A Christmas Carol

 A Christmas Carol (1843) by Charles Dickens, performed by Sir Patrick Stewart (1991)

With all the adaptations of A Christmas Carol out there--everything from the Muppets to Scooby Doo to Fred Flintstone to Mickey Mouse to Patrick Stewart (filmed version as well as this audio novel) to Rich Little to the classic 1951 film with Alistair Sim and the 1970 version with Albert Finney & Alec Guinness, surely I don't need to summarize the story. Even if you've never read it, the story of the greedy, nasty miser who has a change of heart has seeped into the public consciousness so thoroughly that we all seem to know what it means when someone is accused of being a Scrooge.

So, let's just skip to this audio performance by Patrick Stewart. Stewart reads the story in full, giving full flavor to each character. It is a spirited performance (no pun intended) and very entertaining. And, of course, I adore Patrick Stewart and enjoyed him reading this well-loved Christmas classic. Listening to this version may just have to become a holiday tradition--just as watching White Christmas is for me. ★★★★★

First line: Marley was dead, to begin with.

Last line: And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God bless us, everyone."