12.24

by Jaron Sean Briggs

I guess you could say I was like most people. I really didn't pay attention to the small events in my life that seemed to come together by mere chance. Some say that's heaven telling you to pay attention. Some say it's coincidence. Whatever you call it, as you read my story, there is something you must know - I learned a secret about these small events and their true meaning. The night I buried my baby, I had a dream.

171 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to High School with this author so I was excited to check his debut novel out. For a feel good Christmas book, he tackles some pretty heavy topics including infertility and a stillborn baby. Even though the themes are difficult he manages to keep the overall message and feel of the novel light and hopeful. The book is written in diary form from the perspective of two females. I was impressed at what a good job the author did at describing the thoughts and feeling of these women especially in very intimate situations like childbirth.

[Grampy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“12.24” by Jaron Sean Briggs is, fortunately, a short story. If it went on much longer it would have become a “two boxer”, meaning it would have required two boxes of tissues to get through it. Not to be too crass, 12.24 is a real tear-jerker. It is a multi-generational, heart-rending recitation of the thoughts and emotions experienced by two women as they dealt with the grief of loss, and their unfulfilled longing to become mothers. Early on, one of the women was visiting her dying mother in the hospital, when her mother revealed she had left a letter for her daughter in her journal at home. However, she did not tell the woman where her journal was. Eventually the journal is found, the letter read, and the woman gasped in awe at what it said. We have to wait until almost the last page to know what the letter said, but once we learn, we completely understand the emotional impact it had.

I consider myself something of a crusty old curmudgeon… a tough guy who can deal with anything, and maintain an emotional detachment from any situation. This story deflated that opinion I held of myself. Many times while reading it I found myself tearing up. My breath hitched a little, and my hands started to shake. I doubt anybody could read this without becoming emotionally engaged in the lives of the various players. The fingerprints of God are all over the lives of these two women, and both have their faith affirmed through adversity. If you don’t believe in miracles, you need to read this story. It will make a believer of you.

[Joyce Menna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The link between generations in this story are great and the letter was the best part such a good read

[Christine Mihailescu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Spiritual

[Cindy Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. 3.5 stars

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Others will probably think I'm a dissenter but that's okay. I really didn't like this book. Sure it's about losing a child late in pregnancy. I get that. Problem is, it jumps around so much it's difficult to tell who is now telling their story. I think the only touching part of the story is when Ann discovers she's miscarried - and that's at the very beginning of the book so it's nothing I'm giving away here.

Read it and weep - either because you enjoyed the story or because you've wasted your time.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I had not heard of it but happened to catch a glimpse of it at an independent bookstore. It was a small book and thought I might give it a try, a fast read. I am so glad I did. At first, I wondered how Ann and Eliza's journals were connected. I found out and much more. The comments made about this book are good and suggest you read them and then read the book. It will be well worth your time.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle Version
Worth the money.
I got this book for free, so sure, it was worth the $ and nothing lost except my time.
It held my interest at the lowest level. It was a fast read, so I plodded on.
Sort of depressing, but also enlightens us on how people grieve in different ways.
Somewhat confusing going back and forth in time and going back and forth between generations of characters.
In the end I was very disappointed. Too religious for me.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was offered for free on Amazon just before Christmas, so I picked it up for a little holiday reading. It is definitely not your typical Christmas story. It is much better written than most free offerings.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, but be prepared with kleenex. I enjoyed the format dealing with several generations and a journaL

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very faith-based story about women who long to be mothers but have trouble conceiving.
It was a nice story but I wasn't overly impressed with the story or the symbolism.