December Reading Recommendation
Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp
Nothing says it’s Christmas like watching Die Hard. Yes, the 1988 film starring Bruce Willis is absolutely a Christmas film. It’s set on Christmas Eve, features sleigh bells in its soundtrack, and has Willis crawling through tight spaces not unlike chimneys to deliver justice to those naughty listers trying to rob the place. Oh, and the small matter of him saving Christmas for a whole bunch of people just so he can spend Christmas day with his wife. What’s not Christmassy about that? So, for a bit of an ‘out-there’ recommendation for a Christmas book, why not the bestseller that was the basis for the blockbuster film?
High atop a Los Angeles skyscraper, an office Christmas party turns into a deadly cage match between a lone New York City cop and a gang of international terrorists. They’ve taken hostages, issued demands, and promised bloodshed all according to plan. But they haven’t counted on a death-defying, one-man cavalry with no shoes, no backup, and no intention of going down easily.
Nothing Familiar And Something Familiar
Nothing Lasts Forever may not seem like a traditional Christmas tale, but its holiday setting and themes make it an unexpectedly compelling festive read. Set during a Christmas Eve party in a Los Angeles skyscraper, the novel uses the holiday backdrop to heighten the emotional stakes and create a unique blend of suspense, action, and reflection.
At its heart, Christmas is about family, forgiveness, and redemption—all of which are key elements of the story. No McClane this time around, in the novel it’s the much less quippy Joe Leland who comes to Los Angeles to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Stephanie. His journey to save her from terrorists becomes a symbolic battle for their fractured relationship, mirroring the redemptive arcs of classic Christmas tales. The Christmas setting also adds a bit of irony and contrast. Cheerful decorations, festive music, and the holiday spirit are juxtaposed with violence and chaos, creating a tension that’s quite poignant—nobody wants to see Christmas ruined, after all.
Moreover, the novel’s introspective tone aligns with the reflective nature of Christmas. Joe’s struggle isn’t just physical; it’s an emotional reckoning with his past failures and his mortality. He’s not just fighting for his life here but for a better future and reconciliation with his daughter. These universal themes resonate deeply during a time when we like to look inward and seek a bit of connection over the holidays. We may have to drive for miles to make that connection, while bullets measure Leland’s struggle.
It’s also important to note that this novel is very much a product of its time and serves as an exercise in examining how tastes change. This was written in the ‘70s, when terrorism very much became mainstream with the Munich massacre, and Leland’s disdain for women terrorists raises an interesting point on just how views on gender have shifted in the past fifty years.
Unconvinced? Read To Decide!
For those who prefer their Christmas stories with an edge, Nothing Lasts Forever offers a gritty alternative to sugary holiday narratives. Its mix of action, emotional depth, and holiday symbolism creates a thrilling, thought-provoking read that balances the holiday’s light and dark aspects.
Whether you’re drawn to its unconventional Christmas spirit or its tense, page-turning plot, this novel delivers a holiday experience unlike any other. Sadly though, there is a distinct lack of ‘yippee-ki-yay’s.
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Dan Grabowski is an Amazon best-selling author and has taught in the classroom at primary level previously.