Acquired Book By: In (2020), I was contacted by Andrew J. Mair to review his novel “Tales of a Paperboy” (A Christmas Story) and I was very grateful to receive his novel for review consideration at that time. I don’t completely remember the order of events which led me to push forward this review by four years – however, since (2020) and especially the last two years wherein my father entered the hospital and exited into long-term care – I would presume there were a lot of different reasons why I kept finding myself losing traction to read and review this lovely novel until now. I do regret it took me this long to pick up the book again but I am grateful I can finally put mind and heart into the story and share my reactions with my readers and followers alike whilst giving the author a chance to know how the story resonated with me.
I received a complimentary copy of “Tales of a Paperboy (A Christmas Story)” direct from the author Andrew J. Mair in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.
On the harder undertone of the novel “Tales of a Paperboy”:
I, believe one of the reasons I struggled to read this over the last four years was due to the nature of the story itself as it is about a young both of fourteen who is grieving the loss of his mother from Cancer. It was an aggressive form of the disease and she sadly, passed away during Christmas. It threw his entire family into a maelstrom of emotions and grief, and it took a long time for them to emerge out of that sorrow to where joy could be a part of their lives again.
Mair delves directly into that nexus of emotion when you’re on the fringes of losing a loved one whilst he counters the harder undertones of the story with flashbacks and sequences of insight which stem from the journals left behind by Daniel’s grandmother. As she had written a full account of what life was like during that time and how hard it was to process the hours as they were lived as much as it was hard to reconcile what had happened after Daniel’s Mom had died.
I usually shy away from reading stories about terminal illness because they are just emotionally wrecking to read. However, I do make a few exceptions to that rule – Tales of a Paperboy felt like such a strong story to read because it was about a young boy choosing to find his own path through his grief and to find out how courage can take you to a place in life you hadn’t expected to arrive. I was not disappointed but for those who are sensitive to stories involving terminal illness and Cancer, take caution with your readerly heart as this story might be a bit too hard for you to read. Just know – this is definitely Daniel’s story, but grief is a main factor of this timeline within his story.
There is the sense of abandonment Daniel feels for his father isn’t with him as he had to travel out of state for work. Daniel feels lost and alone and adrift, and you can understand why because his whole world has been upturnt. He’s lost his friends when we relocated, and his sense of purpose and direction has become a bit muddled in the process. This is a coming-of-age story about overcoming personal loss and finding yourself through your growing years.
Sadly, I was on track to finish reading this novel during December, until my work hours overtook all my days off and I quite literally worked 13 out of the final 14 days of the year. Some years, you find yourself overly extended during the holidays with work and this year was definitely one of the heavier workloads I’ve managed to undertake! Last year was quite similar and I’m not entirely sure how I survived both holidays back-to-back! The only small bit of good news this year, I was able to sneak in time with my father whilst Mum and I watched quite a few Christmas films which lifted my spirits as much as watching Leeanne’s vlogs on Cocktail Hour at the Coop!
I will admit though, the heaviness of this story is very hard to read at the holidays – it might be better suited to a different time of year to read whilst embracing the elements of Christmas knitted into the story. Any story which touches on Cancer and Christmas is going to be an emotional read and FYI if you’re a sensitive reader to those topics like I am myself (ie. terminal illness, Cancer, etc) you’ll find yourself at times struggling to finish reading the story because you might be concerned about what the next pages will review. I hope my review will give a bit of keen insight into the story but also, as a guide to help other readers know if they can handle the content of it.
Tales of a Paperboy
Subtitle: A Christmas Story
by Andrew J. Mair
Source: Direct from Author
Following the death of his mother, fourteen-year-old Daniel Morgan moves from Texas to Utah to live with his grandma and new step-grandfather while his dad pursues a job out of state.
Encouraged by his father, Daniel reluctantly starts his first job as a paperboy. Lonely and lost in an unfamiliar environment and with the holidays approaching, Daniel finds comfort and hope in the sound of local church bells.
Through his grandparents and the retired families living on his paper route, Daniel learns valuable lessons about responsibility and family. But will he find the spirit of Christmas he longs for?
Places to find the book:
ISBN: 9798670394819
Published by Self Published
on 17th August, 2020
Format: Paperback Edition
Pages: 221
This novel is Self-Published
Converse via: #ChristmasReads, #ChristmasBooks
About Andrew J. Mair
Andrew J. Mair is a Texas-based, Utah born, personal blogger and writer of fiction. He participates in several podcasts as a social media manager and contributor, most notably, the Utah based show, in podcast form, The Cultural Hall.
His first book, Tales of a Paperboy – A Christmas Story, was released on August 17, 2020.
Andrew writes several personal blogs, including one entirely dedicated to Christmas. During December for many years, Andrew posts every day from December 1st to Christmas Eve about a range of holiday topics ranging from Christmas Carols and Angels and Shepherds also Santa Claus.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- #blogmas 2024
A Home for Christmas
The Beekeeper Next Door
Her Island Homecoming
Viking Quest