Forgotten Carols: A Christmas Story & Songbook

by Michael McLean

Includes the holiday tale of Uncle John and Connie Lou, teaching us about the true meaning of Christmas. This is a large red gift book.

Genres: Christmas, Religion, Fiction, Music, Lds Fiction, Lds, Holiday

158 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Amy]

I absolutely LOVE this story! I've listened to the music every year since it came out. I've read it a few times and seen the production by Micheal McLean (totally recommend that)! My mom and dad gave each of us kids a copy of our last year for our 12 Days of Christmas...so now I have my own to cherish!

[Apzmarshl]

There's more to life than being competent. It's interesting to figure out what your own forgotten carol would be.

[Ashley]

Tradition for me. I have been super busy this year, but I finally read it today!



This is my favorite Christmas book. I started reading it every year when I was about 14. I would read it to my brothers, one chapter a night, and listen to the music as it came up in the book. We could never wait to start it- it usually ended up that we got one chapter ever two nights because we would start so early. I've been struggling a bit this Christmas season, wondering why I don't quite feel like it's Christmas. It is so easy to get caught up in the presents and Santa and errands and stress of the holiday. I realized Sunday that this is my problem this year, and I am trying to repent of that. :0) During rest time (my reading time) I read the whole book and listened to the CD; I couldn't stop with one chapter. It's good to feel the Christmas spirit, which despite what others may say, has nothing to do with Saint Nick. It shouldn't be hard to remember, but what a difference it has made in just the last two days for me. Read this book.



85 pages; 2009 total: 25598

[Shiloah]

2018 Review: this is a family Christmas classic. We don't read it every year, but we try to read it often. It is such a beautiful story.

[Heather]

This is one of my favorite Christmas stories and music!

I saw the original play years ago and try to share it as often as possible. The story covers the people that played an important part in the story of baby Jesus even though they were more in the background. It also emphasizes how Christ is there for each of us in what ever life circumstances we are in.

The book comes with the music CD.

[Lillian Slater]

This book is so good! It's the story of this nurse and the old man who she agrees to take care of over Christmas vacation. Maybe he can help her in ways she never even knew she needed help with. The music in here is MAGICAL! I would highly suggest listening to the music on YouTube. It really makes the story come alive if you can put the music in here!

[Kara]

I've always loved this book. It takes me back to my youth and watching the play for the first time. Its a beautiful story that takes us back to why we celebrate the Christmas season. We just read the children's book this year The Forgotten Carols A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza. This children's book has little moments going back to this chapter book.

[Angela]

Such a sweet, short story. I can’t wait to see the live performance.

[Ariel Jensen]

Closely follows the musical. A little bit cheese and I’m a little okay with it.

[June]

I love this book, and I love the story. The music is beautiful and definitely spirit filled.

Sometimes I think this is a story of beauty and the beast, except I'm not sure who is the beauty and who is the beast. I don't know if I should classify "Connie Sue" as a beast, or a beauty who doesn't know she is, or call Uncle John a crazy old coot, or a beauty in disguise.

Have loved this book and it's music since I first saw it years ago.

[Tristi]

I have seen this performed live -- incredible. I have to say, I've seen Michael McLean perform live twice, each time was at a critical juncture in my life, and each time, the Spirit touched me tremendously and gave the strength to keep moving forward. I thank Brother McLean for allowing himself to be an instrument in such a powerful way.

[Delene]

A beautiful story written to explain Miclael McLean's CD.

The story is about an aging man who has a nurse to come and stay with him. He then puts up a tree and explains about his ornaments. The nurse then learns what Christmas is about through his stories and songs.

[Elizabeth]

I enjoyed this book. i gave it 3 stars instead of 4 because it was a little too contrived. I cried several times during the book but it felt like the book was written for that purpose rather than the tears being spontaneous.

Who is Uncle John anyway.

[Amanda]

Brilliant. Amazing. *sigh* such a GREAT Christmas story. It's become tradition for my dad to sing Joseph every Christmas eve while he plays guitar. Amazing songs, amazing story. Michael McLean did a spectacular job.

[Amber]

We read this every Christmas as a family. The girls in Eric's family also go and see the play every year.

[Kursten]

I love the beautiful and inspired songs that go along with this story and tie it all together. Songs and books like this help me to feel the Christmas spirit.

[Jessica]

This is a must read for everyone during the holiday season. I read through it very quickly and enjoyed every page.

[Bertha Ivins]

Just read this book again love this story such a feel good story for this time of year!

[Spens]

I have loved this book and the accompanying music for so long, it will stay with me to the end of my Christmases. The story is just heartwarming.

[Emily]

ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS READS AND SONG COLLECTIONS OF ALL TIME!!!!!!
I grew up listening to my mom play the Forgotten Carols while the rest of us sang along with this book. The messages of the Innkeeper, the Shepherd who fell asleep and missed it all, Joseph, a woman who met Mary, how we can follow the Star like Three Kings did long ago, and how Christmas came to mean so much to a Nurse who never enjoyed Christmas...they stir the soul more than can be expressed.
Then, when I grew older, I read the story. Those seven or so chapters, based on the songs, filled me with the Christmas spirit. They helped me to understand part of why the story of the Nativity is so important for me. I need to learn to let the Savior it and understand that "He never would condemn me." I need to have faith in Jesus Christ, even though I was "not there in Bethlehem or [heard] the angels sing, but just like [the Shepherds of old I'll] know, that He was here!" There are those out there who feel an emptiness, whether it's from lack of children or something else, that Christ can fill. I can do whatever it takes to follow Christ and find Him, and if I lose my way, He will show me the way. I also learned that one of the biggest reasons I love Christmas is the love we feel from others and how everyone just wants to serve each other. I wish that lasted year round.
This is something that will continue to keep my Christmases focused on Christ every year. When I have a family of my own, they will be an integral part of our Christmas traditions. As far as I'm concerned, the Forgotten Carols are unforgettable.

[Phil Smith]

The other day I saw the show The Forgotten Carols for the first time since high school. It has changed dramatically in the last couple decades. I’d give the show maybe a star or two tops. The story had changed significantly, which is totally fine, but a lot of the changes in this instance seemed to make this worse and less cohesive. They worked under the assumption that everyone already knows about the ornaments and the carols. They replaced exploring those with unnecessary characters, hokey gags, and they tell you exactly who Uncle John is right from the beginning, so there’s no mystery as the who he is. I do not recommend seeing the show in its current incarnation.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and listening to the carols. I haven’t done that since I was a teenager. I read it with my wife and kids, and they seemed to enjoy it as well with the exception of my twelve-year-old who doesn’t like anything right now.

McLean writes a simple story that can be read in sn afternoon. He’s a decent prose writer, but he obviously shines as a writer of music. Songs are clever, beautiful, and so full of heart. I highly recommend reading the book and listening to the music as you do it.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read)]

I've heard the music that goes behind this book, but haven't seen the musical so I was glad to have a chance to read it (and listen to the songs as it came to each one). I really liked the idea of forgotten carols from different perspectives and how they tied into the ornaments. Some aspects were a little contrived and the end was a little strange John the beloved essentially breaking into people's homes and tricking people to bring the spirit of Christmas was kind of weird. I feel like that aspect could have been done a bit differently. . But it had some sweet messages and Christmas spirit.

[Reading Fury]

A quirky little story about a "crazy" (the book's words, not mine) man who claims to know forgotten carols of people lost to history or downplayed in the Christmas story arc, The Forgotten Carols highlights characters, such as the innkeeper, and social concerns, such as the plight of the homeless. Done with sympathy, empathy, and a bit of humor, this book warms up the reader for the season. The main character, Constance, never Connie, has had a cold upbringing and her meeting with "Uncle John" causes her to review her life and consider what might be more important--fitting into a role that is known and safe or breaking the mould to see what possibilities exist.

[Bethany]

Likely an unpopular opinion here but I didn't grow up listening to this story or music and I am not familiar with Michael McLean at all so I can't factor in nostalgia . A friend recently mentioned the song "Let Him In" as one of her favorites so I thought I'd give this a try. I thought it was a simple, sweet story but it felt a little manufactured. I read the story and the song lyrics and then listened to the music afterward. I do like the idea of trying to imagine being present at the events of the Savior's birth and what it would have been like but I am cautious about fictionalizing real people and actual events. Somehow it takes away some of the spiritual for me.

[Nancy]

I have been resistant to reading this. The main reason I finally did is because of my self ‘challenge’ to read 12 books from my shelves that I’ve had for awhile - so nothing I got in 2023. This was a gift from a friend probably 10 years ago.

It was fine. I pulled up the music on YouTube and listened to it in the indicated spots in the book. I knew what was up with John right away, but that’s okay. I’m sure a lot of people find this to be a heart-tugger. I did like Constance’s trajectory.

[Dena]

This is a lovely book to sit with on a snowy evening, to take a deep breath and think about the true meaning of Christmas. It is coming from a Latter Day Saints perspective, but helped me to reflect on the beauty of the Christmas story. I liked the storyline about Constance becoming "Connie Lou" and transforming her inhibitions into joy...in some ways it reminded me of "The Christmas Carol." I really enjoyed the accompanying music too...overall a fun immersive experience!

[Desi]

I read this book & listened to the music that accompanied it many moons ago. I immediately fell in love with it! The story & the music are one of my top favorites to listen to in December. I am a fan of Michael McLean & have been for a long time. His music speaks to my heart and to my spirit.
I highly recommend this book & music to everyone.

[Jessica Poll]

It was a quick read - I finished it in one day. It was great, but so different from the play. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't quite as magical as the show is to me. The characters weren't as interesting and as quirky as they are portrayed to be in the play, which took away from the overall chemistry of the interactions. I enjoyed it though, and I am glad I finally sat down to read it.

[Tina]

Great story!

The Forgotten Carols is a great read! This story was recommended by a friend and it is one I will read every year at Christmas time. I have recommended it to several friends and family members who love the Christmas season. This story touched my soul like nothing else ever has.

[Michelle]

It’s been years since I read this. I know all the songs from my growing up years which I think adds a ton to the book reading experience. The writing isn’t the best. (Character development isn’t strong and it doesn’t really draw me in or make me feel like “I’m there.”) I think it’s one of those rare instances where the production would probably surpass the book.