Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Christmas Kitsch summary
Amy Lan
Brief summary
Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane is a heartwarming story about love, family, and finding joy in unexpected places. It follows the journey of a young man named Rusty as he navigates the challenges of growing up and discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Topics
Table of Contents
Christmas Kitsch
Summary of key ideas
Learning to Accept and Embrace Our True Self
In Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane, we are introduced to Rusty Baker, a young man who's had everything handed to him on a silver platter. He has a loving family, wealth, and popularity, but what he doesn't have is a sense of self. Rusty has always felt like he's living a lie, pretending to be someone he's not. He's been hiding his true self, his sexuality, and his feelings for his best friend, Oliver Campbell.
Oliver is Rusty's complete opposite. He's openly gay, from a struggling family, and lives life on the edge. Despite their differences, Rusty and Oliver share an unbreakable bond. At the beginning of the story, Oliver confesses his love for Rusty, a revelation that leaves Rusty shocked and confused. He doesn't know how to process his feelings for Oliver, and instead of facing them, he chooses to run away from everything.
An Unexpected Journey of Self-Discovery
Rusty heads to college, hoping to escape his feelings for Oliver, but the distance only makes his heart grow fonder. He struggles to fit in, not just with his peers, but also with his own identity. He parties, dates girls, and tries to be the typical jock, but nothing seems to fill the void Oliver left behind. Rusty is forced to confront his true self when he visits Oliver during the Thanksgiving break. The trip back home reignites his feelings for Oliver, and he realizes he can't keep running from his truth.
However, Rusty's decision to come out and be with Oliver doesn't come without its challenges. His parents, who are deeply conservative, don't take the news well. In a heartbreaking turn of events, they disown him, leaving Rusty homeless and heartbroken. But Oliver's family steps in to fill the void, providing Rusty with the love and support he desperately needs.
Acceptance, Love, and the True Spirit of Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, Rusty and Oliver navigate their new relationship, learning to accept and love each other despite the odds. Rusty also finds solace in Oliver's family, who show him the true meaning of unconditional love and acceptance. They teach him that family isn't just about blood, but about the people who love and support you, no matter what.
The book culminates in a heartwarming Christmas celebration, where Rusty, despite the hardships he's faced, finds himself surrounded by love and acceptance. He learns that being true to himself is the greatest gift he can give, not just to himself, but to the people who love him for who he is. In the end, Christmas Kitsch is a story of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love, especially during the holiday season.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Christmas Kitsch about?
Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane is a heartwarming story about love, family, and second chances. When Rusty Baker returns home for the holidays, he reconnects with Oliver Campbell, his childhood friend who has always held a special place in his heart. As they navigate their feelings for each other and confront their past, they discover the true meaning of Christmas and the power of love.
Christmas Kitsch Review
Christmas Kitsch (2012) by Amy Lane portrays a heartwarming holiday romance that brings together two unlikely souls. Here's why this book is a delightful read:
- With its charming characters and unexpected love story, it offers a refreshing twist on the typical Christmas romance narrative.
- The book delves into themes of acceptance, family, and second chances, creating a deep emotional connection with the reader.
- Through its humor, emotion, and relatable situations, the book captivates and entertains without ever feeling dull or predictable.
Who should read Christmas Kitsch?
Readers who enjoy heartwarming and romantic holiday stories
Those who appreciate diverse and inclusive LGBTQ+ representation in literature
People who are looking for a feel-good and uplifting novel to read during the Christmas season
Categories with Christmas Kitsch
Book summaries like Christmas Kitsch
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Christmas Kitsch FAQs
What is the main message of Christmas Kitsch?
In Christmas Kitsch, love can blossom unexpectedly.
How long does it take to read Christmas Kitsch?
Reading Christmas Kitsch takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be done in minutes.
Is Christmas Kitsch a good book? Is it worth reading?
Christmas Kitsch is worth reading for its heartwarming story that resonates with many.
Who is the author of Christmas Kitsch?
The author of Christmas Kitsch is Amy Lane.
What to read after Christmas Kitsch?
If you're wondering what to read next after Christmas Kitsch, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz