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Skipping Christmas

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Skipping Christmas

By: John Grisham
Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
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About this listen

Winner of the British Book Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007.

Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded shops, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That's just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether.

Theirs will be the only house on the street without a rooftop Frosty the Snowman; they won't be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. They won't need one, because come December 25 they're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences, and isn't half as easy as they'd imagined.

A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that has become part of our holiday tradition.

©2001 Belfry Holdings, Inc. (P)2003 Penguin Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Holidays Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Winter Christmas Witty Comedy

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Featured article: The best Christmas movies based on audiobooks


'Tis the season of mistletoe, mince pies, Christmas wishes, and present-giving... Did you know that many of the most memorable and iconic Christmas movies started life as works of literature? Enjoy our list of festive audiobooks and holiday movie adaptations...

Featured article The best Christmas movies based on audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A beguiling and beautifully constructed novel." (Sunday Times [UK])
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Loved it! John Grisham is one of my favourite authors! Although the genre was different it was still written in his unique, captivating style.

Witty read

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excellent story. some parts are even funnier than the film! highly recommend this to everyone.

a festive treat

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Even though I have read tis book, and enjoyed the film 'Christmas with the Kranks' - I had a bit of DIY to do, and at 4 hours this is a perfect fill.

I love John Grisham, and when he leaves law behind, I always feel a new lease of life for his writing. The writing is fast and edgy, with a great quirkiness. Really enjoyed the voice.

Quick Christmas Cheer Up

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I have to admit that I first came across this little gem after the film version hit our screens a few years ago. Re-titled "Christmas with the Kranks" for Hollywood purposes - both the film and this book have become a staple part of my festive diet ever since!
Short enough to read/listen to in an afternoon (preferably on the sofa with a box of chocs and a big mug of tea) this is a story which not only brings home how materialistic Christmas has become but also how communities will pull together in times of need - especially at this "most wonderful time of the year".
I love this book!

Christmas with the Kranks...but better!

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I really enjoyed this story, really funny in places and really well narrated, I wanted it to go on for longer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

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I was introduced to this story by a friend several years ago and since then it has been obligatory listening every Christmas. On first hearing you will be on the edge of your seat wondering how far Hemlock will go in the quest for conformity. The narration is first class and sweeps you along, perfectly capturing the relationship between Luther and Nora. If you can, set aside 4 hours and listen to it in one go!

Very un-John Gresham but great!

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Well narrated and funny. An alternative way to view Christmas preparations and customs whilst still being a light read.

Hilarious Christmas read

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I loved this. A cynical, funny, honest look at Christmas, with some touching moments too.

Festive fun

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A good Christmas read…. Very heartwarming and thought provoking as there is lots happening with thr characters.

Heartwarming

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Christmas with the Kranks is one of my favourite Christmas films so I thought I'd give the book a listen and I wasn't disappointed! Just as charming as I expected.
The only issue was there were quite a few inappropriate and insensitive cultural references that seriously haven't aged well. The book was written 20 years ago so aside from that, it's a lovely, original story.

Exactly like the film!

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