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Christmas Jars
Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others, more needy than me...
Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.
Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the "Christmas Jars", glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope's greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true.
Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.
Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the "Christmas Jars", glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope's greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true.
122 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
362 people are currently reading
6306 people want to read
About the author
Jason F. Wright
57 books590 followersJason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author.
Jason also writes an occasional column which has appeared in over 100 newspapers, magazines and web sites across the United States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Deseret News, Forbes, CNN, FoxNews, and others.
Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks on the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. He has been seen on CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, and on local television stations around the country.
Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages.
Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.
Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.
Jason also writes an occasional column which has appeared in over 100 newspapers, magazines and web sites across the United States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Deseret News, Forbes, CNN, FoxNews, and others.
Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks on the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. He has been seen on CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, and on local television stations around the country.
Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages.
Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.
Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,280 reviews
December 6, 2008
Some books are well written. Others tell a great story. This book fails on both accounts
I'd describe the writing as downright painful and unimaginative. The characters are saccharine sweet, the things they say and do, uncomfortably cheesy.
Things that confirmed I was reading a Bad Writer:
1) Spends way too much time describing people's eyes, hair color and what they're wearing.
"He was salt and pepper gray, but mostly salt. His chin and nose were large and distinguished but not distracting. His eyes were wood-paneling brown."
"Through the years, her once baby blue eyes had added a rich green at their edges."
2) Alludes to an incredible mystery to be solved. But once the story advances, the reader finds the incredible mystery to singularly unremarkable.
"Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of appearing on the front page."
This "remarkable story" is that a family filled a jar with change every year and gave it to someone in need. Wow!
3) Character in story is sure to win the "Pulitzer" for front page newspaper story. The newspaper story is as poorly written as the book (no surprise there) and out of the context of the book (read chapter 17 by itself and you'll see what a poorly written, disconnected article it is), would make NO sense to anyone reading it.
4) Uses the following phrase 3 times in the book, "Hope took her feet and jogged across the room." Don't know about you, but my feet are always attached to my legs. I don't have to "take" them anywhere.
5) Ties everything up with a big beautiful bow. Make that a Christmas bow! All story roads converge on a single destination.
I'd describe the writing as downright painful and unimaginative. The characters are saccharine sweet, the things they say and do, uncomfortably cheesy.
Things that confirmed I was reading a Bad Writer:
1) Spends way too much time describing people's eyes, hair color and what they're wearing.
"He was salt and pepper gray, but mostly salt. His chin and nose were large and distinguished but not distracting. His eyes were wood-paneling brown."
"Through the years, her once baby blue eyes had added a rich green at their edges."
2) Alludes to an incredible mystery to be solved. But once the story advances, the reader finds the incredible mystery to singularly unremarkable.
"Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of appearing on the front page."
This "remarkable story" is that a family filled a jar with change every year and gave it to someone in need. Wow!
3) Character in story is sure to win the "Pulitzer" for front page newspaper story. The newspaper story is as poorly written as the book (no surprise there) and out of the context of the book (read chapter 17 by itself and you'll see what a poorly written, disconnected article it is), would make NO sense to anyone reading it.
4) Uses the following phrase 3 times in the book, "Hope took her feet and jogged across the room." Don't know about you, but my feet are always attached to my legs. I don't have to "take" them anywhere.
5) Ties everything up with a big beautiful bow. Make that a Christmas bow! All story roads converge on a single destination.
December 11, 2016
Let me just start: This book is a steaming pile of conservative propaganda horse turds.
The turds are both implied and blatantly steaming.
For example, after Thanksgiving dinner, the Maxwell family would get together, talk about Christmas, and decide "who was tasked with visiting the lovable and loony Cousin Gregg, forever a guest at the Greenbrier Adult Developmental Center." You get that? Loony, as in an insulting term for a man who has to live in a home that cares for mentally disabled adults. Not only are the Maxwell's name callers, but they have decide who goes, as if poor Cousin Gregg doesn't deserve to see all of his family!
Then, there are the families that are surprised with Christmas Jars full of a year's worth of change. One woman, sitting in her home with her infant, freezing because the heat has been turned off, receives a Christmas Jar and is able to pay her bills. She and her husband, a long-haul trucker, learn that they simply need to budget better. You don't get your heat shut off in winter because you're poor at budgeting, your heat gets shut off because you're living on the brink of freaking poverty.
Even weirder is a woman who has had three miscarriages. Her husband has been verbally abusing her because she hasn't carried a baby to term, and he also threatens her that when they do have a baby, it better be a boy. (Don't worry; there's some really friendly wording: "Her husband said over and over that only a baby boy would make their relationship 'relevant in the eternities'..."). The book says she's having miscarriages because he's upsetting her so deeply. The Christmas Jar doesn't help this family financially (they have money), but a stranger's kindness reminds her that she's "not alone." So...does she leave the husband? The book implies that now her uterus will work because she won't be so stressed; they'll have their boy, and a Merry Christmas, too.
Just to make sure the patriarch as the head of the household message isn't explicit enough for you, the novella celebrates a man for all his generosity--despite the fact that the Christmas Jar was his wife's idea, and she kept it going after the first year. So, you know. Dad wins.
Finally, I get that donating once per year makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, and this book takes that feeling and gives it to people daily because they throw some change in a jar, but you have to remember that people living in utter poverty--and believe me, I've read many stories of real people living in poverty--don't get to share in your daily good vibes. They get to be cold, hungry, dirty, abused, stressed, sick, raped, killed, left behind in school, beat up, abandoned, FACELESS. This is Psychology 101; feeding your "superego" helps you, and it's a big part of why we love donating.
But a feel-good Christmas activity isn't the best we can do as responsible citizens--not even close. Do you love to donate? How would you feel about having a slight increase in your taxes to pay for more social services, like food stamps and public housing? No? Should we tell public funding recipients just, like, you know, budget better? If you go to the Christmas Jars website, you can read about all the "miracles" of people receiving money in jars. Mostly, the stories detail the use of money to pay medical bills. Having the money to pay for medical treatment shouldn't be a "miracle."
Well... I'll certainly have a lot to say at book club next weekend.
The turds are both implied and blatantly steaming.
For example, after Thanksgiving dinner, the Maxwell family would get together, talk about Christmas, and decide "who was tasked with visiting the lovable and loony Cousin Gregg, forever a guest at the Greenbrier Adult Developmental Center." You get that? Loony, as in an insulting term for a man who has to live in a home that cares for mentally disabled adults. Not only are the Maxwell's name callers, but they have decide who goes, as if poor Cousin Gregg doesn't deserve to see all of his family!
Then, there are the families that are surprised with Christmas Jars full of a year's worth of change. One woman, sitting in her home with her infant, freezing because the heat has been turned off, receives a Christmas Jar and is able to pay her bills. She and her husband, a long-haul trucker, learn that they simply need to budget better. You don't get your heat shut off in winter because you're poor at budgeting, your heat gets shut off because you're living on the brink of freaking poverty.
Even weirder is a woman who has had three miscarriages. Her husband has been verbally abusing her because she hasn't carried a baby to term, and he also threatens her that when they do have a baby, it better be a boy. (Don't worry; there's some really friendly wording: "Her husband said over and over that only a baby boy would make their relationship 'relevant in the eternities'..."). The book says she's having miscarriages because he's upsetting her so deeply. The Christmas Jar doesn't help this family financially (they have money), but a stranger's kindness reminds her that she's "not alone." So...does she leave the husband? The book implies that now her uterus will work because she won't be so stressed; they'll have their boy, and a Merry Christmas, too.
Just to make sure the patriarch as the head of the household message isn't explicit enough for you, the novella celebrates a man for all his generosity--despite the fact that the Christmas Jar was his wife's idea, and she kept it going after the first year. So, you know. Dad wins.
Finally, I get that donating once per year makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, and this book takes that feeling and gives it to people daily because they throw some change in a jar, but you have to remember that people living in utter poverty--and believe me, I've read many stories of real people living in poverty--don't get to share in your daily good vibes. They get to be cold, hungry, dirty, abused, stressed, sick, raped, killed, left behind in school, beat up, abandoned, FACELESS. This is Psychology 101; feeding your "superego" helps you, and it's a big part of why we love donating.
But a feel-good Christmas activity isn't the best we can do as responsible citizens--not even close. Do you love to donate? How would you feel about having a slight increase in your taxes to pay for more social services, like food stamps and public housing? No? Should we tell public funding recipients just, like, you know, budget better? If you go to the Christmas Jars website, you can read about all the "miracles" of people receiving money in jars. Mostly, the stories detail the use of money to pay medical bills. Having the money to pay for medical treatment shouldn't be a "miracle."
Well... I'll certainly have a lot to say at book club next weekend.
December 2, 2021
This is a nice little story about traditions and family, but most of all, giving.
On Christmas Eve, Louise is eating her dinner in a small diner. She discovers a baby in the booth behind her and takes it home. What begins here is a wonderful story of a mother and daughter. The story morphs into something more when daughter, Hope, receives a Christmas Jar full of money when she really needs it. And how she proceeds to learn the identity of the person who left the jar. I really like the idea of a Christmas jar. I’m collecting for my own Christmas jar for which the proceeds will go to our local wildlife rescue. It’s a very sweet story, although it’s a bit syrupy at times. Still, it made me feel good. If you need a dose of cheer, it’s a short book and will make you feel nice.
On Christmas Eve, Louise is eating her dinner in a small diner. She discovers a baby in the booth behind her and takes it home. What begins here is a wonderful story of a mother and daughter. The story morphs into something more when daughter, Hope, receives a Christmas Jar full of money when she really needs it. And how she proceeds to learn the identity of the person who left the jar. I really like the idea of a Christmas jar. I’m collecting for my own Christmas jar for which the proceeds will go to our local wildlife rescue. It’s a very sweet story, although it’s a bit syrupy at times. Still, it made me feel good. If you need a dose of cheer, it’s a short book and will make you feel nice.
December 4, 2013
While it may not be written well, it moved me enough to start the tradition in our home. So I'm giving it 4 stars. I believe that everyone should read it, to get them motivated to make the Christmas Jar phenomenon a tradition of their own.
April 27, 2009
I HAVE to say something about this book; It's just a short little story but boy, do it pack a wallop.I will also say that on the first go around of the book, I couldn't get into it, but as time moved on, I caught the gist of it which is why I am reading it a second time. Its a couple of stories in a book, and since then, I have started two jars(one to keep, one to give away during the holiday season which is something I wanted to do for a while now).But to say that I was changed was an understatement. I was determined to start a jar; I wasn't working then, and the very next day went looking for mason jars; come to find out I had some plastic leftover jars from some bath salts that I use and they serve my purpose well. On the story, it's about a young girl who had her home ransacked right around the Christmas holidays, after losing her mom to cancer, and someone seeing her need, left her a jar by the door anonymously; Thinking it was someone elses, she asked around about it, but no takers, but with some digging came across a little phenomenom and a loving family that took her in as well. I know folks are saying, look its a recession, I have a need myself. But I feel that there is always someone who has one more than you.
December 5, 2022
I finished this late last night, but I forgot to review it! This was a nice, Christmas novella. I thought it was sweet, and it’s a perfect read for if you just want to read something short. I do wish it had more. I think the Christmas Jars were so neat!! I was not expecting that ending.
*Second time reading*
I really enjoyed this book more the second time around! I also think Hope was slightly annoying.
*Second time reading*
I really enjoyed this book more the second time around! I also think Hope was slightly annoying.
November 21, 2012
OK, I must admit I am a sucker for Holiday books, for the Hallmark commercials and movies, for the happy ending.
The Christmas Jar is one of those books that combine all the above and make a great afternoon read. It is a story of giving, forgiving, the human spirit, and the things that link us all together. It is one of those books that make you take a look around, be grateful, be humble, and set out to do something good.
Hope Jensen was left in a booth at the holidays with a letter, the woman who found her took her as her own and raised her. Hope became a reporter, worked her dues, and when her mother passes she experienced a burgulary and recieved a Christmas Jar filled with money mysteriously left in the doorway.
Uncovering the who, what, when, where, why and how is her job but the road that it leads her on teaches a life lesson that will change her and those around her.
A heartfelt, pay it forward mentality - this is not a book that you can simply put down, but one that if you let it will in fact change your life and people around it.
The Christmas Jar is one of those books that combine all the above and make a great afternoon read. It is a story of giving, forgiving, the human spirit, and the things that link us all together. It is one of those books that make you take a look around, be grateful, be humble, and set out to do something good.
Hope Jensen was left in a booth at the holidays with a letter, the woman who found her took her as her own and raised her. Hope became a reporter, worked her dues, and when her mother passes she experienced a burgulary and recieved a Christmas Jar filled with money mysteriously left in the doorway.
Uncovering the who, what, when, where, why and how is her job but the road that it leads her on teaches a life lesson that will change her and those around her.
A heartfelt, pay it forward mentality - this is not a book that you can simply put down, but one that if you let it will in fact change your life and people around it.
January 16, 2013
Every once in a while, you will come across a single passage in a book that summarizes the essence of the book in a few short lines. The following quote is such a passage as it captures my thoughts on Christmas Jars in one sentence.
Though this is meant to be an uplifting story that reminds us of the real meaning of Christmas, it seems rather weak and unremarkable when compared to the truly amazing things many people do for each other on a regular basis.
Ironically the main character, Hope, is conniving and shallow, while her adopted mother and the Maxwell family she "befriends" are straight out of Leave It to Beaver. But the worst part is the almost "miraculous" though unimaginative everyone-lives-MORE-than-happily-ever-after ending that requires the reader to suspend belief and accept one unlikely coincidence after another. I expect this in books written for children, but not so much in books written for an adult audience.
The writing is okay, but the story is so cliche, it's hard to believe this was a New York Times Bestseller. Bottom line: It's a Hallmark Christmas Special on steroids.
If you like books that don't require much thought or introspection and use cliche characters to spell out obvious concepts - like the real meaning of Christmas (assuming you don't already know), well then you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, there are way too many other books worth reading. On the flip side, if a Hallmark Christmas Special is what you're craving, the book is just over a hundred pages and a short time investment.
He's an open book, thought Hope, of very cheesy lines.
Though this is meant to be an uplifting story that reminds us of the real meaning of Christmas, it seems rather weak and unremarkable when compared to the truly amazing things many people do for each other on a regular basis.
Ironically the main character, Hope, is conniving and shallow, while her adopted mother and the Maxwell family she "befriends" are straight out of Leave It to Beaver. But the worst part is the almost "miraculous" though unimaginative everyone-lives-MORE-than-happily-ever-after ending that requires the reader to suspend belief and accept one unlikely coincidence after another. I expect this in books written for children, but not so much in books written for an adult audience.
The writing is okay, but the story is so cliche, it's hard to believe this was a New York Times Bestseller. Bottom line: It's a Hallmark Christmas Special on steroids.
If you like books that don't require much thought or introspection and use cliche characters to spell out obvious concepts - like the real meaning of Christmas (assuming you don't already know), well then you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, there are way too many other books worth reading. On the flip side, if a Hallmark Christmas Special is what you're craving, the book is just over a hundred pages and a short time investment.
January 12, 2009
This is more proof that a bestseller list tells you diddly squat about how good a book is going to be. The same lists that produce legitimately awesome fare like The Kite Runner can also get you overly saccharine flops like Christmas Jars. Now, I like me some tearjerkers, but this book left me completely dry. Not once was I moved by this predictable, trite story, about a journalist who discovers a “mysterious” trend of people anonymously leaving jars full of money to those in need around Christmas time. Problem is: The actual origins of the jars really aren’t all that mysterious or remotely “life-changing,” and by the time you get to the magically convenient Hollywood ending, you’ve been hit over the head by blatantly Christian themes – ranging from the sacrificial underpinnings of the jars to a significant male character named Adam. (Unsurprisingly, the author Jason Wright is Mormon and has contributed to FoxNews.) Please, leave the wholesome tearjerkers to Nicholas Sparks.
December 1, 2008
This may well be the worst little Christmas book you will ever read. It’s based on the silly premise that jars of money, given with love, will change lives. The writing is unbelievably bad. (Richard Paul Evans doesn’t come close) Strangely, this book was loaned to me by the same friend who introduced me to “At the Manger” last Christmas, which I plan to re-read, now that I’ve gagged my way through this one.
November 29, 2017
Cute idea- was looking for some brain candy-
January 13, 2009
I picked this book to read with my girls over the holiday season and was a bit disapointed. It didn't engage either my girls or I and concluded with the typical happy, but cheesy, and predictable ending.
I do like the idea of a Christmas Jar, though. From personnal experience I know how quickly change can accumulate. This past summer I paid for our family vacation with extra money and any spare change stored in a jar in the cupboard. I do think I will get that jar out again and designate it for some good purpose, whether it is a family VK, savings, or charity - I will probably let my children decide... (I can hear the cries for Disney Land already!!)
I do like the idea of a Christmas Jar, though. From personnal experience I know how quickly change can accumulate. This past summer I paid for our family vacation with extra money and any spare change stored in a jar in the cupboard. I do think I will get that jar out again and designate it for some good purpose, whether it is a family VK, savings, or charity - I will probably let my children decide... (I can hear the cries for Disney Land already!!)
December 5, 2018
This was a delightful read for the day after Thanksgiving as we look forward to Christmas. What better day to reminded of the reason we celebrate -- and it isn't to put money in retailer's pockets. It is to celebrate the hope we have been given in the birth of the King of Kings. This is not high literature, but it does communicate truth. Those who receive a Christmas Jar are reminded that they are seen and cared about. Those who fill a Christmas Jar find themselves more intentional in how they use their loose change and more mindful of others and particularly the miracle of Christmas. "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift." (2 Cor. 9:15)
February 14, 2020
It’s not Christmas right now, but it came available to borrow at Tennessee Reads. Jason Wright has impressed me with his writing before so I snapped it up.
Boy, did this book pull at my heart strings. Beautiful encouragement for being a light to others and thinking of others needs. Who wouldn’t feel the love of Christ with a Christmas Jar on their doorstep?
Loved the Maxwell family! Glad I got to know them.
Now I’m considering that these books would make great Christmas presents!
Boy, did this book pull at my heart strings. Beautiful encouragement for being a light to others and thinking of others needs. Who wouldn’t feel the love of Christ with a Christmas Jar on their doorstep?
Loved the Maxwell family! Glad I got to know them.
Now I’m considering that these books would make great Christmas presents!
December 4, 2015
This is one of these stories that are not about their style, not even about the plot itself, but about the message - don't stay indifferent! Help when someone needs your help, always have a kind word - it doesn't cost that much. Sometimes a simple smile and "thank you" will make someones day better.
January 27, 2009
People might think this is a sappy book, but it has a great message and I recommend it. My husband keeps a big bottle where he collects money--maybe we should use it for something like this.
December 27, 2010
Excellent book. It proves that it really is such a small world and that you never know how your paths may cross and be involved with others. More importantly is shows how much one small "good" deed done can affect and change so many lifes, including your own.
December 3, 2019
A short sweet story about changing lives through small cash gifts from strangers. I liked it, and will take up the cause being promoted. If it is as life-changing as it is presented to be, I will report back.
Happy holidays to all of you, and all of your various ways of celebrating!
Happy holidays to all of you, and all of your various ways of celebrating!
November 16, 2017
This was probably one of the most inspiring and beautiful stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
December 28, 2022
Such a lovely Christmas story! Could be read anytime of year and touch one’s heart and bring tears to the eyes, though.
July 4, 2012
This story is all about giving and learning how your little acts could saved and helped someone else. The story is very enticing and it kept you reading on wanting to know the story behind the origins of the Christmas Jars.
I teared at one point because it was so sad. I could felt the regrets and sadness of Hope Jensen when she realized that she was late. (shall not elaborate more...if not it would spoiled your reading)
There is a twist in the book which I had already guessed the truth when I read about the certain small scene which some would had missed out. But the ending was sweet and touching.
Conclusion: Highly recommended! This is a must read for all bookworms out there. It could change how you view life and wealth (at least I did a little). I even had the temptation to start keep a jar (not to give to strangers) to save how much I can save in a year with the loose change that wouldn't affect my daily life if they weren't in my wallet.
I finished the book in 2 hours after I picked it up. That's how good it is.
I teared at one point because it was so sad. I could felt the regrets and sadness of Hope Jensen when she realized that she was late. (shall not elaborate more...if not it would spoiled your reading)
There is a twist in the book which I had already guessed the truth when I read about the certain small scene which some would had missed out. But the ending was sweet and touching.
Conclusion: Highly recommended! This is a must read for all bookworms out there. It could change how you view life and wealth (at least I did a little). I even had the temptation to start keep a jar (not to give to strangers) to save how much I can save in a year with the loose change that wouldn't affect my daily life if they weren't in my wallet.
I finished the book in 2 hours after I picked it up. That's how good it is.
May 12, 2018
Just happen to pick this book up last night to glance through it. Turned out to be a very unusual Christmas story. Young girl is a newspaper writer and ends up receiving a very much needed anonymous gift. She follows up on it and meets a very unusual family. She decides to write a story for the paper about them but concerned she would be doing a breach of trust. Her own life story is also a mystery and hope is still looking for the chance to have a future life with not giving up on her
wish. Many peoples lives were changed due to the good deeds that were started by the family she met on her search. This heartwarming story will restore your faith in mankind and want you to start your own tradition.
wish. Many peoples lives were changed due to the good deeds that were started by the family she met on her search. This heartwarming story will restore your faith in mankind and want you to start your own tradition.
December 22, 2022
I enjoyed this heartwarming story very much. A lot is packed into its novella length and it works well. For me, the message of giving rises above any shortcomings it might have. I love how it shows the effect of giving, not just on the receiver, but the giver as well. And there's a gentle encouragement to shift the focus from ourselves and to truly look at those possibly in need around us. Best of all, there's a wonderfully delightful twist at the end.
November 21, 2015
This is a charming "renewed faith" in Christmas giving book! EVERYONE should read this book before Thanksgiving and watch the beautiful outcome of love pour out!
Thank you to the beautiful friend who shared with me....I have a wonderful new tradition (reading) sharing my heart.
Thank you to the beautiful friend who shared with me....I have a wonderful new tradition (reading) sharing my heart.
November 20, 2008
I like the premise of this book because the true meaning of Christmas is doing good to others, especially those in need. Can you hear the "but" coming? The book was predictable, especially in the beginning and the characters seemed to be missing something--maybe unpredictability? So while the book was easy to read, the book didn't demand to be picked up and read. I like my books bossy and sassy.
The book had a good message and made me feel good in the end. This book would be best read with a kid or two in your lap, but only if you are willing to put a jar in your kitchen and give up all coins that fall into your hands.
The book had a good message and made me feel good in the end. This book would be best read with a kid or two in your lap, but only if you are willing to put a jar in your kitchen and give up all coins that fall into your hands.
December 5, 2007
I was disappointed. Maybe I need to read it again, slowly. I have been saving my change though because of this book. I was in my congregation's Primary (children's organization) presidency & gave each member of the presidency a copy of the book as a Christmas present. The next year we used this as an ongoing Primary project. Each Sunday the kids would bring their change. They filled a large gallon pickle jar. At the end of the year, the Presidency then used the money to pick an angel off the Angel Tree.
December 28, 2019
Jason Wright being a local author I decided to read one of his books. I liked the story line even though it was a sad/happy story. I am not sure if I would read any more of his work though.
November 26, 2021
Quick and somewhat predictable, but who doesn’t need a feel good story for the holiday season???
November 5, 2023
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I loved this Christmas novella!
Louise was busy eating her chicken dinner at Chuck's Chicken 'n' Biscuits on New Year's eve, when she heard the sound of a baby crying from a nearby booth. She found the blue-eyed newborn baby girl with a note from the mother explaining why she was unable to care for her baby. At that moment, Louise decided to adopt the baby and name her Hope.
Hope decided at a young age that she would become a famous newspaper reporter. Hope studied hard and received a paid internship at the Daily Record. Soon after, Hope was promoted to writing for the political editorial page, Louise died from ovarian cancer.
On the first Christmas eve, after Louise had passed away, Hope spent the evening at Chuck's Chicken 'n' Biscuits. Unbeknownst to her, someone had broken into her apartment and stolen her stereo, her TV, two crystal horses, her wristwatch, and her $500 emergency cash. After the police officers had arrived, Hope was outside attempting to take a moment to compose herself, she walked back into her apartment to discover that someone had dropped off a large glass jar filled with money.
Hope decides to investigate the mystery behind the "Christmas Jars" and then write an expose story.
I loved the idea of the Christmas Jars and how something so small can make such a difference in a person's life by helping to restore faith.
Louise was busy eating her chicken dinner at Chuck's Chicken 'n' Biscuits on New Year's eve, when she heard the sound of a baby crying from a nearby booth. She found the blue-eyed newborn baby girl with a note from the mother explaining why she was unable to care for her baby. At that moment, Louise decided to adopt the baby and name her Hope.
Hope decided at a young age that she would become a famous newspaper reporter. Hope studied hard and received a paid internship at the Daily Record. Soon after, Hope was promoted to writing for the political editorial page, Louise died from ovarian cancer.
On the first Christmas eve, after Louise had passed away, Hope spent the evening at Chuck's Chicken 'n' Biscuits. Unbeknownst to her, someone had broken into her apartment and stolen her stereo, her TV, two crystal horses, her wristwatch, and her $500 emergency cash. After the police officers had arrived, Hope was outside attempting to take a moment to compose herself, she walked back into her apartment to discover that someone had dropped off a large glass jar filled with money.
Hope decides to investigate the mystery behind the "Christmas Jars" and then write an expose story.
I loved the idea of the Christmas Jars and how something so small can make such a difference in a person's life by helping to restore faith.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Hope Jensen, aspirante giornalista, tornata a casa la sera del 25 dicembre trova ad attenderla l’appartamento messo a soqquadro e un misterioso barattolo colmo di monete. Stupita, la giovane inizia a interrogarsi su chi possa essere il misterioso benefattore e in che modo sia giunto da lei proprio nel momento del bisogno. Spinta da un’innata curiosità e approfittando della possibilità di poter svolgere ricerche presso la redazione del giornale in cui lavora scopre che il fenomeno dei barattoli di Natale esiste da tempo e può classificarsi come una vera e propria gara di solidarietà. Tuttavia non è facile parlare con coloro i quali hanno ricevuto tale dono né capire da chi è partita questa dolcissima idea. Determinata a non demordere, Hope prosegue con le ricerche, il suo intento è quello di scrivere un articolo per poter dare il giusto rilievo a una manifestazione di affetto e solidarietà umana.
“Quella dei barattoli di Natale era una tradizione unica nel suo genere, senza una vera organizzazione alle spalle e apparentemente affidata al caso. Non c’erano sponsor, non c’era nessuno a prendersi il merito. C’era solo una sfilza di buoni samaritani senza nome e senza volto.”
In un’epoca nella quale si è sempre più legati alle tecnologie, dove il virtuale ha pian piano sostituito il contatto umano, questo romanzo breve si configura come una sorta di “ribellione” e di rivalutazione di quell’umanità che si sta sempre più perdendo.
Hope Jensen ha ottenuto il suo riscatto quando era solo una neonata. Accolta da una donna che l’ha cresciuta come solo una madre amorevole sa fare, ha da subito dimostrato di avere le idee chiare su di sé. Sin da piccola ha puntato a due obiettivi principali: l’indipendenza e la determinazione. Essere una giornalista per lei è una questione di vitale importanza, non si accontenta delle collaborazioni o dei ruoli marginali, punta ai “piani alti” ed è pronta a dimostrare a tutti le sue capacità. Quando la vita la mette alla prova, Hope dimostra di avere un ottimo controllo di sé, nonostante il dolore mantiene sempre quella determinazione che è,a tutti gli effetti, il suo marchio di fabbrica.
Elemento sul quale si fonda l’intero romanzo è il misterioso barattolo di Natale. Si potrebbe affermare con certezza che sia proprio questo il vero protagonista della narrazione. Viene spontaneo chiedersi come si possa essere così tanto altruisti nei confronti di persone sconosciute. Aiutare gli altri fa parte del comportamento umano, ma tutti sono portati a soffermarsi su realtà vicine, persone che si frequentano o che comunque si tende a conoscere, invece lo spirito di chi ha dato vita a questo rito è andare oltre, spingersi sino a individui che, pur non rientrando nella propria cerchia di conoscenze, non sono meno bisognose di aiuto. Regalare un barattolino di Natale non implica lo scambio né un ringraziamento, è considerato un punto di partenza simbolico dal quale ripartire e quando le circostanze lo imporranno, magari tale riconoscenza potrà esprimersi.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e fluido. La narrazione avviene in terza persona con un ritmo narrativo piuttosto intenso così da rendere la prosa efficace e trasmettere al lettore una morale chiara e precisa.
Il messaggio che questo breve romanzo consegna è un inno di speranza. Speranza per se stessi, per la propria esistenza e, più in generale, speranza in una solidarietà e altruismo tra essere umani.
Un romanzo intenso ed emozionante. Una lettura che si rivela essere una bella favola di Natale.
Hope Jensen, aspirante giornalista, tornata a casa la sera del 25 dicembre trova ad attenderla l’appartamento messo a soqquadro e un misterioso barattolo colmo di monete. Stupita, la giovane inizia a interrogarsi su chi possa essere il misterioso benefattore e in che modo sia giunto da lei proprio nel momento del bisogno. Spinta da un’innata curiosità e approfittando della possibilità di poter svolgere ricerche presso la redazione del giornale in cui lavora scopre che il fenomeno dei barattoli di Natale esiste da tempo e può classificarsi come una vera e propria gara di solidarietà. Tuttavia non è facile parlare con coloro i quali hanno ricevuto tale dono né capire da chi è partita questa dolcissima idea. Determinata a non demordere, Hope prosegue con le ricerche, il suo intento è quello di scrivere un articolo per poter dare il giusto rilievo a una manifestazione di affetto e solidarietà umana.
“Quella dei barattoli di Natale era una tradizione unica nel suo genere, senza una vera organizzazione alle spalle e apparentemente affidata al caso. Non c’erano sponsor, non c’era nessuno a prendersi il merito. C’era solo una sfilza di buoni samaritani senza nome e senza volto.”
In un’epoca nella quale si è sempre più legati alle tecnologie, dove il virtuale ha pian piano sostituito il contatto umano, questo romanzo breve si configura come una sorta di “ribellione” e di rivalutazione di quell’umanità che si sta sempre più perdendo.
Hope Jensen ha ottenuto il suo riscatto quando era solo una neonata. Accolta da una donna che l’ha cresciuta come solo una madre amorevole sa fare, ha da subito dimostrato di avere le idee chiare su di sé. Sin da piccola ha puntato a due obiettivi principali: l’indipendenza e la determinazione. Essere una giornalista per lei è una questione di vitale importanza, non si accontenta delle collaborazioni o dei ruoli marginali, punta ai “piani alti” ed è pronta a dimostrare a tutti le sue capacità. Quando la vita la mette alla prova, Hope dimostra di avere un ottimo controllo di sé, nonostante il dolore mantiene sempre quella determinazione che è,a tutti gli effetti, il suo marchio di fabbrica.
Elemento sul quale si fonda l’intero romanzo è il misterioso barattolo di Natale. Si potrebbe affermare con certezza che sia proprio questo il vero protagonista della narrazione. Viene spontaneo chiedersi come si possa essere così tanto altruisti nei confronti di persone sconosciute. Aiutare gli altri fa parte del comportamento umano, ma tutti sono portati a soffermarsi su realtà vicine, persone che si frequentano o che comunque si tende a conoscere, invece lo spirito di chi ha dato vita a questo rito è andare oltre, spingersi sino a individui che, pur non rientrando nella propria cerchia di conoscenze, non sono meno bisognose di aiuto. Regalare un barattolino di Natale non implica lo scambio né un ringraziamento, è considerato un punto di partenza simbolico dal quale ripartire e quando le circostanze lo imporranno, magari tale riconoscenza potrà esprimersi.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e fluido. La narrazione avviene in terza persona con un ritmo narrativo piuttosto intenso così da rendere la prosa efficace e trasmettere al lettore una morale chiara e precisa.
Il messaggio che questo breve romanzo consegna è un inno di speranza. Speranza per se stessi, per la propria esistenza e, più in generale, speranza in una solidarietà e altruismo tra essere umani.
Un romanzo intenso ed emozionante. Una lettura che si rivela essere una bella favola di Natale.
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