Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

ISBN-13: 9780142414996
Publisher: Speak, Penguin Group
Published: 2009
352 pgs



I am in the mood of reading a holiday theme book, so when I saw this on the shelves I know I have to read it (plus Nymeth had read and loved it).

The first story is The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson; it is about a girl named Jubilee Dougal (she has issues over her name) and one day she find herself in a train journey to Florida for a stay with her grandparents because her parents are taken into custody over the Flobie Santa Village (a series of collectable ceramic pieces that can put together to form a town and her parents are a huge fan of them) incident. Jubilee is stumped because that means her plans to celebrate the holidays with her boyfriend, Noah, is spoiled. But the worse is to come when there are problems with the train and she is stuck at a Waffle House together with fourteen overly enthusiastic cheerleaders and there she befriended Jeb (who is also travelling on the same train as her), a man dressed in tinfoil and Stuart, a boy covered in plastic bags. I will not elaborate further, but just want to say this is a heartwarming tale that leave a cozy feeling in my heart. I liked how Jubilee and Stuart are connected, and I am sure their encounter will bring a smile to your face.

The second story is A Cheertastic Christmas by John Green. John is the only author I have read among all in this novella and after reading Looking for Alaska and enjoying it, I really look forward to reading the rest of his books. In this story, John focus the relationship of three friends (two boys and a girl) and how a trip to the Waffle House in a blizzard will change their outlook of life and a new love to blossom along the way. I had fun reading this story because some parts are hilarious, and I find it romantic reading about friends turning to lovers. Though I enjoyed reading this little story, I think it lacks a little of a cozy feeling but that is just me.

And last of all, The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle left a big smile to my face because it is about a reconciliation between a couple and a teacup piglet. Addie is feeling heartbroken over her breakup with Jeb, and she thinks there will be no future between her and Jeb until an incident (and a miracle) happens that involved a teacup piglet.

Let it Snow is a wonderful holiday theme anthology that really captures the spirit of the holiday season, but what I loved most is the novellas are interconnected (be it characters or settings) and each novella has great characterizations. I liked reading the different personalities of these protagonists and how they deal under difficult situations. This anthology is more than a romance stories to me as it also focus on friendships, connections and well, it is also about finding one's self. I am amazed by the three authors for connecting these stories so well that sometimes I forgot they are merely novellas. I enjoyed reading all three, but I have to say The Jubilee Express remains my favourite.

Other reviews:

Becky's Book Reviews
Fyrefly's Book Blog
Things Mean A Lot
(Let me know if I missed yours.)