Sometimes writers (or comics) decide to make money by writing a book - without any apparent reason than to write a book. That appears to be the situation here. The ideas are rehashed, over and over, and the plot meanders without much purpose. Mr. Black offers up a few insights, but at a cost to the reader of a lot of repetitious wonderings, musings about aging, kids, and being single around Christmas time. ( )

Listening to this book was fantastic. Period. Black reads it himself (who else could do it justice?), and it is about MUCH more than just Christmas. He rants hilariously on a variety of subjects (no surprise there) but he also reveals quite a lot about himself. I gather from other peoples' reviews that the book is less successful that the audio version. For all the Louis Black fans who were lukewarm on the print version, I encourage you to go to your favorite library or bookstore and get it on audio. You won't be sorry. ( )

You have to appreciate Black's style of humor to enjoy this book. I listened to it while driving and found it entertaining. ( )

Oh Dear! I almost completely concur with Black's commentary on the "Holiday Season"...

So..... this must mean I am a, a, a...... GASP****** "Curmudgeon", as well! Sigh.....Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (in a maniacal manner)!

This man is as funny as he is astute and his observations include but are not limited to:

Mother's who can't cook a thanksgiving meal to save their souls.

Oh yes, let's talk about "entitlement"....just because You Believe You Are, doesn't mean it's the truth! He's got this generation's human condition pegged to a tee!

Infants & toddlers at a classy resort SCREAMMMMMMMMING!!!!!

Being a parent....why?

Dressing up for christmas

christmas cards

On being a Jew during christian holidays.......

I GET It and I Like it very much!
( )

"I'm Dreaming a Black Christmas" is a refreshing look at the Christmas holiday, bereft of the over-sentimentality and fake sense of importance that seems to infuse every other Christmas memoir. Maybe it is because Lewis Black is Jewish, but then again he doesn't celebrate Chanukah either. In fact, other than giving to charities and spending time with friends, Black really doesn't appear to possess a single drop of Christmas cheer.... and this reader wouldn't have it any other way.

Beginning with spending the Thanksgiving holiday in other countries, nothing Lewis does is indicative of the "traditional" American way of celebrating this month long holiday season. However, despite him railing against the over-commercialization of Christmas and the hypocrisy inherent in only caring about your fellow man a few days out of the year, underneath it all, Lewis has a his own brand of Jewish-guilt-ridden holiday spirit. He expresses this by spending Christmas morning giving away money to a variety of charities, spending time with friends and performing in 2 USO tours falling over the holiday season. After all, what best exemplifies the "true meaning of Christmas" then giving generously of your time and money for the betterment of all mankind (or at least a small portion of it).

"I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas" is not for everyone. Though not as overly religious as I had expected it to be, it is still very critical of the way Americans choose to express (or not express, more often than not) the Christmas spirit. It takes a hard, if still funny, look at all of us. For those people who cannot accept criticism or laugh at themselves, then please avoid this book. For the rest of us then, I hope you enjoy the trip down Black Christmas Lane!

Favorite Quote: "Christmas isn't a holiday, it's an emotional tsunami that hits you with a wave of tinsel that engulfs you until you have drowned in a sea of good cheer." (Page 15)