Customer Reviews

For Love of Children

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For Love of Children has exactly one thing wrong with it - People are going to give you odd looks when you tell them about the book you're reading.

Snyder's debut novel opens up a whole new world of adventure, providing depth and texture to characters you just thought you knew. The heroes and villains might be from fairy tales but this story is treated as serious business. No parodies or tongue-in-cheek humor. There are moments that will make you laugh but it's part of the scene. The characters themselves are not the butt of anyone's joke.

Actually, I was impressed with the realism of the story. There's new insight into Nicholas' origin, as well as an explanation on where elves really come from. Peter was an interesting character that you can't help feeling sorry for. His life isn't all painted eggs and Easter Sundays. Likewise, the plight of the last fairy adds more reality than I expected to the person we all know as the Tooth Fairy... and yes, there is an explanation as to why she takes teeth.

My favorite part? One of the background stories involves learning Peter's origin. The revelation is awesome; one of the best twists I've ever encountered.

Don't make a fatal mistake that could lead to awkward moments by reading this to your son or daughter. The main characters might be Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy, but this isn't a children's book. There's war, blood and death. It's not excessive but this definitely isn't Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Part Two. Jolly ol' Santa can be a conniving dude when he needs to be, and both Peter and the fairy are able to open up a serious can of whoop-ass when they need to... and they do need to a couple of times.

If you're open to the idea of Santa and other holiday icons being portrayed in a different light then For Love of Children is the book for you, and it has the added bonus of probably being the only Santa Claus story that can be read at other times besides Christmas.

I just finished reading this book. I absolutely loved it! It made me want to believe in fairies again, and to look for St. Nicholas in the sky on Christmas Eve (something I had given up in adult sorrow in recent years). But if I saw him this time, I would see him differently, albeit strangely familiar...a being who gave everything to inspire love in the hearts of humanity. Are we there yet?

This book put a face and a purpose and a hope into all those childish myths and legends, even the sinister darkness that in the end gives way to generous self sacrifice (don't worry; I'm not giving the story away) Whew...it was riveting. As an allegorical novel, it makes one think of the earth and the legends and all the stories, untruths, lies told, wonders revealed...all of human history unfolding in the tales we tell. As a modern day "fairy tale", it stands on its own as a good fun book to curl up with on a snowy afternoon.

It would definitely make a great movie...Tim Burton, Stephen Spielberg...are you listening?

What a bizarre gem.

Taking place sometime after World War II, the world's beloved fairy tale characters are losing faith in humanity, and who can blame them? The war to end all wars (again) has left nations in crisis, while surviving powers jockey for position. America settles into its atomic throne driving a disenfranchised Saint Nicholas to find the perfect present for the eastern block.

Let's try not to leave out the others in the odd lot. The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Mother Goose, and others are all struggling to accept the international horrors of the modern era each in their own disorder influenced way.

A happy well adjusted person does not collect the teeth of children.

I don't want to say too much, but if you enjoy the writing of Neil Gaiman, Margaret Weis, Peter David, or Neil Stephenson, then you will really dig this book. I did.