It's a Wonderful Life, A Novel

Genre: Christmas novel / Fiction

Publisher: HarperPaperbacks, 1996

Pages: 152

Rating: Highly Recommend

Synopsis (from the book jacket): Few movies in history have succeeded at enchanting generations of moviegoers like Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas favorite, It's a Wonderful Life. Here is the timeless tale of George Bailey, a small town nobody who wants to make a difference without realizing that he already has. Seen and loved by billions around the world, It's a Wonderful Life is the bestselling Christmas video ever. It is a simple story that captures the heart and spirit of everyone who sees it, no matter how many times.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of this perennial film favorite, here, for the first time is the novel, It's a Wonderful Life. Here are all the characters we know and love: George, his steadfast wife Mary, Zuzu, Tommy, Janie, Pete, absentminded Uncle Billy, Mom and Pop Bailey, Harry, Mr. Gower, Vi, and of course, Mr. Potter.

In its poignant and sensitive way, It's a Wonderful Life encourages us to ask the question, "What would life have been like if we hadn't been born?" During a crisis-filled night, in the little town of Bedford Falls circa 1945, George Bailey -- father, husband, and president of the Bailey Building and Loan, facing the prospect of scandal and ruin, finds out.

With the not-quite-an angel Clarence at his side to show him, Geroge is given a gift anyone might wish for: to see the world as if he had never lived in it. As if he had never met his wife, saved his family's business, rescued his brother from drowning, or single-handedly freed his lovely town from the greed and selfishness of a rich old man.

And the discovery that George makes on this Christmas Eve night -- that one life tuoches so many -- is a lesson to us all. Not just during Christmas, but all year long.

Review: I have never watched this movie. I didn't know what it was about and there was always something else that I thought I'd enjoy more. I hope to watch it this Christmas. What a sweet story with a timeless message.