Better Next Year: An Anthology of Christmas Epiphanies

by J.J. Lee

Christmas is trumpeted as a time of peace, joy, bounty and goodwill. Believers and non-believers alike covet the spirit of the holidays even when circumstances are screwed up. Recollections from acclaimed Canadian authors combine with emerging voices from across the country in an anthology that debunks the popular depiction of Christmas while delivering its messages of hope and renewal. Writers marginalized by personal circumstance, faith, race share memories of surviving bleak Christmases holidays spent in shelters, or on the streets; families marred by alcohol and violence; personal struggles with addiction, poverty or grief; isolation and loneliness. Despite these and other obstacles, contributors strive to salvage the spirit of the season. With contributions

Genres: Christmas, Canada

226 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2023

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great idea! This collection of off beat Christmas stories the brain child of J.J. Lee is fantastic.
Lots of fun stories - like Vienna by my dear friend Joanna Baxter.
Pick it up, you won’t regret it.

[Sheri Radford · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting but uneven collection. Some of the essays in this book are thoughtful, well-written, and compelling, with themes that tie intrinsically into Christmas. Others, however, are unclear, even confusing, and don't seem to explore ideas surrounding Christmas at all.

[Melody Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am feeling quite "humbug" at the moment - this little gem was just gasoline on the fire. A series of sad tales of holiday suffereings. It does drive home that everyone is fighting their own personal battle and it reminds me to be kind. It is a worthwhile read.

[Jaki Eisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! What a book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tapestry of Christmas experiences! I commend and thank each writer for sharing their stories. Thank you, JJ!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, true stories that made me think about my own Christmases.