Lost December

( 75 )

Overview

From one of America’s most beloved storytellers comes his most spiritual book since The Christmas Box.

“It has been said that sometimes the greatest hope in our lives is just a second chance to do what we should have done right in the first place. This is the story of my second chance.” —Prologue of Lost December

When Luke Crisp graduates from business school, his father, CEO and co-founder of Fortune 500 Crisp’s Copy Centers, is ready to share...

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Lost December

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More About This Book

Overview

From one of America’s most beloved storytellers comes his most spiritual book since The Christmas Box.

“It has been said that sometimes the greatest hope in our lives is just a second chance to do what we should have done right in the first place. This is the story of my second chance.” —Prologue of Lost December

When Luke Crisp graduates from business school, his father, CEO and co-founder of Fortune 500 Crisp’s Copy Centers, is ready to share some good news: he wants to turn the family business over to his son. But Luke has other plans. Taking control of his trust fund, Luke leaves home to pursue a life of reckless indulgence.

But when his funds run out, so do his friends. Humbled, alone, and too ashamed to ask his father for help, Luke secretly takes a lowly job at one of his father’s copy centers. There he falls in love with a struggling single mother and begins to understand the greatest source of personal joy.

Lost December is Richard Paul Evans’s modernday holiday version of the biblical story of the prodigal son, a powerful tale of redemption, hope, and the true meaning of love.

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Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble

Richard Paul Evans' career as a holiday book author became with multiple rejections. Unable to find a professional sponsor for his 1993 novella The Christmas Box, he published it himself and became its distributor. In rapid succession, this inspiring yuletide tale became a word-of-mouth hit, a Simon & Schuster bestseller, and a successful television movie. In the years since, Evan's Christmas novels have filled a cherished place in countless yuletide stockings, dispensing both holiday atmosphere and an inspiriting Christian message. This year's Lost December is no exception.

Kirkus Reviews
The parable of the Prodigal Son reworked as a parable for Corporate America. Luke Crisp has always revered his father, Carl, self-made multi-millionaire founder and CEO of Crisp's Copy Centers, a burgeoning chain of print shops headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz. Carl is grooming Luke to take over the company, a goal that Luke has worked toward since managing several Crisp's locations as a teen. An MBA from the Wharton School, Carl decides, is just the polish his son needs. Luke reluctantly agrees. Once at Wharton, Luke falls in with a clique of East Coast sophisticates, led by Sean, dissolute son of a hedgie. Carl and Luke lose touch, as Luke embraces Sean's hard-drinking, free-spending lifestyle. After graduation, Sean suggests a whirlwind tour of Europe, where only the most expensive hotels, restaurants and entertainments will do. Almost immediately, Sean, pleading momentary illiquidity, persuades Luke to tap into his million-dollar trust fund. When he's forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to ransom Sean from casino thugs, Luke tries to escape, but one last Sean-fueled spending spree in Vegas instantly bankrupts Luke. Betrayed by friends and lovers and convinced that his father has disowned him, Luke joins the growing contingent of Las Vegas homeless people, until robbers take everything but his boxers. A passerby, Carlos, rescues Luke, providing him with a job and room and board at a nursing home. As Luke regains his self-respect doing menial chores, he takes a second job at the Vegas Crisp's, wowing supervisors with his expertise in all things Xerox. Without revealing his family connections, Luke moves up at the store and wins the trust of a disgruntled colleague, Rachael. When, however, Crisp's Corporate HQ abandons Carl's philosophy of caring for employees and starts laying off people in Vegas before their pensions vest, the prodigal son must return. Although Luke's downfall is a mesmerizing train wreck, his redemption is predictable and unearned. Worse, sentences like "Morning came early" abound. Wish-fulfillment for a blighted economy.
From the Publisher
“Three stars…The spreading of good tidings and a Santa-sized heart is palpable.”—USA Today

“Evans has his craft down to a fine art. If it's an old-fashioned tear-jerker you're after, he's your man.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“A beautiful story of love and redemption.”—Deseret News

“An inspiring moral story filled with heartfelt family love and joy.”—Ventura County Star

“Evans offers up another heartwarming, feel-good tale in time for the holidays. . . . A touching redemption story.”—Booklist

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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781451628005
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  • Publication date: 11/1/2011
  • Pages: 368
  • Product dimensions: 7.26 (w) x 5.38 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Richard Paul Evans

Richard Paul Evans is the #1 best-selling author of The Christmas Box. His novels have each appeared on the New York Times bestseller list; there are more than thirteen million copies of his books in print. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers. He is the winner of the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards for his children’s books, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. Evans received the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award for his work helping abused children. Evans lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children.

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    1. Hometown:
      Salt Lake City, Utah
    1. Date of Birth:
      October 11, 1962
    2. Place of Birth:
      Salt Lake City, Utah
    1. Education:
      B.A., University of Utah, 1984

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 75 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(41)

4 Star

(16)

3 Star

(13)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(4)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 75 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 26, 2011

    Lucky, Lucky Me!

    I was privileged to read an advance copy of Richard Paul Evans' Lost December and all I can say is "lucky, lucky me!" I keep coming back to Richard's books because the characters are so real and so fulfilling. I love them, I hate them, I ache for them, I rejoice with them. And by the time I am finished with the book, I know these people. That's why it hurts to close the cover. I always wish for more. And isn't that the test of a good book? It keeps you so engaged that you want the story to go on. I loved Lost December because I loved Luke. He makes me think of my children and what happens when they make wrong choices. A very good book and one that I will give as gifts because the message is so perfect and the book, itself, is so beautiful.

    16 out of 17 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 19, 2011

    You have to read this one!

    I picked up this book because I heard it was the retelling of the story of the prodigal son and I was curious to see how Richard Paul Evans would handle it. I was very happy that I did. This story kept me reading and evoked a lot of different emotions, from anger and frustration to forgiveness and joy. In the end I felt like I had become part of the story itself, welcoming Luke back. This wasn't just a great Christmas story, but a great story all year long.

    11 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 3, 2011

    Another excellent read...

    I have been happy to be a pre-reader in the past, but not on this new book, should "Anonymous" be ready to critique my review as well. Each of us in the public states our experience with any given authors' writing, that is what a Review is intended to be...not a Review of a reviewer's supposed intent or identity.
    I have been a long-time reading fan of Richard Paul Evans, and have given his books so many times to a broad range of ages as gifts, both at the holidays and year round.
    Richard Paul Evans' works often deal with real life, with individuals' serious life challenges, with their permission while changing their names -- a generous choice and gesture, to have their stories and experiences shared anonymously to help awaken, to bring authentic Hope to life. Thus, characters are so like individuals I've known, with difficult issues I, or family and friends, have faced at some time in my over half-a-century of living.
    Evans' is a gifted writer who very apparently knows the human mind and soul, most precisely because he knows his own: his relationship to self, to mankind, and to his Creator. This book is yet another fine "journey," another passage of the heart, mind, and soul through authentic life issues, even to a point of personal decay; then renewed order to thought, a real message of Hope -- all forged in real-life challenges, not at all in mere fantasy. If the style and content of Evans' books were otherwise, I would not be interested in reading Evans' work...I rarely read fiction -- however, these books, and now "Lost December," are each unique, well worth ones precious time and investment.
    I can say I happen to know who "Dglad" is: a person of very high integrity and honesty, and that, yes, indeed, from time-to-time, several folks can be asked to assist with pre-read/pre-release copy of upcoming material -- not at all new in the world of writing. If you are writing a review here, please, be sure you've read the book, and then discuss the book and author -- contact the publisher or B&N if you are certain there is a dishonest person posting a review -- serious readers/reviewers of any author/book simply want authentic reviews before investing their time and funds -- a Review is not a public forum intended for bashing of honest readers/Reviewers--thanks.
    Yet again, this 'modern Prodigal' rendering in "Lost December" is an excellent, well-written challenge, relevant to all in any time or nation, with principles remaining true across all human history...ENJOY!

    10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 3, 2011

    Highly Recommend

    want to thank Richard Paul Evans for writting another fantastic book!!!!! All that you do for your readers is remarkable but the books that you write are so inspirational to us and help guide us through life when things are not going so well..i know i pick up yuour books when i am down and out and then i feel so much better!! thank you richard so much.....

    5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 3, 2011

    Evans does it again

    I first read Richard Paul Evans' work when he wrote the CHRISTMAS BOX, and occasionally picked up one of his books from time to time after that. He always pulled me right into his work and his characters seemed like someone I knew -- or someone I was or could have been. As I had more time to read, I discovered his WALK series and felt as if I were there with his characters each step of the way. I didn't want each book to end and can't wait for the future volumes. LOST DECEMBER does the same thing. Luke Crisp could be any of us, making a wrong turn, then another and feeling so lost and alone we don't know if we can ever make our way home. In this book we see people who represent the best of mankind -- and the worst of it. We see how each of them and their actions touches others -- yet, as we know it will in Evans' books, deep within its words is a love poured on the pages as only this author can. Another marvelous gift from this gifted scribe!

    5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 2, 2011

    Early release

    I know that in the past year I have been sent 2 books before the release from the publisher. I believe it is because I am in several book clubs and was randomly picked and then asked to review. People are given books before the release date.

    5 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 14, 2011

    I Also Recommend:

    Explosion In Paris
    Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy
    Red Mist (Kay Scarpetta Series #19)

    Inspiration plus

    The main protagonist, Luke, leaves home and begins a downward spiral. This story tells how easy it is to be slowly lead down a path we never thought we would go down and don't realize until it is too late. There is always hope of change and faith restored. This is an inspirational parallel to biblical stories and still a winner today!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 9, 2011

    Another Gem from Richard Paul Evans

    Richard Paul Evans continues to delight readers with this latest inspiration called ¿Lost December¿. This book beginning with the original parable of ¿The Prodigal Son¿ takes the reader on an adventure in a modern retelling of the story. On this journey we meet Luke Crisp. Luke is young, intelligent and next in line to take over the Crisp Corporation from his father. Carl Crisp is a loving father who raised Luke after his wife passed away. Teaching him to have a strong work ethic and showing him how to treat people with respect and dignity. When Luke goes to Wharton to get his MBA to prepare him for what his father hopes is his future with the company, he meets 5 people who challenge his thinking and his heart. When there is an unfortunate accident involving one of them, the rest decide to go on an extended vacation to Europe in an effort to enjoy the spoils of life while they can Luke knowing he has a trust fund at his disposal decides to join them and his Father is saddened to see his son go instead of taking over the business. There is a part of Luke that knows he has hurt his Father, but the lure of excitement entices him more. What follows is a series of greedy, self-serving events that turn in to a life-altering spin steering Luke¿s path out of control. With all of his friends gone, he is left to try to pick up the pieces. Thanks to a couple of angels that God puts in his way, Luke is able to climb out of his despair and ultimately finds his way home to Love and Forgiveness. This book like all of Richard Paul Evans books is filled with inspiration and many points to ponder. I really liked this book. Richard Paul Evans does not disappoint. A truly enjoyable read!

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 19, 2011

    Recommended

    The path to self discovery can be painful and this book really hit home in a lot of ways!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 16, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    A Parable of Love Unfeigned

    Lost December is a powerful, age old tale, set in modern times. It will open your eyes to the stark realities of life. An account of love, life, loss and love again, full of passion and the struggles of the rich and the poor. This story is fictional, but there is deep truth in its telling. Richard has again created an exceptional work with characters you will learn to love and others to despise. Full of desperate situations, the realities of the lost and forgotten, and the redeeming glimmer of hope it is truly a tale lived by many. Lost December is a perfect read to awaken our sense of caring in a world full of lost souls.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 8, 2011

    Great Read!!!

    I truly enjoyed reading this book!!! A definte 5 stars for me.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 20, 2013

    Lost December

    Great love story. It's all about prioritizing whats important in your life step by step.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 18, 2013

    Excellent Book

    This is an easy read with many profound lessons! It demonstrates how our choices affect our lives and how we can be on top of the world one minute, and down the next. Very enjoyable.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 11, 2013

    A treasure to read!

    I loved this book. It was an easy read, rich characters, and a great story. A tear jerker for sure.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 30, 2012

    Wow

    Wow really good. You have some real talent my friend. ~ author of royal wolf and fatalstar/grin mistake.

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  • Posted December 29, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    A Great Read - Amazing!

    A young man, with everything in the world he could ever wish for—wealth, comfort, and most of all, a loving father—leaves his home, taking his inheritance with him. Carelessly, he spends it all, and finds himself left penniless, homeless, and starving, living in the tunnels of Las Vegas. Can you go home???

    His dad wants him to take over the business which he has worked in during high school, but first Luke to see more of the world and to receive the sort of education Carl never had a chance at. Luke applies to pursue an MBA at the Wharton School in Philadelphia. There, he finds romance with a beautiful woman and, for the first time, friends. But the more time he spends with his new companions—especially the cocky and worldly Sean—the more he finds himself and his values changing. Slowly but surely, he grows further away from his father, until they barely communicate at all.

    After blowing thru his trust fund in Europe and loss of his girlfriend, he finds himself homeless. One night, he is attacked and beaten by two men, left with nothing but a broken rib and his underwear. And that is when his fortunes begin to change. A good Samaritan—a Latino man who runs a care center for the elderly—stops to help him, buys him a meal, and offers him a job.

    Gradually, the formerly prosperous young man rebuilds his life and relearns the principles that were once so important to him. He still cannot bring himself to contact his father, but to prove himself worthy of the Crisp name, Luke takes a second job, at one of the family company’s stores, aiming to see how high he can rise on his own merits. He cannot foresee that he will also fall in love—and find the redemption he has ached for so long.

    The book was amazing! I loved it as very much demonstrates the need to be grateful for what you have. The best book I have read by Evans - (keep a box of tissues handy)!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 24, 2012

    Scourge

    Wow im impressed. I never thought about writing a stry about my self. Im the writer of Scourges story at hall way. I hate the fact that everyone is writing a bout like " flowergroves desteny of like the path of firefang or what ever chiz it begins with" anyways all those storys start out as " firekit woke up in the nursery with chokekit" ive noticed the main character always has a brother sister or kit friend....anyways you can read my story at hallway

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 23, 2012

    Willowsong

    Cool.please read my story at spray results 1-13

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 23, 2012

    Loli

    ((I guess she might turn into a cat named Blossompaw, and since cats are scared of dogs and badgers, it makes total sense.))

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 23, 2012

    Lunarsoul

    Lawl!!!!! That is s awesome!!!

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