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The Christmas Sweater Audiobook
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(3.00) - 8,800 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
#1 New York Times bestselling author and renowned radio and television host Glenn Beck delivers an instant holiday classic about boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and the true meaning of the gifts we give to one another in love.
If you could change your life by reversing your biggest regrets, sorrows, and mistakes...would you?
When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. He knew money had been tight since his father died, but Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to afford that dream bike.
What he got from her instead was a sweater. “A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater” that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.
Scarred deeply by the fateful events that transpired that day, Eddie begins a dark and painful journey toward manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family—and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell—to help Eddie find his life’s path and finally understand the significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted with love.
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"My stars for this book come from the emotional connection I felt to the events and the impact of its message. I was looking for a book to read with a Christmas theme and came by this book by Glenn Beck. Being aware of who Glenn Beck is I thought it would be interesting to read one of his books. The introduction said that the story had significance to Glenn Beck's life. As it turns out he decided to somewhat fictionalize some incidents in his life to tell of a life changing event he had. Even though it was a simple story, easy to read, and seemingly, to some, maybe a plain story,I felt it carried a lot of depth and meaning. Having at one time being involved with the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step program, I meet several people who had to face "The Storm" and some like Glenn Beck walked through it and had life changing experiences. This book carries the message of Redemption, Atonement, Forgiveness, and Love, in a heartfelt way. I enjoyed most of the characters, especially the grandfather, who I imagine may have been true to the character of the real grandfather of Glenn Beck, and maybe where he, Glenn Beck, got some of his mischievousness and sense of humor from. I liked this bit of wisdom from Eddie’s mom: “I know that things have been hard since Dad died. But it’s been hard for both of us. At some point, you have to realize that everything happens for a reason. It is up to you to find that reason, learn from it, and let it take you to the place you’re supposed to be, not just where you have ended up. … You can either complain about how hard your life is or you can realize that only you are responsible for it. You get to choose. Am I going to be happy or miserable? And nothing—not a sweater, certainly not a bike—will ever change that.†When I read the end of the story, I wasn't sure I liked it, just didn't seem to fit. However, you have to read Glenn Beck's synopsis. And then it becomes the perfect ending of the story."
— Marla (4 out of 5 stars)
Awards
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#1 New York Times bestselling author
The Christmas Sweater Listener Reviews
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" I really enjoyed this story, not crazy about Glenn Beck, but loved the story. Bought it for my son who is a Beck fan. "
— Doreen, 2/15/2014 -
" the main character is extremely bitter throughout most of the book, and it's hard to be inside his head. but that's the point. glenn beck essentially tells his own story in this book, and it's helped me understand how vicious cycles of bitterness work (something i've thankfully never really had to go through - not like this anyway). well done glenn. "
— Jon, 2/4/2014 -
" I've I had known who Glenn Beck was when I picked this out I would have dropped it like a hot coal! "
— Sjross513, 1/28/2014 -
" Great book, must read for moms with boys. Helped me help my son become a better person. You wont be dissapointed. "
— Daynene, 1/19/2014 -
" Hearing the story behind it was better, but this is a good story. "
— Mimi, 1/19/2014 -
" Really enjoyed the book! Sweet story! "
— Ann, 1/14/2014 -
" We listened to this in the car and it was a nice story with so e great messages "
— Annie, 1/9/2014 -
" I give this book 3.5 stars***! "
— Diana, 1/5/2014 -
" I really enjoyed this story as well as the messages tucked into the text. Definitely a thought-provoking book that lifts one's spirit and gives hope. "
— Dana, 12/24/2013 -
" Had not read this author before but was pleasantly surprised. Loved his writing, will read more. Great story will read it again I am sure. "
— Debbie, 12/12/2013 -
" Loved it. Very fast read and probably one of the best I have ever read. So true to human nature and the end was a wonderful surprise!! "
— Susan, 12/7/2013 -
" I would give it a 3.5 The last 2 chapters were the best. It got slow toward the end, but finished strong. "
— Casey, 11/20/2013 -
" Don't judge me!!!! I know. It was OK. Learned a little about where this guy comes from. It also gives him an opportunity to tell what he believes and how it gives him strength. (Listened to it on CD - read by the author) "
— Elise, 10/16/2013 -
" I've been wanting to read this book for a few years. I finally was able to thanks to my sister buying me the book. It definately has some twists to it. Reminded me of the TV show "Dallas" when I was done. :) "
— Betsy, 9/21/2013 -
" A quick read and heart-warming story. It got a little too preachy for me towards the end. "
— Monisha, 7/16/2013 -
" The story itself was good, but I enjoyed the afterword and acknowledgments better. There was a lot of information about Jon Huntsman Sr. that I didn't know that was really cool. "
— Kelsi, 3/6/2013 -
" I enjoyed it until the end..... "
— Rebecca, 2/24/2013 -
" Although a bit contrite, this book is an endearing wake up to remembering how we need to walk through the storm to enjoy life on the other side. "
— Sarah, 1/16/2013 -
" Would have been better if I'd read it over Christmas, but it was a cute and uplifting story. "
— Cori, 1/15/2013 -
" I loved the way he wrote this story. Very well done, and not sappy or manipulating. I could feel his emotions and just wanted to hug him until he came to his senses. It's easy to see how anger turns into danger. "
— Audry, 12/24/2012 -
" This is the lone time I have really liked Glenn Beck. Great writing for him, got it for my Christmas book from Kelly and Michelle. "
— doug, 7/16/2012 -
" A good reminder of the consequences of our actions, of using time wisely, and of the power of love and forgiveness and atonement. "
— Acarrawa, 5/27/2012 -
" A great Christmas story. Makes me think of the Rolling Stones song, "You Can't Always Get What You Want"...You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need. "
— Mark, 4/18/2012 -
" at first when reading this book, I did not care much for it. but as I continued to read it was really good! another page turner. :) "
— Brenna, 3/2/2012 -
" What a wonderful message and touching story! "
— Verona, 2/1/2012 -
" This was kind of a sad book. Interesting to get in the mind of an angry teenager and see the internal struggle. "
— Stefanie, 10/16/2011 -
" This is the author's story of his childhood. It was touching, something I didn't expect at first glance. He shared his memories nicely and explained in the end about his childhood. An enjoyable read, also a quick read for most. "
— Yolanda, 5/18/2011 -
" I pretty like this book. This book is about a kid name Eddie. His familly is poor, his father was past away. In every Christmas, he is looking for a bike the one that he is very like, but his family is poor, so they don't have enough money to buy for him. And then ... "
— Quoc, 5/17/2011 -
" Not my favorite... Predictable, cheesy, wierd spiritual moment that made me embarrassed for the author.... I'll probably never read another book of his again. "
— Kimberly, 5/16/2011 -
" Heart wrenching and warming. Loved this book and the personal message at the end. Very touching, very honest. Made me take a deeper look inside myself at who I really am and what I believe makes me happy. So glad I read it. "
— Courtney, 4/18/2011 -
" Surprisingly heartfelt but I did not like the ending. "
— Sharon, 4/18/2011 -
" Loved this book so much....inspirational, great to get to know Glenn Beck a little better and makes you think about your choices, how they affect you & others...especially your family/parents!! "
— Adrienne, 4/14/2011 -
" Great book! Thought-provoking and inspiring. Have tissues in hand! "
— Shellie, 4/1/2011 -
" I read this to my kids on the way to the NFR in Vegas. When we arrived, we had not quite finished the book. One of my kids took it and finished when we checked into the room. They were all enthralled..... "
— Kimberly, 3/31/2011 -
" It gave me a warm fuzzy! "
— Marian, 3/27/2011 -
" Loved it! Read deep into the night and wept openly. The dream is profound. "
— Michelle, 3/24/2011 -
" this book is definitely one of my favorites. i love watching glenn beck but i love this book better! it really makes you think less about the material things and more of what really matters. read this book!(: "
— Carley, 3/17/2011 -
" ok...so...ok...i like glenn beck...and i like Christmas...and nice stories... "
— Kelly, 3/16/2011 -
" This read was amazing. A page turner for those who are spiritually searching. "
— Debbie, 3/12/2011
About the Authors
Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio host and founder of TheBlaze television network, is a twelve-time #1 bestselling author and is one of the few authors in history to have had #1 national bestsellers in the fiction, nonfiction, self-help, and children’s picture book genres. His recent fiction works include the thrillers Agenda 21, The Overton Window, and its sequel, The Eye of Moloch; his many nonfiction titles include Conform, Miracles and Massacres, Control, and Being George Washington. For more information about Glenn Beck, his books, and TheBlaze TV network, visit GlennBeck.com and TheBlaze.com.
Kevin Balfe is the senior vice president of publishing for Mercury Radio Arts, Glenn Beck’s production company. He has edited and co-authored numerous New York Times bestsellers with Glenn, including The Christmas Sweater, Broke, The Overton Window, and Control. He also runs Mercury Ink, Glenn’s joint publishing venture with Simon & Schuster, and TheBlaze Books.