"The Gift is in the Giving" by Bill Arienti

In the spirit of one of the most iconic Christmas stories of all time–The Gift of the MagiThe Gift is in the Giving by Bill Arienti sets out to show that giving a gift is more rewarding than receiving. A collection of stories amassed over years as a firefighter in Quincy, Massachusetts, Arienti captures in this book what's at the root of that feeling so many of us get around the holidays. It explores, in the context of Christmas, the selflessness, sympathy and sacrifice that our public servants gift to us all year round.

When I picked up this novel, I had the opportunity to meet the author at a book signing in a local shop. Had he not been there, I may not have even glanced at it, like so many other fantastic story collections. However, he looked kind and I wanted to hear his spiel about his new book, so I approached him. He told me all about himself, his work as a firefighter and what drove him to write this collection. I was interested to know about his holiday experiences in the field, so I asked him to sign a copy for me. My husband made me put the book aside so he could put it under the Christmas tree, a practice that is common in my house around the holidays. So, I had to wait.

A few weeks after Christmas passed, I finally had a chance to sit down with The Gift is in the Giving. I didn't have much time, but I whizzed through the first story in one sitting. I empathized with the two main characters, the author and a woman living in poverty. I think most people could see themselves in both the helper and the helpless. I was eager to hear more of the author's stories. Next up was a tale about the author getting an opportunity to golf with one of Massachusetts' chosen ones–Bobby Orr. I wondered where this could possibly go and realized just what kind of guy was behind these stories when I found out. I was hooked and zoomed right through the rest of this short collection of short stories. I think you'll be just as eager to turn the page at the end of every story as I was.

Bill Arienti is a firefighter first. He hasn't spent decades of his life as a professional novelist. He's spent it helping out the people who need it, which makes this book all the more impressive. Arienti has a distinct writing style, and his voice comes through on every page. Every story has a clear message. If you enjoy collections like Chicken Soup for the Soul, you will not be disappointed.

Shelly Barclay