Giovanni's Light: The Story of a Town Where Time Stopped for Christmas

Leaving my cold weather roots with the outside temperature at 70, I never dreamed I'd be able to be deliciously snowed in for the holidays cozying up for a fresh winter storm so vividly brought back to life in "Giovanni's Light". Holed up with me, to my delight, were Ms. Theroux's richly endearing cast of characters who one by one are given the chance to revisit the essence of the holiday spirit. I was at home in Ryland Falls eagerly awaiting each turn of events. A great solo read but just as much a wonderful family read-a-loud. It allowed my sun-bathed clan to experience the magic and wonder of a Christmas where nature's snowy blanket sets the town residents on a new course. A warm glow of a book I have continued to buy more copies to pass on to frenzied, frazzled friends who are all begging to find a way to slow down and experience the true gifts of the holidays. "Giovanni's Light" is just the answer.

Giovanni's Light is a gentle masterpiece. Phyllis writes with a softness and grace and invites you into a world of simplicity and peace. Her ability to see inside the mind and heart of a child is a gift. As I read, I felt myself slowing down and enjoying the people and beauty of Ryland Falls as if they were my own neighbors. Reading it is like spending an hour in a snow storm curled up beside a warm fireplace.

This new Christmas story reads like a classic. I didn't think they made 'em like this anymore, but Giovanni's Light feels like a book we've known and loved forever. The story is set in Ryland Falls, a charming small town "that made people sigh and imagine happy things that had never happened to them". But this Christmas, everyone in Ryland Falls has lost their enthusiasm for the holiday. Theroux tells the stories of several townspeople along with that of Giovanni, who comes to town each year to sell his Christmas trees. It's a lovely book that you could give to your grandmother or you Goddaughter. This is the book you'll want to curl up with on Christmas afternoon, when all the holiday commotion is over. It's a delight.

I love this book. It's a great story. It's beautiful writing. It's a perfect book. After I read it, I bought fifteen copies and gave them to every member of my family and my dearest friends. It is the perfect gift if you want to tell anyone you are glad to have them in your life. It's not full of sappy holiday cliches. It is warm and real. Give it to adults, who will enjoy sliding into the couch with a cup of coffee to read something that isn't cynical. Give it to parents who will get great pleasure from reading it to their kids. Give it to kids, who will read it to themselves, or rally the family as mom or dad reads it to them. Most of all, give it to yourself. It's a treat. And it's just the kind of book we need--especially now.

There's nothing wrong with watching "It's a Wonderful Life" every year to get in the Christmas mood, but wouldn't it be nice to hear another story, one that's as authentic and uplifting? "Giovanni's Light" is that story. When I read this book, I had to get up from the chair every now and then to dance around the room. Warm, funny, and smart, the story never hits a false note -- which is all too rare in holiday literature. "Giovanni's Light" will remind you that all the ordinary stuff in life holds extraordinary promise, if we will just open our hearts and minds. This Christmas, the gift book for friends I cherish most is "Giovanni's Light."