Based on a deeply personal true story, Glenn Beck’s bittersweet tale of boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and the true meaning of the giving season has touched the hearts of readers everywhere.If you could change your life by reversing your biggest regrets, sorrows, and mistakes . . . would you?When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. He knew money had been tight since his father died, but Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to afford that dream bike.What he got from her instead was a sweater. “A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater” that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.Scarred deeply by the fateful events that transpired that day, Eddie begins a dark and painful journey toward manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family—and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell—to help Eddie find his life’s path and finally understand the significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted with love.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In Beck's debut novel, the conservative radio and TV host (An Inconvenient Book) makes a weak attempt at a holiday classic in the vein of It's a Wonderful Life. Despite his single mother's financial hardships, 12-year-old Eddie is certain this Christmas he will receive his much-desired Huffy bike. To his dismay, what he finds under the tree is "a stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that his mother carefully modeled after those she can't afford at Sears (one of four places she keeps part-time jobs). Eddie tosses the sweater and insults his mother before the two go visit his grandparents at their farmouse. On the drive home, though, Eddie's exhausted mother falls asleep at the wheel and crashes, dying instantly. Sent to live with his grandparents, an increasingly bitter and angry Eddie lashes out at his accommodating guardians, engages in typical teenage angst and grapples with belief in God. For all his focus on traditional family virtues like respect, love and forgiveness, Beck's lightweight parable cruises on predictability, repetition and sentimentality.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio and former Fox News television show host, is the author of Being George Washington, Broke, The 7, and 7 #1 New York Times bestsellers: An Inconvenient Book, The Christmas Sweater, Glenn Beck’s Common Sense, Arguing with Idiots, The Original Argument, the children's version of The Christmas Sweater, and The Overton Window. He is also the author of The Real America and publisher of Blaze online. Visit GlennBeck.com.
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More About the Author
Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio host and founder of GBTV, is the author of seven previous #1 New York Times bestsellers: An Inconvenient Book, Glenn Beck's Common Sense, Arguing with Idiots, The Christmas Sweater and The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book, The Overton Window and The Original Argument. His audio original Idiots Unplugged is available now from Simon & Schuster Audio or downloadable from Simon & Schuster Online. He is also the author of The Real America and the publisher of Mercury Ink, a publishing imprint (www.mercuryink.com).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
250 of 314 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I received my pre-ordered book last Friday, and finished it in less than 12 hours. At first I was disappointed that the message wasn't stronger, that the end didn't just hit me like Glenn predicted.
But as I went on afterwards and thought about it, the more it hit me. The power of this message is in redemption, it's in knowing how to handle the storms in your life and knowing who you can always count on. I now look at people in a different light, from my family to our friends to my kid's friends, trying to figure out what part of their personal storm they're in. I also look at myself, trying to decide to be a Russell or Glenn's grandpa, and actively help people along to get through their storm. It's a personal challenge to me to do even more than what I have in the past to be the person that God has wanted me to be. It's definitely worth the time to read.
But as I went on afterwards and thought about it, the more it hit me. The power of this message is in redemption, it's in knowing how to handle the storms in your life and knowing who you can always count on. I now look at people in a different light, from my family to our friends to my kid's friends, trying to figure out what part of their personal storm they're in. I also look at myself, trying to decide to be a Russell or Glenn's grandpa, and actively help people along to get through their storm. It's a personal challenge to me to do even more than what I have in the past to be the person that God has wanted me to be. It's definitely worth the time to read.
59 of 72 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I'll be honest. I am a 27 year old male who has not read a book since I was forced to in high school. I am a fan of Glenn Beck and when he tells stories on his radio show I find myself glued to my seat until he is finished telling it. When I found out he wrote a book, something inside me just had to read it. This book reads just like Glenn is sitting there telling me the story himself. It was impossible to put down. I thought I'd have it finished within a month or two. I finished it in 2 evenings. I hate to admit it, but by the end, I was crying like a baby. Eddie is a character that everyone can relate to. Please, do yourself a favor and read it. When you're finished, give it to someone else to read. It's just that good. Glenn, thank you so much for this story. I will treasure it forever.
51 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The Christmas Sweater is a story that will ring home with everyone who reads it. I finished the book in two-sittings. Mr. Beck tells his story with vivid imagery that flows so smoothly that you are almost watching it unfold. All of the characters are familiar, along with what they are experiencing. It is a fairly simple story and can be somewhat predictable, but rings true with every word. The climax will leave an unforgettable impression that will truly inspire you to spread the gift that this book offers. I believe this book will appeal to people from all walks of life and the message will leave some, if not most, in tears.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Christmas Sweater
Excellent. Read it in 2 days. Didn't want to put it down. Inspiring. I would buy this for gifts for family and friends.
Published 29 days ago by NJ Bluebird
I needed this book
I needed this book.
I know it sounds dramatic or exaggerated but it's not. I've been going through a lot of extended medical issues. Read more
I know it sounds dramatic or exaggerated but it's not. I've been going through a lot of extended medical issues. Read more
Published 1 month ago by marla a. sharp
Captivating Read
The book "The Christmas Sweater," by Glenn Beck is an interesting and captivating read. Normally, I would put a book down one day and pick it up to read again the next day, but... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Corey Lyon
Loved it!
GREAT story with a TERRIFIC message! Thank you, Glen Beck!! A story that I plan to read with my 3 teenaged sons. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Shannon L. Lepper
If you liked "the Shack" you will love this book ... a heart warming...
The Christmas Sweater is a heart warming tale of acceptance and forgiveness.
The story is told as a retrospective of a man who came to accept his flawed parents and his... Read more
The story is told as a retrospective of a man who came to accept his flawed parents and his... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Richard Staats
Analizing One's self
I enjoyed the book, The Christmas Sweater, but I found myself wondering if I would have bared my soul like the author did. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Barbara McMillon
Awesome!!
Glenn Beck never lets me down!!! He is an amazing author and radio spokesperson!! I have not read a book that he has recommended and not been totally satisfied!!!
Published 4 months ago by Lisa Matsumoto
Feats of Strength!
Grab the Pepto and enjoy if you want but do yourself a favor, as others have said, don't waste your time. Read more
Published 4 months ago by K. L. Vandergriff
brainwipe
Whatever your political leaning if you are operating with an IQ of say more than 60, Glenn Beck is an insane, fraught, whacked out, demagogue. Read more
Published 4 months ago by J. Wilkinson
Awesome story!
Thanks Glenn for saying what so many of "us" kids felt back then. I remember feeling like I didn't get want I REALLY wanted. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Nancy K. Hook
Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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bread bags Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Aunt Cathryn, Merry Christmas, Wonder Bread, Christmas Eve, Red Vines, Lawrence Welk, City Bakery, Operation Sneak Preview Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Surprise Me!
bread bags Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Aunt Cathryn, Merry Christmas, Wonder Bread, Christmas Eve, Red Vines, Lawrence Welk, City Bakery, Operation Sneak Preview Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Surprise Me!
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