Customer Reviews

Home for Christmas

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

 

 

Before I talk about Fr. Greeley's wonderful new novel I want to say Thank You God for letting us have him in our lives a while longer and hope that my personal prayers to "The One" might have reached his ears. As many of you know Fr. Greeley survived a horrendous accident last November and nearly died. With the continued effort of his family, friends, therapists and physicians he continues to recover and improve.
In his new novel Father Greeley gives us an unforgettable love story of two remarkable characters who from childhood have been loved and in love with each other. He also takes us on an incredible journey of our hero Peter Patrick Kane from his near fatal injury while serving in Iraq. This is a tale full of whimsy, full of wit and full of faith. Faith in not only God but in the power of love. His characters are unforgettable and so intimately detailed that you can't believe the whole novel only consists of 192 pages. Quite a feat and yet knowing our prolific author not a surprise. From his uncomplicated yet complex Peter to his enigmatic heroine Mariana to his varied and many supporting cast which includes one of his most beloved characters from other novels Bishop Blackie. His storyline is fresh and unique and yet it's as old as time itself. His dialogue is descriptive and fills your minds with the pictures conjured by his words. It's full of color and light and just enough blarney and fey to make it uniquely his own. The love story is sweet and heart wrenching and often times brings you to tears and not always tears of joy. Father Andrew Greeley is or should be considered on of the greatest living authors of our time, in my humble opinion. In his ageless wisdom he has brought us countless tales of love, of crisis, of human frailty, but mostly of humanity at it's best. And this inspiring holiday novel is right there as one of his best. If you're not acquainted with this gifted artist then this is the perfect first read for you. And if you are a fan and have read him be prepared to be in awe once again.

After Andrew Greeley's accident in January, 2009, this may be his last novel. It can well stand as an ultimate work, full of his vision of God as a comedian, a giver of multiple chances. It stars a young soldier, killed in Iraq by an IED, one of those indiscriminate weapons from hell. But its long term effects remain subject to the Lord of the Universe. This is not the God of Nuala Anne McGrail Coyne who works in subtle and mysterious ways to solve her clients' problems with mystical Irish insight. Nor is it the reasoned god of Archbishop Blackie (who now may not quite reach the throne of Peter, despite his recent rapid ascent). This is the God of Archangel Michael (who resembles the Chicago Bull's Michael) and Gabriella, Who does not fear to pull out all the stops in accomplishing His goals, with the cooperation of his gentle subjects.

Although the novel lacks some of the detailed character development we love in Greeley, it makes for a good story in anticipation of the greatest story we know, the Christmas gift of God to us all.

I have to say that this was one amazing book. Iread it in two sittings, probably totalling 5 hours. I could not put it down. It is the first book I read by this author, but not the last. I was so excited when I won an advanced copy from the publisher and am so grateful to have been touched by this book.
It was a story of Love Faith and Loyalty.
Petey Kane and Pia met in 2nd grade. It is a story of how their lives changed at their senior prom and how Petey was changed while in Iraq. It is a story that you do not want to miss!

Andrew Greeley's novels characteristically have several common ingredients: Strong emphasis on relationships; communication of God's unconditional love; favorable portraits of Chicago; progressive Roman Catholic clergy; respectful but humorous treatment of politicians, clergy, and the Irish. A romantic novel, "Home for Christmas" exemplifies each of these features in an excellent manner.

Four themes evolve in "Home for Christmas." The first tells a romantic love story. For a celibate priest, Andrew Greeley has a knack for writing about romance. In this novel, Greeley brilliantly captures the feeling of an adult male approaching the woman of his dreams. Like many of us, the man loves his chosen woman, but is terrified of her. He becomes indecisive, clumsy, afraid, and speechless. The woman, is hesitant, nervous, and reticent to become the aggressor without a clear indication on his part. This loving man and woman provide a fascinating story.

Pete, a junior military officer serving in Iraq, is very brave and cares deeply for the people under his command. Protecting his soldiers and his competent leadership of his unit leads to his death by a suicide bomber. Mariana, Pete's childhood sweetheart, patiently waits during his three deployments. Meanwhile she becomes an effective attorney.

Near death experiences encompasses the second theme. The novel claims that such events are personal. A near death experience does not prove or disprove anything, but those who experience it know the reality for themselves. Greeley's account of this experience is gentle but life changing for those involved. Pete returns to life with clearly modified attitudes. (This is not a "spoiler" as the book advertisements and the book cover say it involves a near death experience)

The third theme defines God. God is "The One" (short for "The One In Three"). God is all Mercy and Love, with a great sense of humor. God, as the greatest lover, likes it when we love each other. God explains to Pete the importance of forgiveness and yielding to love.

A wonderful picture of heaven illustrates the fourth theme. Many have imagined what heaven would be like, from images of people sitting on clouds playing a harp, to warriors receiving 70 virgins for their Jihad. Greeley's heaven is totally in sync with God's promise: lush pools of natural water for us to enjoy, to swim and play; marvelous trees constantly at their prime season; peace and joy that always emanates from God's undying love; continual peace basking in the beatific vision.

For Greeley fans, "Home for Christmas" is a treat. For romantic souls it is a joy.

I am a BIG fan of Andrew Greeley, but this book is special. I sat down and read it in one evening and then purchased it for my daughter for Christmas. I certainly wish that Father Greeley was my priest!

Like another reviewer, I was offended by the curse words, especially the one and only "f" word being used by someone in heaven no less. I bought this book because I am on my Christian journey and love to read and have been working to find good Christian fiction to enjoy as entertainment as well as to maybe give me guidance on how to make Christianity more prevalent in everyday life.

I enjoyed the story's general themes and major points about the 2 main characters but I was left wanting for more character depth. I did enjoy the unique story-telling method of having two points of view (Pete and Jimmy) and the screenplay-like chapters that highlighted some of the conversations/interviews.

I also can't believe there was swear words in a novel written by a priest! I get that these characters are not perfect and probably would swear and curse but there are better ways to indicate this imperfection of characters in a novel without actually using the word. For example, in the Left Behind series, the author would simply say the character uttered a curse when the author felt it important to show the character's flaws and struggle in overcoming a besetting sin, like swearing. And what made it worse is the cursing was not because of a stressful situation but used casually like everyday language (including by the Monsignor Jimmy if I recall). If the swearing was removed or changed to indicate it versus actually using the words, I would give this book 4 stars because of it's uniqueness in style and success in telling a good story about romantic love, commitment, faith, fear, and courage.

Peter Kane Ran Away from his Family, his love, and a suburb of Chicago after a Care crash tht was not his fault but killed two of his friends. He goes to Texas A&M becomes a Army officer in the First Cav and does 3 tours in Iraq. during his last tour he gets shot stabed by a sword amd blown up. And has ANDE find out what God wants him to do. A Great book for Military families. Andrew Greely did it again!!!

During this time when troops are engaged in two war zones, this work indulges in rewarding theme making us realize a Power above us Who makes the impossible, possible, suffering, peaceful and earth, heaven.

Fr. Greeley, a Catholic priest, is an accomplished sociologist turned best-selling novelist. While "Home for Christmas" presents an interesting, fun, and fast-paced story, if the reader peruses it as sociology, s/he wll derive much more benefit. In particular, according to some authors, one key to a successful marriage is for the couple to hold each other off until the opposite partner can be turned into the prince or princess the other always wanted. In this story, circumstances intervene to separate the main characters until each receives nearly all in a partner they really wanted.

To me, the story could be improved in two ways: by making the point of the story -- the sociological aspects -- more blatant or obvious, and by telling the reader how one could accomplish the same ends in his/her own life. As to the first point, similar stories that appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries read far more like something out of "Boys Life." For example, they made it perfectly obvious that one triumphed in life not by veniality, deceit, and subterfuge, but by solving a problem in a moral and ethical way. After reading such a story there was no doubt in the reader's mind that the author expected the reader to behave similarly. With respect to the second point, young, and with the rate of divorce being what it is now, not so young, readers need to know that what he/she is reading about is a process that they can duplicate in their own lives. But how? The only answer implied in Fr. Greeley's novel is by seeking knowlegeable, professional advice. Most young people seek the advice of their peers -- boys teaching boys how to be men, girls how to be women. We need more.

Andrew Greeley, as usual, was outstanding in his portrayal of simple, everyday people who change lives and circumstances by being themselves. They give of themselves to others for safety or justice. Though the story is but a moment in time, you know their future together will continue to be the same.