On “Miracle on 34th Street”: A Book Review

Between a slew of essay writing and then being busy with a ton of Christmas crafting, I almost didn’t get my last review of the year up in time! 

Title: Miracle on 34^th Street

Author: Valentine Davies 

Genre: Fiction, Christmas

About the book…

The elderly Kris Kringle believes he’s Santa Claus, but not everyone is willing to agree with him and, in fact, some even think he’s insane. He’s out to change this, though, starting with Doris Walker and her daughter, Susan, touching the hearts of people everywhere. Published in 1947, alongside the classic 1947 movie, which Davies wrote the original story pitch for, starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Natalie Wood.   

What I think… 

Having such a fondness for the movie, I was really looking forward to reading this story this year and it didn’t disappoint. It’s fairly similar to the movie with little differences here and there, none which really stand out all that much or alter the overall story line, so it’s exactly what you’d expect if you’ve seen the movie.

It was conveniently short, my 6 1/2 by 4 inch copy is only 117 pages, making it easy to squeeze in during spare moments. It was also well written, which keeps it moving quickly.    

I found myself agreeing with a number of points about the topic of commercialism, which I thought was interesting coming from a late 40’s perspective and still incredibly relatable to in a number of ways.

To sum it all up… 

The perfect novella to fit in between present wrapping, baking, and all the craziness that comes with the holiday season. 

Thank you for joining me in my year of classic Hollywood themed reviews!♥

On New Elves for Christmas: A Photo Post

Last month I added two new elves to my Christmas decorations!

I was looking specifically for the first one, but when I saw this second one I decided to get him too. The string to hang him on the tree broke off, but it shouldn't be too hard to replace and for now I have no qualms leaving him with the sole reindeer that made it out of the box when I started to decorate.

The chunks of glitter make my poor reindeer look spotty!

 ♥ ♥ ♥

On a New Tote Bag: A Photo Post

Is it silly to buy a bag to match your favorite socks?

♥♥♥

On "Cheaper By the Dozen": A Book Review

Title: Cheaper By the Dozen

Authors: Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography

About the book… 

First published in 1948, Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey share their memories of growing up in a household of twelve children with their father, Frank Bunker Gilbreth, a man famous for his contributions to motion study and the scientific management field.

This book was made into a movie by the same name in 1950 starring Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy as Frank and Lillian Gilbreth.

What I think…

I really have nothing negative to say about this book. I like that it reads like a novel and that it has just the right amount of love and humor in it while still capturing the reality of things. The illustrations also carry a certain charm that only adds to the book.

It’s interesting to read about both Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and the way their work extended into the home, as well as the way their children felt about it. 

There are two parts that stand out as being my favorites. One is in chapter 10 when Frank decides to film all the children getting their tonsils out as part of his research into how motion study could reduce time in certain surgeries and let’s just say things don’t go quite as well as they should. The second part, is about their summer adventures in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where they owned two lighthouses. 

To sum it all up… 

A comically heartwarming book honoring a father and his work. If you want a delightful biography about family this is the one to choose. ♥