Review: For the Love of St. Nick by Garasamo Maccagnone

Title: For the Love of St. Nick
Author: Garasamo Maccagnone
Pages: 46
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (October 7, 2008)
Genre: Christian fiction / Holiday
Edition: Standard ~ Signed by the author ~ thanks Garasamo!!




Perfect for : Personal reading

In a nutshell: A very short, very touching story about a family who has faced many challenges in a few short years, loss, illness, relocation to a new state, and a Navy father who must occasionally leave his family to complete risky missions with his team. Instead of destroying faith, these challenges serve as a quiet source that affirms faith and strengthens the family. The events on page 41 brought tears to my eyes and made my heart soar! This is a great (and short) holiday read with a touch of Catholic influence and a whole lot of faith!

From Amazon:
Two boys who have lost their mother tragically, worry they'll never see their father,a Naval Commander, after he embarks on a secret mission with the United States military. After the boys are advised by their nanny to seek the help of St. Nick, the boys are shocked by an early Christmas visit.

First Paragraph:
Mother died during the birth of my little brother Johnny. I was three years old at the time and don't remember much except that my grandmother, Nana Beth, who was babysitting me at the time, dropped the phone and her head when my father called from the hospital and broke the news. When Nana sunk to her knees and started crying hysterically. I was so scared; I ran and hid inside my parent's closet, clinging in the darkness to my mother's favorite dress, rubbing my cheek over and over against the soft fabric until Nana Beth was able to find me.

My Review:
This holiday story is narrated by Tiger, Johnny's older brother by three years. Tiger and his father, known as "The Commander" to most, lose their mother/wife at the same time that they gain their brother/son Johnny due to complications during Johnny's birth. These same complications cause Johnny to fight illness throughout his life.

The family is relocated because of the Commander's job in the Navy, and he hires a nanny to help with the boys. During a secret mission for his country, Johnny becomes terribly ill and Tiger is the only person on hand to tend to him. Just when it seems there is no hope, a miracle happens!

Characters: Although we never meet "Mom", Tiger and Johnny are both boys growing up under the guidance of their father and nanny, Mrs. Pennington. Even though the story is short, it is easy to quickly become attached to the characters, and to experience the wonder they feel during the holiday season.

Story-Line: A gentle story filled with family and faith. The book gives the reader the ability to glimpse the joys of childhood, along with its challenges.

Readability: I found the book easy to read and enjoyable, with touches every reader can enjoy and appreciate.

Overall: This is a nice holiday story with a truly touching ending.

About the Author: (from Amazon)
Garasamo Maccagnone is the author of the novel, "St. John of the Midfield, as well as the childrens book, "The Suburban Dragon,"and a collection of short stories entitled, "The Affliciton of Dreams." Born in the wake of the Korean War, Maccagnone's stories derive from his life and his experiences from the last half of the 20th century. Today Maccagnone lives in Shelby Township with his wife and three children.

If you would like to visit his website, click here.

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