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You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!: Life Lessons from the Movie A Christmas Story
For the first time, author Quentin Schultze, who taught storytelling with screenwriter Jean Shepherd, reveals the “secret” parables that Shepherd included in his screenplay for A Christmas Story. Now you won't need a decoder ring to learn why the Old Man’s leg lamp is his “trophy wife,” why the bully is named “Scut,” why there is a “Bumpus” in all of us, why Mom and the kids give a “Bronx cheer” after singing “Jingle Bells” in the Olds, and so much more. Take a fun-loving and insightful romp through the 20 life lessons in the Christmas classic, based exclusively on the author’s friendship with Shepherd. Includes trivia questions, line drawings, and a special appendix on Shepherd's 7-step process for telling humorous stories; perfect for teachers, pastors, writers, leaders, and the like. P.S. Turn on your leg lamp to read this amazing book at night!
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2024
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76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 5, 2024
'Fun for the whole family! As Seen on TV!'
That seems the appropriate headline for this review of Quentin Schultze's remarkable book about a movie that pretty much every guy I know considers a Christmas classic. I'm not such a huge fan myself, but hey: After 40 years, I've come to acknowledge the point that Jean Shepherd's pitch-perfect glimpse of a little boy's pre-World War II Christmas captured something that millions of American guys regard as a rite of their passage.
And, yes, that's a bit odd, because I don't have many friends who actually were alive in 1940. My own father was 15 that year and he served in the Navy in the Pacific in WWII—but most of my buddies somehow are caught up in a nostalgic fondness for the world Shepherd created out of a handful of memories and fond cultural references. And that's true even though they never lived in that world themselves! Neither did Shepherd, as it turns out. As Schultze points out right away in this book, "the movie is not primarily autobiographical."
This leads me to why I'm giving this book 5 stars, because in it Schultze finally unlocks for me dozens of windows and doorways into experiences that Shepherd's film evokes. Schultze calls them "life lessons," and I think it's those "life lessons" that resonate with so many of my guy friends who love this movie.
One example is childhood trauma, a subject most guys I know would rather avoid in casual gatherings—and some would care to never discuss at all. Readers who know Schultze's writing and teaching over the past 40-or-so years know that he suffered real trauma in his own childhood—he writes about it openly on his author's website. And, so, one of the life lessons Schultze describes in this book is sources of "refuge" that kids learn to cherish. There's a lot in the course of this book that is more light hearted, but that chapter is serious stuff and I think it's a good example of the kind of insight that readers might appreciate discovering in these pages.
After all, I'm astonished that someone could write a 208-page book about a 94-minute movie!
I don't know Schultze's exact age, but we're approximately of the same vintage. For example, I got to know the spiritual godfather of this spiritual-lessons-in-pop-culture genre Robert Short, because my father was a pastor who was hugely influenced by Short's mega-bestseller milestone, The Gospel According to Peanuts. I first met Short as a kid, then interviewed Short multiple times over the years that I was serving as a religion editor for major newspapers. After all, it's quite an achievement to be "the first" in a new literary genre—and Short went on to sell more than 10 million copies of that original book.
I know Schultze will be happy if he sells a few thousand copies of this one. Over the decades, I've interviewed authors of all kinds of faith-and-pop-culture books from volumes on Superman to the Simpsons, from U2 to Disney. And I really do want to encourage this impulse. Plus, I do want to honor Schultze's achievement of an entire book on what I thought of as a short, cute movie!
What Schultze did here, along with some wise insights from his own friendship with Shepherd, and some good questions to suggest for group discussions—is to unlock the connection between this particular movie and the wistful imaginations of a lot of guys I know.
Thanks Quentin! It's a solid book and I'm happy to give it 5 stars.
That seems the appropriate headline for this review of Quentin Schultze's remarkable book about a movie that pretty much every guy I know considers a Christmas classic. I'm not such a huge fan myself, but hey: After 40 years, I've come to acknowledge the point that Jean Shepherd's pitch-perfect glimpse of a little boy's pre-World War II Christmas captured something that millions of American guys regard as a rite of their passage.
And, yes, that's a bit odd, because I don't have many friends who actually were alive in 1940. My own father was 15 that year and he served in the Navy in the Pacific in WWII—but most of my buddies somehow are caught up in a nostalgic fondness for the world Shepherd created out of a handful of memories and fond cultural references. And that's true even though they never lived in that world themselves! Neither did Shepherd, as it turns out. As Schultze points out right away in this book, "the movie is not primarily autobiographical."
This leads me to why I'm giving this book 5 stars, because in it Schultze finally unlocks for me dozens of windows and doorways into experiences that Shepherd's film evokes. Schultze calls them "life lessons," and I think it's those "life lessons" that resonate with so many of my guy friends who love this movie.
One example is childhood trauma, a subject most guys I know would rather avoid in casual gatherings—and some would care to never discuss at all. Readers who know Schultze's writing and teaching over the past 40-or-so years know that he suffered real trauma in his own childhood—he writes about it openly on his author's website. And, so, one of the life lessons Schultze describes in this book is sources of "refuge" that kids learn to cherish. There's a lot in the course of this book that is more light hearted, but that chapter is serious stuff and I think it's a good example of the kind of insight that readers might appreciate discovering in these pages.
After all, I'm astonished that someone could write a 208-page book about a 94-minute movie!
I don't know Schultze's exact age, but we're approximately of the same vintage. For example, I got to know the spiritual godfather of this spiritual-lessons-in-pop-culture genre Robert Short, because my father was a pastor who was hugely influenced by Short's mega-bestseller milestone, The Gospel According to Peanuts. I first met Short as a kid, then interviewed Short multiple times over the years that I was serving as a religion editor for major newspapers. After all, it's quite an achievement to be "the first" in a new literary genre—and Short went on to sell more than 10 million copies of that original book.
I know Schultze will be happy if he sells a few thousand copies of this one. Over the decades, I've interviewed authors of all kinds of faith-and-pop-culture books from volumes on Superman to the Simpsons, from U2 to Disney. And I really do want to encourage this impulse. Plus, I do want to honor Schultze's achievement of an entire book on what I thought of as a short, cute movie!
What Schultze did here, along with some wise insights from his own friendship with Shepherd, and some good questions to suggest for group discussions—is to unlock the connection between this particular movie and the wistful imaginations of a lot of guys I know.
Thanks Quentin! It's a solid book and I'm happy to give it 5 stars.
December 11, 2024
Summary: Life lessons from the movie “A Christmas Story” from a friend of storyteller and screenplay writer Jean Shepherd.
We all have our favorite classic Christmas movies that we can watch over and over again. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is probably at the top of my list. But in second place, I would probably pick “A Christmas Story.” Part of the reason is that we lived in the Cleveland area during the filming of the movie. There really was a Higbee’s store! In addition, there are so many memorable lines:
“You’ll shoot your eye out!”
“Frah-JEE-lay”
“The line ends here. It begins there.”
“That [Olds SOB] would freeze up in the middle of the summer in the equator.”
“Mom hadn’t had a hot meal for herself in fifteen years.”
“Triple dog dare”
“Oh, f-u-u-u-d-g-e”
I’ll bet you can remember the scenes just from the lines!
Quentin Schultze, who taught communications for many years at Calvin College, had the unusual experience of inviting Jean Shepherd, who wrote the film’s screenplay, to co-teach a course on storytelling. Along the way, he had the chance to gain an inside glimpse into the storytelling behind the movie. Specifically, he contends that, embedded in the different scenes, are a number of parables, life lessons as it were reflecting Shepherd’s keen insights into human nature.
Schultze begins with Ralphie’s dream to get a Red Ryder “200-shot range model air rifle” to protect his family from Black Bart and the villains of Cleveland Street. He pursues the dream the whole movie, and Schultze believes that lesson of pursuing dreams is a good one, even if we make fools out of ourselves.
Subsequent chapters draw from other scenes, warning us against obsessions like leg lamps or bullies like Scut, who inhabit not only schoolyards but companies, churches, and even government. Ralphie and Randy teach us about caring for family.
Some of the lessons go deeper. The tension with the unseen next door neighbors, the Bumpuses, and their hounds leads to an exploration of who the Bumpuses our in our lives, and perhaps whether we are Bumpus-like. When Randy hides under the sink after Ralphie beats up Scut for fear of “the Old Man,” mom’s response reflects the reality that we all have times of needing refuge. Perhaps the most appreciated was Schultze discussion of heroes, and the everyday sensibility if mom that makes her the hero in the story.
Of course, there are the lighter moments that remind us of the playful. Singing ‘Jingle Bells” in the car, Ralphie’s disquisition on different soaps, and the wax fang episode in which Mrs. Shields adds them to a draw of gags, including still-chattering teeth, all reveal Shepherd’s playful outlook. The fact that we love the trivia from this movie suggests how successful Shepherd was.
There’s still probably time to get and read a copy before watching the movie again. Schultze helps us understand why we love this film. He helped me appreciate the storytelling genius of Jean Shepherd. And if you haven’t seen the movie in a while, it will remind you of all your favorite scenes, and some you may have forgotten.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review.
We all have our favorite classic Christmas movies that we can watch over and over again. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is probably at the top of my list. But in second place, I would probably pick “A Christmas Story.” Part of the reason is that we lived in the Cleveland area during the filming of the movie. There really was a Higbee’s store! In addition, there are so many memorable lines:
“You’ll shoot your eye out!”
“Frah-JEE-lay”
“The line ends here. It begins there.”
“That [Olds SOB] would freeze up in the middle of the summer in the equator.”
“Mom hadn’t had a hot meal for herself in fifteen years.”
“Triple dog dare”
“Oh, f-u-u-u-d-g-e”
I’ll bet you can remember the scenes just from the lines!
Quentin Schultze, who taught communications for many years at Calvin College, had the unusual experience of inviting Jean Shepherd, who wrote the film’s screenplay, to co-teach a course on storytelling. Along the way, he had the chance to gain an inside glimpse into the storytelling behind the movie. Specifically, he contends that, embedded in the different scenes, are a number of parables, life lessons as it were reflecting Shepherd’s keen insights into human nature.
Schultze begins with Ralphie’s dream to get a Red Ryder “200-shot range model air rifle” to protect his family from Black Bart and the villains of Cleveland Street. He pursues the dream the whole movie, and Schultze believes that lesson of pursuing dreams is a good one, even if we make fools out of ourselves.
Subsequent chapters draw from other scenes, warning us against obsessions like leg lamps or bullies like Scut, who inhabit not only schoolyards but companies, churches, and even government. Ralphie and Randy teach us about caring for family.
Some of the lessons go deeper. The tension with the unseen next door neighbors, the Bumpuses, and their hounds leads to an exploration of who the Bumpuses our in our lives, and perhaps whether we are Bumpus-like. When Randy hides under the sink after Ralphie beats up Scut for fear of “the Old Man,” mom’s response reflects the reality that we all have times of needing refuge. Perhaps the most appreciated was Schultze discussion of heroes, and the everyday sensibility if mom that makes her the hero in the story.
Of course, there are the lighter moments that remind us of the playful. Singing ‘Jingle Bells” in the car, Ralphie’s disquisition on different soaps, and the wax fang episode in which Mrs. Shields adds them to a draw of gags, including still-chattering teeth, all reveal Shepherd’s playful outlook. The fact that we love the trivia from this movie suggests how successful Shepherd was.
There’s still probably time to get and read a copy before watching the movie again. Schultze helps us understand why we love this film. He helped me appreciate the storytelling genius of Jean Shepherd. And if you haven’t seen the movie in a while, it will remind you of all your favorite scenes, and some you may have forgotten.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review.
December 23, 2024
Quentin Schultze’s *You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out: An Inside Look at the Movie “A Christmas Story”* is a delightful and insightful exploration of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time. Schultze offers readers a thorough behind-the-scenes look at the making of *A Christmas Story*, blending historical context, production anecdotes, and personal reflections to deepen our appreciation of the movie.
What sets Schultze’s book apart is its balance of academic rigor and approachable writing. He dissects the film's cultural significance, examining how it both reflects and shapes the holiday season in America. From the iconic leg lamp to Ralphie’s infamous quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, Schultze provides a detailed analysis of the film’s key scenes, characters, and enduring themes of family, longing, and nostalgia.
Schultze also delves into the impact of the film’s unique blend of humor and sentimentality, showing how it resonates with audiences of all ages. His passion for the movie is evident throughout, and his examination of the film’s legacy—how it went from a modest release to a holiday classic—is both informative and engaging.
Overall, *You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out* is a must-read for fans of *A Christmas Story*, offering a deeper understanding of a film that has become a cherished holiday tradition.
What sets Schultze’s book apart is its balance of academic rigor and approachable writing. He dissects the film's cultural significance, examining how it both reflects and shapes the holiday season in America. From the iconic leg lamp to Ralphie’s infamous quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, Schultze provides a detailed analysis of the film’s key scenes, characters, and enduring themes of family, longing, and nostalgia.
Schultze also delves into the impact of the film’s unique blend of humor and sentimentality, showing how it resonates with audiences of all ages. His passion for the movie is evident throughout, and his examination of the film’s legacy—how it went from a modest release to a holiday classic—is both informative and engaging.
Overall, *You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out* is a must-read for fans of *A Christmas Story*, offering a deeper understanding of a film that has become a cherished holiday tradition.
December 23, 2024
You have to have seen—and love—the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story to appreciate this 2024 release. Written by Quentin Schultze, who taught storytelling with the film’s author (and narrator), Jean Shepherd, this one includes All the Things hidden in one of our favorite Christmas movies.
And I’ll never view it the same way again.
It reminds me a bit of Animal Farm: Orwell’s novella can be a story about oppressed barnyard critters or about the Russian Revolution. Either reading lends itself to an impactful reading experience. Likewise, after reading this book, A Christmas Story can be about one boy’s quest for a prized rifle—that may or may not shoot his eye out, or an incredibly smart, multilayered piece rife with symbols, lessons, and, semi-autobiographical Easter Eggs.
The English teacher in me appreciated the analysis of the film itself (And there’s a lot!), but the writing teacher in me was astounded by how much Shepherd thought about every element in his storytelling.
The film can still be a taste of Americana feel-goodery; however, if you read this book, it will become so much more.
And I’ll never view it the same way again.
It reminds me a bit of Animal Farm: Orwell’s novella can be a story about oppressed barnyard critters or about the Russian Revolution. Either reading lends itself to an impactful reading experience. Likewise, after reading this book, A Christmas Story can be about one boy’s quest for a prized rifle—that may or may not shoot his eye out, or an incredibly smart, multilayered piece rife with symbols, lessons, and, semi-autobiographical Easter Eggs.
The English teacher in me appreciated the analysis of the film itself (And there’s a lot!), but the writing teacher in me was astounded by how much Shepherd thought about every element in his storytelling.
The film can still be a taste of Americana feel-goodery; however, if you read this book, it will become so much more.
December 20, 2024
"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" is a delightful blend of humor and insight, much like the beloved A Christmas Story itself. Author Schultze, who knew Jean Shepherd, masterfully pulls back the curtain on the film's production—did you know they used a vacuum pump to stick Flick's tongue to the pole? Beyond the fascinating trivia, the book dives into universal life lessons like "Pursue Your Dreams" and "Hold Your Tongue," prompting both laughter and reflection. Each chapter left me grinning at its nods to the film and pondering its deeper messages. If you're a fan of the movie—or simply love a good laugh wrapped in wisdom—this book is a must-read!
January 11, 2025
A delightful break from the monotony of a society unmoored. Schultze whisks us back in time (to simpler days?), unpacking the brilliance and humor of Jean Shepherd, master storyteller, by regaling us with life lessons of and deeper meanings in a way that is both fun and approachable. By tying personal stories of the author and Shepherd himself, this book succeeds as a refreshing contrast to so much of what is published today. Like the movie it heralds from, You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! is a work anyone can enjoy - even the most uncouth Bumpuses among us.
Or even the most Frah-gee-lay.
Or even the most Frah-gee-lay.
January 2, 2025
If you love A Christmas Story, this book is for you. You get insights into the mind and genius of Jean Shepherd from Quentin Schultze, who was a personal friend of and taught a college course with Shepherd. You'll learn things about the movie that you might otherwise never have thought of or considered.
January 27, 2025
This is our family’s favorite Christmas movie. We watch it every year. It is so fun to hear all the background bits and to understand the life lessons that Jean Shepherd was trying to convey in this masterpiece. If you don’t think the movie is a masterpiece, read this book and then let’s talk. Highly recommend
March 5, 2025
"The best stories lure us back repeatedly, so we can enjoy the same meanings and experiences."
While the book was nostalgic and shed light on a few things I didn't know about the film previously, it moved very slowly. The story relied a bit too much on the retelling of the movie verbatim and it got to be monotonous. That said, it remains one of my very favorite Christmas films.
While the book was nostalgic and shed light on a few things I didn't know about the film previously, it moved very slowly. The story relied a bit too much on the retelling of the movie verbatim and it got to be monotonous. That said, it remains one of my very favorite Christmas films.
January 19, 2025
This is a cute book, but many of the "lessons" are a bit of a reach in comparisons. There's some "inside" information about the movie as well as the author, Jean Shepherd. This may be a good fit for younger teens. It's almost like this book just didn't know quite what it was supposed to be.
March 2, 2025
Mr. Schultze is a professor who asked Jean Shepherd to teach him the art of storytelling so he could be better at his job. Shepherd told him the underlying themes and metaphors of A Christmas Story, and these extra layers are what made this movie (and any story) so perfect.
Each chapter is a life lesson that relates to the movie in some way. While there is some behind-the-scenes trivia, it has the feel of a feel-good self-help book more than anything.
In A Christmas Story, Shepherd is not trying to be crudely funny like foulmouthed club comic. He told me that many comics rely on obscene language because their stories and other material are not really funny; they try to shock audiences by employing language that most people don’t hear regularly in public.
Language: Swearing censored in most cases
Sexual Content: vague references
Violence/Gore: Mild
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
Each chapter is a life lesson that relates to the movie in some way. While there is some behind-the-scenes trivia, it has the feel of a feel-good self-help book more than anything.
In A Christmas Story, Shepherd is not trying to be crudely funny like foulmouthed club comic. He told me that many comics rely on obscene language because their stories and other material are not really funny; they try to shock audiences by employing language that most people don’t hear regularly in public.
Language: Swearing censored in most cases
Sexual Content: vague references
Violence/Gore: Mild
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
August 18, 2024
Great book, inspiring read. I’ll be watching A Christmas Story with a different perspective next time
December 22, 2024
A very interesting insight into the author of A Christmas Story as well as some very good life lessons. I definitely recommend this book. It makes me want to watch the movie again.
December 29, 2024
Very interesting but repetitive.
December 20, 2025
This book parses each scene in the movie then interjects the author's point of view about what it means, and how we should interpret the motives of the characters and their actions. Sad!
January 15, 2026
Just not my cup of tea. I had a hard time finishing this.
December 31, 2025
This affectionate meditation on my favorite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story is earnest, thoughtful—and unfortunately, indulgent.
Schultze’s insights into Jean Shepherd’s storytelling, especially the idea of “expressionism” to convey emotional truth, are genuinely interesting. His reflections on gratitude, memory, and fatherhood are sincere.
If you're a fan of the movie, you'll enjoy the read.
Schultze’s insights into Jean Shepherd’s storytelling, especially the idea of “expressionism” to convey emotional truth, are genuinely interesting. His reflections on gratitude, memory, and fatherhood are sincere.
If you're a fan of the movie, you'll enjoy the read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews