Review – Boo Humbug

In Boo Humbug, we find the citizens of Skary, Indiana deep into the Christmas holiday season. Streets and homes are decorated, carolers are singing, and all is well in the small town until Lois Stepaphanolopolis decides she must put on a production of A Christmas Story. Of course, it cannot be the age-old, tired rendition of the play. No, Lois has to put a spin on the story, making sure her telling of the tale lives up to the town’s name.

Lois, without revealing her tampering with the play, recruits the locals who skeptically participate. Alfred Tennison, the local Scrooge himself, signs on as promoter and hails the production far and wide guaranteeing a large audience for the program. Trouble is, the neighboring towns misconstrue the true nature of Lois’s play and expect a far different performance than the one scheduled.

Lois doesn’t have to convince Wolfe Boone and his friend Oliver, both fathers of young babies, to seek out roles once they figure out the nightly play practices give them a much needed break in their rigorous parenting schedules. But trouble soon lands on their doorsteps as well, when their wives discover their devious plans.

Though this book is classified as suspense, I found it much more of a lighthearted read. As I turned the pages, I could almost hear a narrator reciting the words in a fairytale-ish tone and saw the story come to life before me on the big screen. Gutteridge’s whit fills the pages and brings the characters and town of Skary to life. But don’t confuse the jovial nature of the book as one that doesn’t carry a message. Hidden within the tale is a strong message reminding us that all God wants from us is ourselves, fully and completely.

This is a great read, but would also make a wonderful new Christmas tradition to read during the holidays, or a special stocking stuffer for anyone. What better gift to give at Christmas than this delightful reminder of God’s love.