Hijuelos approaches the theme of grief in a tender and longing manner. The language is simple and direct, yet there is a rhythm to it that faintly recalls Gabriel Garcia Marquez, albeit lacking much of the same enchanting magic.

It is indeed a proper Christmas novel, gentle even against the backdrop of violence and tragedy that pervades the diverse New York that Ives adores.

Since Hijuelos doesn't take any literary risks, doesn't have grand ideas or spectacular pyrotechnics, or writing that will completely bowl you over, my enjoyment of the book hinges on the well-developed characters and the engaging plot. However, neither of them was particularly outstanding for me, so the overall rating takes a bit of a hit.

He may not necessarily be an author I'm eagerly longing to return to, but for a certain, perhaps religiously inclined, reader, I can envision this story being especially moving, particularly for those who have experienced a similar, all-consuming loss, especially during the holidays.

Mr. Ives’ Christmas is a truly remarkable story that unfolds across different Christmases in Mr. Ives’ life.

It is a narrative that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, tugging at the reader's emotions in the most profound way.

This book delves deep into the themes of love, loss, faith, and forgiveness, exploring the complex and often contradictory nature of human experiences.

As I read through the pages, I found myself constantly questioning my own beliefs about various issues and seeking a deeper understanding.

The author's writing is so evocative that it painted vivid pictures in my mind, allowing me to truly immerse myself in Mr. Ives’ world.

Each Christmas in the story brings with it new revelations and challenges, making it a journey of self-discovery not only for Mr. Ives but also for the reader.

Mr. Ives’ Christmas is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page, leaving you with a sense of hope and a newfound appreciation for the power of love and forgiveness.

Beautifully written but just not my type of story.

I bought this book for $1, so I felt like I had to give it a chance.

The author's writing style was truly captivating, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. However, the plot didn't quite resonate with me.

Maybe it was because the story was set in a different time period or dealt with themes that I'm not particularly interested in.

Despite that, I still appreciate the effort and talent that went into writing this book.

It just goes to show that even if a book isn't to our personal taste, it can still have its merits.

I'm glad I took the opportunity to read it, as it has broadened my literary horizons a little.

Who knows, maybe the next book I pick up will be a new favorite.

Such a melancholy book.

It was beautifully written, with words that seemed to flow like a gentle stream. However, the pace was so slow that I truly fell asleep several times. Despite this, I really liked it.

What I found lacking in "The Reluctant Fundamentalist", this book had. It delved deep into the conversations with self about forgiveness and bitterness. The mind's many dillydallying were explored, as well as the shaking of conviction and faith. And the slow plod of life was vividly描绘.

Mr. Ives, who works in advertising as an art director, was a foundling who was then adopted. He is a person of deep religious beliefs, spiritual and prone to sadness. He meets Annie at art class and marries her. They have two children, Robert and Caroline. And Robert, spiritual like his father, wants to join the seminary. But when he is only 17, he gets shot by Daniel Gomez. And Ives lives the rest of his life in a depressed state.

This is the entire plot of the book. And I have written this in a few lines without having taken anything away from the story. The rest of the book is how Oscar Hijuelos, in short paragraphs, narrates it all.

I give it a 4 star because a 3 star would be a disservice to the stoic, stolid narrative that manages to touch the heart despite its slow pace.

This one was not for me.

I had high hopes when I first laid eyes on it. The appearance seemed appealing, and I thought it might be something special. However, as I delved deeper, I quickly realized that it didn't quite meet my expectations.

Perhaps it was the functionality that fell short. It didn't perform as smoothly as I had anticipated, and there were some glitches that proved to be quite frustrating. Or maybe it was the design that didn't resonate with me on a personal level. It just didn't have that certain charm that would make it stand out in my eyes.

Whatever the reason, I knew that this one was not meant for me. It's okay, though. There are plenty of other options out there, and I'm sure that eventually, I'll find something that is a perfect fit. For now, I'll simply move on and continue my search.

This is a truly great book.

It delves deep into the profound emotions that come with losing a loved one. The author vividly描绘s the pain that pierces the heart, the fury that simmers within, and the desperation that seems to consume one's soul.

But this book is not just about the emotional turmoil. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into life in New York during the decades of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. We get to experience the unique atmosphere of that time, with its vibrant culture and diverse population.

The book further explores important themes such as Latin American heritage, race, faith, and forgiveness. It makes us think about our own identities, our relationships with others, and the power of forgiveness in healing the wounds of the past.

Overall, this is a book that will touch your heart, make you think, and leave a lasting impression.

It is difficult to decide on a rating between two and three stars.

In this book, there are an enormous number of all possible elements, some of which are more interesting than others.

At times, a stronger focus on one thing could have done really well, but now it unfortunately leaned towards aimless wandering.

The story seems to lack a clear direction at times, making it a bit of a struggle for the reader to fully engage.

However, there are still some redeeming qualities. The descriptions are vivid in places, and certain characters are well-developed.

Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag, and while it has its moments, it doesn't quite reach the level of a truly great read.

Perhaps with a bit more refinement and a tighter narrative, it could have been a more enjoyable experience.

There is nothing fast-paced or fancy here. It is simply the life of Mr. Ives, yet written so beautifully that I was immediately drawn into this world and wanted to stay there.

The most significant event of his life was the murder of his son. (Not a spoiler - it's on the book cover.) How he processes his grief and redeems it was truly inspiring and brought tears to my eyes.

There are Christmas scenes, but I wouldn't classify it as a Christmas book. Although, I think it is a good book to read at the end of the year because it is reflective in tone and feeling.

This is one of the rare books I will probably reread again at some point. It reminded me of It's a Wonderful Life with a dash of Call the Midwife.

The story of Mr. Ives is a simple yet profound one. It explores the themes of grief, loss, and redemption in a way that is both touching and thought-provoking.

The author's writing style is beautiful and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the world of the book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read that will leave them with a sense of hope and inspiration.

So very melancholy for 90% of the book. The story weaves back and forth in time, revealing so much grief and despair. It's as if the characters are trapped in a web of sorrow that seems unbreakable.

But then, by the end, a glimmer of hope begins to shine through. You can feel Ives' faith, his deep love for his wife, best friend, children, and grandchildren. There is a sense of wonder and a newfound hope in the world that has been restored, if only a little.

Perhaps it's the process of healing from tragedy, bit by bit. His faith and the light that it brings, along with his love for his wife, lead him to a place of surprise at the goodness of the creator. In the end, it's a confirmation of his own faith that he had as a child, and the unwavering goodness of his Heavenly Father.

This is the haunting tale of one man's arduous struggle to discover peace, love, and spirituality within his life.

Particularly after the shattering event of his only son being brutally murdered right before Christmas, the man's life takes a profound turn.

The book meticulously tracks Ives throughout his life, with a specific emphasis on Christmas-time each year.

I happened to pick up this book in my earnest effort to find a moment of peace and engage in spiritual reflection during this frenzied holiday season.

There were indeed quite a few inspiring instances where the human spirit seemed to experience the divine.

However, the deep and unwavering focus on the Catholic religion and its associated practices was, unfortunately, not precisely what I had been seeking.

Nevertheless, it was truly inspiring to bear witness to one man's unwavering quest to hold on to his faith in an increasingly cynical and skeptical world.

This served to underscore just how incredibly difficult this journey of faith can be.

Perhaps, after all, the lesson I was so intently looking for is hidden within the pages of this book.

The detailed descriptions of Hijuelos' New Year from the 40's through the 90's might initially seem a bit tiresome.

But as you gradually immerse yourself in these exquisitely crafted memories, a vivid and clear picture of NYC - and its remarkable evolution over the years - begins to emerge into sharp focus.

Quite touching,

It is truly a piece of work that has the power to move one's heart deeply. The emotions expressed within it are so genuine and palpable that they seem to leap off the page and touch the soul of the reader.

Beautiful writing style,

The author's use of language is nothing short of remarkable. The words are carefully chosen and arranged in a way that creates a vivid and enchanting picture in the mind's eye. Each sentence flows smoothly into the next, like a gentle river carrying the reader along on a journey of discovery and wonder. The descriptions are so detailed and precise that one can almost feel as if they are present in the scenes being described. It is a pleasure to read such beautifully crafted prose, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader long after the final page has been turned.

I understand the reasons why some people might have a greater appreciation for this than I do. I was on the verge of giving it four stars, but ultimately, it left me feeling rather down and it didn't have a strong connection to Christmas, despite the fact that it was brought up.

The author organized the writing by events, without adhering to a chronological order. For instance, he recounted the story of his friend's wife's cancer in a separate chapter, rather than integrating it with the events that were unfolding in other parts of the story. Likewise, the part about his skin condition, although it was mentioned earlier.

The author lists numerous details to establish the setting and era, and these can be quite lengthy. The book is highly religious, almost bordering on the mystical, and those who have a penchant for such types of reads would likely find more enjoyment in this book. My personal favorite aspect was his decades-long experience of living in NYC and his vivid descriptions of the area and the changes that it has undergone.

Overall, while this book may not have been a perfect fit for me, I can see its appeal to others.