A Christmas Carol

This audiobook was very well done. My wife and I loved listening to it. The voice acting was very good and entertaining. It's not a radio theatre production but one of the best that I've ever heard and will keep you interested the whole time.

(Posted on 1/22/12)

Never read this classic, so the audiobook is the first time. A wonderful story read out by an exceptionally good narrator. A short story that is sure to bring a smile on everybody.

(Posted on 1/6/12)

I have watched different interpretations of this classic period on the big screen. From ancient versions to the most recent production featuring Jim Carrey. This audiobook, by far, is superior to these eye-candy interpretations. Thus far, this is the best work I’ve heard from Simon Vance.

The text itself, both illustrative and alliterative, gives the reader excellent opportunity for both reading and listening. Dickens’ tale of life and morality follows Ebenezer Scrooge, and elderly grump in need of a bump in the rear. Through the visitation of three ghosts, Scrooge is given the chance to celebrate life and Christmas, removing the chains of selfishness he placed on himself over so many years.

A classic not only by genre, but excellent storytelling, SG recommends this audio edition for your personal listening library.

This audio book has been reviewed for christianaudio.com. Visit scriptedgenius.com to see other CA reviews today!

(Posted on 1/5/12)

This audiobook is available for FREE download at the moment from this link:

http://christianaudio.com/free

I totally enjoyed listening to this book. Although we all know the general gist of how this story goes, having the original text read seemed to bring it alive in my mind, more so than any of the attempts I have seen to portray this story on the TV.

The narrator impressed me with all of the voices that he did. In scenes when multiple characters were conversing, it was easy to follow along due to the unique voices that he gave each character. His British accent made me feel as though Dickens himself could be narrating the story.

By listening to the original text it was also more apparent how the Christian worldview plays a strong part in this book.

May I suggest listening to it with your children - perhaps one chapter at a time?

(Posted on 12/23/11)

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this Christmas Classic, as read by this dynamic reader. Engrossing!

(Posted on 12/22/11)

As much as I like to read, I always sell myself short on reading "true literature" . . . especially books that were written pre-20th century. Listening to the audio version was a wonderful re-introduction to Dickens! It was incredibly easy to follow along, and the story came alive. It was magical.

The narrator impressed me with all of the voices that he did. In scenes when multiple characters were conversing, it was easy to follow along due to the unique voices that he gave each character. His British accent made me feel as though Dickens himself could be narrating the story.

Listening to this book together would be a wonderful family tradition! Both young and old will love this story! Don't miss out on this moving story!

I received a free copy of this audio book from christianaudio in exchange for my fair and honest review.

(Posted on 12/21/11)

I cannot remember the first time I heard or saw a retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but I am certain that I was very young. I am also certain that this classically frightening tale has been a major part of my imagination for many years. Thus, I was excited when ChristianAudio.com offered me the chance to review a reading of this work during this Christmas season as a part of their reviewers program.

Dickens is excellent, simply excellent, at weaving a story that sticks in the minds of his readers. At times the author describes scenes in formally vivid detail. At other times, Dickens breaks with convention and speaks to his readers as if we are sitting in the room together and conversing. Regardless of which technique Dickens uses, he makes it easy to become swept up in the tale.

Readers who are familiar with this story, whether from reading it themselves or from the myriad Hollywood or Broadway productions of the novel, will understand that this work is a fiction, and not intended for Christian teaching. For certain, Dickens points his readers to Christ as the reason for our hope, joy, and love during the Christmas season. However, it is fair to allow the point of unimaginative critics, that Dickens may paint for us a picture of a works-based salvation should we take his work too literally. I would simply say that we do not read this tale for soteriology, but for a classic reminder that there is more to life than money and that the worship of wealth is ultimately soul-destroying.

The version of this audio book that I listened to was read by Simon Vance (oddly the second book of his in a row that I have listened to). The reader does an excellent job of bringing emotion into the different character voices that he presents in this telling. I would highly recommend that those who would like to listen to this classic tale give Vance’s reading a try.

(Posted on 12/20/11)

I read, listen to or watch "A Christmas Carol" every year, and I've been spoiled by Patrick Stewart and George C. Scott. However, this rendition of Dickens' tale is wonderful. I enjoyed every moment!

(Posted on 12/15/11)

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has to be one of his most loved works and also one of the most widely known Christmas stories. Published in 1843, the novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who is visited one Christmas Eve by four “spirits” whose mission is to save him from himself.

In Mission Audio’s audiobook edition of the story, narrator Simon Vance gives a phenomenal reading of the classic tale, complete with exceptional voices. The narration grabbed my attention right off and kept it through the very end. I gained new insight into the story because of the beautiful narration and was reminded of the importance of its message.

Whether you’ve read the story before or not, I highly recommend this audiobook. You’ll be inspired and uplifted.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this audiobook free from the christianaudio Reviewers Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

(Posted on 12/13/11)

I haven't read any of Charles Dickens' original writings since probably middle school. At that point, I know I never really appreciated the beauty of his work and words. I recently listened to christianaudio's version of A Christmas Carol, which is one of their best audiobooks yet. Simon Vance's narration was excellent, with an engaging dramatization.

At a recent Bible study, someone brought up how A Christmas Carol was particularly a message about caring for our neighbors. While most of us have heard the story many times, hearing Dickens' original words really sent the message about the power and importance of loving our neighbor. While God was never explicitly mentioned, the Gospel is written all over this classic.

While it is a short book that can be easily found for free, christian audio is also offering it for free for this month!

This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

(Posted on 12/10/11)