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Nicholas
It was supposed to be a simple human-interest story, the kind of fluff piece hard-nosed reporter Brett Davis begrudgingly accepts only because his job is at stake. But when his newspaper editor sends him to the northernmost point of Europe to interview the head of a secretive monastery, Brett encounters a man who cannot possibly be who he claims to be—St. Nicholas of Myra. All Brett wants are the facts, but the tale Nicholas tells is too incredible to be true. Or is it?
As Nicholas reveals the intricacies of his amazing long life, Brett discovers not only the origins of every facet of the much beloved Santa Claus myth, but also that, when confronted with the miraculous, faith is the only rational choice left.
As Nicholas reveals the intricacies of his amazing long life, Brett discovers not only the origins of every facet of the much beloved Santa Claus myth, but also that, when confronted with the miraculous, faith is the only rational choice left.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2015
79 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Scott
41 books16 followersMichael J. Scott is a Christ-following husband, father, preacher, teacher, poet, playwright and writer. He is the author of the Jefferson’s Road series, The Coppersmith, and The Lost Scrolls, a Christian action- adventure novel.
He enjoys writing, reading, discussing politics, philosophy and religion, teaching, singing, martial arts, “Freestyle Kendo,” acting, cooking and shooting pool. He currently lives with his family near Rochester, New York.
He enjoys writing, reading, discussing politics, philosophy and religion, teaching, singing, martial arts, “Freestyle Kendo,” acting, cooking and shooting pool. He currently lives with his family near Rochester, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 12, 2021
A mix of historical, cultural, religious traditions... very interesting take on St. Nicholas...and much more.
March 27, 2018
Nicholas is the story of the Bishop of Myra, who lived in the fourth century. That is one fact historians are certain of, along with his imprisonment during Diocletian and his participation at the Council of Nicaea against Arianism. Apart from those facts, the rest is legend and legend leads in Scott's novel. It was a fast read, fairly well written, with enough twists and turns to carry the reader until the end. The book starts off slow and some transitions from past to present can sometimes be confusing.
One element he threw in was a marriage to a woman named, Johanna. It is pretty safe to say that Nicholas never married. It is not part of any legend, either. This is where I almost put the book down for good. But... by that time, I wanted to know just how far off track Scott would slide, and admittedly, the story had me.
All of the legends surrounding Nicholas are incorporated, along with new artistic liberties. With so much revisionist history being spewed out onto the masses today, one hopes a couple of scenes in Scott's book do not take hold and become new legends. Scott does honor the beauty of the monastery and the good they did for the early the Christian communities when food, doctors, and education were scarce. He also incorporates goodness, redemptive suffering, and humility; all three very much needed in modern society.
One element he threw in was a marriage to a woman named, Johanna. It is pretty safe to say that Nicholas never married. It is not part of any legend, either. This is where I almost put the book down for good. But... by that time, I wanted to know just how far off track Scott would slide, and admittedly, the story had me.
All of the legends surrounding Nicholas are incorporated, along with new artistic liberties. With so much revisionist history being spewed out onto the masses today, one hopes a couple of scenes in Scott's book do not take hold and become new legends. Scott does honor the beauty of the monastery and the good they did for the early the Christian communities when food, doctors, and education were scarce. He also incorporates goodness, redemptive suffering, and humility; all three very much needed in modern society.
October 13, 2018
This was just not my cup of tea.
December 24, 2022
The most awesome account of saint Nicholas
Having read a number of books over the past few gears with each of them striving to tell the back story of myths and legends, this intriguing novel by Michael J. Scott is by far my favorite!! What a perfect blend of fact and fiction in an paradoxical unbelievable yet believable manner resulting in the final question we must all answer! Beautifully done!! Well I crafted and intriguing story that both satisfies the reader and calls the reader to address fables and facts with faith!!
Highly, highly recommended!!
Having read a number of books over the past few gears with each of them striving to tell the back story of myths and legends, this intriguing novel by Michael J. Scott is by far my favorite!! What a perfect blend of fact and fiction in an paradoxical unbelievable yet believable manner resulting in the final question we must all answer! Beautifully done!! Well I crafted and intriguing story that both satisfies the reader and calls the reader to address fables and facts with faith!!
Highly, highly recommended!!
January 14, 2019
The Story of Nicholas
I started this book right after Christmas. It is a very interesting read about the life of St. Nicholas. I liked learning Bout his early life. I also liked his devotion to Christ. His love for Christ is what drive his life. This is what should drive our lives.
I started this book right after Christmas. It is a very interesting read about the life of St. Nicholas. I liked learning Bout his early life. I also liked his devotion to Christ. His love for Christ is what drive his life. This is what should drive our lives.
February 10, 2020
A well-written, interesting take on the life of the historical figure of St. Nicholas. This book is a nice blend of retelling many of the stories from Nicholas lore, combined with creative fictional accounts where historical facts are not available. Along the way, lessons of faith and life in the faith are presented without being over heavy or preachy. A very interesting read.
July 6, 2020
Believe or not believe is the question . . .
The author leaves it up to you along with compelling reasons why Nicholas is the reality beyond the myth.
Well researched and skillfully presented an enjoyable and edifying read. May the Spirit of St Nicholas continue to live on in the hearts
of all people of Good Will!
The author leaves it up to you along with compelling reasons why Nicholas is the reality beyond the myth.
Well researched and skillfully presented an enjoyable and edifying read. May the Spirit of St Nicholas continue to live on in the hearts
of all people of Good Will!
February 10, 2020
Michael J. Scott provides an intriguing spin on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas. He references much of the established Nicholas lore and fills in the blanks with faith-based fictional accounts which include a surprise twist.
October 21, 2020
Captivating
Captivating, and inspiring. Weaving facts together with original story telling. A thoughtful and enjoyable book. I recommend this story, share it with your family,especially the children.
Captivating, and inspiring. Weaving facts together with original story telling. A thoughtful and enjoyable book. I recommend this story, share it with your family,especially the children.
May 1, 2023
What a great novel about a man who calls himself Nicolas. A reporter, Brett, has been sent to interview a man who claims to be Nicolas and has lived for 1700 years. Michael J. Scott manages to include the teachings of the Catholic faith. Brett has to decide what to believe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2019
Special and uplifting
A book that beautifully joins St. Nicholas's ministry with his love for Jesus Christ! I loved the truth and ther storytelling!
A book that beautifully joins St. Nicholas's ministry with his love for Jesus Christ! I loved the truth and ther storytelling!
April 7, 2019
Best Christmas book I have read!
Read
July 16, 2020A very wise book
I enjoyed it immensely. There was one part I thought was too much overreach but on the whole a marvelous fantasy about what might have been.
I enjoyed it immensely. There was one part I thought was too much overreach but on the whole a marvelous fantasy about what might have been.
Read
November 27, 2021Truly page turner
I read the book in a weekend. It kept affecting my mind and heart. Do I believe, yes. Read, you will believe too.
I read the book in a weekend. It kept affecting my mind and heart. Do I believe, yes. Read, you will believe too.
December 27, 2021
Wonderful Christmas reading
My kids now teens still like to be read to at Christmas. I read this book this year and will definitely read it to them next year.
My kids now teens still like to be read to at Christmas. I read this book this year and will definitely read it to them next year.
January 16, 2025
Does God decree suffering in order to mold us to the image of Christ?
Not your typical fiction! Part historical, part speculative, wholly and beautifully Christian, written from the heart. I'd started this quite a while back and gotten sidetracked, but decided I needed to finish in time for Christmas (ha, didn't happen). So good!
Not your typical fiction! Part historical, part speculative, wholly and beautifully Christian, written from the heart. I'd started this quite a while back and gotten sidetracked, but decided I needed to finish in time for Christmas (ha, didn't happen). So good!
May 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nothing same ole stuff about it. (I didn't know everything that was going to happen next). It kept my interest throughout the book didn't have any boring parts to read over. Was quite a unique perspective and just enough tilt to keep you wondering... Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews