Customer Reviews

Boo Humbug (The Boo Series #4)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge is the new holiday book in the ongoing Boo series about former horror writer Wolfe Boone and the denizens of Skary, Indiana. First off, let me say that I love Rene Gutteridge. I've read most of her other books and they are fantastic (read my reviews, I really mean it!). But I was very disappointed in this addition to the series. Wolfe and his wife Ainsley have had their first child, as has his friend Ollie and wife Melba. The two mothers' obsessions with their babies send the men into a ill-conceived version of Dickens' Christmas Carol directed by Lois Stepaphanopolis, one of the town's many kooks. Skary is populated with quirkly, hilarious characters who through their actions teach about the presence and love of God. Gutteridge has used them to great effect in previous titles. But here they move from quirky precious to annoying. Ainsley and Melba are paranoid about their children past humor into psychosis, and I found myself completely sympathizing with Wolfe. Maybe because of the few pages allowed in a novella, the story had to be compressed, but I missed larger appearances by other characters, and if you haven't read the previous books, I think you would be completely lost. Gutteridge pulls it back together for a satisfying conclusion about forgiveness and thankfulness and the true meaning of Christmas.

Encouraged to think outside the box by her theatre teacher Professor Watson, Lois Stepaphanolopolis dreams of a special production of A Christmas Carol for the Skary, Indiana theatre. Her plan is turn the Dickens' classic into a horror thriller.

She writes a play, but everyone involved with the Stepaphanolopolis rendition struggles to understand it; perhaps because several films have adhered to the original classic and those that took some license did not stray anywhere near afar as Lois is pushing. Still the residents of Skary want to rally around their playwright that is if they can comprehend the message of her strange version that has Charles Dickens would haunt Stepaphanolopolis if he could come back from the grave.

Rene Gutteridge's "Boo" tales are some of the best inspirational stories on the market today (see BOO and BOO WHO). The latest winner BOO HUMBUG focuses on the Skary townsfolk rallying in support of Lois although many think her concept is dumb and those who do not for the most part cannot understand what she is doing. Readers will appreciate this fine novel as it takes a village to change a classic.

Harriet Klausner

In this charming and inspirational novel, Rene Gutteridge makes sure that Christmas will never be the same in Skary, Indiana.

When Lois Stepaphanolopolis comes up with a crazy spin on the familiar Dickens Christmas tale, the citizens of Skary, Indiana had better watch out. She dreams of creating a play that will wow her community and showcase her writing and directing talent. Now all she needs are some actors and promoters.

Alfred Tennison absolutely hates the Christmas season. Can't stand it. Between the lights, carolers and shoppers, he can't seem to escape its cheer. When he gets roped into promoting a Christmas play for the nutty Lois, he believes he's hit rock bottom.

Wolfe Boone feels like the walking dead from helping his wife Ainsley care for their new baby, Abigail. All Wolfe really wants is a decent night's sleep and a change from the never-ending dirty diapers. A friend talks him into a temporary reprieve in the form of Lois' play-he can spend several hours a night relaxing away from home. But Lois' writing leaves something to be desired, and Wolfe isn't sure he can stick it out.

Will these three be able to pull off the Christmas play that the community expects? Can Alfred overcome his past and find the peace he's been looking for? Will Wolfe?

Gutteridge has a great recipe for creating an engaging read. Take one part colorful characters, a dash of humor and witty dialogue, and fold all this into a small town setting that sparkles. Add in a cast of kooky but fun supporting characters, and you'll come up with Boo Humbug, a warmhearted novel full of Christmas cheer.

The spiritual thread in this novel is visible but not preachy. Gutteridge's trademark humor shines and readers will get a kick out of this book.

Armchair Interview says: Highly recommended.

I've never read any of this author's books other than her more serious ones (which I loved, as well). I picked this one up (not knowing it was the 4th in a series, but it didn't matter) not knowing what to expect. I'd heard they were lighter reading with humor and I don't often find those type enjoyable. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. This was a well written book full of fun characters set in a quirky, enjoyable town. I'll definitely go find the rest of the series, and plan on starting from #1 from now on. I'd highly recommend this set of books, if they're all as good as the last one!

I really enjoy the characters in this series! It' been a while since I read 1-3, and it was easy enough to pick up where I left off. Never know what to expect (except the unexpected!) from Skary, Indiana!

Here it is almost February, I finally got a chance to sit down and read this book that I've been itching to dig into. I'm glad I didn't wait until next year's Christmas season. Wolf and his wife have too much lure for me. I've read every book in the series. Although it's after the season, I still enjoyed the Christmas tale. Boo is still may favorite of the series, but I will encourage my reading buddies to read this right after Thanksgiving next year.

Wolfe and Oliver are in the throws of fatherhood as Christmas approaches. Ainsley and Melb's their wives are doing the best they can to create a loving atmosphere in their homes and celebrate Christmas on very little sleep. The holidays can be so stressful and full of misunderstandings. This story looks at family life during the holidays and how those families interact in their community.

The story is fun, and filled with the drama that happens off the stage as the actors try to catch the crazy vision that Lois (their director) has for this traditional play. No matter how hard they try to practice and think the cast has the play down pat God steps in and has His way with the show. I was surprised at Lois and what she allows God to do in her life and the lives of those around her. This story shows that God uses the SIMPLE things of life to touch people's hearts and change lives. This story really touches on the real meaning of Christmas. I really liked this story and the loveable characters. This is the first Boo book that I have read. It's made me want to read the others.

Nora St.Laurent
Life Way Book Club Leader
Book Club Leader

I absolutely love the Boo Series. This one was a little different than the first three. I thought it ended kind of wierd, but it was definately worth the reading.

I really liked this book, its not as long as the others, but the story is a good continuation of the series and its characters. I love the Boo series! Maybe she will write more!

I've read the entire Boo Series so I know the characters well. It is a short book, perfect to curl up on the couch with the tree lights, chocolate, cookies and indulge. I laughed so hard I cried and then some of those tears became from being touched by the message Gutteridge put into the book. I was laughing so hard at the end my husband came out and I read out loud the last 20 pages or so, he was laughing so hard he was crying too. Great book, great message.