The Silent Stars Go By: A True Christmas Story

by Philip Lee Williams

A story of Christmas stories in the small town, 1950s South

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Memoir, Family, Biography

84 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 1998

Reviews

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those of us who like a dash of nostalgia at Christmas - this is perfect. William's father was my favorite. Not your average family, let's say.

[Anastacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great Christmas story, really nostalgic. It took me some time to push though it cuz it’s really really descriptive, sometimes too descriptive.

[Jerry Wall · Rating 1 out of 5]

jeu d'esprit (sic)
quaint tell for life as a 9 year old in Madison Georgia

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short work: finally read through, with great pleasure in the reading about small town Georgia and South Carolina.
Recommended!

[Karla Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a man's memory of his childhood. The main memories coming from the Christmas of 1959. He recalls what happened during those times. How they always went out and pick our a cedar tree to be their christmas tree. There was five of them in his family, including himself, Mike, his dad, his mom, and Laura Jane. His father was principal at the High School, so he was able to go to every game and be on the side liens at every game. All he wants to do is play football of his high school. All he wanted for christmas was a red football outfit. Which he got for that Christmas of 1959. During that school year his father announced that he was going to be quit being the principal at the high school. He was upset about leaving the only home that he had ever known and thought that he ws going to have to move out of county. THat he would no be able to play football for his high school. Well the years have passed and he would go and sit in the past near his old home.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, because even though it jumps of memory to memory it is very interesting to see how he remembers certain things. I like how he talks about going to see his grandparents on his mom's side of the family. That he didn't know his dad's parents at all because they passed away. I found it interesting how back then they was happy and grateful for the presents they got. I recommend this book to my friends and family to read.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you grew up in the south, particularly in Georgia, you will enjoy this memoir of a late 1950s Christmas. The imagery reminded me so much of my beloved home state. I particularly enjoyed his vivid descriptions of his longing for the perfect Christmas gift that year.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little book about a boy's Christmas. It has a very relaxed and slow pace the whole way through, so it's not particularly captivating, but it's written prettily. The world has certainly changed the way it looks at Christmas since 1959.

[Ann]

Poignant memoir, well-written. If you grew up in a quiet, small town in the South when dark called you home in the summer, you'll love this.