I read A Christmas Carol for my January/February challenge. I have intended so many times to read it at Christmas time but never quite managed.

Despite knowing the basic story so very well, it still managed to surprise me. It's very different from the other Dickens books I've read - much lighter, with more economy of language, as befits a short story.

At the same time, it didn't entirely satisfy me. Everything happened too quickly, and Scrooge's conversion from sour misanthrope to cheerful philanthropist is too sudden. I'd have found it more believable if it had happened over a few nights instead of the one, with time for each lesson to sink in properly. But then, maybe it's just because Scrooge wasn't really all that bad. That just feels a little simplistic.

I also think that this is one of those very rare books that is improved by filming. I've seen some gorgeous movies of this book, and have enjoyed them far more than the written story. That said, I liked it enough that I will read it every Christmas from now on, maybe make a tradition of it like so many do.


Now. Because the above book is so short, I decided to read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving as well. I kind of wish I hadn't. It would have been better if the book had remained a lovely mystery to me, and I stuck with the delightful Depp film that came out a few years ago. Irving's book is boring.

Seriously. Nothing happens. Yes, the description of Ichabod Crane is quite enchanting, but that's it. Where's the gore? Where's the horror? Why are heads not flying off every which way?

I feel seriously misled by the film industry. Shame on them. And on me for being so credulous. That is all.