When discussing the greatest Christmas movies of all time, one movie sure to make an appearance is the 1983 classic, “A Christmas Story.” But while “A Christmas Story” is widely known, few have heard of the book that inspired the film, “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash,” written by the same man who narrated the movie, Jean Shepherd. “In God We Trust” is comedic yet nostalgic, and while it might not be the “Christmas Story” one might assume it is, it is surely a worthwhile read.
In essence, “In God We Trust” is a collection of short stories. Inspired by his childhood during the Great Depression in the town of Hammond, Indiana, Shepherd paints a comedic, nostalgic, and slightly satirical image of the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana. Tying the stories together is the narrative of an adult Ralph, who returns to his hometown one December week on a business trip. There, he meets his old friend Flick in his bar, where they share tales of their childhood over a few drinks.
Undoubtedly the tales of “In God We Trust” are made memorable through Shepherd’s merciless yet hilarious wit. Whether he is recounting a disastrous fireworks show or teaching life’s true meaning through penny candy, Shepherd creates a story that is sure to leave the reader laughing. Of course, “In God We Trust” is not completely without the occasional profanity, however, Shepherd’s comedic genius is furthered by the fact his comedy has substance behind it. Each story, through all its jokes, expresses a truism of the Great Depression and of America itself.
Many will be coming to “In God We Trust” looking for a Christmas novel, and they may be disappointed in that regard. While the story of adult Ralph does indeed take place at Christmastime, and most of “A Christmas Story” is reaccounted in the book, most of the book is not explicitly Christmas oriented. Thus the Christmas nature of the book is highly subjective, similar to the debate behind movies such as “Die Hard.”
What is undebatable is that “In God We Trust” is a tale of childhood innocence and nostalgia of times long passed. Shepherd tells his story through slightly satirical eyes, but through it all is an expression of American society, reflecting even our modern time. While we all must grow up, Shepherd and his readers are convinced that childhood innocence is never lost. It is just forgotten, waiting to be remembered.
