The wonderful illustrations by PJ Lynch in this edition of O Henry’s well known story brings special understanding of the times, especially when being read aloud to children at Christmas time. ( )

I remember reading this as a children with my Dad. So I read it to my grand kids and they loved the story. Great book to read with young kids.

I've loved this story long before I knew anything about skilled writing, long before I knew all the words in it. ?áI still love it this time, and am even more impressed by how it's told. ?áI'll have to reread more O. Henry soon. ?áMeanwhile, I requested this book because I wanted to see how Lynch illustrated it. ?áAnd he did so beautifully. ?áThe only quibble I have is that the apartment is nicer than the author surely meant to say. ?áThey're clearly poor, but not so much as the text claims they are.

Highly recommended, even if you read only the text, perhaps on Project Gutenberg. ( )

This book is a wonderful example of contemporary realistic fiction because of the realistic events that could take place. The people and the situation are relatable. I like this book because of the beautiful story it presents, one I think older kids could grasp.

The Gift of the Maji is a timeless story that I can read over and over again. A husband and wife are not very wealthy and they are struggling with money. The holidays are coming up and they decide to give up one of their own precious belongings to have money for gifts for their significant other. The husband gives up his watch and the wife cuts her long, beautiful hair for money. She buys him something for his watch and he buys her a comb for her hair. This story proves that love is all you need and physical gifts are not a necessity. This story is great for any age level and shows the meaning of giving up something for others. ( )