Reviews

A Lot Like Christmas: Stories by Connie Willis

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erika_is_reading's review against another edition

2.0

I'm always a tough sell with short stories, and this was no exception. I loved some of the stories (especially the reimagined A Christmas Carol at the beginning, and the robot who wanted to be a Rockette) but about halfway through I simply lost interest. Dying for Willis to write another time travel book.

malta's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

savagebean's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A good holiday read - not sure I’d pick it up in July but it was great for Thanksgiving - Christmas reading.

rachelhelps's review against another edition

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4.0

I l love how Willis splashes science fiction into domestic comedy to create bizarre situations. While the stories are nice and light, sometimes they are too long. The first two stories especially suffer from this--the reader can tell what's happening and it's miserable waiting for it. Willis also likes to make silly references to classic literature, which seems unnecessarily performative.

On the other hand, there is some delightful comedy, like the list of themed Christmas decorations you can order with your professional Christmas installation. I like that Willis's science fiction has us in churches and the apartments of choir directors. After reading lots of epic fantasy this year it was a delightful change of pace.

I haven't finished the book (77% through) but I plan to finish it next Christmas.

update: 12/22/2021: I finished this book! I really liked "Epiphany". From last year, I remember liking the science fiction elements in deck.halls@boughs/holly. At the end, Willis lists her favorite Christmas movies and stories, and I was unsurprised to see that she had edited a collection of American Christmas Stories that came out this year. Maybe that will be my Christmas read next year...

bryce_is_a_librarian's review against another edition

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4.0

Reading this (particularly the rather lovely "Ephiphany") in such close conjunction to The Urth Of The New Sun, is like spending six days in the sweat lodge of a desert father as he embues you with the knowledge of deep gnosis and then stumbling home to your friend's house where his churchy Mom feeds you cookies in the rec room and gently inquires about your well being.

welkinvault's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

If you liked the bellweather and other novels of that ilk you will enjoy this. Often the same kind of characters.

Amusing but I wished I had not binged it

sashas_books's review

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.25

I don’t make a habit of reading Christmas stuff around Christmas, but there was so much of it in my feed during December that I started to have second thoughts. And then I happened to see this Connie Willis collection… (Also, there was a spaceship ornament on the Christmas tree on the cover. It was the last straw ;) ).

Which one is the best Christmas story? In the introduction, Connie Willis tells you that it is the very first one ;) I liked that.

“Miracle”

All the deities help us, it’s time for the office Christmas party! Luckily, Christmas spirits intervene and everything works out in the end. I was delighted. 4.3 stars.

“All About Emily”

Broadway, All About Eve and androids. What a mess this one is – a cool, humane, and very touching one. 4.2 stars.

“Inn”

Strange things begin to happen during a Christmas pageant rehearsal. Awww. I felt that the author could have done more with the idea, maybe? Still, it’s awww. 4.0 stars.

“All Seated on the Ground”

Three stories down, and I was getting worried. Where were my sci-fi Christmas stories? Phew, there were the aliens, there was First Contact. There were Christmas songs, lots of them. And rules of civilised behaviour. And men not listening to women done very well. Meg and Colin are adorable! 4.5 stars.

“In Coppelius’ Toyshop”

Oh, a horror Christmas story about getting stuck in a toy store! Cool. The MC had it coming, too. 4.0 stars.

“Adaptation”

Inspired by A Christmas Carol. What a lovely ending! 4.5 stars.

“deck.halls@boughs/holly”

Let a professional do your Christmas! Sweet and very silly. 4.8 stars.

“Cat’s Paw”

The author has fun with classic mystery novels and country house Christmas. Nothing special, 3.6 stars.

“Now Showing”

Do you hate multiplexes? I hate multiplexes. This is a fever dream story of trying to see a movie. I liked the twist! 4.4 stars.

“Newsletter”

It’s almost Christmas! Everyone is so nice, considerate, and reasonable… suspiciously so. Something’s up! Fun, fun, fun! 4.2 stars.

“Epiphany”

“You stole a Gideon Bible?” Mel said.

“They put them there for people who need them. And I’d say we qualify.”

There is a Second Coming. Maybe. This one just warmed my heart. 4.6 stars.

“Just Like the Ones We Used to Know”

Epic snowstorm! You might want to careful when you wish for a White Christmas… Too many stories in this story, imo, it feels very long. I liked the ones about the wedding and the goose. 3.9 stars.