Let it snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780141371207.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Short stories. Winter. Romance. Christmas. A
reprint of the 2015 book, Let it snow is out in conjunction
with the Netflix film with a new cover and will be loved by fans of
the three authors. A blizzard stops a train carrying Jubilee to her
grandparents in Florida and results in her walking through the snow
to a Waffle House where she meets a stranger who gives her a
delicious kiss. Meanwhile, three friends struggle through the snow
to the Waffle House to see the cheerleaders who have also alighted
from the train and this results in old friends discovering that they
are more than friends. Addie's early morning shift at Starbucks is
the beginning of her realisation that not everything is about her
and brings her back to her true love.
These three highly popular and skilled authors ensure that these
stories are not only very readable - I finished the book in a couple
of sittings - but also give insights into the meaning of love and
friendship. Maureen Johnson's The Jubilee Express provides
the initial winter setting of a blizzard that is so bad that the
train has to stop. It also introduces Jubilee Dougal, who finally
comes to terms with the fact that her boyfriend is not especially
caring when she meets Stuart who takes her home to make sure she is
OK during the storm. On the train, Jubilee also meets Jeb who is
desperately trying to make a meeting with his girlfriend, Addie and
his story is told through Addie's eyes in The patron saint of
pigs by Lauren Myracle. Of course, fans of John Green will
immediately pick up this book, just to read a story by him and A
Cheertastic Christmas Miracle is funny and touching and very
memorable.
This is a heart-warming and thoughtful collection of short stories
about teen love. While each story can be read as a stand-alone the
interweaving moments add to its appeal. The strong characters,
humour and touching moments make it a great read and a lovely
prelude to the Christmas season.
Pat Pledger