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A Christmas Cracker: A collection of seasonal stories Paperback – October 12, 2018

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

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Are you ITCS yet? For those who don't know, we're talking about being In The Christmas Spirit here. Before you throw this book out of the window, just remember that this is a state of mind that advertisers and manufacturers try very hard to induce in you, and yet the answer is right here, in this little book. Being ‘In The Christmas Spirit’ is impossible to define. It’s a bit like love, you know it when you’re in it. Philip has gathered together a whole bunch of stories he's written about Christmases past and present, some factual, some fictional, over the years. Some of these, if you’re a regular reader of his ramblings (and we know there are some of you out there...we can hear you breathing) you may recognise from previous collections, although updates have been made where it was sensible to do so. Interspersed with these familiar stories are others that have never previously seen the light of day, including a story featuring Josiah and Archibald, the two fictitious undertakers, written specifically for this collection. We really hope that you get as much enjoyment from reading these stories as we've had gathering them, and that you're ITCS before you can say "Ho, ho, ho!"
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doveridge Publications (October 12, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 140 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0955431034
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0955431036
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.06 x 0.32 x 7.81 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

About the author

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Philip Whiteland
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Philip is a retired university lecturer in Human Resource Management. You wouldn't believe how many potential friends he has lost, over the years, by telling them that.

He has now turned 60, which is marginally better than not turning 60 in his opinion, but not much. He has also occasionally been accused of humour. If you can forgive him these facts, then you might just enjoy his writing.

He lives on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, because that is as far as they will let him in. He was born and brought up, in Burton upon Trent, the home of the UK brewing industry, and spent many of his early years attempting to support that industry single-handedly. Much of his writing over the past few years, for the Derby Telegraph, Burton Mail's "times gone by" magazine and Mature Times has featured his recollections of growing up (allegedly) in the 1950s and 1960s. He's christened his combination of nostalgia and comedy 'nostalgedy', he did consider 'comalgia' but he thought it sounded too much like an unfortunate medical condition.

Radio Derby broadcast a number of his stories and you can hear their interview with Philip at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkFYZ8Oi0MA and there is an audio version of one story (so far) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CivqL_r8uLE.

"Steady Past Your Granny's" was Philip's first, self-published, collection of stories, available in Kindle and Paperback formats. The bumper sequel, "Crutches for Ducks" was published on Kindle on 1st November, 2011, and the third collection of 'nostalgedy' stories, "A Kick at the Pantry Door" burst onto the scene on 1st July, 2013. Number 4 in the series, 'Giving a Bull Strawberries was published in March, 2015 and boasts of being the only book to have a 30 foot shovel on the cover! Finally, the fifth and latest book in the 'nostalgedy' series 'The Things You See...' is the first in the series to be available both as an e-book and now in paperback. There is also a Christmas Special containing a mix of 'nostalgedy' and humorous fiction guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit at any time of the year 'A Christmas Cracker'.

You can find Philip on Facebook and Twitter (@philwhiteland) and at his blog site www.philwhiteland.blogspot.co.uk

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
3 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2016
    Ah, the musings of Christmas Past. The best way to spark one's own memories is to hear another tell his and Whiteland's whimsical exploits can do just that for the more mature among us who can easily relate to the nostalgic draw. I got such a kick out of the Smith's Christmas Letter it nearly makes me want to write one of my own! And my dark sense of humor was delighted with the antics of Archibald.

    A pleasant kick off to the holiday season.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • J. Watchorn
    5.0 out of 5 stars A big smile
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2024
    A lovely gentle funny, nostalgic group of stories. From irreverent nativity tales to advice on presents for your man! Loved it. I'll be reading more of this series, hope they're all as funny.
  • Francesca
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Cracker can't fail to entertain!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2016
    What a brilliant read, especially during the 'run up' to Christmas - although there's much to be said for reading this at any time of year to get that lovely warm nostalgic Christmassy feeling!
    If you are one of the 'baby-boomers' this book will especially have appeal. So much reminded me of my own childhood, that I laughed out loud with recognition.
    A mix of whimsical, amusing stories, along with true events and tales from the author's childhood, A Christmas Cracker can't fail to entertain. Philip has great way with words, and I love his sense of humour.
    Beware though: it's difficult to put down!
    Recommended reading for curling up on the sofa with a nice glass of something warming...