As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

December 30, 2010

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS by Dr. Seuss, 1957

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday. (Amazon product description)

Review by Laura Madsen, mom, veterinarian and writer

I missed Christmas with this review but I figure it’s never a bad time to gush about THE GRINCH. I’ve loved this book since I was little; my mom used to read it to me, and now I’m reading it to my kids.

The story follows the Grinch, a nasty green creature with a heart “two sizes too small,” and his faithful dog, Max, in their adventures stealing Christmas décor and presents from the villagers of Who-ville. In the end, the Grinch realizes that Christmas “doesn’t come from a store” and that perhaps it “means a little bit more.” His heart grows three sizes, he brings back the gifts, carves the Whos’ Christmas roast beast, and they all live happily ever after. (Be honest—how many adults out there still refer to roast beef as “roast beast?” I’m raising my hand.)

It’s a marvelous story, an antidote to the commercialism of the holiday. Dr. Seuss’s writing is brilliant as always, as when the Grinch gets a “wonderful, awful idea.” Most writers would never consider stringing “wonderful” and “awful” together, but the result is perfect.

Book formats:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (hardcover)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Anniversary Edition: A 50th Anniversary Retrospective (special edition)

To learn more about this legendary author, visit: Dr. Seuss

Extra Gush: These movie versions are SO great!

Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Full Screen)   How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2 comments:

Heather said...

It is one of my all time favorite Holiday classics! Dr. Seuss was a genius for writing the story!

Kim said...

I love Dr. Seuss! I can't wait until my girls are old enough for this wonderful story. I'm one of those moms who refers to roast beef as roast beast!