For
those of us who love a good ghost story, no matter what time of year it is,
Frank E. Bittinger provides a fun holiday read with A
Christmas Canticle.
Channeling
Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas
Carol for inspiration, Bittinger gives us his version of Ebenezer Scrooge -
Bronson Ghostley, a demanding gothic horror author, paranormal television star,
and all-around media personality who has no time for sentiment or holidays.
This
twist on the familiar holiday tale has been up-dated to the 21st
century complete with cell phones, DVDs and the internet. Although the story is
predictable as to the purpose of the visiting spirits (And how could it not
be?), Bittinger leads us along with enough interesting details that we accept
Ghostley as a modern-day Scrooge.
His
spin on Marley’s ghost is unique and interesting, especially when you begin to
understand the backstory of Ghostley’s childhood. The Ghost of Christmas Past
has a unique vision, offering Ghostley “two sides of the same coin.” The Spirit
of Christmas Present provides more illumination into what makes Ghostley tick,
reminding him, and us, that “even when we can see, sometimes we are still
blind.”
The
final spirit, the dreaded Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, is a “real bite in
the ass” according to Ghostley. But the death coach that propels Ghostley into
the future does seem pretty cool!
All
in all, A Christmas Canticle is an enjoyable holiday read offering a
message that transcends religious ideology and simply asks that we treat our
fellow man, woman, and the animals, with respect and caring.
[The
Youngblood’s 1960s song Get
Together kept running through my mind as the perfect soundtrack for this book:
Come
on people now
Smile
on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another
Right now]
Everybody get together
Try to love one another
Right now]
 |
| The Author and A Friend |
Bittinger
originally wrote his book as a Kindle exclusive to raise money for animals in
need. Now available in paperback, a
portion of the royalties from A Christmas
Canticle are used to assist in rescuing and caring for animals that
have been abused and neglected. So go ahead, order the book and enjoy the guilty pleasure of reading
a rejuvenated Christmas novella by the fire knowing that you're helping to save lives, too.
A Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good read!
~ Joy
About the Author:
Over
the centuries, Frank Bittinger has experienced many existences. In this
incarnation, Mr. Bittinger is a vegan who lives and writes in Western Maryland,
sharing his home with a menagerie of pets, several alternate personalities, and
the occasional ghost. One of his favorite pastimes is taking walks in old
cemeteries in the evening. Ancient Egypt holds a fascination for him; he has a
scarab beetle tattoo between his shoulder blades as well as a collection of
Egyptian items and books in his deep, dark red bedroom. Learn more about the
author at his web site: http://www.frankebittinger.com
Book Details:
A
Christmas Canticle by Frank E. Bittinger
