Not Just for the Naughty: The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that would have not a creature stirring today if it weren't for BOTH jobs turning yours truly into Bob Cratchit (or perhaps Bobbi Cratchit).  *humbug*

Yes, yes...work is "as usual" today, but that doesn't mean YOUR day has to be so with that being said I wish you and yours a VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY indeed....and with good reading in mind, I would like to first REMIND YOU that there are SEVERAL contests going on right now (one of which ends TONIGHT...eek!) so be sure to check out the right hand sidebar before you leave today...and second, share with you a recent read of my own.  This wasn't in the review stack but it made its way there when it caught my attention in our local bookstore.  I had seen it previously and been curious but had yet to pick up a copy...until now.  Copy picked, read and enjoyed 30 some pages later and I'm ready to share my thoughts...and though it may not sound like a good pairing for the holiday, it IS in fact a holiday story!  Today's book of choice is...

THE LUMP OF COAL

by

Lemony Snicket

Art by

Brett Helquist

He's just a lump of coal...or so the casual observer might believe, but inside he's an artist and he's bursting at the seams of his classy little three piece suit to share his brilliance with the world.  But really, who's going to give a lump of coal a chance anywhere other than a barbecue pit?  Who indeed...

This is the story of one ambitious briquette  several strange turns of events and one parent who thought their child more naughty than nice.  Our Mr. Coal is not deterred by the ignorant minds he encounters but instead keeps his eyes on the prize...even if it is second place he feels he is settling for in the end.  Is it in fact second place?  Well, that would be spoiling the story for you and I wouldn't want to do that my friend, but let's just say that finding coal in your stocking this year may not be such a BAD thing.  It all depends on your point of view, your perception if you will.  It can either mean you were VERY naughty and dear old Santa couldn't be bothered with making a gift for you...or perhaps he saw something in you that needed igniting.  At any rate, a story good for the young and the youngish...nuff said.

Review copy purchased from my local bookstore.  ^_^  Feel free to snag a copy to call your own this holiday season or any other day of the year!  To find out more about this story as well as other unusual imaginative and yet often unsettling stories, seek out author Lemony Snicket's official website...where I'm told you can even send an eCard featuring our little lump this holiday season!

Until next time...HAPPY HOLIDAYS...and happy reading!