A Season of Gifts

The only time I have to listen to audiobooks is when I drive to my parents’ home (which gives a solid 5 hours in the car one-way).  I picked up A Season of Gifts for my drive – it’s about a 4-hour audiobook – the perfect length for my trip!  Richard Peck’s books are always interesting, the author of A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder Peck’s characters are often larger-than-life and have the experiences to prove it!

Grandma Dowdel is back from the aforementioned stories to appear in this story as well.  It’s now 1958 and a new minister’s family moves in next door to “a witch.”  Little do they know, that the witch will show them the true meaning of the holiday season that she spreads through the whole calendar year.  It begins with simple vegetables left on the front porch, but also includes cutting down a Christmas tree, an opportunity to drive the car for 12-year old Bob, and a Christmas miracle for the whole family.  I really enjoyed listening to this story – the narrator did a great job with the book and Richard Peck’s writing is always a lot of fun!  This is a great way to show that being kind and generous should be something that people do year around, rather than just at the holidays.  Although this story can be read (or listened to) as a standalone, definitely read A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder to experience Grandma Dowdel at her finest!  This is definitely one to experience before the end of the holiday season!

Title: A Season of Gifts
Author: Richard Peck
Narrator: Ron McLarty
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: 2009
Listening Time: 3 hours, 50 minutes