Two books, two very different takes on Christmas stories
This episode of NPR's Book of the Day covers two contrasting literary works related to Christmas. The first half explores Benjamin Stevenson's mystery novel "Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret," which follows classic "fair play" conventions while cleverly weaving holiday elements into a suspenseful murder case. Stevenson shares insights from his background in stand-up comedy and his passion for Golden Age detective fiction.
The latter portion delves into Dolly Parton's children's book inspired by her beloved dog Billy the Kid and her lifelong love for Christmas. The discussion also touches on Parton's Imagination Library program, which provides millions of free books worldwide to foster early literacy.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 20, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
The Mystery Genre and Benjamin Stevenson's "Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret"
Adhering to "Fair Play" Rules
According to Stevenson, his mystery aligns with classic "fair play" conventions, engaging readers without supernatural elements, surprise twins, or unfair tricks. He emphasizes following established rules to create a fair challenge for the reader, as outlined in the book.
Balancing Christmas Joy and Murder Suspense
Stevenson deftly merges the Christmas spirit with a murder investigation's dark, suspenseful nature. He amplifies the festive suspense through elements like solving the crime by Christmas morning. Stevenson also cleverly incorporates holiday-themed clues and puzzles.
Stevenson's Creative Process and Influences
Background in Stand-Up Comedy
As a comedian, Stevenson harnessed pacing, tension-building, and misdirection - techniques vital for both jokes and mysteries. He utilizes comedic tools like the rule of threes to control pace and tension when drip-feeding clues.
Love for Classic Detective Fiction
Stevenson's sleuth protagonist, Ernest Cunningham, pays homage to Golden Age authors like Arthur Conan Doyle. Cunningham applies deductive methods of Sherlock Holmes to cases, reflecting Stevenson's respect for genre traditions while adding original twists.
Dolly Parton's Children's Book and Literacy Advocacy
Personal Inspirations for Book
Parton adores Christmas, filling her home with decorations yearly. Her "god-dog" Billy the Kid, a social media star, inspired her children's book blending her love for the pup and holiday season.
Imagination Library Literacy Program
Stemming from her father's illiteracy, Parton launched the Imagination Library, providing over 250 million books globally to children from birth to age 5 to foster early literacy development.
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Counterarguments
- While Stevenson's novel may adhere to "fair play" rules, some readers might find traditional mystery tropes predictable or less engaging than stories that incorporate more unconventional elements.
- The combination of Christmas joy and murder suspense could be seen as jarring or inappropriate to some readers who prefer to keep the festive season separate from darker themes.
- Stevenson's use of comedic techniques in mystery writing might not resonate with all readers, as the expectation for a mystery novel's tone can differ significantly from that of a comedy performance.
- The homage to classic detective fiction and the use of a protagonist similar to Sherlock Holmes could be criticized for lacking innovation or relying too heavily on established formulas within the genre.
- Dolly Parton's children's book, while inspired by personal loves, might not appeal to all audiences, especially those looking for more diverse or less commercialized holiday stories.
- The Imagination Library is a significant initiative, but there could be critiques about the selection of books, the reach of the program, or its effectiveness in different communities or countries.
Actionables
- You can create a holiday-themed treasure hunt for friends or family using riddles and puzzles that must be solved to find the next clue. Start by writing clues that reference holiday songs or movies, and hide them around your home or neighborhood. Each solved puzzle could lead to a small gift or the next piece of the mystery, combining the festive spirit with an engaging activity.
- Try your hand at writing a short story that pays tribute to classic detective styles, using logical puzzles that the reader can solve alongside the protagonist. Focus on creating a character with a strong analytical mindset, and plant clues throughout the narrative that allow readers to engage in the mystery-solving process, much like the deductive methods of Sherlock Holmes.
- Organize a book swap with a holiday twist, where participants bring books wrapped in festive paper to exchange with others. Encourage attendees to include a personal note about why they enjoyed the book or how it inspired them, fostering a sense of community and sharing the joy of reading, similar to the goals of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.
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The conventions and characteristics of the mystery genre
Benjamin Stevenson's book "Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret" exemplifies a classic detective story, showcasing traditional mystery genre features and the unique twists of a Christmas-themed investigation.
The rules and expectations of classic "fair play" detective stories
Stevenson's work adheres to the time-honored rules of "fair play" detective stories, engaging the reader in solving the mystery alongside the protagonist.
The mystery writer must play by certain established rules, such as no supernatural elements, no surprise identical twins, and no cheating, to create a "fair" challenge for the reader.
Stevenson discusses the pillars of classic mysteries, stressing the importance of playing fair with the reader. These stories are often referred to as "fair play mysteries" due to their adherence to a set of rules, avoiding tricks such as supernatural explanations or unforeseen identical twins that would make solving the crime impossible for the reader.
The unique challenges of crafting a Christmas-themed mystery
Incorporating the Christmas season into a detective story presents the author with challenges and creative opportunities to blend the festiveness of the holidays with the intrigue of a murder case.
The author must balance the festive, joyous spirit of Christmas with the dark, suspenseful elements of a murder investigation, creating a sense of extra "festive suspense."
Stevenson navigates this delicate balance by embedding the joy of Christmas with the heightened tension of a looming deadline—the crime must be solved by Christmas morning. His protagonist, Ernest Cunningham, is a lover of Golden Age murder mysteries and employs the strategies of his most admired fictional detectives to solve real-l ...
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The conventions and characteristics of the mystery genre
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Stevenson's book may follow the "fair play" rules, some critics argue that strict adherence to these rules can sometimes make the story predictable and limit the author's creativity.
- The notion that classic mysteries must exclude supernatural elements or surprise twins is not universally accepted; some modern mystery writers and readers enjoy when these elements are used in innovative ways.
- The balance between the festive spirit of Christmas and the dark elements of a murder investigation can be subjective, and not all readers may appreciate the juxtaposition of these contrasting themes.
- The concept of "festive suspense" might not appeal to all audie ...
Actionables
- You can write your own short Christmas-themed mystery story to share with friends or family during the holidays. Start by outlining a simple plot where a minor, festive-themed item goes missing during a holiday gathering. As you develop the story, introduce a variety of suspects, each with a plausible motive, and plant holiday-themed clues that can be pieced together to solve the mystery. For example, a missing secret recipe for a Christmas pudding could involve clues like a strand of tinsel found in an unusual place or a gift tag with a cryptic message.
- Host a mystery dinner party with a Christmas twist, where guests play characters in a story you've created. Design the event so that each guest receives a character background and a set of objectives to achieve during the evening, which will involve uncovering clues hidden around the party space. The clues could be wrapped like presents or hidden in Christmas crackers, and the ultimate goal is to figure out who among the guests 'stole' the Christmas star from the top of the tree.
- Create a festive scavenger hunt for your family where the final prize is a mock 'mystery' to solve. Set up a series of riddl ...
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The author's creative process and influences
Benjamin Stevenson draws on his background as a stand-up comedian and his love for classic detective fiction to shape his approach to mystery writing. His experiences form a unique synthesis of influences that aid in the creation of his gripping narratives.
The author's background as a stand-up comedian informs his mystery writing
As a stand-up comedian, Stevenson has learned to harness the pacing, tension-building, and use of surprise and misdirection, which are essential components of both a good joke and a captivating mystery. He explains that in comedy, just as in mystery writing, it’s crucial to set things up and then surprise the audience. These strategies help maintain interest over the length of a story.
The pacing, tension-building, and use of surprise and misdirection common in stand-up comedy translate well to the mystery genre.
Stevenson uses comedic tools such as the rule of threes and the classic joke structure of pullback and reveal in his mysteries. These techniques are analogous to drip-feeding clues in a novel, helping to control pace and tension in a way that keeps readers engaged and guessing.
The author's own experiences as an identical twin inspired him to incorporate that element into his murder mystery, despite it being a rule-breaking device.
Drawing from personal experience, Stevenson defies one of the classic rules of mystery writing by incorporating a set of identical twin sisters into his book. He candidly admits to feeling like a charlatan for including this element, but it's precisely this kind of rule-breaking that adds originality to his storytelling.
The author's deep appreciation for classic detective fiction
Stevenson's protagonist, Ernest Cunningham, is a testament to his deep respect for classic detective fiction. A huge fan of masters such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, Cunningham demonstrates a penchant for applying the deductive techniques of legendary fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot to real-life cases.
The main character is a devoted fan of Golden Age mystery authors like Sherlock Holmes a ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The author's creative process and influences
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Counterarguments
- While Stevenson's background in stand-up comedy may contribute to his narrative skills, it could be argued that the skills required for effective mystery writing extend beyond those of comedy, including the ability to craft complex plots and develop multi-dimensional characters.
- The use of comedic tools such as the rule of threes may not always translate seamlessly into the mystery genre, as the expectations for payoff and resolution in comedy can differ significantly from those in mystery narratives.
- Incorporating personal experiences, such as being an identical twin, can add depth to a story, but it also runs the risk of relying too heavily on gimmicks or personal anecdotes at the expense of broader appeal or relatability.
- While the protagonist's use of deductive techniques is a nod to classic detective fiction, it's important to ensure that these methods are updated to reflect contemporary settings and sensibilities to avoid feeling outdated or derivative.
- Paying homage to Golden Age mystery author ...
Actionables
- You can experiment with storytelling by incorporating humor into everyday anecdotes, using timing and the rule of threes to captivate your audience. Start by observing a stand-up comedy routine, noting how the comedian builds tension and delivers punchlines. Then, at your next social gathering, tell a story from your day, structuring it with a setup, anticipation, and a surprising twist at the end, much like a joke. This practice can enhance your conversational skills and make your stories more memorable.
- Explore your unique life experiences and use them to add depth to your creative projects, just as Stevenson uses his twin experiences. Reflect on aspects of your life that are distinctive to you, such as a hobby, a family trait, or a personal challenge you've overcome. Use these elements to enrich a creative project, like writing a short story, painting, or even crafting a personal blog post, infusing your work with authenticity and originality.
- Develop your problem-solving skills by applying detective fiction techniques to ever ...
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Dolly Parton's children's book and her personal connection to literacy
Dolly Parton, a renowned singer and philanthropist, intertwines her personal joys and heartfelt commitment to children's literacy with her latest creative endeavor—a children's book centered around her beloved dog and the cherished holiday of Christmas.
Dolly Parton's lifelong passion for Christmas and her beloved dog, Billy the Kid
Parton's home is filled with Christmas decorations, and she makes it a priority to be home with her family every holiday season.
Parton confirms that she adorns every room of her home in Tennessee with a Christmas tree, even placing small trees in her bathrooms. She reveals her profound love for Christmas and the decorations, stating that she lights up her house "inside and out every Christmas like a kid." For Parton, Christmas is a special time filled with family, friends, festive gatherings, and the joy of both giving and receiving presents.
Parton's dog, Billy the Kid, has become a social media star, inspiring Parton to write a children's book featuring him.
Billy the Kid, Parton’s manager Danny Nozell’s dog, has captured Parton’s heart since he was a puppy, leading her to affectionately claim him as her “god-dog.” Inspired by her love for the dog and the holiday season, Parton has authored "Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas." The children's book is drawn from Parton's adoration of the dog and her own song, "I'm Coming Home for Christmas," emphasizing the desire to spend the holiday with loved ones. The story delves into Billy’s rise to stardom, a significant offer he gets, and his heartwarming journey home for Christmas.
Parton's deep commitment to promoting children's literacy
Parton's Imagination Library program, which provides books to children from birth to age 5, was inspired by her father's struggles with illiteracy.
The kernel of Parton’s advocacy for children’s literacy is deeply personal. Approximately 30 years ago, Parton launched the Imagination Library, a program propelled by the recognition of her own father's inability to read and write ...
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Dolly Parton's children's book and her personal connection to literacy
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Actionables
- Create a holiday tradition that combines your hobbies with giving back, such as crafting homemade decorations and selling them to raise funds for a local literacy program. By doing this, you're not only enjoying the festive season like Dolly Parton does with her decorations, but you're also supporting a cause that's important to you, similar to how Parton's passion for literacy led to her Imagination Library program.
- Write a short story or poem featuring your pet or a beloved animal and share it with children in your family or community. This activity allows you to share your love for your pet and encourage reading and storytelling among children, much like Dolly Parton did with her book about Billy the Kid.
- Start a small book exchange in your neighborhood ...
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