The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas

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I love the short chapters and how each chapter offers you a pause. This is a great read during the 12 Days of Christmas because each chapter is short. This gave me a sense of satisfaction for finishing each one. You start to understand how each of the three remaining members are 'dealing' (or not) with the loss of the person who seemed to be what held them all together. Ella hides in her room, painting and tries to be invisible at school. Will has gotten in with a group of older boys who think shoplifting is 'cool'. And the dad? He's basically turned into a zombie at his job teaching college classes.

It is cleverly written and I found humor in the chaos of every chapter. It makes a great bedtime story, is an all-around feel-good story, and could even be read at any time of year. But you know you will be reading at Christmas for years to come.First, a small-beaked and feathered face pokes its head out from between the branches of a pear tree. Before they know it, the Sullivan's home is full of boisterous animals and house guests, all demanding their attention. The next twelve days turn the Sullivan family's lives upside down in ways they could never have imagined. And even though this Christmas will be messy, it may be just the gift their family needs.

It's mid-December and for the fifth year in a row, there is little sign of the festive season in the Sullivan family's home in South London. That is until a mysterious someone starts sending strange gifts to widower Henry and his two children. The next twelve days turn the Sullivan family's lives upside down in ways they never could have imagined. And even though this Christmas will be messy, it may be just the gift their family needs. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. As I was reading this book, I kept imagining this as a movie and I would love to see this become one. Five years after their mother dies on Christmas Day, two children have a magical Christmas experience.I was familiar with James Patterson’s edge-of-your-seat writing, but the addition of Tad Safran’s heart and humor really brought this story to life. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Safran. I wouldn’t care about this as much if the story was set just about anywhere else. This story cannot support the weight of being set in Harlem.