What better way to begin writing a roundup of Christmas books than to call attention to a book by a local author?
The Rev. George Back, dean of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City, has released a collection of his writings in "Christmas Joy: Let Heaven and Nature Sing” (Spirit & Intelligence Press, $9.95). A copy is being given to St. Paul's members in celebration of Back's 25 years of cathedral service. It also is available for purchase in the cathedral bookstore and at Full Circle Bookstore in addition to being available online at ChristmasJoyBook.com.
Back's best Christmas writings have been put in this collection, which promises "childlike joy for the adult soul.” The two-page chapters can be enjoyed in one sitting or in daily readings.
Another heartwarming book is Christine Pisera Naman's "Christmas Lights” (Doubleday, $14.95). Her first work of fiction, the book is described as one "set during the holiday season and centered on the lives of ordinary women.” The seven women "depend on their faith and sense of family in order to face various challenges.”
A book that contains a bit of everything about the season is "The Great American Christmas Book” (The Overlook Press, $17.95). It contains carols, stories, recipes, games, facts, tips, traditions and much more. Compiled and edited by Aaron Schlehter, the book even reproduces Francis P. Church's famous editorial, "Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”
"Christmas A-Z: Unwrapping the Wonder of Seasonal Words and Phrases” (Thomas Nelson, $19.99) is described as being "from the serious to the sublime to the silly as it defines the history, the usage and the glory of 500 of your favorite Christmas words.”
Novelist Richard Paul Evans, known for "The Christmas Box” and "Finding Noel,” now gives us "The Gift” (Simon & Schuster, $19.95). It is about a frail, beautiful little boy with a special gift of healing.
Frank McCourt, author of "Angela's Ashes,” has written a Christmas book, "Angela and the Baby Jesus” (Scribner, $14.95), about Angela as a child, often cold and hungry herself, "compelled to rescue the Baby Jesus and take Him home.” It is a gift book for adults. A children's edition of that book has been published by Simon & Schuster. It sells for $17.99 and is beautifully illustrated by Raul Colon.
"The Christmas Pearl” (William Morrow, $14.95) is Dorothea Benton Frank's tale of Christmas miracles "full of warmth, humor and her inimitable Southern charm.”
Two top scholars of Jesus, Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan, unveil a new meaning behind the stories surrounding Jesus' birth in "The First Christmas” (HarperOne, $22.95). It is touted as a book that tells us what the Gospels really teach about the birth of Jesus.
Oklahoma author Bill Wallace has published a book for readers ages 8-12. "The Dog Who Thought He Was Santa” (Holiday House, $16.95) is called a homespun novel told in alternating chapters by a boy and his dog. Wallace's wife, Carol, has written "The Santa Secret” (Holiday House, $15.95), for ages 4-8.
Other children's books that are sure to please include "Little Rabbit's Christmas” (Peachtree, $15.95) by Harry Horse; "The Longest Christmas List Ever” (Hyperion, $15.99) by Gregg and Evan Spiridellis; "What Cats Want for Christmas” (Sleeping Bear Press, $21.95) by Kandy Radzinski; and "The Holly Joliday” (Candlewick Press, $14.99) by Megan McDonald.
Also, "The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Pinata for the Pinon Tree” (Little, Brown $16.99) by Philemon Sturges; "Dear
