Let It Snow is a young adult novel written by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle, which was published in 2008.
It is a collection of three intertwined short stories that take place during a snowstorm in a small town on Christmas Eve. The book was adapted into a Netflix original movie, directed by Luke Snellin, and released in 2019.
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of Let It Snow, exploring its storyline, characters, and memorable moments.
We will also discuss its cinematic adaptation and provide insights into the people who brought this story to life. So, let’s embark on this journey through the winter wonderland and unravel the magic of Let It Snow.
Book Summary: Exploring the Winter Wonderland
The novel consists of three interconnected stories: “The Jubilee Express” by Maureen Johnson, “A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle” by John Green, and “The Patron Saint of Pigs” by Lauren Myracle.
Each story features a unique set of characters, but they all take place in the same town, Gracetown, during a massive snowstorm on Christmas Eve.
In “The Jubilee Express,” Jubilee Dougal is forced to spend Christmas Eve on a train due to her parents’ arrest at a Flobie Santa Village.
The train gets stuck in the snow, and Jubilee decides to seek refuge in a nearby Waffle House. There, she meets Stuart Weintraub, a local boy, and they form a connection.
In “A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle,” Tobin, Angie (also known as The Duke), and JP are watching movies on Christmas Eve when they receive a call from their friend Keun, who is working at the Waffle House.
He tells them that a group of cheerleaders is stranded there due to the snowstorm and invites them to join the fun. The trio sets off on an adventurous journey to the Waffle House, where they encounter various challenges and learn valuable lessons.
Finally, in “The Patron Saint of Pigs,” Addie is heartbroken after her boyfriend Jeb breaks up with her.
On Christmas Eve, she is given the task of picking up her friend Tegan’s teacup pig. Along the way, Addie learns about love, forgiveness, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Movie Summary: Luke Snellin’s Cinematic Adaptation
Luke Snellin’s cinematic adaptation of Let It Snow, released on Netflix in 2019, beautifully captures the essence of the novel.
The film intertwines the three stories from the book, with some alterations to create a cohesive narrative.
The movie follows the lives of several high school students in a small town, as they navigate love, friendship, and self-discovery during an epic snowstorm on Christmas Eve.
The characters include Julie (played by Isabela Merced), who forms a connection with pop star Stuart (Shameik Moore); Tobin (Mitchell Hope) and his best friend Angie (Kiernan Shipka), who embark on a quest to the Waffle House; and Addie (Odeya Rush), who deals with heartbreak and learns about the true spirit of Christmas.
The film maintains the charm and warmth of the original stories while adding its unique touch, making it a delightful holiday watch.
Parent Guide: What to Expect from Let It Snow
Let It Snow is a heartwarming and engaging story that is suitable for young adults and older audiences alike.
The book and movie touch on themes such as love, friendship, forgiveness, and self-discovery, making them relatable to a wide range of readers and viewers.
The novel’s content is relatively mild, with some references to teenage relationships and mild language.
The movie adaptation has a similar tone, with a few added comedic elements. It has a PG-13 rating, which means that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Parents can expect a feel-good story that promotes positive values, making it an ideal choice for family movie nights or book club discussions.
When and Where: The Setting of Let It Snow
Let It Snow takes place in the fictional town of Gracetown, located somewhere in the southern United States.
The story unfolds during a massive snowstorm on Christmas Eve, which adds a magical touch to the narrative.
The snowstorm plays a significant role in the story, as it causes the characters’ paths to intersect and sets the stage for their personal growth and development. Gracetown’s small-town charm and tight-knit community also contribute to the warm and cozy atmosphere of the book and movie.
Who’s Who: Characters in Let It Snow
Let It Snow features a diverse cast of characters, each with their unique personalities and story arcs. Here is a brief overview of the main characters from the novel and their movie counterparts:
- Jubilee Dougal (book) / Julie Reyes (movie): A kind and empathetic girl who finds herself stranded in Gracetown during Christmas Eve.
- Stuart Weintraub (book) / Stuart Bale (movie): A local boy who forms a connection with Jubilee/Julie.
- Tobin: A witty and loyal friend who embarks on an adventure to the Waffle House with his best friends.
- Angie (The Duke): Tobin’s sarcastic and tomboyish best friend who starts to see her friendship with Tobin in a new light.
- JP: Tobin and Angie’s fun-loving friend who accompanies them on their journey.
- Addie: A heartbroken girl who learns about love, forgiveness, and the spirit of Christmas.
- Jeb: Addie’s ex-boyfriend, who is trying to find his way back to her.
Memorable Quotes from Let It Snow
Let It Snow is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and its themes. Here are some of the most notable lines from the book and movie:
- “I always had this idea that you should never give up a happy middle in the hopes of a happy ending, because there is no such thing as a happy ending.” – Jubilee, The Jubilee Express
- “It’s not what the universe gives you that matters; it’s what you do with it.” – Tobin, A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle
- “Maybe you can’t predict everything, but you can predict some things. That’s what makes life interesting.” – Addie, The Patron Saint of Pigs
- “I think love is a hard word to define. You can love a lot of things about a person, but that doesn’t mean you love the whole person.” – Julie, Let It Snow movie
The Soundtrack: Jule Styne’s Contribution to Let It Snow
While Jule Styne’s classic holiday song “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is not directly related to the novel or its cinematic adaptation, it shares the same festive spirit and wintry atmosphere.
The song, written by Styne and lyricist Sammy Cahn in 1945, has become a holiday staple and perfectly complements the cozy and heartwarming atmosphere of Let It Snow.
The movie’s soundtrack features a mix of contemporary songs and classic holiday tunes that further enhance the story’s festive ambiance. Some of the artists featured on the soundtrack include Death Cab for Cutie, Mxmtoon, and The Mowgli’s.
Curiosities and Trivia about Let It Snow
- The novel’s authors, John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle, are close friends in real life. They decided to collaborate on Let It Snow after having a conversation about their shared love for holiday stories.
- The movie adaptation of Let It Snow was initially announced in 2014, but it took five years for the project to come to fruition.
- John Green, the author of “A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle,” is best known for his bestselling novels The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, both of which have been adapted into successful movies.
- In the movie, pop star Stuart Bale, played by Shameik Moore, is a new character that replaces the book’s Stuart Weintraub. This change was made to create a more engaging storyline for the film.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like Let It Snow Characters
Dressing up as characters from Let It Snow can be a fun and creative way to celebrate the story and its themes. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect Let It Snow cosplay:
- Jubilee/Julie: Wear a warm winter coat, a scarf, and a cute knitted hat. You can accessorize with a backpack and carry a train ticket as a prop.
- Stuart: Opt for a casual, cozy look with a sweater, jeans, and a beanie. If you’re dressing as Stuart from the movie, you can add a touch of pop star glam with stylish sunglasses and a leather jacket.
- Tobin: Go for a laid-back style with a hoodie, jeans, and a winter hat. You can also carry a Twister game as a prop to represent the story’s iconic scene.
- Angie/The Duke: Embrace her tomboyish style with a plaid shirt, jeans, and a beanie. Add a touch of holiday spirit with a string of Christmas lights as a prop.
John Green: The Author Behind Let It Snow
John Green is an award-winning American author, best known for his young adult novels.
Born on August 24, 1977, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Green has become a prominent figure in the world of literature, with his works often featuring relatable characters and thought-provoking themes.
Some of Green’s most popular novels include Looking for Alaska (2005), An Abundance of Katherines (2006), Paper Towns (2008), The Fault in Our Stars (2012), and Turtles All the Way Down (2017).
His books have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
In addition to his writing career, Green is also a prominent internet personality, hosting educational YouTube channels with his brother, Hank Green, such as Crash Course and Vlogbrothers.
Ending Explained: Unraveling the Conclusion of Let It Snow
The ending of Let It Snow brings the three interconnected stories to a heartwarming and satisfying conclusion.
In “The Jubilee Express,” Jubilee realizes that she has feelings for Stuart and decides to give love a chance, despite her earlier reservations.
In “A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle,” Tobin and Angie confess their feelings for each other after a night of adventure and self-discovery. Their relationship takes a new turn, as they embrace the possibility of romance.
Finally, in “The Patron Saint of Pigs,” Addie learns the importance of forgiveness and self-love. She reunites with Jeb, and they decide to give their relationship another try.
The characters from all three stories come together at the end, celebrating the magic of Christmas and the power of human connection.
Future Adaptations: Remake, Sequel, and Spin-off Possibilities
While there are no official announcements regarding a remake, sequel, or spin-off of Let It Snow, the story’s popularity and positive reception make it a strong candidate for future adaptations.
A sequel could explore the characters’ lives after the events of the novel, delving into their relationships, personal growth, and new adventures.
A spin-off could focus on the secondary characters from the book and movie, providing a fresh perspective on the world of Gracetown and its inhabitants.
Luke Snellin: Exploring Other Media by the Director
Luke Snellin is a British director and writer known for his work on various television series and films. Before directing Let It Snow, Snellin directed episodes of popular TV shows such as Banished (2015), My Mad Fat Diary (2013-2015), and Wanderlust (2018).
In addition to his directorial work, Snellin has also written and directed several short films, including Mixtape (2010) and Disco (2010).
His unique visual style and storytelling abilities make him an exciting talent to watch in the world of film and television.
Similar Media: Books and Movies Like Let It Snow
If you enjoyed Let It Snow, you might also like the following books and movies that share similar themes and settings:
- Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan: A charming holiday-themed novel about two teenagers who embark on a whirlwind adventure through New York City.
- My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins: A collection of holiday-themed short stories by popular young adult authors, including Rainbow Rowell, Kelly Link, and Matt de la Peña.
- The Holiday (2006): A romantic comedy film starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, that follows two women who swap homes for the holidays and find love in unexpected places.
- Love Actually (2003): A British romantic comedy-drama film that weaves together multiple interconnected stories about love and relationships during the holiday season.
Book Club Questions: Engaging Discussions about Let It Snow
- How do the three interconnected stories in Let It Snow complement and enhance each other? What themes and motifs are present throughout the novel?
- Which story and character from Let It Snow did you relate to the most and why?
- How does the setting of Gracetown and the snowstorm contribute to the atmosphere and overall message of the story?
- What lessons do the characters in Let It Snow learn throughout the course of the novel? How do their experiences shape their personal growth and development?
- How does the movie adaptation of Let It Snow compare to the novel? What changes were made, and do you think they improved the story?
Video Games Inspired by Let It Snow
While there are no official video games directly based on Let It Snow, fans of the story can find similar themes and experiences in games that feature winter settings, engaging narratives, and character-driven stories. Some examples of such games include Life is Strange, The Long Dark, and Firewatch.
Travel Guide: Visiting Let It Snow Filming Locations
As the fictional town of Gracetown does not exist in reality, visiting the actual filming locations of the Let It Snow movie can provide fans with an immersive experience and a glimpse into the world of the story.
The movie was filmed in various locations in Ontario, Canada, including Toronto and Millbrook. Some of the key filming locations include the picturesque Main Street of Millbrook, which served as the backdrop for Gracetown’s town center, and the historic Distillery District in Toronto, where several interior scenes were shot.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Let It Snow
Let It Snow is a heartwarming and enchanting story that captures the magic of the holiday season and the power of human connection.
Its relatable characters, engaging narrative, and cozy atmosphere make it a timeless tale that continues to resonate with readers and viewers.
Whether you are discovering Let It Snow for the first time or revisiting this winter wonderland, its charm and warmth will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
So, grab a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and immerse yourself in the world of Gracetown, where love, friendship, and self-discovery await.
