A Different Kind of Christmas | 
|  | | | Title: | A Different Kind of Christmas | | Author: | Alex Haley | | Publisher: | Doubleday | | Type: | Book / Hardcover | | Publication Date: | 01 November, 1988 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 0385260431 / 9780385260435 | | List Price: | $15.00 | | You Save: | $14.25 | | Amazon Price: | $0.75 (via Amazon marketplace seller) | | | |
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Product Description
This is a very special novel that sparkles with the same memorable writing that made ROOTS an American classic.
This is the story of Fletcher Randall, a nineteen-year-old from North Carolina whose politically powerful father is a plantation owner, and, of course, a slave owner. The time is 1855, and all Fletcher Randall knows and believes about slavery he's learned from his father.
But Fletcher goes to school up North, and one or two of his Princeton classmates talk about how wrong slavery is until Fletcher begins to think for himself
--and he becomes a traitor to his background, to his family, by conspiring to aid in a mass escape of slaves on the Underground Railroad. His partner in this plan is a black slave by the name of Harpin' John, a man who plays the harmonica so sweetly it could make a grown man cry. Christmas Eve is the secret date set for the escape.
How these two men of such incredibly opposing backgrounds join together to achieve the goal of freedom makes
A Different Kind of Christmas soar with unforgettable inspiration. This is a timeless tale of spiritual regeneration, moral courage, and powerful humanness, meaningful and memorable to readers of all faiths and all ages.
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Customer Reviews:
• A Little Book With A Big Impact! 18 September, 2000
When Fletcher Randall returned home to Ashe County, North Carolina from the College of New Jersey (Princeton) and suggested that the family have a "truly different Christmas celebration," his parents, wealthy plantation owners and slaveholders, had no idea how different it would be.They know of his "stormy relationship with the Yankee students" and his "incompatibility with his Southern classmates." However, Fletcher had not told them that he had become "friends" with "Friends" - better known as "Quakers whom his father deplored for their strong anti- slavery views." That friendship was the beginning of a transformation in the thinking of the heir to the plantation and his father's political position. He learned that the best and most important education does not come from books, lectures, library, nor the family. Instead, it comes from the ability to think for oneself and the courage to follow one's conscience - even if it means risking everything.Alex Haley skillfully tells a story of a young man and his struggle between doing what his parents, background, and culture instilled in him and what he came to realize was right. It is also the story of the Underground Railroad - its history, how it operated, the dangers faced by escaping slaves and "conductors" alike, and how a simple woodland noise or an innocent question from a stranger could mean the difference between life and death.This is a simple story, and the reader knows from the beginning the choices Fletcher will make. However, wanting to know how and when they will be made and who will be involved makes you read on and on.This book joins the list of others, which I will read at Christmas time year after year. It should become a Christmas classic.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A23T2ZF07U0WIA
• You Will Finish It In One Day! 14 May, 2004
i normally have about three books i'm reading at any given time...but this one,very good,i just couldnt put it down. I t is 8 chapters loaded with exciting tidbits about the Underground Railroad,life in the South, and life at college.All that lead expertly to an exciting conclusion,but more importantly, leaves the reader soul searching in a very positive way. Sort of like an uplifting Sunday morning sermon.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A24B0O1SBZXK4H
• A Christmas Story Packed With Mystery And Drama 20 November, 2008
Author, Alex Haley (Roots), does indeed write "A Different Kind of Christmas" book. It deals with a teenage only-son from a N. Carolina plantation (Fletcher Randall) who attends college in New Jersey. There becomes aware of his belief that slavery is wrong, through friendship with Quaker schoolmates.
He offers his assistance to the underground railroad people and is given the assignment to assist getting a group of slaves away from his own home county, indeed, some from his own father's plantation. He will meet a slave co-organizer of the escape. The escape is intended to happen during local events on Christmas Eve, 1855. Plans go awry. Will the slaves escape? Will Fletcher and his assistant, Harpin' John, survive?
It is a different Christmas story and one that will never become outdated. It is a fine bit of historical fiction. Is it fiction? It is written so well, a spell-binder, that one wonders how much is truth. This book is even more significant now, due to the Obama election.
A book for schools across the nation, as well as homeschoolers.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AO1Z0TQWCRGL4
• A Powerhouse Of A Book 07 August, 2001
I never read Haley until now and I am sorry it has taken so long.The story starts off like an after school special but, suddenly picks up speed and turns into an amazing novel.Haley has a way of just giving enough to spark your imagination. I thought about this book for a long time. I guess what I got out of it was how each of us can over come our percieved ideas and become better people.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A22X1IZSZN4GP2
• A Little Treasure 17 August, 2001
"A Different Kind of Christmas" is the tale of a white southern born and bred college student (Fletcher) during the mid 1800's. Fletcher is the only son of a wealthy slave owning senator who believes a northern education is excellent preparation for his son's eventual ownership of the plantation. After being befriended by Quaker classmates, Fletcher's education is broadened to include the abolitionist doctrines upheld by the Quakers. As Fletcher integrates this new knowledge into his worldview, he is moved to join the Underground Rail Road system and is assigned the task of freeing slaves from his hometown in North Carolina. Fletcher is joined by a slave from his hometown, Harpin' John, who is also a part of the UGRR. Together they plan the escape of twelve slaves. The story takes a turn when the escape plans are discovered. Suddenly, Fletcher and Harpin' John are fleeing from sure execution at the hands of the slave patrol. This little tale is filled with information on the abolitionist movement while at the same time delivers a fable like story that appeals to children and adults. This is an excellent read for children. As an ongoing bedtime story or independent read the novel portrays an integral part of American history in an easily readable format. This will make a nice addition to children's libraries.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2HR0DJG4WMR8R
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