A Christmas Memory (Tale Blazers)

I know I will cry, but I read it anyway. Perfection as a short story. I never get tired of reading it.

I bought a used book that is in great condition. Came quickly on Prime. It was our Christmas choice in our book club. Loved by all!

Whatever associations come to mind when you think of Truman Capote--the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," the innovative journaistic novel "In Cold Blood," about the causes and aftermath of a terrible crime in a small midwestern town, or perhaps the stunning, famous photo of the boy genius already admired by his fellow workers at the NEW YORKER--don't miss out on A CHRISTMAS MEMORY. This is not simply a small aside in Capote's bibliography ; it's a key to all the rest.What's more, you can read it without a single wince. So can your kids. So can your smug brother-in-law, who hasn't approved of an American writer since Henry James.This is a simple tale of a young boy, Buddy, and his much older female cousin, whom he calls "My Friend." They live together as cast-offs in a couple of back rooms in a worn-out Southern homestead where they are almost totally ignored--and that suits them just fine. Yes, they would appreciate a little more ready cash to finance their major operation--making numerous fruitcakes for everyone from the mailman to Mrs. Roosevelt. But their rich creative imaginations and their love fo reach other provide most of what they need for a joyous life: ripe pecans, a jar of wildly brewed liquor, a generous recipe, a couple of home-made kites, and a huge Christmas tree paid for with determination, high standards, and conviction that they who seek shall find.If you haven't read A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, treat yourself now. And then, if you've been a really good girl or boy,see the film version starring the glorious Geraldine Page and show it to your kids or your parents--or Mrs. Roosevelt.

I have always loved this story and wanted to share it with my grandchildren. This is the version I like best, I especially like the way it is illustrated.

Almost 20 years ago, I first saw the film made from this story. It was late one winter night and I couldn't sleep. I turned on the television and found a story with a play type of format. The film had been on for who knows how long, but no matter, I was intrigued by the characters very quickly. The television guide had no listing for what I had seen. I almost felt as if it was a story meant for me alone. After it was over, it haunted me for quite some time, and it took some library research to find out the title and that it was written by Truman Capote. Since then, I've read this story many times, and always enjoy each and every page.This is such a heart warming tale and the simplicity in which it's written is truly brilliant. It's told through the words of a seven year old boy and relates his memories of Miss Sook Faulk, and the Christmas tradition that they shared during the Great Depression years. The story is autobiographical, and the boy is Truman Capote.Miss Faulk was Truman's elderly cousin, but she always called him "Buddy." This was in memory of another Buddy who died long ago when she was a girl. Miss Faulk remained a child herself in many ways. The story centers around their Christmas tradition of making fruitcakes for the people that they admired and loved.This book can be read to or by all ages. The story endures because the love between the characters is so real, and the delight that they have in sharing with others is what we all want Christmas to be.

Am I allowed to give this just five stars? I don’t think there are enough stars in the universe to equal Capote’s A Christmas Memory. I reread it every December and find new things about it every time. No one else can evoke a thought or an idea or a culture with a flurry of words the way he did. I’ve tried explaining an antique friend of mine who was as colorful as his cousin. But I can’t bring Dorothy to life the way Truman did Sookie.

I first met this story many years ago in the excellent TV production narrated by Truman Capote and starring Geraldine Page. I thought it came closer to capturing the meaning of Christmas than anything I had seen on TV. I immediately bought a special gift edition of the book for myself and for many of my friends. Every year since I have read it and watched it on tape and now DVD.I wanted this year to get a book for the five college students in our family that they might cherish from year to year. This edition with its lovely drawings is exactly that. The added DVD of Celeste Holme's reading the story is a bonus.Capote tells a very simple story of how an older cousin and he prepared for Christmas, baking fruit cakes, hunting the perfect tree, and making kites as surprise gifts for each other. As they fly their kites on a beautiful Christmas Day, she tells him that she suddenly realized in the beauty of that moment that the Lord was already come, "that things as they are, just what we've always seen, was seeing him." Isn't that what Incarnation means.

I have been reading this story before Christmas every year for 42 years. Never would have turned to Capote for a sentimental memory but this story based on his childhood is heartwarming. Each year when I read the last page there is a tear in my eye.

This short selection of short stories is a perfect read every festive season, easily read in a couple of hours to kick-start the Christmas mood. The copy I received had a very scuffed dust jacket (the back is pure white) - had this been for a gift (it was for me), I would have returned it; at the price I bought it (on offer at half price), then I decided to keep it.

We took turns to read a page each at our Book Club over mince pies and mulled wine. Very good.

It is a charming short story, just a snapshot and leaves the reader wanting more.

A magical story, simply told as all the best stories are. A must read for those who spent sunny childhood afternoons lying in the grass looking at the sky as opposed to playing on their Xbox indoors

Delightful short memoir left you wanting more.