The Woodcutter's Christmas

I think this is an absolutely precious story that has a real message.It will really make you think about what we value in our society and what really IS of value. This book can be read in about a half hour. Instead of tuning into a tv show, pick a night to open up this book and give it a read. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the reaction you have.

This is a nice little gift book, only 61/2" x 6 1/2" and easily read in a single sitting. It has lovely black and white photographs and a satisfying story which makes you think about the things you value and the things you throw away. When a man who lives with the bounty of the earth and the turning of the seasons comes to realize that the Christmas trees he raises end up cast aside on curbs by the thousands after a very short "life" of use and compares that with the slow, process of growing and maturing that he has nurtured them through, his life changes. He also meets a special person when he's in Manhattan to sell the trees and she teaches him to look beyond the prescribed "value" that society places on the new and sparkly and successful, to look at the intrinsic value that life bestows and that is so often taken for granted. Of course Brad Kessler says all this in a very lovely Vermont-woodsy-deep snowy sort of way. This book doesn't bowl you over with emotion or revelation but it does make you think and feel and it takes you to a quiet place where you might have a chance to absorb and integrate this important message. I recommend it. A portion of the royalties from the sale of the book are donated to aid homeless people in New York City.

What a nice holiday story! Living in the Northeast, I definitely felt akin to the story of the woodcutter and his trees. This was much more "real" than a lot of the Christmas books out there. The photos are really great too. I'm going to be buying more to give as gifts this year!