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SUSAN PEEK, KATY HUTH JONES, CAROLYN ASTFALK, THERESA LINDEN, LESLEA WAHL, CYNTHIA T. TONEY, T.M. GAOUETTE, CORINNA TURNER
Age Range: 12 and up
Gifts: Visible and Invisible is an anthology book for catholic teens about eight different Christmas short stories.
1st: Barney leaves behind his family and everything he's ever known in the middle of a blizzard to follow God's command, but is he strong enough to go through it? 2nd: When Andrew learns about an old Christmas Carol at his Church's youth group, he is surprised to find out what it has to do with his life. 3rd: Marigold has the worst Christmas of her life; there is no tree, no gifts, no snow, and no dad. Will Marigold's crazy family come together and celebrate Christmas? 4th: Bolcan wants to prove that he has what it takes to be a rescuer in a dystopian world, but when he has to give gifts to a place he hates and risks capture, he is not so sure. 5th: After a homily at mass, Meg decides to challenge herself to help strangers her for advent. 6th: After Antonia's best friend Sal moves away, she thinks Christmas will never be the same until she meets someone who will have her rethinking the meaning of a gift. 7th: Vanessa knows precisely what Christmas means and how to celebrate it until a new boy Luke has her rethinking the meaning and importance of Christmas. 8th: In a dystopian world, Joshua and Darryl live side by side with dinosaurs, and when Christmas Eve comes around, both have to make an important decision.
Gifts: Visible and Invisible was terrific! This is the second anthology book I have ever read and the second book in a book series, and it made me want to read more. I never thought I would like to read short stories because I wouldn't say that I like when things happen quickly. I like when the author takes the time to lay out a story and introduce all of the characters, but Gifts: Visible and Invisible has proven to me you don't always need to do that to have a great story. I read this book in July, so I got my fill of Christmas in July, but I would love to reread it in December!
My favorite stories would be The Outlaws Friend by Susan Peek, Christmas Angel by Leslea Wahl, and Signs of Christmas by Cynthia T. Toney. The first story is a true story about a man who is called to religious life, and no matter how crazy his journey is to get there, he pulls through and trusts in God. The second story that I liked is about a girl who helps a random stranger every day in advent, which I think is an excellent idea. And the third is a short story that is a companion to Cynthia T. Toney's novel The Other Side of Freedom that I plan on reading!
I love the fact that Gifts: Visible and Invisible was written by eight amazing Catholic authors! They each give a new and different style to the story they wrote, and it made me want to read more books by these authors. The only thing I didn't love about this book is the cover, but I believe that it should be judged by it's inside and not it's outside. If you are looking to cozy up with a great Christmas novel or like any of these wonderful authors, read Gifts: Visible and Invisible!
Things to Mention: There is some mention of previous violence, and a dinosaur attacks a car with someone inside it.
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Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:
More books by Susan Peek:
Stand Alone Novels:
More books by Theresa Linden:
Liberty Trilogy:
More books by T. M. Gaouette:
Faith & Kung Fu Series:
Stand Alone Novels:
More Books By Leslea Wahl:
Stand Alone Novels:
Blindside Series:
Finding Faith Series:
More Books by Corinna Turner
I Am Margaret Series:
If you have read Gifts: Visible and Invisible, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.
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