"I've always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord. And I imagined that when He came it would be like looking at the Baptist window: pretty as colored glass with sun pouring through, such a shine you don't know it's getting dark. And it's always been a comfort: to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling. But I'll wager it never happens. I'll wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself. That things as they are, just what they've always seen, was seeing him. As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes."This collection of 3 stories takes place around Thanksgiving/Christmas and includes Capote's best friend when he was 7, an elderly, eccentric cousin of about 70 (Sook). Their relationship is so sweet and perfect and it's obvious that Capote needed her at this time in his life when his mother left him with extended family and went to pursue her own dreams and his father isn't anywhere to be found (until the second story). Sook is so childlike and perfect that she can give a child Capote the friendship he needs and so innocently that she doesn't even realize she's done anything wrong (I was laughing at the thought of Capote's other relatives in an outrage when they realize Sook let a 7-year-old get drunk from the leftover whiskey from the fruit cakes). While this story is about Capote's childhood; it's really a tribute and showcase of a wonderful woman who makes the world around her a better place—especially for one 7 year old boy.I hear there's a TV special based on this book. I'd love to see it someday... Very enjoyable Christmas stories! I was a little leary about reading this since the only Capote I had read was In Cold Blood. I think the stories are somewhat autobiographical. They are full of sadness, joy and redemption. They point out how what seems awful can really be a blessing, and there are lessons to be learned everywhere. I recommend it for holiday reading. All three stories are very short and can be read quickly.
Nice holiday themed reading. Short and therefore worth a reread every Christmas.
—Deeqamohamed23
These stories were entertaining, memorable, and very well written!
—KASEY
Una buena introducción a la concisión y sinceridad de Capote.
—beau
Three poignant holiday stories that brought a tear to my eye.
—Nathalia
A book to be read and reread each year at the holiday season.
—bababa
