The book, written in rhyme and illustrated by Coë Steinwart, tells the story of a scout elf sent by Santa to watch over children during the holiday season. The elf reports back to Santa each night and returns to a new hiding spot in the house each morning. The tradition emphasizes the importance of good behavior and includes rules such as not touching the elf to preserve its magic.
In this book, Stephen Nissenbaum charts the transformation of Christmas from its origins in ancient agricultural cycles and its early forms as a season of excess and public revelry, to its modern incarnation as a child-centered, domestic celebration. The book details how early Christmas celebrations involved drinking, parties, and social inversion, and how these were suppressed by Puritans and later transformed by New York's elite, including figures like Clement Clarke Moore and Washington Irving. Nissenbaum also explores the commercialization of Christmas and its impact on American culture and social hierarchy[1][3][4].
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
Mother-daughter duo Chanda Bell and Carol Aebersold turn their old family tradition into a new Christmas children’s book they call The Elf on the Shelf. But when they are rejected by the major publishers, they decide to finance the release of the book themselves—and begin a new Christmas phenomenon.
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