Bookworms Celebrates -- Jeanette Winterson's Christmas Days

Gifted writer Jeanette Winterson captured the cruelty and hilarity of her eccentric childhood in several autobiographical novels, in which she traced her conservative religious upbringing and lesbian sexuality. This collection of short stories is a whimsical exploration of her love-hate relationship with traditional norms of church and family. The book contains 12 short stories set on and around Christmas as well as 12 holiday recipes. The recipes and stories vary wildly in content and tone and include hauntings, both literal and figurative; the holidays as a time of holy mischief, and the persistence, in spite of cynicism, of real, sincere love. These tales feature elements like a talking tinsel baby, a haunted house, philosophical fairies, and a golden-nosed donkey. The Guardian review notes that, "Winterson’s winter tales unfailingly succeed in their endeavour to leave you aglow." Winterson's wickedly funny and touching collection of holiday stories was published in 2017 and it is 240 pages. It's available in print in local libraries, and online on Libby and commercial platforms. The audio version is read by author Jeanette Winterson with screenwriter and actress Imogen Church. At the end of our discussion we'll enjoy our annual used book exchange!