The Santa Exclusive

by Brent Boswell

Ran Anderson is a self-destructive, thirty-something journalist who believes gift giving at Christmas is a massive waste of resources. He loathes Santa for spearheading such widespread fiscal irresponsibility, especially considering the dismal state of the world’s economy. So when invited to conduct an exclusive, face-to-face interview with Claus just before the Holidays, Ran is eager to stump Santa by asking some very hard-hitting and even unpopular questions—but it turns out—Santa is eager to respond.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Novella

63 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2012

Reviews

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santa Exclusive: A Christmas Novella by Brent Boswell is a charming tale of keeping Christ in Christmas despite the commercialization that modern businesses portray. Newspaper reporter Ran Anderson has become a cynic and an alcoholic since winning a Pulitzer prize. The award went to his head. He began hanging around with name dropping people who only tolerated him for his Pulitzer. His editor and friend is ready to dump him his writing has gone down hill. He's become very sarcastic and caustic. While waiting to interview Santa he drinks himself into a stupor and an old man dressed as a janitor drops in. He tries to change his mind. After that doesn't work he takes him to Santa. As Ran is unconscious he dreams he dies from over drinking. He wakes up in a bed with Mrs Clause sitting in a rocker waiting for him. Can Mr and Mrs Clause help turn his mind. Will he resume writing for the underdog. This little book will reveal all.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The description of the book is very misleading. I was looking for a Scrooge type book about a Christmas miracle, but ending up getting a Public Service Announcement with a lot of preaching.

The book starts out introducing us to a Scrooge like character -- an alcoholic reporter. After a visit from a mysterious janitor the reporter dies, begs God for another chance and ends up at the North Pole talking to Santa Clause. He then proceeds to 'interview' Santa which ends up being a combination of a PSA and a lot of preaching about what God wants us to be.

While I did find a few points made by the author to be relevant to society's current state -- a call for people to respect the President regardless of rather they voted for him or not and a call for reform to begin at home with better parenting, overall I found the tone of the book to be too preachy for my interest.

I found the whole mix of God and Santa to be odd and felt that the purpose of the book was to allow the author to preach and try to convert his readers to his way of thinking about religion. Not what I am looking for in a Christmas story.

[Gina Hott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the first third of The Santa Exclusive I wondered if I’d be able to finish. I picked it up thinking it was a children’s book, mostly because of the cover (I don’t love that you can’t view title info when browsing through your books on the Kindle), and wasn’t finding it appropriate for any children I knew.

The Santa Exclusive conveys very strong Christian messages. The anti-alcohol message is the most prominent but it also mentions charity, selflessness, voting, war, drugs, parenting and others.

Even with the strong messages and alcohol abuse The Santa Exclusive is a very good story. The reader can’t help but dislike Ran yet we still want him to be changed through his experiences.

More on The Santa Exclusive…
Author: Brent Boswell
Source: I got this as a Kindle Free Read on December 3, 2012
Publisher & Date: October 26th 2011 by Light the Dark Publishing Company
Genre: Christian Fantasy | Parable
ISBN: 148100333X (ISBN-13: 978-1481003339)
Pages: 106
Grade: A
Ages: YA – I believe it’s too gritty for anyone younger that 13ish

[Charissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella had a great message for the holiday season. Similar to The Christmas Carol with a cynical journalist who needs to be taught the truth about Christmas and himself, it helps you remember what is truly important. In this story, the scroogy guy gets an exclusive interview with the real Santa. If you need some Christmas cheer, try it out.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was like Scrooge meets Jesus and Santa Claus is a prophetic witness. A very inspiring feel good story with a happy ending. Initially I was getting irritated but then my heart was pricked. Being at the top of the world means nothing if you are miserable.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thought provoking novelette. A great story on the human condition and redemption, that provides some insights that could help us all keep the right perspective and try to make the world around us better. It was a very enjoyable read.

[David Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, this book really strikes home the true meaning of Christmas. I appreciate how Brent Boswell was able to tell a story in which Santa himself says he is doing work for Christ. The Santa Exclusive left me feeling pretty good after having read it.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

waaaay to religious for ne...

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reminder of keeping your focus on what Christmas is about. Also, how Santa and the Christmas Spirit can and should continue through out the year. Yes Virginia there is Santa and God.

[Kris hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! Just getting into the Christmas Spirit!!

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good Christmas novella with a Christian slant. I loved it.