THE SPECIAL GUEST

The Special Guest ($12.95; Nov. 1996; 96 pp.; 1-57566-120-9): A sentimental Christmas tale, first privately printed and now going public in a big way, about the Reid family coming to terms with hard feelings toward a man serving time for a drunk-driving accident that has left their daughter, Jenny, in a coma for the past year. Young Scott Reid, who bags groceries, finds elderly, mysterious Zachery in the store's parking lot. Zachery's vintage Packard won't start, garages are closed for the Christmas weekend, so Zachery is invited to pass the weekend with the Reids, who care for their unconscious daughter in an upstairs bedroom. The story's turn is that the family must forgive the jailed man before heaven's ``Law of Reciprocity'' can go into effect. The Reids not only forgive the jailed man but invite his family to Scott's school Nativity play and carry out other good deeds. Then God, via Zachery, restores Jenny. Barely a page isn't telegraphed ahead. (Also available in mass-market size: $8.95; 1-57566-117-9) (First printing of 500,000; $300,000 ad/promo; author tour)