gossamer_lens's reviews
1350 reviews

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Colin Nissan

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dark funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I would have never expected this one to be so funny based on the title. It was the perfect ending to this Advent experience! The character's narration and slow change over this short narrative was so funny and strangely fresh and nuanced. I just loved it!
Ayn Rand Writes Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Jennie Egerdie

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funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Combining Rudolph and Ayn Rand is such a perfectly thought-out choice. It's perfectly hilarious while being a solid 10/10 satire of Ayn Rand and paying homage to lovers of the classic Rudolph stop-motion movie. I just... I cannot with how funny this combination is!
I Regret to Inform You That My Wedding to Captain Von Trapp Has Been Canceled by Melinda Taub

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emotional funny sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I love The Sound of Music so much, and this was such a funny letter from a perspective I have never considered. I don't even care that it wasn't on theme (maybe it is because it makes nods to religion?). Just absolutely hilarious. 
Surely People Will Remember Me, Ebenezer Scrooge, as the Christmas-Loving Man I Became by Jordan Call

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funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I love Charles Dickens and especially love the Christmas Carol. This letter where Ebenezer rejoices that he will be remembered for how his heart changed and not for "being a Scrooge" is hilarious and so on point for a Christmas Advent collection. Just absolutely nailed it. 
Herr Drosselmeyer, it Grieves Me to Disinvite You and Your Nutcracker From Future Holiday Parties by Audrey Burges

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emotional funny reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A funny take on a letter written to someone else in the aftermath of some of the Nutcracker's events. I wish the letter was a little more pointedly worded, but the tone and takes are funny even as it pulls it's punches a little. Greatly enjoyed.
The Re-Gifts of the Wise Men by Riane Konc

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I liked this a lot. Some of the speech was a bit... awkward sounding... but like in an intentionally funny way. I am not sure what would have nailed this for me, but it was pretty close. A very good installment of this advent calendar!
Sun Tzu: The Art of War on Christmas by Jamie Cricks

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

I have yet to read Sun Tzu's The Art of War. I enjoyed this greatly regardless and I am planning to read it soon so I can come back and give this a re-read with more insight. It was fun, on theme and a bit thought-provoking. 
Yes, the Silence of the Lambs is a Christmas Movie by Gary M. Almeter

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funny informative reflective fast-paced

4.25

I would probably have enjoyed this even more if I had ever watched Silence of the Lambs. But as is, I'm culturally aware enough of it to have found this humorous, engaging, and a solid argument was made. Very on theme and fun!
Guidelines For Female Protagonists In Hallmark Movies by Madeleine Trebenski

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emotional funny informative fast-paced

4.25

Funny and to the point, I enjoyed the humorous feminist take of it. Very appropriate for the time of year when Hallmark/Christmas movies are all the rage. 
Snopes Investigates The Anderson Family's Holiday Letter by Allen Rein

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

In the age of social media, you often can get a Christmas letter and go "that is an interesting way to present something that I heard completely differently 3 months ago." I think "Snopes" is a bit of an older reference. But this was a great start to this advent calendar!