A review by sashas_books
A Lot Like Christmas: Stories by Connie Willis

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.