A Redbird Christmas : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Another great one for Flagg
Review: Beautiful Christmas story that moves you to tears but has a happy ending. If you loved Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, you will love this one by Flagg. The little girl Patsy reminds you of Daisy. You dont even have to wait for Christmas 05 to read it either. Its timely now.

Rating:
Summary: Fannie does it again!!
Review: Ever since reading "Fried Green Tomatoes," I have been a fan of Fannie Flagg's (the author, that is; I have enjoyed her as a comedienne ever since her sendup of Lady Byrd Johnson years ago!). This book is a wonderful tale of Christmas and the closeness/quirkiness of southern communities. As usual, her story is filled with odd, yet believable characters, knocking about and trying to make some sense of this crazy world. How the principal characters find themselves and others is a joyous tale and I can't wait for the movie version of this. I already have it cast in my mind. Highly recommended, obviously.

Rating:
Summary: Gentle gift
Review: Fannie Flagg has give us a gentle gift in "A Redbird Christmas." Her telling of the journey of a man from the threshold of emotional oblivion to the bosom of a community whose kindess and quirks heal his wounds reminds us all that relationships are important and that simple joys can be the most profound.

My only criticism is that the book ends a bit abruptly.

All in all, a sweet and comforting read.

Rating:
Summary: A Redbird Christmas
Review: Fannie Flagg never disappoints. A Redbird Christmas is a wonderful holiday read. Flagg's writing style has perfect southern flair, making you instantly feel at-home with her characters.

When Oswald T. Campbell finds himself in the deep south of Alabama, he never could have imagined how much a town could instantly embrace him, capture his heart and change his life.
A Redbird Christmas is a fun story about people who love and give to others and how much a sense of community can change people's lives.



Rating:
Summary: A Warm and Tasty Read
Review: Fannie Flagg serves up some holiday cheer with her charming novel about the inhabitants of one small Alabama town and how it changes a man's life forever. Plagued by the relentless Chicago winters and told by his doctor that he doesn't have long to live, fifty-something Oswald T. Campbell decides to relocate to warmer climes. His doctor suggests a health retreat in rural Alabama. Since he's divorced, has few friends, no children and lives at a men's hotel, it doesn't take long to put his affairs in order.

He calls information, gets the number for the post office in Lost River, and is told by the helpful Frances Cleverdon that the health resort burned down in 1911. Determined to help the kind gentleman on the phone (and anxious to raise the male population in her tiny burg), she assists him in securing bed and board at a neighbor's house. Betty Kitchen and her ancient mother, Miss Alma, open their home to Oswald, and they are his first introduction to the sweet and willful women of Lost River.

Soon after his arrival, he meets Roy, who runs the grocery store along with his pet redbird, Jack. A redbird is the same as a cardinal, but Jack's not just any cardinal. He's the unofficial mascot of the town and, despite his fondness for pecking at the fruit, is loved by all. Oswald takes long trips upriver with mailman and fisherman extraordinaire Claude Underwood. Frances Cleverdon is the town's matchmaker and is convinced that Oswald would be good for her sister Mildred or perhaps even postmistress Dottie Nivens, who gave up a successful literary career in New York City to head up the Lost River Post Office. As he settles in and gets to know everyone, Oswald feels more and more comfortable. And he realizes the cough that plagued him in Chicago is almost nonexistent now.

Into this cozy hamlet comes Patsy, a young backwoods girl with a pronounced limp. She was left in the care of a neglectful stepmother when her father left town and she is mostly left to fend for herself. She journeys into town, dragging her poor twisted leg behind her in order to see redbird Jack at Roy's grocery store. Patsy quickly charms everyone in town and they desperately want to help her. After the girl appears with a hand mark across her face, Frances is elected to speak to the stepmother, and when she ventures into the back woods, she learns that the woman who is supposed to be looking after Patsy is not related to her nor does she care about her welfare. She has her own kids to raise, she huffs. So Frances suggests that Patsy come and live with her. Frances is delighted to be of help to the poor child and thrilled to finally have a little girl to raise as her own. Months later, Frances takes the young girl to see a doctor about her leg and is told that she must have a series of costly operations to correct the situation. In true Lost River form, the townspeople band together and hold benefits, bake sales and pancake breakfasts --- anything they can to raise the necessary funds for Patsy's operations. And because of the little girl's one special wish, the town of Lost River is in for the most incredible Christmas holiday anyone has ever seen.

Quite simply, A REDBIRD CHRISTMAS is a warm and tasty read. Fannie Flagg is the literary equivalent of buttery cornbread --- comfort food for the soul. As she did in her previous books, DAISY FAY AND THE MIRACLE MAN, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES and her most recent, STANDING IN THE RAINBOW, Flagg paints a captivating portrait of long-ago small town America --- where you left your doors unlocked, borrowed sugar from a neighbor, and always counted on the kindness of strangers. This is the perfect gift for your mother, grandmother or aunt, or anyone who would love to lose themselves in this quaint, simpler time.

--- Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller


Rating:
Summary: Red Bird Christmas
Review: Fannie Flagg will never disappoint any reader, choosing her books. Delightful reads, every single one, this one included. One hopes Ms. Flagg is writing many more books.

Rating:
Summary: Nice story but not a lot of depth
Review: I enjoyed this book for the most part - it was an easy read that didn't require a whole lot of thought. I do wish that the author provided more depth of her characters - I found myself wondering how each person came to be the character they were over the course of the book - especially Patsy who subtly became the main character in the story.

Rating:
Summary: Cover to cover in six hours
Review: I found myself totally absorbed in this lovely, sweet book. I started it mid-afternoon on a Saturday and six hours later finished it. I couldn't have put it down if I'd tried. And I did NOT want it to end! (I'm told that's the highest praise one can pay an author.) The characters are believable, the story line mostly believable (who cared?) and the overall product amazingly fulfilling. It was like pushing away from the table after a banquet...just that satisfying! Thank you, Fannie, for your delightful contributions to the literary world.

Rating:
Summary: Get Ready For Warm Fuzzies!
Review: I had to read this book for a book club I belong to and faced it with some dread. I was hooked by the second page! Maybe it was because I live in the area of the Florida Panhandle near where the story takes place and the people resonate with my neighbors. Yes, the story is predictable and the characters needed to be fleshed out more but maybe I feel that way because I liked the book so well and loved the characters so much that I just didn't want the book to end!

Rating:
Summary: Love Fannie Flagg!
Review: What a sweet Christmas story and feel good book! Fannie Flagg does not disappoint, although I wish it was longer! You really root for her charactors, and makes you want to visit the settings in her books. I meet Ms. Flagg at a book signing, and she is as nice and sweet as her books. I eagerly await her next book!