Book Group Forming: Autobiography of Santa Claus

[Gingerbug]

We are going to have another go around with a book group. there seems to be some interest in the Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn

After some reflection we (Maureen and I) have decided that it will work better to read the WHOLE book and then on a certain date...start a discussion thread to talk about the book.....so two questions....

1. How long will it take people to get their hands on a copy of the book?

2. What deadline should we set for complting the book and being ready to discuss it??

I mean after all most of you read the whole book before I even started...LOL

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z3DPMCutL._SS500_.jpg

[dvdguy]

folks if your interested, you should probably tell what rate you read at. Couple pages a night, chapter a day etc. That way ginger gets an idea for a deadline

[kerst]

My copy will get here between Aug 11 and 21. I read pretty fast. Would guess a week to ten days at the most.

[Gingerbug]

Okay good news my library has the book...I reserved it and should be able to pick it up this weekend or early next week.

Everyone else...check in...let me know what the deadline for the Discussion to start should be.

[JanaBanana]

I will have to call my library today to see how long before it will be in.. .It depends on my interest of the book on how fast I can read it... also with the new baby :) But thats ok, even if I just get to read a good Christmas book Im ok with that... if I miss the chat deadline .

[Maureen]

I've just bought this second hand from Amazon for 3p!! To convert, that's roughly 6 cents!!! It's costing more to send it

How about we aim for the discussion round about September 1st? That way, everyone should have their copy from the library/Amazon/wherever and should have it read..........

[kerst]

Sept 1st sounds good to me !

[JanaBanana]

I wont be reading this one this time around as Im already gonna read another Christmas book from another forum and with all the time I DONT have in a day i couldnt imagine trying to read 2 books :)
Hope you all enjoy this one!

[Gingerbug]

Maureen...I like that time line...the discussion thread will start September 1st...for those that get their books way earlier...perhaps jot a few thoughts down in a journal or in your notebook so you won't forget to add them to the thread when we actually get started talking about the book....suppose this reminder is for forgetful me....I got the book from the library today and plan to start it asap...

[kerst]

I've already received mine !!! cheesy

[Maureen]

Yep, my highly expensive copy arrived this morning as well!!

[hilarios]

If you all don't mind, I'd like to participate in this! I have reserved a copy at the library and will pick mine up tomorrow. It will be fun to get excited for Christmas with others! Unfortunately, I am sure to hear 'tude from my bf. :P

[Gingerbug]

Join right in...all are welcome!!!

[officepro4u]

My book is on it's way and I would like to participate too!!

[Gingerbug]

Well I have my library copy but haven't had a second to read...this is a BUSY time of year for me...hopefully things will settle down soon!

[miller4plusmore]

I'm in! I actually already have it and I read it the Christmas before last. I hope I remember it! I'll probably skim through it again for a refresher. Looking forward to the discussion!

:))

[girlyfied]

Count me in! I just ordered a copy from Amazon, which will arrive on Monday. When is the deadline to finish the book?

[Maureen]

September 1st so if it arrives Monday and you read at a normal pace, you should have no trouble getting finished in time

:))

[girlyfied]

Excellent! Thanks, Maureen. It should definitely be here Monday. I used Amazon's free 2 day shipping. :)

[Maureen]

Okay everybody - just taking a headcount. Has everyone finished The Autobiography of Santa Claus or do we need a weeks extension??

If the majority have finished (and we have 24 members of this group) I'll kick the discussion off on Thursday.

Let me know.............

:))

[kerst]

I'm ready !

[Maureen]

Bump!!!

[christmasgranny]

How come I occasionally see a post that simply says "bump"? Is this explained someplace....let me go read the newcomer's sticky.........

[christmasgranny]

Bump!!!



This is what I was referring to. What is the significance of the bump?

[kerst]

This is what I was referring to. What is the significance of the bump?

don't know either !

[kerst]

Anybody still interested in doing this book discussion ?????

[Maureen]

I'm here!!! Sorry I'm late!!

I definitely up for the discussion but it looks like it'll just be you and me doing the discussing as nobody else has got back to us:?

The significance of the "Bump" is to get the thread back up to the top as, when more threads are added to, the older threads get pushed to the bottom. So, by just posting the word "bump" it bounces this thread right back up to the top for everyone to see!!!

[trackrebel]

If I had joined earier and read the thread...I would have ordered, read the book and taken part in the discussion....anyways....I think I will still read the book...but first I gotta check amazon.de if I can order it there.

[Maureen]

I'm sure you'll be able to get it - I got mine from Amazon UK for 3 pence!!!

You can jump right in when you've got it; oh, what the heck, jump right in anyway. The more the merrier!!

[trackrebel]

I just ordered it....will prob be there on Thursday already....it´s 13 Euros....but that´s alright...haven´t bought anything for myself the last 7 months....looking forward to reading it...with Christmas approaching...what better book could I buy?

[Maureen]

Terrific!! Hope you enjoy it :))

[trackrebel]

oh...I´m sure I will....never been reading much as a child...but since I´m about 18 I got into....and I just finished my 7 or 8th book for this year...including some big ones....so I´m sure I will love that one, too.

[miller4plusmore]

Are you all still going to be discussing The Autobiography of Santa Claus? I read it last year (I think--it might have been the year before) and I pretty much remember it so I'm ready to discuss whenever you are. I have the book in case I need to refer back to it. Let me know! Looking forward to it!
:))

[kerst]

We sure are ! Just waiting for some more folks to join in. There is only the three of us so far !!!

[kerst]

Have sent a private message to all members who showed an interest.


Let's see if that helps ! cheesy

[dvdguy]

Ill be joining in, I hope
When does discussion begin?

[trackrebel]

the book will probably arrive tomorrow...Y´all can start talking about it already....I will read Your comments while reading the book and join in when I´m done

[kerst]

Well, looks like there is five of us now. I guess that's enough to start. Once we get going I'm sure more will join in.

Maureen, will you start it up like you said ?

[Maureen]

Absolutely!!! Delighted to!!

If you can wait until tonight (at work right now) I'll get the ball rolling!

Thanks for your help!!

[trackrebel]

oh You are from Scotland....I thought You were American...just bothered to look at the location after reading You are at work right now....

hey...maybe when You start in the evening....I can take part too....havin read the first 60 pages or sumthin like that....somehow I read faster when I read English Books, than when I read German ones...

[kerst]

Absolutely!!! Delighted to!!

If you can wait until tonight (at work right now) I'll get the ball rolling!

Thanks for your help!!


My pleasure !

[kerst]

I won't be here tonight but I'll join in tomorrow

[Maureen]

I'll only be posting a couple of points for discussion so you can pick it up when you're around!! We could then maybe organise a chat one evening when enough people are up to speed!!

[trackrebel]

the book arrived today....due to some dizzyness attacks I´ve had...I won´t be online for long...and might not be able to read as much as I would like to...I will still start reading today...and if it´s only 5 pages....I hope the dizzyness or vertigo or however you call it will get over soon...it´s almost scary

[kerst]

I'll only be posting a couple of points for discussion so you can pick it up when you're around!! We could then maybe organise a chat one evening when enough people are up to speed!!


Sounds good !

[trackrebel]

though I´m feeling dizzy...I read about 100 pages...just couldn´t put it away...:D

[Maureen]

Okay, here we go..........

Point for Discussion 1)

Santa picked up several companions throughout the years. Will the reading of this book influence previous thoughts you may have had about some of the other characters???

Point for Discussion 2)

Nicholas decided early on that as he had enough money for his needs, he would share the rest out by giving things to other, more needy, people.
What do you think the chances are of that happening today - especially if it weren't tax deductable?? Are we a more selfish "I'm all right, Jack, to h*ll with you" generation on a whole???

Point for Discussion 3)

Who was your favourite character and why??!!!!!!!!


That should get us going - or scare everyone away!!!

:wiggy:

[Maureen]

That should get us going - or scare everyone away!!!

:wiggy:

Oh dear, has it scared everyone away???!!!!!!!

[trackrebel]

to the first question.....it kinda has....but only during this read....I still regard Attila as mean and terrible person...but during the read...he seems so nice...but that´s what I like about the book...I´m very curious about who he will find to be helper´s of him

to the second question....no...I don´t think we are worse type of people than back in those days....There are always people working hard and still give....there are many, many not rich people donating money every year....even tho they could use the money otherwise.....There are some famous people who try to make a difference....look at Oprah Winfrey with her school for girls in South Afrika....Diana fighting and being vocal against those landmines until she died...Mother Theresa.....even people like Madonna or Anglina Jolie try to help.....Richard Gere....Karlheinz Böhm a famous actor in Germany from the 50 lost a bet at German TV back in the 80s and had to do something in Ethiopia....he was so moved by that experience that he moved over there forever, collecting money with his organizsation building schools, wells and on.....
Not every person is like that, but there are plenty of more people in our age that help the poor and sad, than there have been back in those days and especially the dark ages

I kinda like Santa and Felix the most so far....Santa....cos he´s just Santa...and Felix cause he amuses me....making fun of Santa´s waistline while being quite big himself....giving good ideas...like with the wood-carving for the testaments and all of that

[Maureen]

I'm with you on Attila - you have this preconceived image of him as this sadistic warmonger and now he's out and about helping Santa deliver presents. That'll always be there now, whenever I hear anything about him "Oh, he was a horrible tyrant" "Yeah but he helped Santa deliver presents"!!!! (Yes, I know this is fiction)

I can't help feeling that apart from a genuine few, most of these "Do-Gooders" are in it for the publicity. Suddenly it becomes fashionable to be seen to do the right thing and you really aren't IT, dahling, if you haven't adopted at least 17 children from a 3rd world country :-?

I liked Felix too - something about the food I could identify with!!!!!!

[trackrebel]

I have to disagree with You on the publicity stunt thing.....there might be some truth to it....no denying....but most still do it because they want to help....and even if it´s just for the publicity....fine with me...cos it helps people....:D....With the adoption things...Jolie overdoes it big time...but I think she has good intentions...and her desire to help seems genuine, too....

one thing about celebrities and charity is....when they don´t do it openly...they are doomed....when they do it openly...they just do it for publicity...so they are in a bad situations for that....I think most do it to help

[kerst]

Good start you two ! Here are my thoughts:

Point 1: I'm not sure I understand all of the characters significance to Santa's autobiography. I never heard of Attilla or King Arthur being linked to Christmas before. Nor of a character named Felix. All the others had some kind of influence on Christmas and made it to what we know today. Did it influence my thoughts on the characters ? Not really, because I see the "historical" figure seperate from the one described in the story.

Point 2: We are not necessarily a more selfish generation today but definitely more greedy and materialistic. We're not just happy being clothed, we want "brand-names", we're not just happy being fed, we want "caviar and oysters". People like Nicholas were and will always be unique and special. There was only ONE Nicholas after all, even in his time. But look at Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, ... those are the Saints of today. So yes, it is still possible for this to happen today but only by a very special few. And us more simple souls try to do what we can and make small contributions.

I don't think you can compare the efforts of an Angelina Jolie or Madonna or any other star to those of "Nicholas". They have more houses and luxury than they can ever even use while Nicholas had nothing. So yes, part of it is publicity, on the other hand the publicity helps promote certain projects and is a plus. But do they really give with their heart ???


Point 3: My favorite character was the priest, Phillip. He was Nicholas' mentor and inspiration and really the "creator" of Christmas as we know it today.




What was your opinion of the story as a whole ? Was it what you expected ?

[trackrebel]

I liked Philip, too...especially how he urged and also scolded him not to give up so quick....which to me....is very necessary if You want to reach any goal in Your life...be it in sports, school, love whatever....if You always give up after the first hurdles in Your way....You will never do anything.


I truly believe most of the celebritiesdo the good with their heart....of course they still have plenty of cars and houses and everything....and surely they could just live like monchs as well...but I don´t even ask for that....the most important job they do is...making people know about certain projects and stuff like that. and sorry if it sounded like I really compared angelia jolie and miss ciccone with St. Nicholas...I didn´t mean it like that....I just meant, that they donating money, visiting hospitals and on and....getting those problems in the minds of people who didn´t know about them before.

[kerst]

I truly believe most of the celebritiesdo the good with their heart....of course they still have plenty of cars and houses and everything....and surely they could just live like monchs as well...but I don´t even ask for that....the most important job they do is...making people know about certain projects and stuff like that. and sorry if it sounded like I really compared angelia jolie and miss ciccone with St. Nicholas...I didn´t mean it like that....I just meant, that they donating money, visiting hospitals and on and....getting those problems in the minds of people who didn´t know about them before.

Don't be sorry ! cheesy I just thought it was kind of funny to compare movie stars with saints ! Of course it is important what they do and like I said the publicity they get with their actions bring attention to the projects they support which is much needed.

But.... there can only be ONE Santa Claus !!!

[trackrebel]

truer words have never been spoken....:D

other questions

which of Santa´s helpers do You like the least and why?

do You think Santa (only in the book of course) somewhat preferes the USA....and does it bother You?

how do You like that Santa hasn´t been on a sleigh with reindeers and lived in the northpole until it was written....would You have liked it the other way around?

[kerst]

The characters are all presented in such a way you must like them all. I don't have one specific one I didn't like.

Santa does prefer the USA both in the book and in reality. Santa is after all an American legend. In Europe or at least in Belgium and Holland and France we celebrate Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) on December 6. Don't think you do in Germany though, do you ? We can't have both Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus. It would only confuse the children. Santa Claus or a Father Christmas figure does show up in the streets around Christmas but he doesn't bring the presents. Children here don't "believe" in Santa as the legend is not kept alive. It does not bother me at all. We have our own Christmas traditions after all which are just as much fun.

Legends grow in time and place so the flying reindeer and northpole came into the legend when the time was right. I don't think it would have been the same if this came first. People wouldn't have believed it then and maybe the whole legend would have been lost.

[trackrebel]

[quote=kerst;100747]
Santa does prefer the USA both in the book and in reality. Santa is after all an American legend. In Europe or at least in Belgium and Holland and France we celebrate Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) on December 6. Don't think you do in Germany though, do you ? We can't have both Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus. It would only confuse the children. Santa Claus or a Father Christmas figure does show up in the streets around Christmas but he doesn't bring the presents. Children here don't "believe" in Santa as the legend is not kept alive. It does not bother me at all. We have our own Christmas traditions after all which are just as much fun.

quote]

I have to disagree with that....in the book he specficially says that he is all in one...He is Santa, Nickolaus (and yes...we Germans do that as well....St. Nickolaus comes on December 6th.), Christkind all in one........so in reality Santa is just the American version...Christkind for Germans...but we also use the Weihnachtsmann.....so all of them are the are the same and ´the only part I don´t like in the book is that Santa seems to prefer the "New World" so obviously.....I do understand it´s a book meant mostly for the American Audience...so it´s alright....
When I was a child I was always a bit confused about the Christkind and Santa Claus thing....or lets say Weihnachtsmann thing....because we were taught about the Christkind....but also had a song that is about the Weihnachtsmann _(Morgen kommt der Weihnachtsmann....translation Santa comes to Tomorrow)....so after some time....I took them as a team....and now after reading the book......I find out....I was right....:D

[trackrebel]

and doesn´t France have Pére Noel?....as do the English countries have Father Christmas....so here we have the man...who also comes on Christmas Day...and again...we Germans have the Weihnachtsmann...it depends on where You are it depends....my daughter loves them all....She sometimes says Nikolaus...and recently she started saying Santa Claus....she was so cute saying it...I almost cried

[kerst]

I thought you were specifically referring to Santa Claus in the USA. Nicholas is Santa and all the others in one, that's true and that's why I think every country should keep it's own traditions. Maybe he prefers the new world because it's written by an American ??? And also the book is really about where SANTA CLAUS came from and he really grew out of all the other European versions, didn't he ?


What does the weihnachtsman look like ?

Children make Christmas so much more fun, don't they ?? You'll have lots of fun over the coming years with your daughter as she starts to understand the traditions better.

[trackrebel]

the Weihnachtsmann looks like Santa Claus....just that You almost don´t see his pants, because his coat is so long....but in the last few years he changed to Santa.....since in the end they are the same person....and through all the commercials, movies and all...kids adapted it.

I agree with it, that it has to do with being written by an American....also I didn´t mean it any bad when I asked this question....I just found it a bit obvious.....

and as I said...over here in Germany....I was a bit confused...cos we have both....plus Nickolaus....:D so we are blessed twice....little presents, mostly candy on Nickolaus.....the big day on Christmas.....as I said....as a kid I always thought Christkind and the Weihnachtsmann are a team....after reading the book.....The Christkind could have been Layla....:D

[kerst]

Did you finish reading the whole book now ? What did you think of it ? Is it what you expected ?


It certainly was a good lesson on history cheesy but a lot of the characters are new to me as part of Santa's world like Felix for example. But he is a friend and a helper so I can understand his part. But I never before linked Attila to Christmas. What do you think his role is in the story ? Why is he there ?

[Maureen]

I personally think Santa's name-dropping!!!!

:))

[trackrebel]

I think the writer choose those character...to kinda show bout legends being over exaggerated and on....in the end....we all heard of Attila...but in the end...maybe he has never been as bad as he was.....Now I think he was a bad guy....but with this legendsbuilding stuff...and rumors...they can be terrible and totally destroy ones reputation....

sorry for the way I put it....I somehow don´t find the words to really describe what I´m thinking

I finished the book within 3 days...always reading while laying in bed....even tho having a terrible case of vertigo (dizzyness)...:D so that speaks for itself....I loved the books and the new characters that came with it....Also that they are a team that delivers together...which makes it much more easy to spread the presents all over the world in one day....or lets say night when You tell Your kids

[kerst]

That's fine, I understand what you're saying.

It seems like there is only the three of us here. Shall we leave it at this or do you want to continue ?

[Maureen]

I think we've given this one a week so if anyone else wanted to join us, they had enough opportunity.

I think we should look for another book!! Any suggestions???? If you're stuck for ideas, I'll rummage around and offer a few titles

[Holiday]

I just ordered this in from the library on cd!!! :sparkle:

[kerst]

I think we've given this one a week so if anyone else wanted to join us, they had enough opportunity.

I think we should look for another book!! Any suggestions???? If you're stuck for ideas, I'll rummage around and offer a few titles


Will check through my collection and give some suggestions on Monday.

[kerst]

I just ordered this in from the library on cd!!! :sparkle:


No problem Holiday ! Let us know when you finish reading and we can come back.

[kerst]

I think we've given this one a week so if anyone else wanted to join us, they had enough opportunity.

I think we should look for another book!! Any suggestions???? If you're stuck for ideas, I'll rummage around and offer a few titles


This is my selection:

The Metcalfe Family Album by Sallyann Murphey
This is really my all time favorite ! A beautiful saga of an American family passing on their Christmas traditions from generation to generation. You can see a few pictures in one of my albums

A berry merry Christmas by Marcia Evanick
Romance, humor, ...

Christmas Angel by Jo Beverly
Romance ! Warm hearted novel

The angel doll by Jerry Bledsoe
A true story ! Very special. Small book though, only 100 pages

Certain poor shepherds by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
The story of the night of Christ's birth as perceived by the animals.
Fun to read !



All of them are available on amazon

[kerst]

I suggest we wait till after Christmas now for the next book as we will all be very busy getting ready for Christmas over the next couple of months and I doubt anybody will have time to read.

Any objections ???

[trackrebel]

the time for reading is always there...but I can´t afford to get a new book with all the presents in the waiting...:D

[kerst]

the time for reading is always there...but I can´t afford to get a new book with all the presents in the waiting...:D


I concur to that !

[Maureen]

Honestly, I'm lost if I don't have a book on the go so I would make a point of getting something, or if need be, return to old favourites.

It's only true book-lovers that understand the "reading a book again" thing. It's like a visit to an old friend!!

[Holiday]

I picked up The Autobiography Of Santa Claus on cd last night from the library. I have been listening to it in the car. I really like it so far. Too bad I only work 2 miles from home...it might take awhile to listen to it all! Lol! Or, I might have to go drive around...what the heck...gas is cheap!!! :lol: (Yeah right...)

[kerst]

Honestly, I'm lost if I don't have a book on the go so I would make a point of getting something, or if need be, return to old favourites.

It's only true book-lovers that understand the "reading a book again" thing. It's like a visit to an old friend!!


Me too, I'm always reading something ! And there is of course always the library ! But here they don't carry such a large selection of English books and certainly not about Christmas.

I'm happy to join another book discussion if there is enough interest but since there was only the tree of us last time I think it might be even harder now to get some people joining us.

[kerst]

I picked up The Autobiography Of Santa Claus on cd last night from the library. I have been listening to it in the car. I really like it so far. Too bad I only work 2 miles from home...it might take awhile to listen to it all! Lol! Or, I might have to go drive around...what the heck...gas is cheap!!! :lol: (Yeah right...)


Let us know when you're through !

[trackrebel]

I´m reading all the time, too...but as Kerst said....even the library doesn´t have so many english books over here...and unfortunately no Christmas things...in English that is....

I´m thinking bout reading Lord Of The Rings all over again...:D