Home for Christmas: A Novel

By Andrew M. Greeley

Book Overview

Andrew M. Greeley weaves a moving tale of redemption in the grand holiday tradition of It's A Wonderful Life Petey Pat Kane and Mariana Pia Pelligrino have been in love with each other their whole... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765322501
• ISBN13: 9780765322500
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Forge Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.6" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

not read yet but received as stated

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is part of a yearly Book Club Selection. We shall read this later in the year. We have chosen and enjoyed other book by Andrew M. Greeley, looking forward to reading this.

Honor and Love

Andrew Greeley's novels characteristically have several common ingredients: Strong emphasis on relationships; communication of God's unconditional love; favorable portraits of Chicago; progressive Roman Catholic clergy; respectful but humorous treatment of politicians, clergy, and the Irish. A romantic novel, "Home for Christmas" exemplifies each of these features in an excellent manner. Four themes evolve in "Home for Christmas." The first tells a romantic love story. For a celibate priest, Andrew Greeley has a knack for writing about romance. In this novel, Greeley brilliantly captures the feeling of an adult male approaching the woman of his dreams. Like many of us, the man loves his chosen woman, but is terrified of her. He becomes indecisive, clumsy, afraid, and speechless. The woman, is hesitant, nervous, and reticent to become the aggressor without a clear indication on his part. This loving man and woman provide a fascinating story. Pete, a junior military officer serving in Iraq, is very brave and cares deeply for the people under his command. Protecting his soldiers and his competent leadership of his unit leads to his death by a suicide bomber. Mariana, Pete's childhood sweetheart, patiently waits during his three deployments. Meanwhile she becomes an effective attorney. Near death experiences encompasses the second theme. The novel claims that such events are personal. A near death experience does not prove or disprove anything, but those who experience it know the reality for themselves. Greeley's account of this experience is gentle but life changing for those involved. Pete returns to life with clearly modified attitudes. (This is not a "spoiler" as the book advertisements and the book cover say it involves a near death experience) The third theme defines God. God is "The One" (short for "The One In Three"). God is all Mercy and Love, with a great sense of humor. God, as the greatest lover, likes it when we love each other. God explains to Pete the importance of forgiveness and yielding to love. A wonderful picture of heaven illustrates the fourth theme. Many have imagined what heaven would be like, from images of people sitting on clouds playing a harp, to warriors receiving 70 virgins for their Jihad. Greeley's heaven is totally in sync with God's promise: lush pools of natural water for us to enjoy, to swim and play; marvelous trees constantly at their prime season; peace and joy that always emanates from God's undying love; continual peace basking in the beatific vision. For Greeley fans, "Home for Christmas" is a treat. For romantic souls it is a joy.

Wonderful Story!!

I am a BIG fan of Andrew Greeley, but this book is special. I sat down and read it in one evening and then purchased it for my daughter for Christmas. I certainly wish that Father Greeley was my priest!

THE ONE to READ

I have to say that this was one amazing book. Iread it in two sittings, probably totalling 5 hours. I could not put it down. It is the first book I read by this author, but not the last. I was so excited when I won an advanced copy from the publisher and am so grateful to have been touched by this book. It was a story of Love Faith and Loyalty. Petey Kane and Pia met in 2nd grade. It is a story of how their lives changed at their senior prom and how Petey was changed while in Iraq. It is a story that you do not want to miss!

An Inspirational must read for everyone

Before I talk about Fr. Greeley's wonderful new novel I want to say Thank You God for letting us have him in our lives a while longer and hope that my personal prayers to "The One" might have reached his ears. As many of you know Fr. Greeley survived a horrendous accident last November and nearly died. With the continued effort of his family, friends, therapists and physicians he continues to recover and improve. In his new novel Father Greeley gives us an unforgettable love story of two remarkable characters who from childhood have been loved and in love with each other. He also takes us on an incredible journey of our hero Peter Patrick Kane from his near fatal injury while serving in Iraq. This is a tale full of whimsy, full of wit and full of faith. Faith in not only God but in the power of love. His characters are unforgettable and so intimately detailed that you can't believe the whole novel only consists of 192 pages. Quite a feat and yet knowing our prolific author not a surprise. From his uncomplicated yet complex Peter to his enigmatic heroine Mariana to his varied and many supporting cast which includes one of his most beloved characters from other novels Bishop Blackie. His storyline is fresh and unique and yet it's as old as time itself. His dialogue is descriptive and fills your minds with the pictures conjured by his words. It's full of color and light and just enough blarney and fey to make it uniquely his own. The love story is sweet and heart wrenching and often times brings you to tears and not always tears of joy. Father Andrew Greeley is or should be considered on of the greatest living authors of our time, in my humble opinion. In his ageless wisdom he has brought us countless tales of love, of crisis, of human frailty, but mostly of humanity at it's best. And this inspiring holiday novel is right there as one of his best. If you're not acquainted with this gifted artist then this is the perfect first read for you. And if you are a fan and have read him be prepared to be in awe once again.