A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Published by Random House on January 1, 1956
Age/Genres: Adult, Short Stories
Goodreads
“The mill owner's wife persists: 'A dollar, my foot! Fifty cents. That's my last offer. Goodness, woman, you can get another one.' In answer, my friend gently reflects: 'I doubt it. There's never two of anything.”
'A Christmas Memory' is a short story written by Truman Capote, first published in 1956. This much sought-after autobiographical recollection of Capote's rural Alabama boyhood has become a modern-day classic.
Seven-year-old Buddy knows that the Christmas season has arrived when his cousin, Miss Sook Falk exclaims: "It's fruitcake weather!" Thus begins an unforgettable portrait of an odd, but enduring, friendship between two innocent souls—one young and one old—and the memories they share of beloved holiday rituals.
This was my first experience with Capote's writing, and I enjoyed it very much. These three holiday stories were a snapshot of the south in the 1930s and beautifully captured the friendship shared by "Buddy", his cousin Sook, and Queenie the dog. It was wonderful tagging along with Buddy and Sook as they sought the ingredients for their 30 fruitcakes, as well being part of their Thanksgiving celebration. One story had buddy traveling to New Orleans to spend Christmas with his estranged father. It was an eye-opening visit for Buddy with a very touching ending.
The star of all three stories was the friendship shared between Buddy and Sook (Capote and his elderly cousin). Though there was more than 50 years between them, they shared a beautiful bond, and it was easy to see what a profound impression Sook made on his life. Overall, all three stories were quite touching and brimming with warmth and charm.
One Night, Two Holidays by Ali Brady
Published by Godfrey & Hammer on December 10, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
A romantic and heartwarming holiday novella from USA Today Bestselling author Ali Brady.
This year, Christmas and Hanukkah come together–and for two neighbors stranded in a snowstorm, one magical night could change everything.
Jack had big plans for fly home to see the family he misses like crazy, eat his weight in holiday cookies and enjoy plenty of forced-family fun in matching pajamas. Instead, a record-breaking snowstorm leaves him stranded alone in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Nessa’s Hanukkah plans were…nonexistent. With her roommates off on their own adventures and her family busy elsewhere, she was ready to spend the holiday binge-watching TV alone.
When a power outage takes things from bad to worse, the two neighbors join forces to help each other find the holiday cheer they’ve both lost. As they attempt to make latkes out of whatever ingredients they can scrounge up, and stuff each other’s stockings with improvised gifts, the two stumble upon the unexpected joy of blending their own holiday traditions into something entirely new.
While the storm rages outside, sparks begin to fly between Jack and Nessa. But will the magic they found last beyond this one special night?
This was a short one but there was no shortage of fun and holiday cheer.
Nessa thought she was going to be spending the holidays alone until a massive snow storm hit, grounding all the planes. This ruined a lot of people's holiday plans including Jack's. But the silver lining was that this disaster brought them together. There were a lot of tropes in the mix, and they were used well in this fun and festive tale.
I also loved the way both holidays were showcased and that Ali Brady even let a bit of the religious aspects creep in. It was really sweet the way Jack and Nessa cared enough to learn about the other's holiday as well as their family traditions. Reading this reminded me why I love picking up holiday books -- they make me happy and leave me warm and fuzzy.
Overall - A fun and sweet story packed with warmth and festive feelings
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