Reader’s Choice: A Christmas Carol
December 15, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Reader’s Choice: Sue Stoessel
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
MILS catalog record (SPL edition does not match edition pictured above)
“As much a part of Christmas as mistletoe and carolers, Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ was once read publicly on Christmas Eve each year by Dickens himself. This heart-warming tale continues to stir in us the same feelings of repentance, forgiveness, and love that transformed Ebenezer Scrooge from grumbling, ‘Bah! Humbug!’ to sharing Tiny Tim’s happy ‘God bless us, every one!’” – From Penguin Random House website
About Sue
Hometown: Andrew and I are from Marblehead, MA.
Current residence: We built a house in Stonington in 2018, and were there seasonally until 2022 when we both retired and became permanent residents.
Connection to the island: Andrew and I spent summer vacations on Little Deer Isle for over 30 years, although Andrew’s first time there was as a teenager. We’ve also stayed in Stonington for a few winter breaks beforehand. We got to know the area and the people well and knew we’d like to retire here.
Why do you read? I read for all the reasons you’ve listed [in the original question to readers: information, escape, relaxation, commitment to a specific topic], but lately, maybe more for escape. 😉
What genre do you hate to read? I read everything, with a preference for science, nature, non-fiction and poetry. My least favorite genre is the post-war wealthy suburban/urban angst novel. First world problems.
Last book you LOVED: I adored Still Life with Oysters & Lemons by Mark Doty that we read in [SPL] book club [2023]. I have gotten my own copy and already re-read it a couple of times.
Currently reading: I’m currently reading a compilation of the writings of 13th century Islamic poet and mystic, Rumi.
Why did you choose A Christmas Carol? I chose A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens because I have an antique volume that belonged to my mom that she read to us every year as kids, and that I have continued reading every Christmas since. I think a lot of folks have seen film versions or plays of A Christmas Carol but not as many have read it. I especially liked the section of the Ghost of Christmas Present who shows Scrooge the poverty hidden under the magnificence of the Victorian British Empire. It was one of the first books that made me aware that not everyone benefited from the capitalist expansion brought about by the industrial revolution.