I don’t usually read Christmas novels, but for some reason I was compelled to read this one. I am so glad that I did. I absolutely love the novel from beginning to end. I was surprised to read the negative comments that were left. Don’t let these discourage you from purchasing this book. Some good reasons to buy this book: it’s a great book to inspire your family to begin your own Christmas Jar or similar type of tradition; it reminds you that Christmas isn’t all about shopping to buy presents for your family and friends, but it’s about giving to those who are sick, afflicted, or poor; it helps you understand the effect you can have on the world by performing one charitable act for someone; it’s an affordable book; it’s a quick and easy read; and it makes for a great Christmas present. It reminds me of the parable of the good Samaritan in which it teaches us that we should give to those in need, regardless of whether they are our friends or not.

Curious about who did this kind act, Hope sets out to investigate, and write a column for the paper, hoping to make it big with this wonderful story about others giving jars full of change and money to others. What she embarks upon is something different.

You will shed a tear with this one, and it will stay with you forever. What a neat idea!

This is a fantastic little book with a tremendously moving story. We have bought and distributed at least a dozen copies to friends, family and strangers. The story inspires each reader to perform a specific random act of kindness (remember that term?) in the form of a Christmas Jar. Immediately after everyone in our family had read the book and checked out the true Christmas Jar stories on the Internet (don’t do so until you read the book), we set up our first Christmas Jar (Chanukah Jar). Imagine, Christian or Jew, it is still a “CJ.” Our CJ will be one of our “Mitzvahs” or good deeds for the 2007 holiday season. Every night when we empty our change into the jar, we contemplate who we might give it to this December. Our book gifts have sprouted other CJs and hopefully when the movie hits the theaters this fall there will be a tremendous response and many more CJs for deserving souls.