#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.
Download and start listening now!
"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)
" 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, 12/7/2013Glenn 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.