Page 18 - December 2019 Gears & Ears

Gears and Ears

Journal of The Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista

December 2019
December Book Suggestion

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

A delightful journey filled with memorable characters who have packed
their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and a story that shows

how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams,
especially during this season of miracles.

Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A.
in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because
of a slight “misunderstanding” at airport security, he begins a journey of
self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling
adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic.

He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the
rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people’s essential goodness and someone very
special he believed he had lost.

Reader Reviews:
Despite seeming simple, this story is a story of so many human beings who have difficulty
learning what life is really about. It is good to read any time of the year. It was hard to

believe it was Baldacci at first until the complicated relationships and events unfolded.

For those of us who love train travel, this was the delight of the season. When you
leave the station, the adventures begin! Add the unusual characters just waiting to be
introduced, and the intrigue begins! Heartwarming with a little mystery adds a special

interest! A feel good read!

I chose this book for our book club to read this month December. This time of the year,

there is an abundance of light holiday reads. This was one of them. The main character
has been banned to train travel, and he has to make it from the east coast to the west coast
in time to spend Christmas with his on-again-off-again girlfriend. However, it’s his once
in a lifetime girlfriend he runs into on the train. They just start getting to the point of
reconciliation when someone unexpected boards the train. And then there is the question

of to where everyone’s shiny baubles and expensive accessories are disappearing. It’ s fun,
it’s light, and it’s Christmasy. What more could you want from a December book?

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