"A Redbird Christmas" By: Fannie Flagg Review

"A Redbird Christmas"

By: Fannie Flagg

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

      Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it.

My Thoughts:

      I had never read a Fannie Flagg story and I am so glad this was my first! We read this title for one of my book clubs and we all loved it so much. A GREAT Christmas read, this story has a little bit of everything for everyone.

     A wonderful, country Christmas read, "A Redbird Christmas" tells the story of Oswald T. Campbell and his unfortunate diagnosis of cancer. Thinking he is going to die soon, he sells most of everything he owns and moves south to a quirky little town filled with all sorts of interesting people. From the mailman who delivers mail down the river, to the crazy creole people living down the way - the town is filled with people who have their own wild stories.

     Intermixed with these characters is the story of a little girl who is severely handicapped and her dedication to the town's mascot redbird. The redbird had been hand raised by one of the town's inhabitants and the little girl just connected with him.

     It's an utterly lovely story of life, love, friendship, connecting with people, and happiness. If you are going to read one book about Christmas this year, make it this one. I promise you, you'll be smiling when you finish!