Book Review - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Long before J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll in the British literary scene, there was Charles Dickens. He was a prolific writer who made references in his writing to child labor and cruelty, social structure, political turmoil, poverty, etc. His most famous and (in my opinion) his best work is the classic novel, "A Christmas Carol". His most iconic characters are from that novel: Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim.

Many people are familiar with various film adaptations of "The Christmas Carol". It has to be the most popular Christmas film in history. Why is "The Christmas Carol" so popular and appealing? It has to do a lot with the sentimental story and remarkable transformation of Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge. He starts off as a single-dimensional character- a character who was greedy for gain and negative. There is a reason why he became that way. As we journey into Mr. Scrooge's past, we understand (alongside with him) on why he became that way. As we develop compassion for his, Mr. Scrooge also starts to develop compassion within him for other people. The way Charles Dickens relays that story through the visitations of his former business colleague, Marley, and three ghosts aspects of Christmases- past, present, and future. In the original work, Charles Dickens directly references hell and punishment if Ebenezer Scrooge remains the same greedy person. He had to transform to a better person to serve mankind.

Upon reading the original version or even watching the older classics starring Alastair Sims or Reginald Owens, it seems like a ghost story that scares you more than it inspires you. But, when you experience the fear, wonderment, and transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, it is well worth reading or watching the movie- though you will get a more impactful experience if you read the original book.

"The Christmas Carol" should be read every year to remind us and our family about the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of giving. It is a good book to allow us to reflect on our own lives and what we did throughout the year. There is something magical when you can experience "giving back" or charity the way Ebenezer Scrooge was able to towards the end of the book.

The creative genius and ingenuity of Charles Dickens comes alive in "The Christmas Carol". Reading the book in its original unabridged format is more impactful than using 3-D glasses and watching it on-screen. There is magic in the words of the book.

As an author, Pascasio Felisilda recently published the book "Nanay: Lessons from a Mother". This is a very inspiring book. Its simplicity empowers the message and story about a legacy that is worth living. The book is available through http://www.ebookstand.com/book_details/Nanay_Lessons_from_a_Mother_PAPERBACK_VERSION or through

http://www.amazon.com/Nanay-Lessons-Mother-Felisilda-Pascasio/dp/1589096673/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291229112&sr=1-1

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Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert - Book Review

The author partakes in a yearlong trip, after she discovers that she no longer loves the man she is married to and a bitter divorce ensues(of which she does not go into detail with), that would make most readers drool. Myself included! This is a book for the person that travels and enjoys living in their current surroundings- whether it is an ashram in India or a small house in Bali. The author was looking for total immersion in a culture or perhaps escape from her other life and throws herself into each new situation with abandon. Not all of us can escape from our responsibilities as easily, but some are possibly envious of this disregard for status quo.

In Italy, the first stop in the adventure, Elizabeth Gilbert is trying to get a bearing on her life. And as many do, food becomes a great substitute for living. The author even admits to not visiting a single museum in Italy- she was too busy learning the language, for fun I might add, and eating her way through the various cities. I think I gained 5 pounds just reading about the food. Not your typical travel log, but I liked it.

The author leads you on her own personal spiritual healing in India, but is lighthearted about this theme and does not preach. Through meditation, yoga, fasting, and a good friend, Elizabeth Gilbert starts to heal and gain control of her life again. In a sense, she learns to live with herself again. Even in her darkest moments, however, she can laugh at herself, and take the reader with her.

Bali is her last stop, and fits the last word in the title. When you think of love and romance, a tropical island is really the location that pops into my mind. She comes to love others as well as herself, amidst the beautiful scenery. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am quite envious of the ability to just get up and go someplace. My only criticism is the lack of details in the surroundings in India and Bali. I would have liked to experience the people and countries a bit more in depth. I realize India was all about the ashram, but I, personally, wanted more from the villages. The same is true about Bali- less about the love interest and more about the island and its ways. With that said, Elizabeth Gilbert has captured my attention, and I would love to join her on her next excursion!

Tracey Schabel is the editor of http://www.GirlzDealz.com and [http://www.GirlzNetwork.com], websites "for women by women", where you can find ideas, tips, and deals about home and lifestyle trends. Be sure to check out our websites for the latest in interior decorating, green living, lifestyle trends, handpicked shopping deals, entertaining, book reviews, and much more.

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