Challenge Corner discussion

In October 1843, Charles Dickens ― heavily in debt and obligated to his publisher ― began work on a book to help supplement his family's meagre income. That volume, A Christmas Carol, has long since become one of the most beloved stories in the English language. As much a part of the holiday season as holly, mistletoe, and evergreen wreaths, this perennial favourite continues to delight new readers and rekindle thoughts of charity and goodwill.

With its characters exhibiting many qualities ― as well as failures ― often ascribed to Dickens himself, the imaginative and entertaining tale relates Ebenezer Scrooge's eerie encounters with a series of spectral visitors. Journeying with them through Christmases past, present, and future, he is ultimately transformed from an arrogant, obstinate, and insensitive miser to a generous, warm-hearted, and caring human being. Written by one of England's greatest and most popular novelists, A Christmas Carol has come to epitomize the true meaning of Christmas.

I read through the first stave. I always forget how much I like Dickens' writing. So good. (view spoiler)[And the way he writes the ghosts! Love it. The descriptions of the weather and how the ghosts either disappear or are swallowed in the fog was brilliant. Also, Scrooge is terrible! (hide spoiler)]

Starting later today.:)

Great!

I'm reading it, too!

Fantastic! I'm really enjoying it so far.

Sorry, just got my copy

Thoughts on Stave Two. (view spoiler)[The ghosts are really cool. And it's so interesting to see Scrooge as a younger person. And happier. (hide spoiler)]

I finished it today -- I just LOVE this story!!!!

If you add a few comments on this thread for the buddy read you can get an extra point in the challenge. :)

Thoughts on Stave three.
(view spoiler)[It's nice to see Scrooge react to what he sees. And have him realize how harsh his words were about people in need. Loved seeing what everyone was doing for Christmas. (hide spoiler)]

Thoughts on Stave four. (view spoiler)[That would be sad, to have learned so much and then see your death and no one mourn you. And poor Tiny Tim! But at least Scrooge had a good outlook on everything. And that imagery at the end, with the spirit becoming the bedpost was excellent. (hide spoiler)]

Thoughts on Stave five. (view spoiler)[It was nice to see Scrooge cheerful for a change. And his nephew delighted to have him. And what he did for Bob's family, and Tiny Tim! Such a good story. (hide spoiler)]

I loved this! Beautiful writing, great characters, excellent imagery.

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RESTARTING DECEMBER 1ST, 2025


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