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A Death at Christmas And Other Wondrous Events
In this heartfelt story, a young man grapples with the emotional weight of his comatose father during the Christmas season. His life takes an unexpected turn when he starts receiving visits from his father's ghost. Through these encounters filled with love, jokes, and sarcasm, he finds guidance and support that help him navigate the challenges he faces.
Together, they explore the joys and struggles of life, uncovering hidden family secrets and gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of familial bonds. With his father's support and the spirit of Christmas surrounding him, he learns to embrace himself as he is.
This heartwarming tale highlights the transformative power of love and emphasizes the enduring bond within families. It captures the essence of Christmas as a time for healing, growth, and the celebration of cherished relationships.
Together, they explore the joys and struggles of life, uncovering hidden family secrets and gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of familial bonds. With his father's support and the spirit of Christmas surrounding him, he learns to embrace himself as he is.
This heartwarming tale highlights the transformative power of love and emphasizes the enduring bond within families. It captures the essence of Christmas as a time for healing, growth, and the celebration of cherished relationships.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2023
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 4, 2025
This book is part heartfelt memoir, part magical realism, and all wrapped up in holiday grief, hope, and healing. A Death at Christmas follows a teenage boy named Peter as he navigates the emotional turmoil of losing his father just before Christmas. But here’s the twist—his father doesn’t leave entirely. Instead, his young, ghostlike presence returns to help Peter process the loss. The story unfolds over a series of vignettes, covering everything from family secrets to choir concerts, bank mishaps, and deeply moving moments of connection—both supernatural and human.
What struck me most was how honest and unfiltered the writing felt. Smith doesn’t sugarcoat the pain of losing a parent, especially as a teenager. The scene where Peter finds a Christmas card from his father after he dies wrecked me. It’s the kind of detail that sneaks up on you. The writing style is simple, direct, sometimes even a bit raw. It makes it feel like you’re sitting across from someone telling you the story over coffee. There’s this great moment at the choir concert where Peter, grieving and uncertain, belts out a deliberately off-key solo. It’s funny and heartbreaking all at once, and that’s kind of the vibe of the whole book.
But I also loved the quiet yet strange wisdom that shows up in unexpected places. Like the chapter about the mysterious second wife. It reads like a family mystery unfolding in real time. Or when Peter’s dad, in his ghostly form, starts explaining the “universal organization” and his role as a sort of “transition therapist.” It sounds weird, and it is, but it somehow works. It doesn’t feel like sci-fi or fantasy, it feels personal and comforting, like a spiritual wink rather than a religious hammer. There’s a scene where Peter’s friend Patrick unexpectedly shows up to spend time with him, and I found myself grinning. It’s that mix of small gestures and cosmic questions that keeps the story grounded but still wondrous, just like the title promises.
If you’ve ever lost someone, then this book will resonate with you. But it’s not just a sad story. It’s about healing, memory, awkward family dynamics, and learning how to carry on when everything changes. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt memoirs, coming-of-age stories with a magical twist, or just something that feels real and raw and weird in the best way.
What struck me most was how honest and unfiltered the writing felt. Smith doesn’t sugarcoat the pain of losing a parent, especially as a teenager. The scene where Peter finds a Christmas card from his father after he dies wrecked me. It’s the kind of detail that sneaks up on you. The writing style is simple, direct, sometimes even a bit raw. It makes it feel like you’re sitting across from someone telling you the story over coffee. There’s this great moment at the choir concert where Peter, grieving and uncertain, belts out a deliberately off-key solo. It’s funny and heartbreaking all at once, and that’s kind of the vibe of the whole book.
But I also loved the quiet yet strange wisdom that shows up in unexpected places. Like the chapter about the mysterious second wife. It reads like a family mystery unfolding in real time. Or when Peter’s dad, in his ghostly form, starts explaining the “universal organization” and his role as a sort of “transition therapist.” It sounds weird, and it is, but it somehow works. It doesn’t feel like sci-fi or fantasy, it feels personal and comforting, like a spiritual wink rather than a religious hammer. There’s a scene where Peter’s friend Patrick unexpectedly shows up to spend time with him, and I found myself grinning. It’s that mix of small gestures and cosmic questions that keeps the story grounded but still wondrous, just like the title promises.
If you’ve ever lost someone, then this book will resonate with you. But it’s not just a sad story. It’s about healing, memory, awkward family dynamics, and learning how to carry on when everything changes. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt memoirs, coming-of-age stories with a magical twist, or just something that feels real and raw and weird in the best way.
January 15, 2024
It is a touching story that beautifully mixes the festive spirit of Christmas with themes of family, love, and self-discovery. The story revolves around a young man navigating the complexities of emotions tied to his father. The holiday season, usually associated with joy and cheerfulness, becomes a time of unexpected shock for him.
This heartwarming tale shows how love can transform lives. With his dad's ghost & the Christmas spirit, the guy learns to accept himself. The story is like a warm hug during the holidays, showing that Christmas is about healing, growing, & cherishing the people you love.
The author's touching portrayal of the relationship between the protagonist & his father. Through the visits from his father's ghost, readers are taken on a roller-coaster of emotions, from moments of heartfelt connection to instances with humor and playful sarcasm.
The journey of self-discovery undertaken by the protagonist is relatable and inspiring. Through his experiences & interactions with his father's ghost, he learns valuable lessons about acceptance and the true meaning of family. The evolution of his character is portrayed with sensitivity, making it easy for readers to empathize with his struggles.
The story beautifully captures the essence of Christmas giving readers a gentle reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of Christmas can illuminate our paths, as a time for healing, growth, and the celebration of cherished relationships. It emphasizes the transformative impact of love, portraying the young man's journey towards self-acceptance & understanding. Readers will find themselves intrigued by the exploration of life's joys and struggles, all set against the vibe of the holiday season.
If you enjoy heartwarming stories that blend humor, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural, I highly recommend this book.
This book is a reminder of the magic of Christmas and the power of love in making life better. This touching tale follows a young man's journey of discovery & healing during the Christmas season as he encounters his comatose father's ghost.
This heartwarming tale shows how love can transform lives. With his dad's ghost & the Christmas spirit, the guy learns to accept himself. The story is like a warm hug during the holidays, showing that Christmas is about healing, growing, & cherishing the people you love.
The author's touching portrayal of the relationship between the protagonist & his father. Through the visits from his father's ghost, readers are taken on a roller-coaster of emotions, from moments of heartfelt connection to instances with humor and playful sarcasm.
The journey of self-discovery undertaken by the protagonist is relatable and inspiring. Through his experiences & interactions with his father's ghost, he learns valuable lessons about acceptance and the true meaning of family. The evolution of his character is portrayed with sensitivity, making it easy for readers to empathize with his struggles.
The story beautifully captures the essence of Christmas giving readers a gentle reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of Christmas can illuminate our paths, as a time for healing, growth, and the celebration of cherished relationships. It emphasizes the transformative impact of love, portraying the young man's journey towards self-acceptance & understanding. Readers will find themselves intrigued by the exploration of life's joys and struggles, all set against the vibe of the holiday season.
If you enjoy heartwarming stories that blend humor, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural, I highly recommend this book.
This book is a reminder of the magic of Christmas and the power of love in making life better. This touching tale follows a young man's journey of discovery & healing during the Christmas season as he encounters his comatose father's ghost.
February 4, 2025
Christmas is drawing near when Pete’s father suffers a debilitating stroke, an event that sets the tone for this heartfelt novel. Aware that his time with his father is running out, Pete finds himself on the receiving end of some last-minute life lessons, lessons his father is determined to share, even if it means returning as a ghost to do so. With his guidance, Pete must navigate the complexities of life, strengthen the bonds with those he loves, and learn to embrace the joy of living. Time is slipping away, but Pete is resolved to soak up every precious moment with his father.
A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events by Artell Smith, is a deeply emotional novel that dives into themes of family, love, and personal growth. The story follows Pete as he grapples with the weight of his father’s declining health and the impact it has on his family. The narrative revolves around the relationships between the characters, with particular emphasis on the unique bond between Pete and his father. The novel captures the essence of a coming-of-age story, as Pete matures and learns to navigate life in a brief but transformative period under his father’s watchful eye.
Watching Pete confront life’s challenges while discovering his own identity felt both authentic and moving. The character development is nuanced, and the relationships, especially between Pete and his father, resonate with genuine emotion. The story’s exploration of family dynamics and personal growth will strike a chord with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives. That said, I feel that the writing occasionally has moments where the prose seems a bit less polished. Even so, the characters and their journey shine through, making the story compelling and memorable.
Artell Smith's A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events is a touching narrative that leaves you reflecting on the importance of family and the lessons we carry forward. I recommend this book to anyone who values stories about genuine relationships and personal growth. It’s a promising debut, and I look forward to seeing what Smith delivers next.
A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events by Artell Smith, is a deeply emotional novel that dives into themes of family, love, and personal growth. The story follows Pete as he grapples with the weight of his father’s declining health and the impact it has on his family. The narrative revolves around the relationships between the characters, with particular emphasis on the unique bond between Pete and his father. The novel captures the essence of a coming-of-age story, as Pete matures and learns to navigate life in a brief but transformative period under his father’s watchful eye.
Watching Pete confront life’s challenges while discovering his own identity felt both authentic and moving. The character development is nuanced, and the relationships, especially between Pete and his father, resonate with genuine emotion. The story’s exploration of family dynamics and personal growth will strike a chord with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives. That said, I feel that the writing occasionally has moments where the prose seems a bit less polished. Even so, the characters and their journey shine through, making the story compelling and memorable.
Artell Smith's A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events is a touching narrative that leaves you reflecting on the importance of family and the lessons we carry forward. I recommend this book to anyone who values stories about genuine relationships and personal growth. It’s a promising debut, and I look forward to seeing what Smith delivers next.
November 5, 2025
“A heartfelt, comforting story that celebrates family, love, and the magic of Christmas.”
Artell Smith’s A Death at Christmas And Other Wondrous Events is a touching narrative that brings readers into the emotional world of a young man navigating the challenges of love, loss, and family. The encounters with his father’s ghost are at once playful, wise, and deeply moving, providing guidance that resonates with both heart and humor.
What makes this story especially memorable is its balance of emotional depth and festive warmth. Smith’s portrayal of familial bonds, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love captures the spirit of the holiday season with tenderness and authenticity. Every moment feels deliberate, every interaction heartfelt, leaving readers with a sense of hope, connection, and the importance of cherishing those we love.
A heartwarming read perfect for the holidays, reminding us that family, laughter, and love endure even through the most challenging times.
Artell Smith’s A Death at Christmas And Other Wondrous Events is a touching narrative that brings readers into the emotional world of a young man navigating the challenges of love, loss, and family. The encounters with his father’s ghost are at once playful, wise, and deeply moving, providing guidance that resonates with both heart and humor.
What makes this story especially memorable is its balance of emotional depth and festive warmth. Smith’s portrayal of familial bonds, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love captures the spirit of the holiday season with tenderness and authenticity. Every moment feels deliberate, every interaction heartfelt, leaving readers with a sense of hope, connection, and the importance of cherishing those we love.
A heartwarming read perfect for the holidays, reminding us that family, laughter, and love endure even through the most challenging times.
January 16, 2026
Not Realistic...
So many things about this book irked me. How a child was supposed to step up and basically carry the burden of a family? That's not a child's job. I know it's not a nonfiction, but the story put a bad taste in my mouth.
So many things about this book irked me. How a child was supposed to step up and basically carry the burden of a family? That's not a child's job. I know it's not a nonfiction, but the story put a bad taste in my mouth.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews