52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life: Inspirational Reflections for the Christmas Season

by Bob Welch

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life will change the way you think about this holiday staple, from the lightheartedness of George and Mary's floor-parting dance to the poignancy of a community that rallies to save a desperate man, Bob Welch's 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life will inspire you to live for the things that matter most. Welch invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again, Join Welch for a close-up of the characters and themes that shape this timeless story of resilience and redemption. You'll be reminded that life's most important work is often the work we never planned to do, that God can use the most unlikely among us to get the job done, and that grace is the greatest gift we can possibly give. Discover why It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's an inspiration for us to lead better lives, to become people of honor and integrity, and to recognize what really matters.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Christian, Devotional, Inspirational, Religion, Faith

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2012

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very dear friend gifted me this book and I held onto it, counting the days backward from Christmas so I would start it 52 days before, to enjoy and savor a lesson each night before bed. As much as I looked forward to this "lesson book" inspired by my very favorite movie, I had no idea the treat in was in for. So much packed into the pages of this little volume. When I watched my traditional Christmas Eve viewing of It's a Wonderful Life after reading this thought-provoking book of little lessons, it was with new eyes. I didn't think I could love it more, but thanks to 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life, I do. I will pull out this book each year going forward and soak in its messages. It is insightful and uplifting and filled with reminders of the type of person I want to be.

[Guida Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really looked forward to reading this book, and I did so in one sitting. However, I'm dismayed by the inaccuracies and errors in the book. I wonder if Bob Welch has seen It's a Wonderful Life more than once. First, let me say that I have a deep affinity for the movie; as Mr. Welch mentions in his author's note about the bank president using scenes for training purposes, I, too, during my tenure as the Director of HR and Training for a local credit union, used scenes from the movie. Also, I have had three dogs named after characters from the movie, so to say it's my favorite Christmas movie would be an understatement.

The first typo I encountered was on page xii. "Its a Wonderful Life." Really? There are inconsistencies throughout...is it "the Building and Loan" or "Building and Loan," which sounds pretty awkward? Are plural possessives made with or without the s after the apostrophe? See pages 35 (Martinis') and 83 (Browns's); I submit there should be no s. There are other mechanical problems, i.e., missing commas, misplaced commas, etc., and I don't want to anguish over them except to say this is pretty poor quality in a book; this quality in a newspaper or magazine I could understand.

However, here are my biggest concerns:
on page 38, "As Mary says: 'Enter the Martini castle.'" It was George who said that.
on page 69, "married to Mary Hatch, father of three children...." They had four children.
on page 88, "When he taps her on the shoulder to suggest she and her partner can remain in the Charleston contest...." According to Harry right before this scene, those NOT tapped can remain in the contest.
on page 189, "his daughter Zuzu and her paper flower." What? The flower isn't paper. She supposedly gets sick because she doesn't want to crush it; she wants to put it in water to give it a drink; and, just looking at it, anyone can tell, it's not paper.

Finally, anyone who loves the movie knows that it's not in public domain anymore, despite Mr. Welch saying on page 193 that "its exclusive commercial worth [is] irretrievably lost." No; it's not. A simple Internet search indicates that in 1993 Republic regained control of the movie, which is why it's once again only shown a couple times per Christmas season.

I must say, if I had read any reviews that indicated that the book was so full of errors about the movie, I would never have purchased it. While the 52 lessons were somewhat endearing, if not repetitive, the endearing quotient didn't outweigh the frustration.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me look at the movie with so much more appreciation. The lessons were thoughtful and made me realize there are people in the world that share wholesome values. Great Christmas read!

[Laurissa Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

He dove into some great topics, analyzing the characters and the motives we overlook watching the movie.
I think occasionally he restated himself. But it is good to hear these types of things restated.
A thoughtful book!

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about the greatest Christmas movie of all time. So many of the “lessons” are ones I’ve already thought of over the many years I’ve watched this wonderful movie.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,’ says Matthew 5, ‘ for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’ (vv. 3-8). That will, as a humbled George Bailey soon will, discover the truth: that it is, indeed, a wonderful life.”

It’s A Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies of all time starring one of my favorite actors of all time, Jimmy Stewart. Like many, this movie is a staple around the Christmas season in my house. It is a wonderful reminder to appreciate all that you have and a reminder that all you do for others in life, though maybe not appreciated in life or celebrated by others, makes substantial differences. Our life leaves a lasting mark on the lives of others whether we realize it or not. And when we humble ourselves, like George Bailey does at the end of the movie, we can see through a new set of eyes the impact on others and the friendships that God has given us.

And Bob Welch, author of 52 Little Lessons From It’s A Wonderful Life, captures the many different layers and characters of this movie and relates it to the Christian walk. Though this movie is not necessarily a faith based film, there are many Christian elements throughout that we can apply to our daily lives. Though some chapters can be a bit repetitive (I imagine it is no easy task coming up with a whopping 52 lessons!), most of the chapters do a great job pulling out an applicable faith based lesson.

Chapter 14, titled Perspective Changes Everything, does a fantastic job of showing us how we can change our attitudes and perspectives even during the most anxious and stressful times. George Bailey shows us this as he is running down the streets of Bedford Falls (Merry Christmas!) to his house and family with a new perspective of life and utter joy, despite the fact that for all he knows, he will soon be arrested for embezzlement of $8000. Other chapters do a great job showing how and why George Bailey is the richest man in town. And other chapters show us how although George never left his small town to do big and important things of building things, he left a larger impact helping out his community through his humble Building & Loan.

If only all us could appreciate the impact we can make on others in our community and family and truly realize that it is indeed a wonderful life God has given us.

[Star Gater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed the narration (audio is on Hoopla). Every lesson is respectful and not preachy. It is Welch's interpretation of different scenes and lines in the movie. It was genuinely fun thinking back to most of the particular things he picked out. The devotional portion is written for everyone. It is beautifully done.

There are a couple of thought provoking questions following each lesson. They are reasonable.

I found this to be delightful.

I recommend and I would gift this to fans of the movie or not.

[John Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone gave me this book as a gift a few years ago and I finally put it on my to-read list. As the title indicates, the book takes 52 observations from the movie (one for each week) and turns them into life lessons. It can also serve as a devotional since the author relates many of the lessons back to Scripture and/or incorporates thoughts from Biblical thinker Oswald Chambers. The common theme for the lessons focuses on the importance of community and valuing people and ourselves. Mr. Welch does provide some interesting insights into the movie as well by discussing alternative scripts, scenes, and ending.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. I admit It's A Wonderful Life is my favorite movie. I can quote it verbatim! But this book delves so deep into the story and the lessons we can take away from it. A must read for any fan of the movie!

[Matt Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to know the movie to appreciate this book. I love the movie and I loved this book. A quick, fun read with many many valuable life lessons from the movie.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book that I borrowed after watching It's a Wonderful Life with friends and my husband at the Admiral Theatre. This one finds lessons that we can learn from the film and apply to our lives. I really enjoyed reading it, and even passed along a bit to my son who is currently serving a mission. Most chapters reference the bible as well, which I thought would make the lessons sound preachy, but it was well done and the verses served to solidify the author's point. This is a fun little book to pull out and read a little here and there.

[Leslie Totten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet reminders from the authors view of lessons learned from the film, It's a Wonderful Life. Simple yet profound, I'm thankful for the opportunity to refresh my perspective.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading these little stories each week. It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies of all time, and Jimmy Stewart is my favorite actor!

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's full of romance, that old place. I'd like to live in it." ~ Mary, on the night she and George throw rocks and make wishes at the old Granville House.

This is the quote from Chapter 19, titled " Don't look for What is, but for What May Be" in the book, 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch. In this chapter, the reader is reminded of how vastly different George and Mary view their world; for George at 12 years old working the soda fountain he informs Mary where Coconuts come from, "Tahiti, Fiji Islands, the Coral Sea!" Mary has no idea where they come from, she just wants chocolate ice cream while George wants to go exploring.

But here's the thing about Mary Hatch: She knows what matters. She has keen insight. Imagination. Initiative. Intuition. Perspective. And, when you boil it right down, wisdom. And what it all seems to tell her is this: the grass isn't necessarily greener somewhere else. Why not, instead, take what you have right now, right here, and make the most of it?

We first see that in the soda shop scene. Forget the ice cream. Forget the Fiji Islands. What Mary wants, among other things we can assume, is to grow up and marry George Bailey. It may only be puppy love, but when Mary whispers into George's bad ear, "I'll love you till the day I die," we're witnessing the initiative of a young woman who knows something good when she sees it. Never mind that this model comes with its deficiencies; the kid can't hear out of one ear since he jumped into that icy pond to save his brother. Despite George's weaknesses, Mary sees something special in him. Mary sees potential in things where most see only weaknesses, like God does with us. He doesn't care as much about where we've been as where we are going. About what we look like now as what we might look like in the future. About the defeats of yesterday as what might be our victories of tomorrow. With Him, all things are made new. Even decrepit folks like us." (pg, 74)

This book takes readers back to their favorite Christmas classic and teaches us through the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, how God wants us to learn things through His word to make us better people. I am so excited to share this treasure with you through my review and since there are 52 lessons captured in this book, there is one for each week, but I had to read them all. Such classic lines are quoted to open each of the chapters, and we are taken back to specific clips in the movie to see things we didn't know were there, little nuggets of pure Godly wisdom that when applied can change our perspective on things much like how Mary Hatch views the Granville House that is abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair. George doesn't even want to live in it as a ghost but Mary sees the potential of what good be.

We are reminded that it's far too easy to focus on how bad things look instead of simply changing our perspectives and seeing the greatness that is there instead. Mary's ability to take what life has given her and she makes the most of it. Quite simply, Mary teaches us that the best things in life are simple things that surround us, especially when coupled with our imaginations. Then we can exploit those things for goodness. And with God's help, to make it more than anyone else could have imagined.

I received 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one to anyone who is a fan of It's A Wonderful Life. There are such amazing things tucked inside this wonderful book, fun movie facts, and life lessons that are bound to keep the Christmas spirit going inside us all year long. I easily rate this as a 5 out of 5 stars and will definitely keep this one near me all year long for reference and a constant reminder of what is good in our lives everyday if we are simply willing to find it.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life lessons from the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Author Bob Welch offers 52 lessons, infused with spirituality, being good to others, having faith, humility, and finding value in one’s life. The book contains some scriptural reference, as well as some historical film facts that may be interesting to some readers.
As I started to read this book, I found it interesting and a “feel good” read. But about half way though, it seemed to get repetitive. The same lessons, just reworded. And also, the author used some of the same quotes from the movie more than once. So it became a little bit boring to read cover to cover.
I think the writing format; 52 lessons, i.e.: 52 weeks of the year, is meant just for that. Read one chapter (one lesson) for each week of the year, and then some of the points mentioned would be reinforced and not seem repetitive. So I think this would make a nice gift book. Overall, for me, an average read.
I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

[Brianna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - It’s A Wonderful Life is one of the greatest films of all time, and each time I watch it I learn something new. Little did I know there were 52 life lessons in it!?

This is a great book to read if you know the film, it makes you love it more, and helps you to really think about the themes and characters in the movie more deeply. There is so much to gain and internalize from the movie’s plot in your own world. I can’t see how you wouldn’t love and appreciate life more after watching and reading this.

Since there are 52 lessons, this would be a great weekly devotional so you can take things in more deeply. I loved this and definitely recommend!

[Selina Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of my all time favorite movies. I really enjoyed this book. I gave it four stars instead of five because there were some inaccuracies from what happened/was said in the movie to what the author said in his book. Perfect book to read before Christmas or weekly throughout the year.

[JLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insights

I greatly enjoyed this book and the author's insights. My only criticism is that it probably could've been twenty lessons, instead of fifty-two. They sometimes got a little redundant. But, I plan to read this book again. Lots of gems.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated some of the points that were made in this book but the author didn't get all of his facts right about he movie, and sometimes the writing seemed too redundant for me. But it was cute and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.

[Meredith Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a box of assorted chocolates, Bob Welch's 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life contains bite-sized ponderings on the iconic film starring Henry Travers, Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore and Donna Reed. While 52 lessons might be stretching it a bit (the devotionals begin to get repetitive in places), I loved the nuggets of wisdom contained within this book. It's a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies, and this in-depth study provided some great insights. Some of my favorite lessons were:

The Quietest Life Often Speaks the Loudest. Mary Hatch leads a seemingly uneventful life, but she is a strong heroine, a perfect helpmate for her husband, George.
Bitterness Hurts the One Who is Bitter the Most. Henry F. Potter might be rich, but his bitter outlook on life results in isolation.
The Best Flowers are Often Late Bloomers. I liked this lesson as it described the initial release of It's a Wonderful Life. It was a flop. The subsequent resurgence in interest for the film was so interesting to learn.
Grace is a Gift Freely Given. George is helped by guardian angel Clarence despite his anger and resentment. Many other characters, (including town flirt Violet Bick), receive undeserved grace.
Revisions Make Endings Better. I loved this entry as it explored an alternative ending to the movie that was omitted. Welch himself postulates an ending about the villain, Mr. Henry F. Potter, that I really liked. Neat to consider.

This book is recommended to anyone who loves It's a Wonderful Life, or to those who have never seen the movie. Hopefully, it would whet appetites to do so. While some critics panned It's a Wonderful Life when it was released as overly sentimental and "Pollyannish," I myself like the "sentimental hogwash" of the movie. Those who do not have much in the way of material things might often be "the richest people in town". If that makes me an idealist, then so be it.
Happy reading, and God bless you all.

[Jason L. Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compact but an investment of a read, Bob Welch provides a unique perspective of one of the most popular Christmas movies through 52 inspirational lessons tiltled, and based on quotes from the movie. They are biblically-supported with a couple of reflection questions concluding each lesson for personal or group study and contemplation. Many of these quotes are by minor characters within the movie, perfect for attaining even the slightest inspiration or object lesson. Lessons are modernly relevant, such as the concept of entering a child's world can expand your world (based on the main character, George, whose daughter, Zuzu, reflects on the modest of things like her flower); how prayer changes things (inspired by Clarence the angel); or God's greatest gift is life, a theme proudly inherent within the book.

[Ray Palen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next to A CHRISTMAS CAROL (particularly the Alastair Sim version), my next favorite holiday film is Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life".

The funny thing is that I don't really consider it a 'Christmas movie'. The pivotal climax scene takes place on Christmas Eve, but I always felt this film could well be viewed and enjoyed year round. 52 LITTLE LESSONS from It's a Wonderful Life by Bob Welch gives a thorough examination of this great film and is essential reading for fans of it.

52 short chapters highlight a Lesson, feature a blurb from the film and then goes on to analyze the scenes, characters involved and even tie in some biblical verses to infuse some spirituality into an already excellent examination of this movie.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is essentially a daily devotional based on one of my all-time favorite movies, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, a movie that has become a tradition in Christmas viewing. As a devotional book, the author attempts to highlight themes from the movie and connect them with scripture and Judeo-Christian principles. Like the movie, the book is positive and uplifting. But as one might imagine in a book attempting to glean 52 ideas from a movie and apply them to scripture and to day to day life in 2022, there are some entries where the author has to make a bit of a stretch to derive a lesson from a movie scene. But more often than not, the author hits the mark quite well. Overall this is a fun and encouraging devotional for any fan of the movie.

[Carol Stephan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author uses the beloved movie and ties in scenes to biblical passages. At the end of each lesson are two questions for the reader to consider as the lesson might apply to the reader's life. Hard core fans of the movie might like this book most but even if you have never seen the movie the author describes the scenes in detail so one could follow it. He does provide some interesting background throughout about Frank Capra and the making of the movie.

I did not expect the religious tie-in to the movie. The lessons are worth thinking about but repetitious and most very obvious. Since there are 52 lessons it might be best to read one lesson a week and take time to think about that lesson until the next week.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Carol Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd of the "52 Little Lessons..." books I've read. I am grateful for the time spent with these pages. The "little lessons" aren't little in the the big scheme of life. They're lessons we know--humility, kindness, caring more for others than self, importance of relationship--but allowing them to enter into the heart and mind with freshness is the best way to begin the 2022 year.

I appreciate how Bob Welch wrote about the flaws in the movie, but shows us that the lessons given still shine brilliantly. Now, I can't wait to read my third one: "52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables."

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely little book, there are 52 lessons, a chapter on each lesson. Such a great, timeless movie, this book is an added bonus to the movie! I can easily see a really nice gift basket that includes the movie, this book and movie snacks! Great gift! The book covers a lot of great lessons, and includes questions at the end of each lesson. The questions are thought provoking and the lessons meaningful. Great book, and very pretty cover! Enjoyed this book.

[Jeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read it more as a daily devotional than a weekly one. It was a little meatier than I really expected, although nothing too in depth. It didn’t require lots of time. Truly enriched my understanding of Dickens’ classic, and I will definitely be reading other little lesson books by Mr. Welch.

[Jake Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite movie of all time, and this book has become one of my favorite books of all time. I can’t count the number of times I wept as I read this. God bless you Frank Capra for making such a phenomenal film. And God bless you Bob Welch for your amazing insights and observations about America’s favorite film.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

As noted in previous reviews, this book definitely contains errors. And it's not mind-blowing in scope. Even so, it was a wonderful (pun intended?) little read. Give me more "sentimental hogwash," as Potter puts it, for it makes me happy and secure in this crazy world. Long live George Bailey and his Bedford Falls crew!

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought-provoking book for any time of year, but especially at Christmastime. I enjoyed reading a couple of lessons a night during December. There are a few lines at the end of each lesson for you to write down your thoughts and answer a few provided questions.
I won my copy from a Goodreads giveaway.