Ease Reading-Find Your Next Favorite Book

Hot Search

The Homecoming: A Novel About Spencer's Mountain

earl hamner jr.

... Show More
When Clay Spencer fails to arrive home at the expected hour on Christmas Eve of 1933, his family grows concerned. While his seven brothers and sisters and his mother keep vigil the older son, Clay-boy, goes in search of his father. But on his journey through the snowbound Virginia hills, the boy experiences a series of hazardous, touching and hilarious adventures.

His life is endangered by an enraged deer, the family's honor is threatened by a well-meaning outsider, and unexpected help is provided by the fearsome county sheriff. An encounter with the neighborhood Negro community church teaches Clay-boy a lesson in race relations and, while taking refuge from a snowstorm, he is overwhelmed by the intoxicating hospitality of two elderly genteel lady bootleggers.

Finally, at midnight, when all hope for him has been abandoned, Clay Spencer provides a surprising climax to the story, and in a single moment illuminates the triumph of the human spirit. Rich with life that rings true, filled with nostalgia, laughter and tears, The Homecoming is a warm and wonderful classic of American literature.

125 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1970
Literary awards
audie award, 
Places
the united states of america, virginia, blue ridge mountains, 

This edition

Format
125 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 1993 by Buccaneer Books
ISBN
9780899669458
ASIN
089966945X
Language
English

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for earl hamner jr.

earl hamner jr.

... Show More

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Ipomoea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This was truly an experience like curling up in a warm blanket of familiarity. It was as if I was indulging in the rich essence of a delicious cup of hot chocolate.

Reading the original work for the upcoming movie, "The Homecoming", and the series that will be spun from it, was an absolute delight.

The story was concise yet captivating, making it a perfect Christmas read. It had all the elements to get one into the festive spirit and keep them engaged from start to finish.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to seeing how the movie and series will bring this wonderful story to life on the big and small screens.

It's safe to say that this is a must-read for anyone who loves a heartwarming Christmas tale.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
potplant
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

Great Christmas Story

This is an absolutely wonderful short story that is set during the challenging times of the Depression in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. The story is a gem that takes the reader on a journey through a bygone era, filled with historical details that bring that time to life. It not only showcases the hardships faced by the people during the Depression but also beautifully portrays the love and unity within a family. The author has done an excellent job of creating a vivid and engaging narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story that combines history and the power of family love. It is a heartwarming and inspiring read that will leave you with a sense of hope and appreciation for the simple things in life.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Zergneedsfood
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Good night everyone!

And Merry Christmas!

What an amazing book this is! I can clearly observe how this charming little story served as the foundation for The Waltons show.

I have a deep affection for that show, and now I find myself equally in love with this story.

The details in the book are so vivid that they bring the world of The Waltons to life.

It's as if I can step right into the lives of the characters and experience their joys and sorrows.

The author has done a remarkable job of creating a heartwarming and engaging narrative.

This story truly captures the essence of family, love, and the simple pleasures of life.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read and has a soft spot for classic TV shows like The Waltons.

It's a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and a great way to spend a cozy Christmas evening.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Kr1m1naL
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More


Rediscovered old friends, sort of…


I truly relished reading The Homecoming. I had this impression that I was well-acquainted with the story, yet the book turned out to be somewhat distinct from the TV movie. The characters bear different names, and there are several disparities in the details. However, this beloved work manages to infuse you with the Christmas spirit. It's fascinating how a familiar tale can take on a new guise in a different medium. The book offers a fresh perspective, allowing you to see the story from a different angle. Despite the differences, the essence of the Christmas charm remains intact. It makes you feel the warmth and joy that this holiday season is known for. Whether you prefer the book or the TV movie, The Homecoming is a wonderful addition to the Christmas literary and visual landscape. It's a story that can be enjoyed again and again, bringing back those cherished memories of the holiday season.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
dubbernaught
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
2016: The last 5-6 pages or so were really tough going. It was as if some kind of salty discharge from my eyes just wouldn't stop, constantly clouding my vision.

2024: It got me again, and this has been the case every year since I first read it. It's truly amazing how such a small book can pack such a powerful wallop. It manages to capture so incredibly well all the different aspects of what Christmas is and, more importantly, what it should be. It's a testament to the author's skill and the profound impact this little book has had on me over the years. Each time I pick it up, I'm reminded of the true spirit of Christmas and all the emotions and values that come with it.

It's a book that I'll continue to cherish and revisit year after year, always finding something new and meaningful within its pages.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
SyaikhSyafiq
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book began for me in a manner similar to one of John-Boy's stories. It was filled with promise, yet a bit stiff and overly self-aware.

All of us older individuals recall The Waltons, and I found myself comparing the descriptions of the family members to their TV counterparts, attempting to match them up. That was until I realized there was an additional child in this book!

The story unfolds gradually, considering the brevity of the text, but it is truly worth the time invested.

The old ladies who sell their papa's recipe, the concern over a father who may or may not arrive in time for Christmas, the little girl who weeps over a cracked doll - all these small moments accumulate to form a sweet, exquisitely drawn tale.

I relished the insight into Clay-Boy's mind, the description of a nighttime sleigh ride, and a Christmas Eve visit to a black church where he realizes, with great sadness, that there are entire societies within his own that he is unfamiliar with and may never become a part of.

The ending is predictable, much like the one in A Christmas Carol, yet I read that one every year! I believe I will establish a new tradition of reading this book as well.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
BeliveMe
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

Love The Homecoming

I have an intense love for the Homecoming movie and the Waltons. This show holds a special place in my heart, and I truly miss it. It is my sincere wish that we could once again have more shows with meaningful values on television. In this day and age, such shows are dearly needed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and I am determined to read the other Waltons book as well. Reading the Homecoming has brought back an abundance of great memories of watching this wonderful show with my family during my childhood. The characters were so endearing, the location was charming, and the plot lines were engaging. I will be actively looking for the Waltons on TV again. I would like to express my gratitude to Earl Hamner for sharing his story with us through his books and the TV series. His work has had a profound impact on me and many others.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
NickNeBi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Oh my.

I just loved reading this!

I grew up watching The Waltons and vividly remember watching the original TV movie of “The Homecoming” a very long time ago.

It has always held a special place in my heart.

After much searching, I finally found the DVD of it.

It is the first and my absolute favorite Christmas movie that I watch religiously each year.

This book that I just read has further enhanced the story.

Although there are only a few slight differences between the movie and the book, it is still so full of heart.

The details and the emotions portrayed in the book add an extra layer of depth to the already beloved story.

It makes me appreciate the characters and their relationships even more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves The Waltons or heartwarming Christmas stories.

It is truly a wonderful addition to the franchise.

0 0 Reply
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.