CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE

As the title suggests, these four stories told by Vermont storyteller Tom Weakley all revolve around Christmas in some way. Beyond that, they are primarily unified by Weakley's folksy delivery, honest emotion, and touches of humor. Each detail seems to flow organically from the one before. Weakley has clearly told these stories numerous times, polishing their delivery to allow him to linger on emotional points and pause easily at audible laughter. The Christmas focus doesn't limit the collection overmuch, as these stories range from personal nostalgia to a secondhand story grappling with death and loss. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]