Customer Reviews

For the Love of St. Nick

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Garasamo Maccagnone - even the name is musical! - has created a tender, simple novella that should become one of those books we bring out every holiday season. But then the quality of the story should not be saved only for the spirit of Christmas it conveys: this is a story that rings of familial love and commitment and deserves to be read as a reminder of what is important - our sense of belonging to family, both birth and extended forms.

The story of FOR THE LOVE OF ST. NICK is narrated by Tiger, the older of two sons in a single father family: the mother died during childbirth of the younger son Johnny leaving the US Navy Commander father to raise his two boys with the help of the maternal grandmother. Life is complicated by the fact that Johnny is delicate - not of mind but of body - and much of Johnny's life is spent recovering from his physical maladies. Tiger and Johnny are devoted brothers and all goes well in their California home until the Commander is reassigned to Michigan. Adjusting to the change in climate and the other changes in environment affect the boys but they are resilient and soon find the varying seasons of Northern Michigan reasons for exploring new ventures. The Commander receives orders to participate in a secret mission shortly before Christmas and the boys are left in the care of their housekeeper. Johnny undergoes a near tragedy forcing Tiger to abruptly become a man, turning to prayers to his favorite saint, St. Nicholas, who makes a 'visit' and alters the consequences in a way that leaves the little family (and the reader) caught up in the giving spirit of the Christmas season.

The pleasures of Maccagnone's writing are many, but not the least of them is the quiet simplicity of the language he uses to relate his story. This may be told as a memory (in retrospect) by the adult Tiger, but the essence of the tale is centered in a child's vision - full of wonder, devotion, and love. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 08

For the Love of St. Nick is a tender, heartwarming children's book about a family of men: A father, his two young sons and the struggles they experience following the death of the boy's mother and then the near death of the younger brother. Told from the perspective of the older brother, Tiger, this book focuses on family togetherness and the spiritual aspects of the Christmas season- aspects that are often forgotten during this time of giving and receiving.

This story is unique in some ways and what I found most striking at first is that it seems like a non- fiction personal memoir when you first start reading. It seems like a true story told from the perspective of a concerned older sibling who is now a grown adult and is reliving a past experience with fondness. The story isn't far- fetched (until you get to the end) and this keeps the book on a realistic level as you read.

Family togetherness and loyalty are among the important themes in this book. The boys have already lost their mother and now their father is about to leave right before Christmas on a military mission. What if he never returns and the boys lose another parent? This thought crosses the mind of the oldest son more than once, but he is able to keep faith that his father will return safely. He doesn't want to miss out on a Christmas without his family, but his attention quickly changes direction when his little brother begins to experience seizures in the midst of a blizzard and he must rely on his own instincts to save the day.

For the Love of St. Nick includes plenty of references to religion and potential readers need to keep this in mind if they decide to read. The story reaches its climax during the Christmas season, even though much of the actual story takes place during other times of the year. Still, this book is serious about the religious component not only of Christmas, but also of life in general. Thus, its message may be one that not all can relate to.

This book offers a pleasant little story about family tragedy, faith, togetherness, and miracles. The story isn't completely predictable, and therefore it does stay interesting. The writing isn't perfect and even though it does contain a few typos, it is still a nice, warm story about a family, its struggles to overcome tragedy, and the role of spirituality in overcoming serious problems.

For the Love of St. Nick may be short, but it is huge on impact. The power of love and wonder of miracles are front and center in this delightful and heartwarming tale.

After their Mother's death, during the birth of Johnny, he and his older brother "Tiger" live a simple life with their father and nanny. They must endure many battles with Johnny's frequent illnesses. Then, one fateful evening, while their father is away on a top secret mission for the United States military, and their nanny has gone home to get a few things, to hold her over until the end of a terrible snow storm, a miracle is needed to help Johnny survive. That miracle comes in a most wonderful and unforgettable way.

I have to say that I was feeling a bit on the glum and "burnt out" side of life, when I picked up For the Love of St. Nick. Once I started reading, I read through until the last page and felt such a wonderful and refreshed feeling. Not only do I think that this is a perfect story for the holidays, but one to help revive anyone's day, throughout the entire year. With a much needed lesson of hope, love and miracles, this little book is a must for everyone's library. What a marvelous gift - not only to a friend or loved one, but to oneself. I greatly look forward to reading Mr. Maccagnone's other works!

Life changed for Tiger when his younger brother, Johnny, was born. Their mother died while giving birth to Johnny. Oxygen deprivation at his birth left him listless weakened immune system. Johnny was susceptible to every virus imaginable.

When Johnny was three years old the family moved to the state of Michigan where, the Commander, their father, was transferred to serve as a Navy officer on loan to the Air Force for a special assignment

Maccagnone vividly describes Michigan winters near Lake Huron, the elements, children's games, ice fishing, skating, and the uniqueness of small town living in a wilderness cabin in the snow.

The characters are so genuine and real I felt that the book was biographical.

Mrs. Pennington, a local farmer's wife, took care of the boys during the day as well as home schooling them. She was a devote Catholic and instilled in the boys a sense of appreciation for the saints, including St. Nick.

Tiger shared memories of his mother with Johnny in such beautiful ways that on occasion during his illnesses he wanted to be released from all his suffering to be with her in heaven.

When Tiger was nine, at Thanksgiving time the Commander was called out to participate in a dangerous secret mission. Christmas Eve was stormy and Mrs. Pennington went with her son to buy supplies. Alone with Tiger, Johnny suddenly became ill and faced death.

Garasamo Maccagnone is a man with an ingenious imagination. The final scenes are heart wrenching drama, beautifully written, filled with suspense and emotional. The story is wonderfully told by Tiger in a child's voice, as he relates the reason for his childhood love of St. Nick.

This is good "read aloud" family time reading. The message of a child's faith makes this a story that crosses denominational, ethnic, and cultural walls. This is must family reading for the Christmas season.

For the Love of St. Nick is a feel-good, heartwarming tale of the Christmas season. At only 46 pages, it pulls you in with tragic sadness, then whirls you through the struggles of daily life before ending with the true meaning of the season.

Tiger lost his mother at the same time his sickly little brother, Johnny, was born. Raised by the father they called Commander - he was a Navy Commander - life on a military base near Lake Huron, Michigan is hard for all three.

Not only do they have to struggle with the harsh winters of Michigan, they also must cope with the frequent illnesses of Johnny. When the Commander must leave on a secret mission just before Christmas, both boys turn their faith to St. Nicholas and pray for their father's safe return.

This tiny book is narrated by Tiger and holds the child-like innocence of the magical season. This is the perfect book to read during the Christmas holidays and is an excellent way to teach children about the joys of the season. For the Love of St. Nick will be a treasured classic for families who celebrate true meaning of Christmas.

"For the Love of St. Nick" by Garasamo Maccagnone is a heartfelt tale of the season.

Johnny and his beloved brother, known to the reader only as Tiger, are still dealing with the loss of their mother when their Navy Commander father is transferred to a military base in Michigan. Plagued by illness since birth, Johnny along with Tiger and the commander must survive the difficulties of military life from their hunter's cabin on Lake Huron. When the commander is called away before Christmas to fulfill his secret mission for the U.S. Military, the boys pray to St. Nicholas for their father's safe return. Can the love of St. Nick save a life and reunite a family?

As with Maccagnone's novel, "St. John of the Midfield", this story is held together by human emotions: the sorrow over the loss of a wife and mother, the pain of leaving home behind and the promise of starting fresh, the joys of living in the Michigan wilderness, and the fear of losing the person who connects you to the past. Woven into all this is the magic of Christmas and an undying belief in the love of St. Nick.

Tiger is the perfect narrator. Now older, he looks back upon this time in his life and brings the reader up close to what he and his family experienced, making you want to cry at times, laugh at times, and always hold onto the magic that is Christmas.

The cover art is striking when you see it up close. The cherubs to the right of the title are the perfect compliment.

A truly remarkable Christmas tale, "For the Love of St. Nick" is a must read for those who hold family and Christmas close to their hearts.

After his wife dies during the traumatic birth of their youngest son, a U.S. Naval commander is transferred from sunny California to a military base in frigid northern Michigan. Despite the abrupt shift, life for the father and his two sons manages to remain somewhat normal - that is, until the commander is called away on a secret mission, leaving the boys alone with their nanny in the weeks leading up to Christmas. As if it isn't bad enough that their father is gone, the youngest son, Johnny, suddenly develops a terrible fever - complete with violent convulsions and seizures - threatening his very life...little do the boys know, though, a surprise visitor will soon arrive with the power to change everything for the better...

Brief, yet powerful, For The Love Of St. Nick is a heartrending read. Told through the eyes of the oldest brother, Tiger, author Garasamo Maccagnone's moving tale highlights the ups and downs of a family like so many others out there. Forced to deal with an unforeseeably tragic crisis, Tiger, Johnny, and their father nonetheless tough it out together, girding the precious bonds of family as they move forward in gratitude for the lives that they have. Also, despite the difficulties that arise along the way - including Johnny's perilously close brush with death - the boys are able to overcome the adversity through the indomitable power of faith, which ultimately shows them what the spirit of the Holiday Season is truly all about.

An uplifting ode to the power of miracles, For The Love Of St. Nick is an inspiring tale suitable for readers of all ages. A rewarding read.


Rhonda Carver
Apex Reviews

The commanders wife died while giving birth to their second son, Johnny. Johnny was a sickly child and caught most any bug or virus known in his young life. While the boys were still very young they had to move away to be closer to the commanders base in Michigan and then shortly after that he was sent on a mission but promised to be home by Christmas.

While in town shopping in a snow storm, the boys caregiver phones to check up on them and discovers little Johnny is running a high fever and she is having a hard time getting back to them to help. Tiger does everything he has been taught to try to bring the fever down and nothing is working and Johnny starts talking about he is seeing their mother and he wasn't afraid to die.

Not knowing anything else to do Tiger drops everything and bows his head in prayer to St Nick, whom he often prayed to along with the other saints, and Jesus.

This is a true heart warming story of love. I enjoyed reading it and it really puts the perspective back to the true meanings of Christmas.

For the Love of St. Nick is a nice, short story about two young boys who live in an isolated cabin with their father. When their father leaves them to go on a special mission, the boys are promised that their Dad will be home in time for Christmas. As the weather worsens and one of the boys suffers from a reoccurring illness, tensions run high as they wait to see if someone will help them and bring their father home in time for Christmas.
I would recommend this book for children 8-14 years of age.


© 2008-2009 Bobbie Crawford-McCoy (Book Reviews By Bobbie).
All rights reserved.

For The Love of St. Nick is a Christmas book that celebrates miracles. It is a sensitively written story about two orphaned boys who relocate with their Dad, a navy Commander, and have to cope with illness and solitude. The end of the story is positive and shows the faith of the author in religion and his fondness of family ties.

The author combines an interesting story with the feelings of two young boys and highlights the importance of family bonds and faith in God. It is written in the first person so it is direct and vivid. The style is simple and clear, thus it caters to anyone who loves reading about miracles at Christmas. It is a story for all the family. This book is a wonderful gift for Christmas. Get it from www.amazon.com


Liana Metal, author of Storytime