logo

43 pages 1 hour read

Skipping Christmas

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
John Grisham

Skipping Christmas

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In John Grisham’s satirical novella Skipping Christmas, Luther and Nora Krank decide to forgo Christmas and go on a cruise after their daughter moves to Peru, but their unconventional choice leads to conflict with their community, who expect them to uphold holiday traditions, exploring themes such as materialism, community vs. individuality, and the difficulties of life transitions. The source material uses outdated, offensive terms for people with disabilities, which is replicated in direct quotes only.

Humorous

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

85,546 ratings

55%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Grisham's Skipping Christmas offers a humorous yet poignant look at holiday traditions and the chaos that ensues when one couple decides to skip Christmas. While some readers enjoy the satire and light-hearted storytelling, others criticize it for being predictable and lacking depth. Overall, it's a fun, quick read but may not leave a lasting impression.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Skipping Christmas?

Readers who enjoy holiday-themed stories with humor and heart will appreciate John Grisham's Skipping Christmas. Fans of works like David Sedaris’s Holidays on Ice or Jean Shepherd's A Christmas Story will find it appealing for its witty take on family traditions and the chaos of the festive season.

3.9

85,546 ratings

55%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Luther Krank

A middle-aged accountant struggling with his daughter's absence, trying to navigate changes in his life and relationships during the holiday season, while initially attempting to opt-out of Christmas festivities.

Luther's wife, who finds it challenging to skip Christmas entirely and tries to maintain peace with their neighbors, showcasing emotional sensitivity and charity.

The daughter of Luther and Nora, whose decision to join the Peace Corps prompts her parents to reevaluate their holiday traditions and values.

The self-appointed leader of the Hemlock Street community, both intrusive and helpful, who manages neighborhood projects with the help of his son Spike.

Vic's energetic son who organizes the neighborhood children and leads campaigns for holiday decorations.

Luther's neighbor, who engages in competitive antics but provides insight into the deeper values of love and sacrifice through his personal challenges.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.