A Very Scalzi Christmas

John Scalzi is one of the most prolific and opinionated voices in modern science fiction, not to mention one of the most entertaining. So it was only a matter of time before he turned his attention and his pen toward that most all-encompassing of holidays: Christmas.

A collection mostly consisting of articles from his blog Whatever, but all with a holiday slant, A Very Scalzi Christmas is the perfect counterprogramming for a season whose literature, TV, and film far too frequently drips with insincere treacle rather than genuine insight, humor, and feeling.

Whether he’s poking fun at Christmas traditions with his interviews (Santa’s lawyer and the Nativity Innkeeper are particular joys) or adding a marvelous sci-fi spirit of reinvention to classic holiday tropes (as in “Christmas in July”), Scalzi brings both the laughs and the warm fuzzies, while never skimping on the sarcasm or poignant moments.

With lists, short stories, dialogues, and even some poetry in his holiday arsenal, Scalzi is armed to the teeth with Christmas spirit and irreverence in equal measure.

Hopefully, this is the start of a new series. After all, A Very Scalzi Valentine’s Day has a nice ring to it.