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Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Autobiography of Santa Claus - As Told by Jeff Guinn
ISBN: 1-58542-265-7 (hardcover)
Pub: Tarcher/Penguin, 2003
Book borrowed from the library.
This is actually a pretty interesting interpretation of the life and times of jolly old Saint Nicholas. It goes to explain most of the mysteries of being Santa, including who his helpers are, where Mrs. Claus came from, how he got reindeer to fly, etc. He really gets into it and explains how ordinary beginnings became extraordinary by people telling tales and elaborating on the mysterious stranger that left them gifts.
The thing that bothers me though (and some reading this commentery may find this offensive, to which I say tough potato) is that it seems very America-centric (specifically focusing on figures from the United States), for lack of a better term. The initial stages of the story of course take place in Europe but as soon as America is colonized suddenly Santa is all about the new continent and even registered as a charitable organization with the U.S. so that he wouldn't pay taxes? That's interesting, I wasn't aware the U.S. had political sovereignity over the North Pole.
Nitpicking aside, it was a pretty engaging read, though I have a personal bias as I happen to love the jolly old soul, fictional or no. There is also a recipe at the end for "North Pole Delight Tender Fried Chicken", for those interested.
Here's an excerpt:
Don't ever apologize for loving me as much as I love you. After all, for those who don't want to believe in me, no amount of proof would ever be enough. But for friends like you, who belive what they know to be true in their hearts, no further proof is necessary.
We love you Santa, wherever you are!
Time to read: 1-2 evenings. About 3 hrs total.
Rate: ****-
Posted by: Slowplum at: 4:21 PM
0 comments
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