Overbooked -- December 4, 2023

Overbooked got into the holiday spirits (pun intended) with December’s book club pick, the Charles Dickens classic novella, A Christmas Carol. The story begins on Christmas Eve as the reader is introduced to the main character Ebenezer Scrooge, the penny-pinching curmudgeon who is visited by the spirit of his long-deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, who brings him a dire warning and a chance for redemption from three Christmas spirits. 

Members discussed the impact of Dickens’ story and how it has become a cultural touchstone not just in literature but in other forms of media as well, particularly in film. One member commented “Imagine the world without A Christmas Carol” and others were hard pressed to disagree, especially given how quintessential it has become in relation to the holiday season. Members were also tickled by the connection between the story's name and the chapters being called “staves” which is not immediately clear to non-music reading folks. For members that have previously read works by the author, they agreed that A Christmas Carol is probably the best entry point for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the Dickensian literary pool, as his other novels can be a bit more difficult to wade through. 

Overall, the Overbookers were delighted to have read the novel and still be surprised by a story we all know so well even if you never read the book previously. A Christmas Carol was given a positive 4.4 out of 5 star-rating.