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13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 A Little Treasure Book of Nostalgia Nov 02, 2008
By Grady Harp
Garasamo Maccagnone - even the name is musical! - has created a tender, simple novella that should become one of those books we bring out every holiday season. But then the quality of the story should not be saved only for the spirit of Christmas it conveys: this is a story that rings of familial love and commitment and deserves to be read as a reminder of what is important - our sense of belonging to family, both birth and extended forms.
The story of FOR THE LOVE OF ST. NICK is narrated by Tiger, the older of two sons in a single father family: the mother died during childbirth of the younger son Johnny leaving the US Navy Commander father to raise his two boys with the help of the maternal grandmother. Life is complicated by the fact that Johnny is delicate - not of mind but of body - and much of Johnny's life is spent recovering from his physical maladies. Tiger and Johnny are devoted brothers and all goes well in their California home until the Commander is reassigned to Michigan. Adjusting to the change in climate and the other changes in environment affect the boys but they are resilient and soon find the varying seasons of Northern Michigan reasons for exploring new ventures. The Commander receives orders to participate in a secret mission shortly before Christmas and the boys are left in the care of their housekeeper. Johnny undergoes a near tragedy forcing Tiger to abruptly become a man, turning to prayers to his favorite saint, St. Nicholas, who makes a 'visit' and alters the consequences in a way that leaves the little family (and the reader) caught up in the giving spirit of the Christmas season.
The pleasures of Maccagnone's writing are many, but not the least of them is the quiet simplicity of the language he uses to relate his story. This may be told as a memory (in retrospect) by the adult Tiger, but the essence of the tale is centered in a child's vision - full of wonder, devotion, and love. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 08
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 St. Nick Saves the Day Dec 12, 2008
By Bryan Carey
"Bryan Carey"
For the Love of St. Nick is a tender, heartwarming children's book about a family of men: A father, his two young sons and the struggles they experience following the death of the boy's mother and then the near death of the younger brother. Told from the perspective of the older brother, Tiger, this book focuses on family togetherness and the spiritual aspects of the Christmas season- aspects that are often forgotten during this time of giving and receiving.
This story is unique in some ways and what I found most striking at first is that it seems like a non- fiction personal memoir when you first start reading. It seems like a true story told from the perspective of a concerned older sibling who is now a grown adult and is reliving a past experience with fondness. The story isn't far- fetched (until you get to the end) and this keeps the book on a realistic level as you read.
Family togetherness and loyalty are among the important themes in this book. The boys have already lost their mother and now their father is about to leave right before Christmas on a military mission. What if he never returns and the boys lose another parent? This thought crosses the mind of the oldest son more than once, but he is able to keep faith that his father will return safely. He doesn't want to miss out on a Christmas without his family, but his attention quickly changes direction when his little brother begins to experience seizures in the midst of a blizzard and he must rely on his own instincts to save the day.
For the Love of St. Nick includes plenty of references to religion and potential readers need to keep this in mind if they decide to read. The story reaches its climax during the Christmas season, even though much of the actual story takes place during other times of the year. Still, this book is serious about the religious component not only of Christmas, but also of life in general. Thus, its message may be one that not all can relate to.
This book offers a pleasant little story about family tragedy, faith, togetherness, and miracles. The story isn't completely predictable, and therefore it does stay interesting. The writing isn't perfect and even though it does contain a few typos, it is still a nice, warm story about a family, its struggles to overcome tragedy, and the role of spirituality in overcoming serious problems.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
For the love of hope and miracles Nov 03, 2008
By A. Pohren
For the Love of St. Nick may be short, but it is huge on impact. The power of love and wonder of miracles are front and center in this delightful and heartwarming tale.
After their Mother's death, during the birth of Johnny, he and his older brother "Tiger" live a simple life with their father and nanny. They must endure many battles with Johnny's frequent illnesses. Then, one fateful evening, while their father is away on a top secret mission for the United States military, and their nanny has gone home to get a few things, to hold her over until the end of a terrible snow storm, a miracle is needed to help Johnny survive. That miracle comes in a most wonderful and unforgettable way.
I have to say that I was feeling a bit on the glum and "burnt out" side of life, when I picked up For the Love of St. Nick. Once I started reading, I read through until the last page and felt such a wonderful and refreshed feeling. Not only do I think that this is a perfect story for the holidays, but one to help revive anyone's day, throughout the entire year. With a much needed lesson of hope, love and miracles, this little book is a must for everyone's library. What a marvelous gift - not only to a friend or loved one, but to oneself. I greatly look forward to reading Mr. Maccagnone's other works!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Tiger, Johnny, and the Commander - Their Christmas Miracle Nov 21, 2008
By Richard R. Blake
Life changed for Tiger when his younger brother, Johnny, was born. Their mother died while giving birth to Johnny. Oxygen deprivation at his birth left him listless weakened immune system. Johnny was susceptible to every virus imaginable.
When Johnny was three years old the family moved to the state of Michigan where, the Commander, their father, was transferred to serve as a Navy officer on loan to the Air Force for a special assignment
Maccagnone vividly describes Michigan winters near Lake Huron, the elements, children's games, ice fishing, skating, and the uniqueness of small town living in a wilderness cabin in the snow.
The characters are so genuine and real I felt that the book was biographical.
Mrs. Pennington, a local farmer's wife, took care of the boys during the day as well as home schooling them. She was a devote Catholic and instilled in the boys a sense of appreciation for the saints, including St. Nick.
Tiger shared memories of his mother with Johnny in such beautiful ways that on occasion during his illnesses he wanted to be released from all his suffering to be with her in heaven.
When Tiger was nine, at Thanksgiving time the Commander was called out to participate in a dangerous secret mission. Christmas Eve was stormy and Mrs. Pennington went with her son to buy supplies. Alone with Tiger, Johnny suddenly became ill and faced death.
Garasamo Maccagnone is a man with an ingenious imagination. The final scenes are heart wrenching drama, beautifully written, filled with suspense and emotional. The story is wonderfully told by Tiger in a child's voice, as he relates the reason for his childhood love of St. Nick.
This is good "read aloud" family time reading. The message of a child's faith makes this a story that crosses denominational, ethnic, and cultural walls. This is must family reading for the Christmas season.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
For the Love of St. Nick Nov 01, 2008
By Bobbi Rightmyer
"brightmyer249"
For the Love of St. Nick is a feel-good, heartwarming tale of the Christmas season. At only 46 pages, it pulls you in with tragic sadness, then whirls you through the struggles of daily life before ending with the true meaning of the season.
Tiger lost his mother at the same time his sickly little brother, Johnny, was born. Raised by the father they called Commander - he was a Navy Commander - life on a military base near Lake Huron, Michigan is hard for all three.
Not only do they have to struggle with the harsh winters of Michigan, they also must cope with the frequent illnesses of Johnny. When the Commander must leave on a secret mission just before Christmas, both boys turn their faith to St. Nicholas and pray for their father's safe return.
This tiny book is narrated by Tiger and holds the child-like innocence of the magical season. This is the perfect book to read during the Christmas holidays and is an excellent way to teach children about the joys of the season. For the Love of St. Nick will be a treasured classic for families who celebrate true meaning of Christmas.
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