I didn't really like this book when I first read it because I am not part of the anti-gift group. I love to try to find the perfect thing for friends and family for birthdays and for Christmas. I really love it. I loved it even the first Christmas we were married and we were so broke that I was wrapping up chewing gum and candy bars.
Finding the perfect gift is a trick however, and I have had some real bombs. I sometimes really mess up with little boys because I don't know what's cool.
Anyway, I think this book grew on me a little because even though I love to give gifts and I love to wrap them up, the trouble is that when they are unwrapped, they are just stuff when you really wanted it to be how much you love the person. In the end, it is just a sweater and mittens or whatever.
And, that is going to be my take on this book, the idea that Mooch is really making an effort to wrap up love and that is a great thing no matter how you do it. However, if you happen to be on my Christmas list, never fear, I won't be getting you nothing.
But no matter how much you like the gifts that you give or receive, I think that for the most part they are a symbol of love and that is the best way to think of them.
So, I am recommending this book even though I really like Patrick McDonnell's other book Just Like Heaven quite a bit more.
