A Christmas carol - Charles Dickens - How are you getting on?

[Simon (Highwayman)]

A Christmas Carol


How did it go? Reviews here. If you know how to tag spoilers then they can go here, otherwise please wait for the book discussion thread to open.

A Christmas Carol

[Philip (sarah)]

I chose this book for three reasons; 1.I had to choose a freebie. 2.It's a Dickens Classic. 3.I'TS CHRISTMAS.
It would be impossible to send all you folks a card so I saw this as the next best option,in reading it together we can embrace the true spirit of the season while enjoying what is recognised as Dickens most popular work.
As a novella it can be easily read in 2/3 hrs and I trust will prompt lots of discussion.
I first read this book at school,then enjoyed in varying degrees, screen versions including, The Muppets and Dr Who.
I recently read it again to refresh my memory for today's unveiling and was surprised that though the story was as familiar as ever how differently I interpreted it when looking at it through adult eyes.In finishing(at last says you)I can only say.MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL.

[Jud]

I read this I think around last christmas or maybe 2 years ago... Am looking forward to reading it again and getting even more into the xmas spirit

[Philip (sarah)]

Thanks Jud,looking forward to discussing it with you.

[Kath]

One of the true Christmas Classics. I might have to refresh my memory - it's been a long time!

[Darren]

I was never a fan of Dickens, but I make a massive exception for A Christmas Carol. It's a timeless tale that is constantly open to reinvention (Doctor Who Christmas specials, Catherine Tate, dodgy pantos). The characters are tremendous fun and it really has something to say about human nature and how a little kindness can make the world a better place.

Bah, humbug indeed.

[Jay-me (Janet)]

I will hold my hand up and admit that I have never read any Dickens book further than the first chapter - including this one. Given that I am still reading the October and November books (slowly) I doubt that I will make this the first Dickens book in my Read list.

[Lynne (Tigger's Mum)]

Jay-me (Janet) wrote: "I will hold my hand up and admit that I have never read any Dickens book further than the first chapter - including this one. Given that I am still reading the October and November books (slowly) ..."

Me too Janet, I've got thumb prints on the first ten pages of a lot of Dickens but never got to the end of one (yet).

[Ian]

Spooky. I started reading this last week. My first ever Dickens, and I have to say so far I agree with Janet. I'm not sure I'll get through to the end.

[Philip (sarah)]

Thanks everyone for taking a look.The discussion will examine both what people like and dislike about Dickens style,so please join in whether you read the whole book or just the first 10 pages your views can only add to the debate.

[Kath]

He's hard work but his style does grow on you. I had a real Dickens-fest in my late teens.

[Kath]

i love the story, read several Dickens at school - well, he was born here so i guess it was inevitable - but i have never read this one... i think i will give it a whirl :)
good choice xx

[Steve]

I've got this on audiobook somewhere, I think. I meant to read/listen to it last Christmas, but never got around to it. I'd better try to find it...

[Lorraine]

I think I might just watch it (again) ... ♥ Patrick Stewart

[Grace]

Seeing this book as the December read made me smile!
It's as if you're a mind reader. I downloaded it LAST christmas and ...you guessed it...didnt get around to reading it. Now, with you as the voice of my conscience, there are no more excuses.

[Philip (sarah)]

With me as the voice of your conscience Grace you would get away with murder.Lol.Thanks for joining me,likewise
Kath and Steve. Lorraine you have left me speechless and that is a rare occurance.HeHeHe.

[Jud]

I'm on my 3rd Dickens The Old Curiosity Shop I read A Christmas Carol and Other Stories first, some of the stories I found a bit boring I guess but I loved a christmas carol and there was one about bells that I cant remember now. Only other Dickens I have read is Great Expectations and i loved it!

I have a few more dickins waiting on my Kindle, maybe this will inspire me to have a Dickens-fest a la Ignite.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

[Lorraine]

by Lorraine ♥ purr purr ♥
I think I might just watch it (again) ... ♥ Patrick Stewart


I think i'll watch the film again....mmmmm kermit.

[Philip (sarah)]

I think that may have been The Chimes Jud.I read The Old Curiosity shop many years ago.I love Christmas too.

[Lorraine]

Lorraine (lol) wrote: "I think i'll watch the film again....mmmmm kermit."

Philip (sarah) wrote: " Lorraine you have left me speechless and that is a rare occurance.He..."

Totally at a loss as to what to replly, not even sure I understand ! It's time for bed methinks lol ! Maybe I'll have some kind of epiphany about it overnight !

[Philip (sarah)]

He He Lorraine just the thought of you in Christmas Carol Movie with Patrick Stewart,dressed in your crinoline and being all coy and subservive.Sorry I didn't explain better.

[Lorraine]

Couldn't have a part in there Sarah, I'd end up making him too happy he wouldn't even get the visit of the ghost of Xmas !

[Philip (sarah)]

We could writa a whole new story in time for next years group book Lorraine,or better still how about a group movie.Lol.

[Lorraine]

Awesome Sarah ! Count me in !

[Philip (sarah)]

I will be thinking about this and smiling all day now Lorraine and I have to get myself into'serious Sarah 'mode!HeHe.

[Gingerlily - The Full Wild]

Ghost: I am the ghost of Christmas Past.
Patrick: Oh get lost, I'm too busy here with my darling Lorraine.
Ghost: Oh. Ok then, I can see I'm not needed here.

THE END.

It would be a very short movie.

[Lorraine]

Sarah, you forget about the bit that says "and they had lots of children and they lived happily ever after" !

[Philip (sarah)]

Gingerlily we need a real author to help us with our project are you free?, we also need more than 3 lines,perhaps we could save Lorraine as his 'final reward'.Lots of Kids,kittens and happy ever afters coming up.

[Gingerlily - The Full Wild]

Well how about asking Darren, he's a much realer author than I am. And he has done a play.

[Kath]

Like little Ern? A Play what he wrote?

[Gingerlily - The Full Wild]

An actual one that actual people are actually performing.

[Lorraine]

Philip (sarah) wrote: "Gingerlily we need a real author to help us with our project are you free?, we also need more than 3 lines,perhaps we could save Lorraine as his 'final reward'.Lots of Kids,kittens and happy ever a..."

you forget Love Sarah, lots of love, that's the essence of me :)

[Philip (sarah)]

Lorraine the very mention of your illustrious name within the context of the afore mentioned post can nought but covey passion to the masses.
Dickens,eat your heart out.HeHe.

[Lorraine]

Lol x

I wish somehow love was contagious... we'd certainly lived in a much better world !

[Lynne (Tigger's Mum)]

OK This time I really will read a Dickens story to the end. I've got them on Kindle just gathering dust. It will be a first as I've just never got into any but I've been threatening myself with reading them for a year, so now you've spurred me into it.

[Philip (sarah)]

Thank you,Lynne.I hope you enjoy Christmas Carol.Look forward to hearing how you get on,keep us posted. ;@)

[Grace]

Philip (sarah) wrote: "He He Lorraine just the thought of you in Christmas Carol Movie with Patrick Stewart,dressed in your crinoline and being all coy and subservive.Sorry I didn't explain better."

"

The ultimate Christmas Carole movie was made by the muppets!

[Lorraine]

Grace, I can do Miss Piggy ! (well I guess)

[Philip (sarah)]

Bags I be Kermit then.

[Gingerlily - The Full Wild]

Oh can I be Animal? Pleases??

[Patti (baconater)]

Dibs on the Swedish Chef. Or Beaker.

[Philip (sarah)]

Your wish is my command.

[Jud]

I'll be Rizzo

[Philip (sarah)]

Granted.

[Lynne (Tigger's Mum)]

A few years ago my sister & family went to a hotel for Christmas and they knew there was a fancy dress with the theme of a Christmas Carol so my sister went as Jacob Marley's ghost. Her outfit and makeup were so good. She came out of her room and locked the door, turning round she saw a small child behind her, when he saw her he screamed the place down. Poor kid was hysterical. The more she tried to calm him the more upset he got until she was almost chasing him down the corridor. I wonder if he ever got over it.

[Lorraine]

Gingerlily (lovable author) wrote: "Oh can I be Animal? Pleases??"

Fozzy Bear ! I ♥ him !

[Philip (sarah)]

Oh Lynne how funny,her outfit must have been awesome,wish we had a photo.Poor little boy. What a great idea from the hotel though as it would be a good icebreaker and get people mixing.Lol.

[Patti (baconater)]

Hehe, Lynne. We did that to a bunch of people here on camp on Hallowe'en. On purpose, though. ;)

[Penelope]

I've read the book, seen most all the movies and always enjoy this timeless story. A great classic.

[Philip (sarah)]

Hope to see you join in the discussions Penelope,the thread should open in 10 days or so.If you continue to pop in and out of this thread you will see how others are enjoying the experience.