This book. Gah.

Christmas is the season for miracles, you know. Sometimes they come big and loud, I guess—but I've never seen one of those. I think probably most miracles are a lot smaller, and sort of still, and so quiet, you could miss them.

There is such an air of both solemnity and melancholy to this book. By the end it is utterly heart-wrenching. The story is told in a simple and forthright manner, and yet there is a certain level of subtle sophistication to the narrative. The draw into the story is easy, but gentle. This is a quiet gem of a book.