On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts

Title: On Strike for Christmas

Author:  Sheila Roberts

Genre: Fiction

Type: Trade Paperback

ISBN: 9780312370220

Source: Paperback swap

Published: St. Martin's Griffin - October 30, 2007

Synopsis of book: At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman’s work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping—bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday—filled with parties, decorations, and presents—well, they’ll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.
Sheila Roberts gives the best gift of all in this funny, heartwarming novel that touches the very core of Christmas spirit.

Why I read this book: I read this book because I like to read Christmas themed books at this time of year and it was the book my pen pal and I decided to read.

What I didn't like: I wish we could have had a little more about Carol. I did not like how grumpy she was and kind of mean at times to the girls but it was kind of explained why she was this way.

What I did like: I like the theme of the book and the way it was very light and easy to read. I also liked how in the end each story was summed up and there was an actual ending to each couples situation.

Overall Impression: I enjoyed reading this book. How many of us think at this time of year - I wish I could go on strike and not do all of this. My family does not do a lot of baking and partying but just the stress of the season and making sure you get the right gift, will your kids be happy with what you got them, the crowds in the stores, and the way people forget what the season is about. Well this little town of Holly decided to do just that. The women were tired of doing it all with no help and went on strike. It was nice to read each of the couples stories and how they coped with their husbands taking over and how the husbands how to figure out how to get everything done that their wives did. I think I liked Glen and Laura because even though Laura made Glen do everything she still felt sorry for him and Glen handled the situation the best out of all the husbands to me. I think Joy finally understood that her husband just did not get into the same things as her but that was ok, we are not all the same and when she realized this then things started getting better and then Bob made a big turn and effort to try to understand that she enjoys parties and such and would just like him to be a part of it. I really felt sorry for Glen at the school Christmas program. I thought it was kind of funny how most of the town followed in the knitting groups plans to strike and how the paper followed the story. Very enjoyable book. 5 stars.