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When my granddaughter handed me a book and said "read it", my jaw
dropped. Mainly because she is 14 and I'm....well umm...old enough to
have a granddaughter! But the fact that she asked me to read a book
and not watch TV with her was the real clincher. I figured it was the
least I could do after all the "go read a book" lectures I'd given
her over the years. Besides, I always look for a good holiday story
in the fall. But I soon discovered why she recommended the book. It
was filled with more commercials, designer brands, and "one liners"
than the latest Shrek movie. And the main character (a spoiled teen
from Manhattan) was a complete diva, with no sense of respect for her
elders...I wanted to put her over my knee and give her a good
spanking in the first chapter! I've never been so infuriated. But for
some reason, the book kept me intrigued and I couldn't put it down.
As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard out
loud. My husband, who is rather hard of hearing, kept giving me the
eye like I was crazy. But once I got past my preconceived notion of
what a book should be like, I realized that fiction is really just a
sign of the times. And without all the references to modern living,
the story wouldn't have had the same impact because it compares and
contrasts life as I knew it, to that of Bonnie's (my granddaughter).
The book is called A Very Dairy Christmas, and it has a big cow with
a Santa's hat on the cover. After I finished it and read the author's
acknowledgement in the back, I completely understood her method
behind her madness. Kudos! She managed to tie generations together
for a very worthwhile cause, specifically, pediatric cancer. I've
since looked up the reviews on the book and found a lot of folks
saying the same things. So I guess if I can stand commercial
interruptions of my favorite TV show, Dancing with the Stars (did I
just do a commercial?) then I guess I should be able to stand a few
references in my favorite books as well. Thanks, Bonnie, maybe your
generation isn't so off base after all. Anyone have any other good
examples or opinions on the matter?

Hi simplylydia! That's a very interesting story. Thanks for the book recommendation! I have not read A Very Dairy Christmas. What do you mean that it has commercials?

Has anyone else here read that book? Do you recommend it too?

What do you mean that it has commercials?

The story drops brand names left and right...from designer clothing to TV shows. Kind of like the movie Shrek where the humor is based upon popular culture. One line in particular made me really laugh. The teen character is interested in learning how to bake a pie from scratch and asks where to find the CuisinArt. Her German grandmother has no idea what a Sqeeze-and-start is, but indicates where to find the rolling pin and flour. That kind of humor and play on words is abundant throughout the story, but the message is hard hitting and drives home the idea that each generation is equally valuable. Just Google the title. There are many reviews and links to chapters. I highly recommend this one. You'll laugh and cry. I did.

@simplylydia That's such a sweet review! Thank you for the recommendation. I'll definitely check out the book. Also sounds like a great Christmas gift for book lovers.

I think it’s great that you were open to the experience, even if it wasn’t what you expected. Books that challenge our views or make us laugh can be quite special. “A Very Dairy Christmas” sounds like it was both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a meaningful cause behind it.