《平安夜——玛丽·辛吉斯·克拉克》(Silent Night)read by Jennifer Beals[MP3]

It is Christmas Eve in New York City when Brian, a determined seven year old, follows the thief who took his mother's wallet, hoping to retrieve the St. Christopher's medal that he believes will save his father, who has leukemia, just as it saved his grandfather in World War II. However, the child is kidnapped by a vicious escaped convict who needs a hostage. The central characters come to life rapidly as the fast-moving story quickly builds suspense. Teens will appreciate the realistic, paradoxical description of the relationship between Brian and his older brother: caring, concerned, and name-calling at the same time. Although readers know that the ending will be a happy one, they won't expect the coincidences and the touching holiday details.

玛丽·辛吉斯·克拉克出身于贫苦的爱尔兰移民之家，秉承了那个民族最坚定的信仰——希望。她7岁时立志成为作家，多舛的命运和悲苦的人生不能磨灭这个热望。她凭着百折不挠、锲而不舍的努力，46岁时实现童年的理想，50岁时拿到第一个大学文凭，70岁时成为全球收入最高的作家。她就是美国的悬念小说作家玛丽·辛吉斯·克拉克。