Why would I recommend A Christmas Carol?

One of the reasons to recommend this book is that it has been very popular since it was written in 1843.  For a book to be popular consistently for that long must mean there is something to it!  Why do people love A Christmas Carol so much?

First of all, the book is an uplifting tale.  Even if it is not Christmastime people like the story, and around Christmas, people are sentimental and enjoy it...

One of the reasons to recommend this book is that it has been very popular since it was written in 1843.  For a book to be popular consistently for that long must mean there is something to it!  Why do people love A Christmas Carol so much?

First of all, the book is an uplifting tale.  Even if it is not Christmastime people like the story, and around Christmas, people are sentimental and enjoy it even more.  It explores the themes that go with the holiday, such as taking care of others and enjoying your family.

The characters in this book are also compelling.  Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from grouchy and lonely miser to munificent old uncle warms the heart.  Anyone can recite Scrooge’s favorite line from the beginning of the story, or Tiny Tim’s Christmas toast, “God bless us every one!

“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge’s nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.

“Bah!” said Scrooge, “Humbug!” (Stave 1)

Let’s not forget, this is a ghost story!  Dickens loved ghost stories, and he gives us four creatively different ghosts: Scrooge’s former partner who worried about him since his death, a ghost that is neither young nor old, a charming Santa Claus-like jolly ghost, and a spooky phantom.

Finally, the story gives us faith that people can change. We would all like to believe that we can become better versions of ourselves.  Dickens tells us that it is never too late to become that better person.  All you have to do is take the first step.

“Spirit!” he cried, tight clutching at its robe, “hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this, if I am past all hope!” (Stave 4)

When Scrooge sends the Cratchits a turkey and goes to his nephew Fred’s house for dinner, it warms the heart.  The story has a happy ending.