This reading (see link below) by Bob Siegel is taken from his novel The Dangerous Christmas Ornament. Although part of a much larger adventure, it can still be enjoyed as a self contained story.
The reading is a recording created for a podcast, but Bob is reading from the exact same chapter that he reads frequently to live audiences at bookstore book signings.
Author Audio Reading
The picture above is from a reading Bob did back in Christmas of 2015.
TRIPLE HONORS!
-Independent Press Award 2017 Distinguished Favorite!
-New York City Big Book Award 2017 Distinguished Favorite!
–About Read Selections:
Top 30 Recommended Action-Adventure Books For 11 Year Olds (2017-2020)
Top 30 Animals Books For 11 Year Olds (for talking cat in story) (2017-2020)
What kid could resist the chance to wish for anything he wanted even if he knew he was flirting with certain danger every single time he made the wish? Twelve year old Mike Owen has received a special present from his eccentric Aunt Loureen, a magic Christmas ornament. The ornament functions as a kind of Aladdin’s lamp but with a unique twist: Each time Mike’s wish is granted, something bad happens to another person who was with him at the time the wish was spoken. This, of course, sets up a chain reaction of trouble and adventure. Weighing his own desires against the consequences to those around him, Mike learns a valuable lesson about choices and personal responsibility while experiencing a non-stop adventure with extremely unusual turns.
Available in paperback and eBook at:
“The book is, literally, a page turner that will delight children and adults alike. Readers will find a piece of themselves in Mike, whom Siegel portrays perfectly. He develops the 12-year old deftly, making him real to the readers. They will adore Aunt Loureen and empathize with Mike’s oh-so-prickly father. They will remember their first love and the pain of betrayal from a friend.
Caligula the cat is a wonderfully clever addition to the story. He steals the book with his caustic insight, making all readers wonder just what their pets would say if they could talk.
“The real gift of The Dangerous Christmas Ornament is the lessons it weaves amidst the adventure. It reminds us of the social and personal responsibility we share, and the repercussions of our actions on those around us…The Dangerous Christmas Ornament has adventure, entertainment and some extremely important lessons. What more could you ask for in a book?”
– Lisa M. Ruth – CDN
Reader Comments:
“Our family loves this book. Last Christmas our kids would get so excited after dinner when we would read another chapter and would beg us to read even more each time. What a great story and thanks for taking the time to sign our copy. God Bless!” – Brian
“My Evie loves this book!” -Valerie
“Has the makings of a classic.” -Christy
“Bob Siegel, thank you for writing an amazing book!” -Rachel
“Fantastic book! Loved it! Great for kids and adults too! Second one (Inside the Castle in the Glass) is just as good! Great for bedtime story!” -Steve
“Great book for everyone in the family. Kids love it and makes a good stocking stuffer!”-Tedde
NOTE: While these were comments that came Bob’s way on Facebook, many more customer and professional reviews can be found on Amazon .
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