Book Review: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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My niece Erica, age 6, with cake on her face no less...
Saving My Neice From Dr. Seuss Deprivation
Just recently, I bought my seven-year-old niece Erica three Dr. Seuss books for her birthday—Yertle the Turtle, The Sneetches and Other Stories, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas—after having learned that her parents didn’t take the liberty (and don't mean the Jeep Liberty, mind you) to buy them for her. To me, a child without any books (namely Dr. Seuss books) is like a refrigerator without any milk. It’s just not right and yes, it’s THAT important. I can’t imagine my childhood without Dr. Seuss and for any child to be deprived of his work is a crime that should be punishable by death. Okay, so maybe that’s a bit extreme…Caning is more like it.
Having written a hub on Seuss’ The Sneetches, I’ve decided to write a one on How the Grinch Stole Christmas as it was fitting to, aside from the fact that it really is one of my favorite Seuss books. One of HubPages’ best writers, relache, also wrote a fantastic hub on How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I suggest you have a look as I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
The Story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Atop Mount Crumpit just north of north of
Whoville, there lives a green cat-like cave-dweller simply known as, “The
Grinch” whose only companion is a tiny dog named Max. From there, the Grinch could hear the noisy
(which some would argue was pleasant, bah!) Christmas festivities and merriment
created by the Whos of Whoville, who enjoyed more than anything else, the
Christmas season. But the Grinch did not
like this one bit as he was envious of their merry-making, gift-giving, and
carol-singing and due to fact that his heart was after all two-sizes too small,
he was determined to ruin the Whos of Whoville’s Christmas once and for
all (for the record, I made that up).
So with a sled and along with his dog Max (who he poorly dresses up as a reindeer) the Grinch races down the steep, 3,000-foot slope of MountCrumpit with Whoville in his cross-hairs. While there, he burglarizes each and every Who’s home of presents, decorations, and trimmings; he takes with him every single morsel—with the exception of a speck that was even too small for a mouse—with the intention of “preventing Christmas from coming” to Whoville. However, despite all his efforts to undermine the Whos’s joyous hullabaloo; Christmas comes any-who, as the Whos of Whoville join hands and sing to welcome-in Christmas that year. The Grinch then reaches an epiphany: That Christmas is not about presents, or decorations, or trimmings, rather it’s about being together in spite of any and all short-comings and in that instant, his heart grows to be three-sizes larger or has a “change of heart” and so returns all the presents, decorations, and trimming back to the Whos who welcome him into their community and Whoville with open arms.
The Moral of the Story
Now let’s ask ourselves: What is Christmas? Is it about getting into heaps of debt that we’ll never be able to crawl out from under? Is it about have mounds of food that will mostly be thrown away due to over-planning? Is it about fighting long lines and red tape and camping out in front of Best Buy on the eve of Black Friday just to get the lowest possible price for latest flat-panel LCD TV? Woe is you if you spend BEYOND your means on the people that you love; if those people really do love you, they wouldn’t want to see you go into debt or have to operate in the “Red” just so they can enjoy their new toy or apparel you’ve given them. Several people I know have fallen victim to such poor decision making—and we would be all the wiser to learn from them, as their intentions were good, they should not have spent beyond their means for any of us.
In my opinion, Seuss’ message to all of us is that Christmas isn’t about any of these things. Instead, Christmas is about spending time with those that you truly love and care for. The Whos of Whoville are certainly testament to this theory. Although the Grinch did take from them all their material possessions, such as their Christmas trees, food, and presents; the Whos of Whoville continued to celebrate Christmas in spite of the void created by the Grinch and so enjoyed themselves merrily through song. And as witness to this miracle, the Grinch himself changed his view of Christmas (One could say that he had indeed a “change of heart” as it tripled in size). More than fifty years since it was first published, it continues to sell widely throughout the world, especially during the Christmas season. It is for this reason that I believe “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a timeless classic and will be for generations to come. By far, it’s not only one Dr. Seuss' best books--it's one of the best books ever written in the spirit of Christmas.
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You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch: A Photo Gallery
Max, the Grinch's faithful dog and companion
The Grinch dresses up Max in festive apparel
The Grinch took everything...He even took the roast beast
The Grinch reassuring little Cindy Lou Who of his good intentions
The Grinch in action
The Whos celebrating Christmas
A happy ending
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Great hub...brought back happy memories and I imagine was a lot of fun to put together. Thanks Dohn.
dohn, Great hub. Dr. Suess wrote so many wonderful books and you used this classic very well to emphasize what is really important at Christmas. More books, and reading time together with your children is so much better that all the TV children watch these days. My 3 boys grew up with lots of books.
Hehe, Grinch is very interesting creature. Never heard about him before reading this Hub.
Thank for teaching me something new.
Hi my dear friend, its good to see that not only you are one of the best writer in HP. But you are also a brilliant oncle. You certainly gived the best present to your niece in both ways. Suess, and love for reading, wich she will developp even more. Great hub my dear friend. Thanks for sharing. Bless you and your family.:) Your niece, look so adorable. She is really a pretty girl too.:)
Wow! What a terrific review, and I love all the images. What a nice Christmas treat. Thanks
nice Dohn and very cute niece too, That is the essence of Christmas indeed, being together and understanding each other inspite of shortcomings, The Grinch have a change of heart,
nice books for children too, and I like that you always give books to children,
have a good day, Maita
What an adorable niece you have! I love Dr. Seuss. My kids still can recite Green Eggs and Ham by heart, and they are all grown up and married now. Great hub dohn. :)
Aww man!! My parents did alot wrong, but they did give me books. I could read before I started school. And I had Dr. Suess. I need to go read your sneetches now. (My sister had a mouse named "sneetch" once.) Every Christmas Eve, we go to my oldest daughters grandparents house, and we watch The Grinch, while her Grandmother reads from the book. My husband was given "Oh, the places you'll go" for a graduation present. I love Dr. Suess even now as an adult!!
This is one of my classics, just love it. Well written review. I have to agree with your personal opinion on what we have gotten ourselves into when it comes to holidays. Christmas in my house is about family getting together and enjoying, not with lots of food and not with gives. Even now, we don't buy presents at all.
Thanks Dohn, also if get chance take a look at my http://hubpages.com/hub/Frugal-Holidays. It conveys the same message.
Great Hub. I liked the way you put it together. We can learn much from you. Thanks, Don White
I love this story - and the OLD cartoon. I was disappointed with the Jim Carey movie. Nice hub!
Very interesting story. I've made a mental note of the book.
Hope your niece enjoys the books you bought. I'm sure she will, with all the pictures. She looks cute, "Uncle Dohn". :)
There is nothing so lovely as to read Dr. Suess to a child. Though mine are grown now, we still talk about his wonderful books, the humor as well as the messages. The Grinch is a perfect story. It has suspense, a message, and shows how a person (if you can call the Grinch a person) can be changed by self-realization
Thanks, I'll read it out loud to my 7 grandchildren once I get to New York next week. Cheers!
What a terrific, creative review! Christmas is about family and friends, so true. Good old Dr. Seuss knew how to say it to kids of all ages, but it was those cool illustrations that made me a fan.
Nice review Dohn , I just watched the Grinch on TV with my son last weak. I had not seen it in long time, I will have to buy the book for him also. It is enjoyable. Thanks Dohn.
I loved that story. I'm glad you bought your niece the book. Such a cool hub from a cool guy!
So right about Dr Suess...I bought a treasury of his books as soon as I knew I was pregnant LOL...not really but as soon as my son was ready for me to read to him. Have fun reading to your Niece. My daughter loves to write her own stories (she dictates and I write) and then we read them together.
This is a great review. I agree with you. We must find the real meaning and just enjoy the time we have together during the holidays. This is one of my favorite Dr. Suess books as well. This hub really put me in the Christmas spirit.
Great review. I also like the film re-make, The Grinch.
I didn't know the first thing about this book but you've got me really interested!! But now I look at the illustrations I'm sure I must have seen the Grinch before. I liked the way you interpreted the message - it sounds quite deep - I particarly liked the non-attachment message which is always nice to find in the West. Funny, I noticed it in the Pixar film 'Up' as well - perhaps it was just me but I felt there was a definite Buddhist theme in it - non attachment, reincarnation, living for the moment. It's nice when you can read so much more into a simple children's book or film! For me, that's what makes it! Nice lessons in life too - only wish I could follow them though! My christmas list this year comprises one thing and that's a packet of cashew nuts (they cost a bomb here) - if any Grinch tries to nab them from me they'll be trouble though!
One of the best review hubs I've read - about one of the best authors of children's books ever!
Well done - not only was your review good but the visuals are excellent as well!
Let's hope lots of young children get "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in their stockings this year!
Nice story!
This is one of many amazing books by Dr Suess! I agree that it is a corner stone of childhood. I started my love affair with reading with some of these spectacular books. You do your niece a great service by introducing her to this and other suess books. One of my favorites is 'oh the places you'll go' and was a gift to me from a teacher who wanted me to know how much she cared for me when I was going to be moving away and I have never forgot it. It was a real special thing for me as it was not just a nice parting gift but a sincere compliment to me as a kid with low self esteem. I would strongly recommend it if you have not read it yet :). From one Dr. Suess fan to another, brilliant hub here!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic, my kids demand a reading every Christmas!
Great hub, thanks for sharing.
wow, what a great (and comprehensive) hub! I adored Dr. Seuss books and bought most of them for my son to enjoy. his favorites were the Sneetches and Bartholomew Cubbins. mine were The Sneetches, Yertle the Turtle, Horton Hears a Who, and The Grinch. this hub made me smile. thank you. and your niece is precious!
The collection of Dr. Seuss books is really good. There is a moral value in the stories. My niece also loves it. She's 7 years old. I can share this hub to her. You really have great hubs.
Have a great weekend!
well done hub here!
No writes children stories like Theodor Geisel. Thanks.
What a perfect classic to review, and just in time for Christmas as well! I always enjoy reading Dr. Seus, and my nephew loved these when he was younger.
Nice stories. I love children stories. I love christmas and the fun that accompany's it. It is a time of reflection. A time to sit down and take stock.
Classic, Dohn! The Grinch is a much have--must read to anyone and everyone--all ages! Beautiful hub! Tis the season!
Loved the last bit about not getting debt and well just enjoying Christmas. Gotta say I loved that hub, you are a genius at writing and for me you are the Santa Claus of Hubpages because you give so much, thanks for another gift my good friend !
Awesome hub, The Grinch has always been one of my favorites around Christmas time. It really takes me back to when my sister an I were little and I read it to her for the first time. Thank you so much for sharing.
Dohn as you know I am banned from posting on the Forum but just read you hit 700 fans, well done mate you truly are in my eyes what Hubpages is all about !!
Going back to old school Dohn? Haha I still remember reading that when I was a kid; I was scared as hell I wouldn't get a present lmao. Your niece is the cutest girl ever btw. Great hub.
No collection is complete without "The Grinch..." This is a Christmas classic in our house, where we break out the popcorn and snuggle on the couch to watch the Grinch trying to stop Christmas :D Is the best!
Great hub dohn - love reading your stuff.
hey there Dohnny, boy oh boy Dr Seuss is just the greatest, I am a huge fan. If I dont catch u by next week I hope you have a fantastic Xmas, I send my love and kisses.
Hi dohn,
I never had fortune to read Dr Seuss ever as i dont think his work are available in India and certainly not when i was growing up but seeing your hub i would love to read his work,
I have watched the movie Grinch starred by Jim Carrey,without having the idea of Dr. Seuss.I like the way you presented the moral of the story-"Christmas is about spending time with those that you truly love and care for". Plz say my hello to Erica and Merry Christmas in advance, Dohn.Thank you.
Love this hub!! It rocks, just as Dr. Suess! :) The Grinch is a wonderful story and so fun... My son is seven and the first book he could read verbatim was "Hio and Hop" By Suess! Magical talent he had.. Rhyming words stimulate recognition and memory.. Thanks...
Merry Christmas to you, Dohn!! :)
Hey dohn, bit of a brain fart ..lol....it is "Hop and Pop"!! It's a fun read.. enjoy! :)
Perfect timing! We have almost the complete collection of Dr. Suess, and the pages are wearing out from all the reading by my kids with Green Eggs and Ham leading the race and Fox in Socks following close in behind. What's Christmas without the Grinch? It just wouldn't be the same! You always have such great enthusiasm Dohn -- it picks up my day!
Wishing you a Christmas spent in the company of family and friends. May the New Year bring peace, love and health. Merry hugs Dohn! :)
It is wonderful that you have young ones in which to be sharing good books like this. The lessons are good ones and long lasting. Your niece is so cute and lucky to have an uncle like you.
Been toying with the idea of writing a book review so I thought I would look at some examples. I thought you did a great job with this!
This is a great review! I love the pictures, I'll have to show them to my kids tommorrow. This is one of their favorite books.
Hey Dohn i'm back!
I never really watched or read about the Grinch and after reading your review it certainly is very interesting. The moral of the story is that Christmas is about family and friends showing their love for one another. Christmas is certainly not about material things, but it's not just Christmas people should show their love to family and friends, it's always and not by giving or taking, but by seeing each other more often and catching up with each other aswell.
Love Dr. Seuss. Love this book. Love the review. I haven't read this in ages and I think it would be fun to go back and have a read. Maybe I'll have to go and find that box I know I've got somewhere that has a few Seuss classics tucked away. I'm certain this one is in there.
















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Rose West Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
A child without books...can't even imagine that :) The Grinch is one of Seuss's best. So classic! I would have liked to meet Dr. Seuss...I wonder what we would talk about.