book was exactly what I needed in my life right now.
This collection holds fifteen short stories, poems and snippets that will leave you giggling and breathless. Here's just some of the lovely, little pieces of literature you'll come across (in no particular order):
1. An Interview With Santa's Lawyer - this one was by far the best of the bunch for me. Seeing this lawyer explain Santa's liabilities and how Rudolph screwed everything up had me chuckling the way no other book has managed. It's absolutely ridiculous while being funny at the exact same time. Santa's corporation, his billionaire coal master status, and the elves's union rights are just some of the wildly amusing topics brought up. Not gonna lie, I want an entire book just on this alone!
2. A Bitter November - I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the months go off at each other. Poor November is upset over December and it's shining glory. The personification in this little story could be used in a master class. I'm thoroughly impressed by John Scalzi's writing here, it's too good and too funny.
3. Christmas in July - this one had me guessing for a while what was going on. Why did Santa move Christmas up to July suddenly? We see a peek inside the government trying to figure out why there was a mass home invasion leaving everyone exactly what they wanted. The ending was quick, short and sweet, but I wanted just a little bit more out of it...
4. Interview with Santa's Reindeer Wrangler - the interviews are apparently the pieces of this collection that had me laughing the most. The conversations are so dumb funny and yet perfectly written. It's exactly what you're picture a reindeer wrangler complaining about if he had the job. Rudolph never existed and gave everyone a bad name, and the reindeer positions are actually jobs. It's a super witty take and I applaud John for the cool idea.
It's shocking this book has so many reviews and ratings, because I absolutely LOVED this book. Very rarely can I find a comedy book that keeps me interested the whole way through, and this one did just that. There's satire in here, pure comedy and so many great takes on holidays - and it's not just Christmas!
You don't need to celebrate Christmas to find joy in this book. Since it is so satirical, it's a great way to laugh at the holiday season in general and how ridiculous it can be. So, I highly recommend this book if you love or hate Christmas, if you love comedy and want a laugh, or if you just want a really well written book. Spice of your book shelf with this collection! Everyone will be able to find at least one story in this collection that will have them chuckling and chortling away.
Five out of five stars!
I am new to John Scalzi. I have been informed his writing is superb and he can be quite snarky, so of course I was in. To top it off, who doesn't want some Christmas cheer during a time like this?! Even if it is making fun of the whole holiday season! Honestly, this book was exactly what I needed in my life right now.
This collection holds fifteen short stories, poems and snippets that will leave you giggling and breathless. Here's just some of the lovely, little pieces of literature you'll come across (in no particular order):
1. An Interview With Santa's Lawyer - this one was by far the best of the bunch for me. Seeing this lawyer explain Santa's liabilities and how Rudolph screwed everything up had me chuckling the way no other book has managed. It's absolutely ridiculous while being funny at the exact same time. Santa's corporation, his billionaire coal master status, and the elves's union rights are just some of the wildly amusing topics brought up. Not gonna lie, I want an entire book just on this alone!
2. A Bitter November - I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the months go off at each other. Poor November is upset over December and it's shining glory. The personification in this little story could be used in a master class. I'm thoroughly impressed by John Scalzi's writing here, it's too good and too funny.
3. Christmas in July - this one had me guessing for a while what was going on. Why did Santa move Christmas up to July suddenly? We see a peek inside the government trying to figure out why there was a mass home invasion leaving everyone exactly what they wanted. The ending was quick, short and sweet, but I wanted just a little bit more out of it...
4. Interview with Santa's Reindeer Wrangler - the interviews are apparently the pieces of this collection that had me laughing the most. The conversations are so dumb funny and yet perfectly written. It's exactly what you're picture a reindeer wrangler complaining about if he had the job. Rudolph never existed and gave everyone a bad name, and the reindeer positions are actually jobs. It's a super witty take and I applaud John for the cool idea.
It's shocking this book has so many reviews and ratings, because I absolutely LOVED this book. Very rarely can I find a comedy book that keeps me interested the whole way through, and this one did just that. There's satire in here, pure comedy and so many great takes on holidays - and it's not just Christmas!
You don't need to celebrate Christmas to find joy in this book. Since it is so satirical, it's a great way to laugh at the holiday season in general and how ridiculous it can be. So, I highly recommend this book if you love or hate Christmas, if you love comedy and want a laugh, or if you just want a really well written book. Spice of your book shelf with this collection! Everyone will be able to find at least one story in this collection that will have them chuckling and chortling away.
Five out of five stars!
December 25, 2025
A mixed festive bag. Mostly meh, though - Scalzi is a better storyteller than satirist. But something Christmassy was welcome, nevertheless.
December 7, 2020
2019
I took my Christmas book credit and spent a tiny bit of it on a Christmas book. In part, because I really like Scalzi and I enjoy rereading him. And also in part because I couldn't get at my other Christmas books this year, which I think left me rather lacking in seasonal cheer. It has been a season of pneumonia (the Spouse) and lethargy with a side of struggle.
For example, after quite a few years of use and storage (more than six, less than fourteen), after carefully cleaning them and reinserting the points that had dropped out, and frankly, after marveling that they had survived so well for so long, this year I managed to break the frames of both of my Moravian stars.
But now is the time of recovery and rest and lying about with a fully stocked refrigerator and many delicious baked goods (ummm, breakfast cake!) and nothing to do for an entire week but eat and read since the university shuts down our whole department from the 23rd through the 2nd.
Yes, so a bunch of short humorous pieces and one absolute tear jerker. It's a good mix. With pictures, too. More books should have pictures.
Usually I don't mark a book Beloved until I've read it at least twice and was delighted both times. In this case I had read all but the three new pieces previously, so I decided to go on and count that.
***
2020
I feel as though I am coming down with a bad case of Winter. Tired, and such. Yesterday was few chores and much coloring. The need for Christmas Cheer Now, Damnit is pressing, or Thanksgiving will be unbearable. Matt's home for two months, which is lovely, but even when we weren't chatting I utterly failed to get on with doing things.
So this year I am treating Scalzi's Christmas like an Advent calendar, albeit early. Only I didn't notice that I was in the middle of the book so I have begun with "8 Things You Didn't Know" .
25 November
Yesterday morning was Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace, which seems even more apropos this year when so much has been awful. Today was A Bitter November. Again apropos because everyone just wants to move on, hang some lights, start making with the jolly. Matt suggested we go trolling for pumpkins to carve with Christmas themes: a Grinch for instance.
7 December
I gulped down all the rest, last night after karen's Ted Chiang stoy for most of them and this morning for the finish.
Including the tearjerker which made me cry, even while I knew how the story ended: just like how I always cry about Tiny Tim, evens in the Muppets' carol. Actually, probably more that version than others. That's damn near a perfect film.
That cry sure didn't help my already stuffy sinuses.
Whiny Christmas, here.
Personal copy
I took my Christmas book credit and spent a tiny bit of it on a Christmas book. In part, because I really like Scalzi and I enjoy rereading him. And also in part because I couldn't get at my other Christmas books this year, which I think left me rather lacking in seasonal cheer. It has been a season of pneumonia (the Spouse) and lethargy with a side of struggle.
For example, after quite a few years of use and storage (more than six, less than fourteen), after carefully cleaning them and reinserting the points that had dropped out, and frankly, after marveling that they had survived so well for so long, this year I managed to break the frames of both of my Moravian stars.
But now is the time of recovery and rest and lying about with a fully stocked refrigerator and many delicious baked goods (ummm, breakfast cake!) and nothing to do for an entire week but eat and read since the university shuts down our whole department from the 23rd through the 2nd.
Yes, so a bunch of short humorous pieces and one absolute tear jerker. It's a good mix. With pictures, too. More books should have pictures.
Usually I don't mark a book Beloved until I've read it at least twice and was delighted both times. In this case I had read all but the three new pieces previously, so I decided to go on and count that.
***
2020
I feel as though I am coming down with a bad case of Winter. Tired, and such. Yesterday was few chores and much coloring. The need for Christmas Cheer Now, Damnit is pressing, or Thanksgiving will be unbearable. Matt's home for two months, which is lovely, but even when we weren't chatting I utterly failed to get on with doing things.
So this year I am treating Scalzi's Christmas like an Advent calendar, albeit early. Only I didn't notice that I was in the middle of the book so I have begun with "8 Things You Didn't Know" .
25 November
Yesterday morning was Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace, which seems even more apropos this year when so much has been awful. Today was A Bitter November. Again apropos because everyone just wants to move on, hang some lights, start making with the jolly. Matt suggested we go trolling for pumpkins to carve with Christmas themes: a Grinch for instance.
7 December
I gulped down all the rest, last night after karen's Ted Chiang stoy for most of them and this morning for the finish.
Including the tearjerker which made me cry, even while I knew how the story ended: just like how I always cry about Tiny Tim, evens in the Muppets' carol. Actually, probably more that version than others. That's damn near a perfect film.
That cry sure didn't help my already stuffy sinuses.
Whiny Christmas, here.
Personal copy
January 2, 2023
This is officially my new favorite holiday read. Forget all the Christmas romance and horror books, A Very Scalzi Christmas has taken the cake. Oh my god, I laughed so much. Full review coming soon!
December 24, 2019
This read was a humorous and heartfelt collection of writing in ode to Christmas. It certainly had Scalzi's trademark snark in spades but some of the stories wouldn't be out of place on the Hallmark channel. Scalzi clearly adores the holiday even as he pokes irreverently fun at it. While most of the entries had been previously published/released I had not come across them before so it was all new to me. My favorites were the interviews with various Christmas affiliated folks (Santa's lawyer, Santa's reindeer wrangler, etc), but they were all enjoyable. It is a quick read that would be excellent with hot cocoa and a roaring fire.
December 31, 2019
This collection of 15 snippets (stories, interviews, poems, lists, etc) is very well done. So many ironic statements about how ridiculous the holidays are. But also some sentiments about remembering to be kind, selfless and loving at Christmas.
I need to read more Scalzi because this was sooo good.
Here's some notes on each story/piece:
1 - Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace
A hilarious little thanks to god for not allowing all the events of famous science fiction movies or stories to happen on Earth yet. The fun is in naming the movies referenced as the names are never used! I loved the Armageddon, Jurassic Park references but the one I laughed best to was the water soluble aliens from Signs!
2 - A Bitter November
This is a cute chat between the month of November, with side comments from July and December.
Poor November (in the USA) gets forgotten after Thanksgiving. This is funny but did strike me as a very US-centric issue as Canadian thanksgiving is in October and while (only in recent years) we have a bit of Black Friday fever, it’s not quite the same.
3 - Ten Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time
Omg I want to see all of these! But I especially want to see the most Star Trek episode about Santa (apparently destroyed, how sad), Orson Welles broadcast and (as a Canadian) I’m dying to see the David Cronenberg special!!"
4 - An interview with Santa’s lawyer
It’s as great as I hoped from the title!!
"Seasonal Litigation and Clearances practice, which has as a client NicolasNorth LLC, Santa’s corporate entity."
From Santa owing interests in coal mining, 6% of Facebook and everyone having signed a ‘user agreement’ that no one had ever really seen; this is so much fun! I might read it out loud to my (teenage/adult) nieces and nephew. I think they will appreciate it.
5 - A Personal Top 10 of Things That Are Not Titles to Christmas Songs and/or Lifetime Holiday Movies and I Just Don’t Know Why
The title says it all.
6 - Christmas in July
I’m very cynical about Christmas. It’s my least favourite times of the year because of the stress, family drama, rushed pace and attempt by people for “perfection”.
This story is very moving. It’s a reminder it shouldn’t matter when Christmas is celebrated; but that Christmas is about kindness. Gifts, food, family, friends, etc should all show kindness to one another. Scalzi also makes the president and the General of US State women. I appreciate this nod.
7 - Interview with Santa’s Reindeer Wrangler
I love these interviews. For the record, Rudolph does not exist and the North Pole is very angry about the reference that they are all bigoted jerks. Makes good sense to me!
8 - 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Favourite Holiday Music
These are great! And all true; Wikipedia said so (yes I fact checked). My favourite is a cannibalistic musical that Baby, It’s Cold Outside originated from. Later we get another cannibal reference in Silent Night. Although, I suppose if you’re going to be starving and need to eat human flesh, winter is the time it’s most likely to happen. I wish I could get a copy of the cannibal musical!
9 -Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy
A poem written in the same pentatonic meter that Dr Seuss is so famous for. All about how giving is better than receiving. A bit too mushy for me.
10 - An Interview with the Christmas Bunny
Part of a franchise agreement started by the (very successful) Easter Bunny. The Christmas Bunny is looking to take Santa (aka: NicolasNorth LLC) down.
I love the tie-ins to other interviews or stories in this one. It's very clever.
11 - Jangle the Elf Grants Wishes
Little girl wishes for her mom to be happy on Christmas. Elf decides to spike some brownies. Then this discussion with elf supervisor happens:
" "Stoned is not the same as happy."
"Maybe not the way you do it." "
Ah drugs... those were the days. LOL!
12 - Script Notes on The Birth of Jesus
There’s always some jerk (in this case intern Chad) who wants to add aliens, ninjas or pirates to every story. Good news, Chad adds time travel, demons AND ninjas to the manger story we all know. 😳😂
13 - Sarah’s Sister
Another super sweet short story about a little girl who wishes for the wrong thing and then magically reverts it. Scalzi is very talented as he goes from making me laugh to bringing me to tears. I’m very impressed by this one.
14 - An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper
As a child, my grandparents had a working farm; so I was always confused about the use of a manger.
“And then someone says, look, the animals, they are adoring the baby. And I say, adoring, hell. They’re wondering why there’s a baby in their food.”
A manger, animals, cold metal objects and perfume really are odd things to be present at a birth."
I absolutely agree.
15 - Resolutions for the New Year - A Bullet Point List
It would seem that Scalzi has a really problem with men whose names start with C’s. Be it Chuck or Chad; it’s a really vendetta. Really funny list about (not) killing a guy that stole the writers girlfriend.
I need to read more Scalzi because this was sooo good.
Here's some notes on each story/piece:
1 - Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace
A hilarious little thanks to god for not allowing all the events of famous science fiction movies or stories to happen on Earth yet. The fun is in naming the movies referenced as the names are never used! I loved the Armageddon, Jurassic Park references but the one I laughed best to was the water soluble aliens from Signs!
2 - A Bitter November
This is a cute chat between the month of November, with side comments from July and December.
Poor November (in the USA) gets forgotten after Thanksgiving. This is funny but did strike me as a very US-centric issue as Canadian thanksgiving is in October and while (only in recent years) we have a bit of Black Friday fever, it’s not quite the same.
3 - Ten Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time
Omg I want to see all of these! But I especially want to see the most Star Trek episode about Santa (apparently destroyed, how sad), Orson Welles broadcast and (as a Canadian) I’m dying to see the David Cronenberg special!!"
4 - An interview with Santa’s lawyer
It’s as great as I hoped from the title!!
"Seasonal Litigation and Clearances practice, which has as a client NicolasNorth LLC, Santa’s corporate entity."
From Santa owing interests in coal mining, 6% of Facebook and everyone having signed a ‘user agreement’ that no one had ever really seen; this is so much fun! I might read it out loud to my (teenage/adult) nieces and nephew. I think they will appreciate it.
5 - A Personal Top 10 of Things That Are Not Titles to Christmas Songs and/or Lifetime Holiday Movies and I Just Don’t Know Why
The title says it all.
6 - Christmas in July
I’m very cynical about Christmas. It’s my least favourite times of the year because of the stress, family drama, rushed pace and attempt by people for “perfection”.
This story is very moving. It’s a reminder it shouldn’t matter when Christmas is celebrated; but that Christmas is about kindness. Gifts, food, family, friends, etc should all show kindness to one another. Scalzi also makes the president and the General of US State women. I appreciate this nod.
7 - Interview with Santa’s Reindeer Wrangler
I love these interviews. For the record, Rudolph does not exist and the North Pole is very angry about the reference that they are all bigoted jerks. Makes good sense to me!
8 - 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Favourite Holiday Music
These are great! And all true; Wikipedia said so (yes I fact checked). My favourite is a cannibalistic musical that Baby, It’s Cold Outside originated from. Later we get another cannibal reference in Silent Night. Although, I suppose if you’re going to be starving and need to eat human flesh, winter is the time it’s most likely to happen. I wish I could get a copy of the cannibal musical!
9 -Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy
A poem written in the same pentatonic meter that Dr Seuss is so famous for. All about how giving is better than receiving. A bit too mushy for me.
10 - An Interview with the Christmas Bunny
Part of a franchise agreement started by the (very successful) Easter Bunny. The Christmas Bunny is looking to take Santa (aka: NicolasNorth LLC) down.
I love the tie-ins to other interviews or stories in this one. It's very clever.
11 - Jangle the Elf Grants Wishes
Little girl wishes for her mom to be happy on Christmas. Elf decides to spike some brownies. Then this discussion with elf supervisor happens:
" "Stoned is not the same as happy."
"Maybe not the way you do it." "
Ah drugs... those were the days. LOL!
12 - Script Notes on The Birth of Jesus
There’s always some jerk (in this case intern Chad) who wants to add aliens, ninjas or pirates to every story. Good news, Chad adds time travel, demons AND ninjas to the manger story we all know. 😳😂
13 - Sarah’s Sister
Another super sweet short story about a little girl who wishes for the wrong thing and then magically reverts it. Scalzi is very talented as he goes from making me laugh to bringing me to tears. I’m very impressed by this one.
14 - An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper
As a child, my grandparents had a working farm; so I was always confused about the use of a manger.
“And then someone says, look, the animals, they are adoring the baby. And I say, adoring, hell. They’re wondering why there’s a baby in their food.”
A manger, animals, cold metal objects and perfume really are odd things to be present at a birth."
I absolutely agree.
15 - Resolutions for the New Year - A Bullet Point List
It would seem that Scalzi has a really problem with men whose names start with C’s. Be it Chuck or Chad; it’s a really vendetta. Really funny list about (not) killing a guy that stole the writers girlfriend.
December 4, 2019
If you want a stocking-stuffer guaranteed to produce roughly an hour or two of amusement and giggles for any of your family members, this book is for you. At just 144 pages, this is a quick read that will feel even quicker because you’re just enjoying it so much. Because this is a mini book, I think it’s fitting to give it just a mini-review, so here’s what you need to know:
John Scalzi has written a lot of humorous pieces about Christmas, and here, he has decided to gather them all in one place. Interspersed between the wacky and satirical narratives are “interviews” with Christmas-related figures, including Santa’s lawyer, Santa’s reindeer wrangler, the Christmas Bunny (a franchise of the same group that owns the Easter Bunny), and the nativity innkeeper, as well as some quick lists including “The 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time” and “A Personal Top 10 of Things That Are Not Titles to Christmas Songs and/or Lifetime Holiday Movies and Honestly I Don’t Understand Why.” Nothing is off-limits, and he lambastes both the religious and the commercial elements of the holiday season, creating a wickedly funny treat of a book that is just plain fun, without being too silly. Well, okay, sometimes it’s pretty silly.
As a whole, Scalzi’s writing is witty and highly readable. From absurd premises, he manages to wring both heart and humor, and it kept me emotionally engaged on every page. I do have to give him credit for including one particular tale near the end of the collection, entitled “Sarah’s Sister,” that was less about making jokes and more about love, capturing a child’s feelings of both joy and sorrow when a new sibling is about to enter their life, with a dash of a Christmas miracle.
Plus, the stories and interviews are filled with delightful lines like this one, on a certain Christmas carol:
Or this one, on Jesus being born in a manger:
My favorite piece from this collection (not counting the "interviews"): "Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace," a hilarious (and oddly specific) list of sci-fi horrors that we can thank God for not causing to happen this year.
And my least-favorite--probably the only real "miss" in the collection--was "Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy." It’s sort of in rhyme but the meter doesn’t always work, and it’s cute I guess, but feels kind of cliche. Not too funny, but not too heartwarming either.
Psst...if you want a couple more blurbs on the other stories in this collection, take a look at the post on my BLOG!
In short: Do your loved ones a favor: get them a gift they’re sure to love (and more likely to read, since it’s pretty short!). Get them this book.
Thank you to Subterranean Press for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
John Scalzi has written a lot of humorous pieces about Christmas, and here, he has decided to gather them all in one place. Interspersed between the wacky and satirical narratives are “interviews” with Christmas-related figures, including Santa’s lawyer, Santa’s reindeer wrangler, the Christmas Bunny (a franchise of the same group that owns the Easter Bunny), and the nativity innkeeper, as well as some quick lists including “The 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time” and “A Personal Top 10 of Things That Are Not Titles to Christmas Songs and/or Lifetime Holiday Movies and Honestly I Don’t Understand Why.” Nothing is off-limits, and he lambastes both the religious and the commercial elements of the holiday season, creating a wickedly funny treat of a book that is just plain fun, without being too silly. Well, okay, sometimes it’s pretty silly.
“Santa doesn’t judge people for their kinks, but he does expect them to pay for them.”
As a whole, Scalzi’s writing is witty and highly readable. From absurd premises, he manages to wring both heart and humor, and it kept me emotionally engaged on every page. I do have to give him credit for including one particular tale near the end of the collection, entitled “Sarah’s Sister,” that was less about making jokes and more about love, capturing a child’s feelings of both joy and sorrow when a new sibling is about to enter their life, with a dash of a Christmas miracle.
Plus, the stories and interviews are filled with delightful lines like this one, on a certain Christmas carol:
Davis’ archives at Wellesley College feature early drafts entitled “Little Trumpet Boy,” “Little Ocarina Boy,” “Little Digeridoo Boy,” “Little Mime Boy,” “Little Public Relations Intern Boy,” “Little Gastroenterologist Boy,” and “Little Kid Who Just Wandered By and Was Confusingly Pushed Into a Barn Boy.”
Or this one, on Jesus being born in a manger:
“And then someone says, look, the animals, they are adoring the baby. And I say, adoring, hell. They’re wondering why there’s a baby in their food.”
My favorite piece from this collection (not counting the "interviews"): "Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace," a hilarious (and oddly specific) list of sci-fi horrors that we can thank God for not causing to happen this year.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say that moistening aliens was not on the agenda for any of us at this table. Thank you, Lord, for sparing us that duty.”
And my least-favorite--probably the only real "miss" in the collection--was "Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy." It’s sort of in rhyme but the meter doesn’t always work, and it’s cute I guess, but feels kind of cliche. Not too funny, but not too heartwarming either.
Psst...if you want a couple more blurbs on the other stories in this collection, take a look at the post on my BLOG!
In short: Do your loved ones a favor: get them a gift they’re sure to love (and more likely to read, since it’s pretty short!). Get them this book.
Thank you to Subterranean Press for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
January 1, 2025
A Very Silly Book
December 25, 2024
Hunted this one down for my husband for Christmas and immediately snatched it out of his hands as soon as he finished. Quick, silly, heartwarming and quintessentially Scalzi!
October 16, 2019
Whoa!! What a fun ride. John Scalzi, highly acclaimed science-fiction writer, best known for his marvelous "Old Man's War" series ... treats us to a potpourri of 15 irreverent shorts ... all dessert, no vegetables. Nothing is sacrosanct as he pokes fun at the commercialization and religious tone to this beloved holiday. It's fair game to interview numerous characters of local color ... Santa's lawyer, Santa's Reindeer wrangler, the Christmas bunny, an elf, and even the Nativity Innkeeper who couldn't find a room for Joseph and Mary.
But, alone worth the price of admission is "Sarah's Sister" ... who would think a story about static electricity and giving birth could be so poignant. It even brought tears to my eyes while reading it on airplane ride home.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press ( @SubPress ) for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest Review. This svelte gem of 144 pages deserves a home in the stocking of ALL your loved ones! Please check out my Book Reviews at readersremains.com
But, alone worth the price of admission is "Sarah's Sister" ... who would think a story about static electricity and giving birth could be so poignant. It even brought tears to my eyes while reading it on airplane ride home.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press ( @SubPress ) for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest Review. This svelte gem of 144 pages deserves a home in the stocking of ALL your loved ones! Please check out my Book Reviews at readersremains.com
December 13, 2019
Not sure why spoiler alert automatically appears at the start of this review, since I don't spoil anything?
My advice, do not drink egg nog while reading this collection, or it will come out your nose. You're welcome!
Also fair warning, while it's 98% silliness and poking fun at the absurdities of commercialism, of X-mas carols and lore, and of the classic nativity story, it's not all just quips that make you go "Ho, ho, ho, that's rich!"
You should bring a box of tissues (or hanky if that's your choice) for the heart-wrenching short story "Sarah's Sister." You're welcome.
John Scalzi is one of those speculative fiction writers whose entire canon I plan to read, and usually collect. This holiday anthology did much to boost my merriness during what can become a stressful season---when I lose sight of the wonderful seasonal push for family closeness and good fellowship, and for generosity and kindness, and for child-like wonder, and for quiet reflection on the divine.
My 'hot take' on a handful of the selections...
"Ho, Ho Intro...:" Do not skip this! It contains no spoilers and it briefly presents the author's intentions, his fondness for absurdity, and his genuine gratitude for X-mas and the seasonal spirit. Actually one line sums up the writer's general attitude very well: "I had fun writing them, so I hope you have fun reading them."
"Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace:" A strong start, and so hilarious I want to make reading it aloud at the table a Thanksgiving tradition. The author has a point, we should all be grateful the "predictions" of sci-fi blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Signs haven't come true yet.
"The 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time:" Much playful and clever skewering here that shows a deep knowledge of (and often affection for) the original material. Of course one would expect no less for the fan favorite entry "The Lost Star Trek Christmas Episode: 'A Most Illogical Holiday'" from the mind that gave us Redshirts and rightfully nabbed the 2013 Best Novel Hugo for it.
"An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper:" In which a sarcastic and witty innkeeper sets the record straight for a naive reporter. This is the kind of humor you can expect weekly on the author's long-running blog Whatever here: https://whatever.scalzi.com/ .
My favorite bit was this:
Reporter: The song of that incident suggests the [Little Drummer Boy's] drum went over well.
Innkeeper: Let me ask you. You're a parent, your child has just been born, he's tired, you're tired, people won't leave you alone, and then some delinquent comes by and unloads a snare solo in your baby's ear. Does this go over well?
Christmas in July: Starts out with a funny and heartwarming family scene of kids waking up their parents, transitions into silly and satirical territory (government paranoia in the face of a miracle that threatens domestic and national security), and comes back around to a heartfelt exploration of why the goodwill often called "the Christmas spirit" is vital all year round.
"Christmas in July" and "Resolutions for the New Year: A Bullet Point List" (as penned by a bitter budding mad-scientist) are original to this collection and in my opinion worth the price of admission.
In closing I'd say big fun and laughs come in this small package---it's a great gift to give yourself by reading it, or to anyone, anytime of year and regardless of how you do or don't choose to celebrate the winter holidays.
If you don't take my advice to check this book out, I humbly submit to you that my perpetual closing advice below is still worth your consideration.
WHEN A BOOK BRINGS YOU GOOD CHEER, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
My advice, do not drink egg nog while reading this collection, or it will come out your nose. You're welcome!
Also fair warning, while it's 98% silliness and poking fun at the absurdities of commercialism, of X-mas carols and lore, and of the classic nativity story, it's not all just quips that make you go "Ho, ho, ho, that's rich!"
You should bring a box of tissues (or hanky if that's your choice) for the heart-wrenching short story "Sarah's Sister." You're welcome.
John Scalzi is one of those speculative fiction writers whose entire canon I plan to read, and usually collect. This holiday anthology did much to boost my merriness during what can become a stressful season---when I lose sight of the wonderful seasonal push for family closeness and good fellowship, and for generosity and kindness, and for child-like wonder, and for quiet reflection on the divine.
My 'hot take' on a handful of the selections...
"Ho, Ho Intro...:" Do not skip this! It contains no spoilers and it briefly presents the author's intentions, his fondness for absurdity, and his genuine gratitude for X-mas and the seasonal spirit. Actually one line sums up the writer's general attitude very well: "I had fun writing them, so I hope you have fun reading them."
"Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace:" A strong start, and so hilarious I want to make reading it aloud at the table a Thanksgiving tradition. The author has a point, we should all be grateful the "predictions" of sci-fi blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Signs haven't come true yet.
"The 10 Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time:" Much playful and clever skewering here that shows a deep knowledge of (and often affection for) the original material. Of course one would expect no less for the fan favorite entry "The Lost Star Trek Christmas Episode: 'A Most Illogical Holiday'" from the mind that gave us Redshirts and rightfully nabbed the 2013 Best Novel Hugo for it.
"An Interview with the Nativity Innkeeper:" In which a sarcastic and witty innkeeper sets the record straight for a naive reporter. This is the kind of humor you can expect weekly on the author's long-running blog Whatever here: https://whatever.scalzi.com/ .
My favorite bit was this:
Reporter: The song of that incident suggests the [Little Drummer Boy's] drum went over well.
Innkeeper: Let me ask you. You're a parent, your child has just been born, he's tired, you're tired, people won't leave you alone, and then some delinquent comes by and unloads a snare solo in your baby's ear. Does this go over well?
Christmas in July: Starts out with a funny and heartwarming family scene of kids waking up their parents, transitions into silly and satirical territory (government paranoia in the face of a miracle that threatens domestic and national security), and comes back around to a heartfelt exploration of why the goodwill often called "the Christmas spirit" is vital all year round.
"Christmas in July" and "Resolutions for the New Year: A Bullet Point List" (as penned by a bitter budding mad-scientist) are original to this collection and in my opinion worth the price of admission.
In closing I'd say big fun and laughs come in this small package---it's a great gift to give yourself by reading it, or to anyone, anytime of year and regardless of how you do or don't choose to celebrate the winter holidays.
If you don't take my advice to check this book out, I humbly submit to you that my perpetual closing advice below is still worth your consideration.
WHEN A BOOK BRINGS YOU GOOD CHEER, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2020
This was a fun collection of Scalzi short stories, all themed around Christmas or Christmas-adjacent holidays (Thanksgiving and New Years, I'm looking at you). As with most short story collections, this is hit and miss, but more hit for me. A few of these pieces I remember reading for free on Whatever, his blog, a few years ago. Others were brand new to me despite having been written and published over a decade ago.
The Thanksgiving prayer, the interview with Santa's lawyer, the movie adaptation team notes, and the Christmas in July were my favorite stories. Some of the other interview stories fell flat for me - and that's okay! There is really something here for everyone. The failed Christmas specials had me rolling around laughing but bored my girlfriend to death.
Worth grabbing the ebook collection for a bit of holiday cheer. (I got the limited signed hardcover because I like my physical books and supporting both Scalzi and Subterranean Press, but you do you - the stories have entertainment value, you decide what that is worth to you.)
The Thanksgiving prayer, the interview with Santa's lawyer, the movie adaptation team notes, and the Christmas in July were my favorite stories. Some of the other interview stories fell flat for me - and that's okay! There is really something here for everyone. The failed Christmas specials had me rolling around laughing but bored my girlfriend to death.
Worth grabbing the ebook collection for a bit of holiday cheer. (I got the limited signed hardcover because I like my physical books and supporting both Scalzi and Subterranean Press, but you do you - the stories have entertainment value, you decide what that is worth to you.)
December 20, 2019
Between the elf who fulfills Christmas wishes without considering the consequences, the interview with Santa's lawyer, and the irreverent idea of the Christmas Bunny, this collection has plenty of salt to keep the stories and poems funny. Scalzi also has a few genuinely touching Christmas tales here, though, and it's obvious that the satire comes from a place of love. My personal favorite was the exploration of Christmas in July, but the list of worst Christmas specials ever made for a close second.
I highly recommend this book as a stocking stuffer for the science fiction readers in your life.
I highly recommend this book as a stocking stuffer for the science fiction readers in your life.
December 19, 2019
A lot of fun as always when I listen to John Scalzi!
December 25, 2019
3.5 stars. Some of the stories were funny, some were interesting, some were silly, and the last one I didn’t enjoy. Good for the Christmas season for sure.
January 4, 2020
Entertaining collection of short pieces.
Scalzi's stories run the gamut from snark to silly; from sweet to serious.
I laughed, I cried, I had a good time reading.
Merry Christmas!
Scalzi's stories run the gamut from snark to silly; from sweet to serious.
I laughed, I cried, I had a good time reading.
Merry Christmas!
December 27, 2024
[Simply Having A] “Wonderful Christmastime” - Paul McCartney
Short review for a short collection of stories, interviews, and little known facts about Christmas. Most of these, but not all – are delivered with the classic Scalzi snark that I love about his writing. Interviews include one of Santa's lawyers, a reindeer wrangler, and the nativity innkeeper. Stories cover topics like 'what would happen if Christmas came in July' (like all those car commercials, but for real) and the story of Jangle the Elf. There is also one that essentially if Netflix redid the story of Jesus. A few interesting collections of factoids like unsuccessful holiday stories for radio/tv and little known facts about Christmas songs. . The Christmas songs section for me was one the of funniest in the collection. At one point I was laughing so hard my family were concerned for my well being.
Not all the stories were humorous – some were nice little holiday stories like Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy and Sarah's Sister. Both were nice stories and added a good balance.
At 16 sections and a little over a hundred pages – you can tell that most of these are not very long. So the book moves pretty fast and you can set it aside and pick it up again frequently if you are reading while entertaining holiday guests.
-----
GR probably shows me reading this twice. I was swiping through my feed on my iPad back in 2019 and tapped on this one to look at.. and somehow clicked something that showed I had read it. Before I had a chance to fix it I had a few likes – and since I don't get many of those – haha – I just left it alone. This time around I actually read it – and will likely read it again around the holiday season again. It definitely has a good readability factor. 🎄🎅🧑🎄🎁❄️☃️
Short review for a short collection of stories, interviews, and little known facts about Christmas. Most of these, but not all – are delivered with the classic Scalzi snark that I love about his writing. Interviews include one of Santa's lawyers, a reindeer wrangler, and the nativity innkeeper. Stories cover topics like 'what would happen if Christmas came in July' (like all those car commercials, but for real) and the story of Jangle the Elf. There is also one that essentially if Netflix redid the story of Jesus. A few interesting collections of factoids like unsuccessful holiday stories for radio/tv and little known facts about Christmas songs. . The Christmas songs section for me was one the of funniest in the collection. At one point I was laughing so hard my family were concerned for my well being.
Not all the stories were humorous – some were nice little holiday stories like Jackie Jones and Melrose Mandy and Sarah's Sister. Both were nice stories and added a good balance.
At 16 sections and a little over a hundred pages – you can tell that most of these are not very long. So the book moves pretty fast and you can set it aside and pick it up again frequently if you are reading while entertaining holiday guests.
-----
GR probably shows me reading this twice. I was swiping through my feed on my iPad back in 2019 and tapped on this one to look at.. and somehow clicked something that showed I had read it. Before I had a chance to fix it I had a few likes – and since I don't get many of those – haha – I just left it alone. This time around I actually read it – and will likely read it again around the holiday season again. It definitely has a good readability factor. 🎄🎅🧑🎄🎁❄️☃️
December 26, 2020
Hilarious!
Just what I needed this holiday season. Highly recommend to everyone and anyone. I laughed out loud repeatedly, and I don’t do that often.
Just what I needed this holiday season. Highly recommend to everyone and anyone. I laughed out loud repeatedly, and I don’t do that often.
February 19, 2020
Was this good? Man, it was great. and the story that he wrote just to make people cry? yeah, it worked.
I believe that all of the stories are available elsewhere and for free but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check this out. buy one so you have a copy to lend to people so they can read it too.
I believe that all of the stories are available elsewhere and for free but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check this out. buy one so you have a copy to lend to people so they can read it too.
December 5, 2019
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.75 of 5
There are only a handful of authors whose work I will go out and buy as soon as I am aware of a new published work. John Scalzi has become one of those authors for me.
If you're familiar with Scalzi you can probably already imagine that a book titled A Very Scalzi Christmas is going to be irreverent and sarcastic and full of humor. And you'd be right. Scalzi's wit is in full force here.
One of the main features of this collection are a series of 'interviews.' We have interviews with Santa's lawyer, Santa's reindeer wrangler, the Christmas bunny, and the Nativity innkeeper. Each of these has a moment or two that will likely make you snort with a burst of laughter.
There are some short short stories and other oddball tidbits, each usually good for a Christmas snort. Sometimes the humor is pretty apparent before you even read the piece. In "Script Notes on The Birth of Jesus" for instance, we Scalzi goes with the obvious choice of having Hollywood producers suggesting improvements on the Birth of Jesus story - from adding slapstick to the pregnancy situations, and keeping spin-offs in mind.
My favorite section was "The Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time." Scalzi is at his most creative here, I think, and even though each of these are only a couple of paragraphs long, I was in full belly-laugh mode. Of course I loved "The Lost Star Trek Christmas Episode: "A Most Illogical Holiday.""
If you're a Scalzi follower you should note that most of these pieces first appeared on his blog and have been collected for this special edition book. But of course, if you're a Scalzi follower, you probably want the book anyway.
Looking for a good book? A Very Scalzi Christmas by John Scalzi is a lot of fun and I can imagine reading these as a Christmas tradition.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
There are only a handful of authors whose work I will go out and buy as soon as I am aware of a new published work. John Scalzi has become one of those authors for me.
If you're familiar with Scalzi you can probably already imagine that a book titled A Very Scalzi Christmas is going to be irreverent and sarcastic and full of humor. And you'd be right. Scalzi's wit is in full force here.
One of the main features of this collection are a series of 'interviews.' We have interviews with Santa's lawyer, Santa's reindeer wrangler, the Christmas bunny, and the Nativity innkeeper. Each of these has a moment or two that will likely make you snort with a burst of laughter.
There are some short short stories and other oddball tidbits, each usually good for a Christmas snort. Sometimes the humor is pretty apparent before you even read the piece. In "Script Notes on The Birth of Jesus" for instance, we Scalzi goes with the obvious choice of having Hollywood producers suggesting improvements on the Birth of Jesus story - from adding slapstick to the pregnancy situations, and keeping spin-offs in mind.
My favorite section was "The Least Successful Holiday Specials of All Time." Scalzi is at his most creative here, I think, and even though each of these are only a couple of paragraphs long, I was in full belly-laugh mode. Of course I loved "The Lost Star Trek Christmas Episode: "A Most Illogical Holiday.""
If you're a Scalzi follower you should note that most of these pieces first appeared on his blog and have been collected for this special edition book. But of course, if you're a Scalzi follower, you probably want the book anyway.
Looking for a good book? A Very Scalzi Christmas by John Scalzi is a lot of fun and I can imagine reading these as a Christmas tradition.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2019
John Scalzi has always been good at entertaining, so it’s no surprise he managed to put out a perfect Christmas book. I found this on Netgalley a while back and saved it strategically for December 25th and it was just the thing to do. First off, because it’s so short, you can easily read in in under 90 minutes and not take too much time away from spending the time with your loved ones. Secondly, because Scalzi is a total Christmas fanboy and it comes across in every story. These brief delights are a combination of interviews with key Christmas figures such as Santa lawyer, elfs, etc. and random fiction, there’s even a poem. It’s a regular one Christmas themed variety show Of the best kind. All the stories are decidedly cheeky except for one genuinely sincere (almost jarringly so) story about a young girl finding out the meaning of Christmas. And Scalzi has always let his humorous streak show in his writing, but here it’s in proper form and it’s all very funny. Cleverly funny. Kind of reminds me of Jeff Strand, the wackiness and irreverence of the jokes, which is, of course, a compliment. So, yeah, I loved this small book, it’s a great, greatly entertaining Christmas read and (as much as I am a digital reader these days) this one in paper form would make a great gift for any book lover, not just a Scalzi fan. It even has funny art sketches to accompany some of the stories. Definitely a book to love, laugh with and appreciate this and many Christmases to come. What a very (merry) Scalzi Christmas indeed. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
November 18, 2019
As John Scalzi states in the introduction, “Christmas (and the holidays on either side of it) gives me something to write about and have fun with on an annual basis”, and for some years he’s done so on his author website and other places. If you’re a fan of his fast-paced science fiction novels, this may -- or may not -- be for you. I don’t know. All I know is that sometimes the need for escapism manifests as a need to laugh, and this collection, which includes three previously unpublished pieces, answers. In this book, Santa’s lawyer discusses liability; there’s a lively argument between a human narrator and a sentient, fridge-raiding month of November; a Thanksgiving grace that includes alien invasion, a robot uprising, and dinosaurs; poetry; political satire; and short fiction, as well as giddily satirical articles claiming to tell the true origins and purposes of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s music, TV holiday specials, and social behavior. So is this satire, fantasy, or science fiction? All three! Enjoy. Maybe give someone A Very Scalzi Christmas as a gift.
January 3, 2020
Scalzi does the winter holidays. You'll know whether you'll like it or not based on any previous experience with Scalzi. For the most part, it's par for the course; snarky humor, some very... creative interviews with seasonal characters you wouldn't normally think of (the Christmas Bunny was my favorite, I think), and a cute little poem that would make a decent if somewhat cliche Christmas special. And then there's the story thrown in to make his mother-in-law cry, which will be pretty obvious when you get to it. It's not something I've seen from Scalzi before, and it does a good job of pushing all the emotional buttons, even if it may be a little too on the nose.
All told, though, there's a lot of fun and funny here, and it works both in the Holiday season and after, as sort of a post-holiday cleanse. It's a quick read, but it might be something you'll go back to every Holiday season. Highly recommended to Scalzi fans, and I think just about anyone else who is willing to find some humor in the holidays will enjoy it too.
All told, though, there's a lot of fun and funny here, and it works both in the Holiday season and after, as sort of a post-holiday cleanse. It's a quick read, but it might be something you'll go back to every Holiday season. Highly recommended to Scalzi fans, and I think just about anyone else who is willing to find some humor in the holidays will enjoy it too.
November 24, 2023
This book is laugh-out-loud funny in several places. My favorites were Science Fictional Fictional Thanksgiving Grace (I may try it next year at dinner), A Bitter November, the four Interviews, Christmas in July, Script Notes on the Birth of Jesus, and the Resolutions. If Chuck from Accounting hadn't bothered me, I might have been able to read this straight through in one sitting. Take the hour or so to read this book to get into the Christmas spirit. You will be glad you did.
In the 2023 reread, my favorites were Christmas in July and Sarah's Sister. My in-laws didn't understand the Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace. Not even Cousin Chet. Disappointing. I still thought it was funny, though.
In the 2023 reread, my favorites were Christmas in July and Sarah's Sister. My in-laws didn't understand the Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace. Not even Cousin Chet. Disappointing. I still thought it was funny, though.
November 30, 2019
This book was funny and heart-warming and a great start to the holiday season! It was so adorable and fun. I loved it so much. I laughed and I cried!
A Very Scalzi Christmas is a collection of holiday-themed short stories, interviews, and poems. From the comical interview with the Christmas Bunny to the heart-warming story about a Christmas Eve baby, this book is such a fun addition to the holiday repertoire of yearly fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! (Also the audiobook is amazing!)
**eARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
A Very Scalzi Christmas is a collection of holiday-themed short stories, interviews, and poems. From the comical interview with the Christmas Bunny to the heart-warming story about a Christmas Eve baby, this book is such a fun addition to the holiday repertoire of yearly fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! (Also the audiobook is amazing!)
**eARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
December 2, 2019
There are a few gems in this little collection, namely "Science Fictional Thanksgiving Grace" (so much fun), and the 4 last pieces, of which "Script Notes on the Birth of Jesus" is the standout. "Sarah's Sister" is a tour de force, Scalzi proving categorically that he definetely can write a canonical Christmas tale, a true classic in the most hallowed tradition. The rest was basically passable. Both Subterranean Press and Audible did amazingly polished jobs, John Scalzi is truly blessed on that regard (N.B.: He fully deserves the effort).
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