The Autobiography of Santa Claus (ISBN 1593160364)

Book Description:
This enchanting holiday treasure combines historical fact with glorious legend as Saint Nicholas himself reveals the definitive story of Santa Claus. For anyone who has ever wondered...you're right to believe in him! In The Autobiography of Santa Claus, Santa shares his story with readers for the first time. Nicholas (his real name) was born in the Middle Eastern Country of Lycia to wealthy parents who died while he was young. The kind people of Lycia taught him the lessons of goodness and generosity, which he began to practice as a child by sharing his wealth with those in need. As a young man, Nicholas realized that his generosity had bestowed upon him special abilities to distribute his presents to deserving children everywhere. For example, he had stopped aging and could travel very, very rapidly. And so it was that Santa broadened his gift-giving and spread his message to many others, who shared his belief in the goodness of giving.

Not Charming...:
I have been meaning to read this book for years and finally got to it this year. I should have kept putting it off. First it's written for an unintelligent 10 year old. I hadn't realized that it was a children's book as it was in the adult section of the library. Second, St. Nicholas doesn't seem to concerned with the fact that he was priest and bishop. His faith hardly enters the picture at all. It's far too politcal. Yes, peace is wonderful - it is what we all should strive for and war is a horrible thing. I know that. I got it the first time, the second time, the third time, the fourth time and probably the one hundredth time that it is repeated in this book. Santa is kind of a grump...as is his wife Layla. (Layla????) Attila the Hun is a helper? Leonardo da Vinci? I love The Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol but why did this grumpy, seemingly unintelligent man have to have a hand in these creations? I am a person who says that they believe in Santa because I believe in the spirit of St. Nicholas and the spirit of Santa. I love Christmas music, Christmas books and Christmas movies but not this book. It is not charming; it is not magical. It's just stupid.

Pretentiously un-Christmas-like:
I was intrigued by the title when I saw this in Borders last yeear, and pondered for a while whether or not to purchase it. After some consideration, and the thought that this could be a really good read, I spent my money on it, and in short order became quite disappointed. The book seems more like a roll call of mysterious historical figures mashed together haphazardly with Santa from Atilla the Hun (who swears off a lifetime of warfare to make kiddy toys) to King Arthur, Leonardo daVinci St Francis, and a few others... Over the course of the novel, Santa became quite whiny about his mission and how it would succeed and the public's portrayal of him. The author also had Santa swear off giving gifts to children in war-torn countries becase war weakened their powers. This is my largest annoyance with this book. Why would a self-less man refuse to give gifts to those who need them most? According to this book, Santa only gave gifts to children who lived in peaceful countries, because it was easy for him. But those children who needed gifts the most, who suffered the most, were left with nothing. Absolutely absurd. That is tantamount to refusing medical treatment to those with cancer and severed limbs so that those who need bandaids and advil can be helped. As the book progressed I felt less and less like I was reading a story about Santa Claus, and more and more like I was reading a cheap history book... There was no charm, no mystique, none of that Christmas magic. Just a whiny old man and a bunch of historical figures who refused to help those in greatest need. And am I to believe that it was Atilla the Hun who delivered gifts to me as a child? Or King Arthur? Or Amelia Earhart? I cringe at the absurd pretentiousness of Guinn's pen. Do not waste your money. Go rent or buy "Santa Claus: The Movie" with John Lithgow in a supporting role, and see a proper origin of the right jolly old elf.

Merry Christmas..Read this and keep the spirit alive:
I thought this was an ingenious idea. The story of Santa and the history of Saint Nicholas. But in addition, the author started about 300 years after the birth of Christ to the present and used history and historical people to help tell the story of Santa Claus and how he came to be. I actually learned things reading this book. Not just about Santa Claus, but about history too. Guinn uses a "mix of scholarship, fantasy, folklore and faith to answer all the questions one would have about Santa Claus. I am going to keep this book and read it again. And then save it for my children when they are old enough to read it. Everyone needs to be reminded of Santa Claus and the wonderful art of giving in a world of war and turmoil.

An eye opener:
Have you ever wondered who Santa Claus really is and how does he fly or how can he reach every house all in one night? Well, The Autobiography of Santa Claus as told by Jeff Guinn explains Santa's life in a humorous, connecting, and understandable way. Santa goes on many adventures picking up new companions along his way, like King Arthur, Attila the Hun, Ben Franklin, and Emilia Earhart. While Santa is on his travels he discovers a tomb with his name on it. Santa was stunned and for a moment doubted his own existence. Apparently someone had saw Santa's body (Bishop Nicholas at the time) lying on the floor dead and soon after that he was placed in a magnificent tomb, decorated with as much gold possible. Santa disproved of using all that money to build a tomb when it could be used to feed starving families for months. After Santa reassured himself about not being dead he wondered who they really buried. The Autobiography of Santa Claus is a fun and interesting book that really connects all the stories you have ever heard about Santa and explains them in a logical way. Unfortunately, there are one or two parts that are so boring they will make you fall asleep with your eyes open. But those parts don't last very long and the information you receive and connections you make with history and the disappearances of historical figures is well worth the eye-open nap. The wittiness of the book will brighten even the darkest days and put a smile on your face. Santa is such a good- natured person that he reminds us all that there are always people worse off and the best way to deal with it is to give. This book can make the perfect Christmas gift. It is so believable and funny that if you don't already believe in Santa Claus, you will after reading it.

A Fun and Entertaining Holiday Read:
Where will you find such diverse individuals as Ben Franklin, Amelia Earhart, and Atilla the Hun (just to mention a few) within the pages of the same book? Answer: The Autobiogray of Santa Claus. Jeff Guinn's holiday offering sparkles with charm! This delightful book mingles fact, fantasy and myth; blurs the lines between whimsy and reality; and provides great entertainment for those looking for a fun holiday read. Another great holiday book with a great message: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--everyday service can heal hearts