With the same incomparable style and warm, inviting voice that have made her beloved by millions of readers far and wide, New York Times bes...
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reviews
Dec 31, 2007
Ashley
rated it: 
Better than warm chocolate chip cookies and a fire in the fireplace, Fannie Flagg always makes me feel good about the world and people in general. A Redbird Christmas tells a very touching story about a man on the brink of death in Chicago who is advised to move South to a more temperate climate or risk dying from pneumonia. With only a medical pension, he cannot afford Florida, but he can afford to rent a room on the Lost River in Alabama where, for the first time in his life, he finds a home
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Dec 01, 2008
Tricia
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What a talented writer. I don't usually enjoy the run of the mill, sappy sweet Christmas stories, but lucky for me this wasn't one of them. While the story is very sweet, it isn't predictable. The characters are varied, and like-able, and the story moves quickly, and stays interesting. A great Christmas story.
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Feb 12, 2011
Laurie
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This book was about a man who moved down to Spouthern Alabama on the advice of his Doctor. The pamplet the Doctor gave him ended up being from the early 1900's, but, the man still decided to move there because his health supposedly was supposed to get better. He had some severe breathing disorders. He got to this small town and they took him in as if he had been living there his whole life. This story takes place mostly over 2 Christmas'. A little girl comes into play in this story, Patsy.
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Feb 09, 2011
Vivienne
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I am so glad that I managed to find this gorgeous little book by Fannie Flagg, it really did give me a glow in my heart. Fannie Flagg is one of those authors who makes you believe that miracles really do happen. Her books are just so heartwarming to read and full of surprises and wonder.
This is a rather short book but packed full to the brim of interesting and heartwarming characters. The book begins with Oswald, a depressed former alcoholic who has been given months to live. Aft More...
This is a rather short book but packed full to the brim of interesting and heartwarming characters. The book begins with Oswald, a depressed former alcoholic who has been given months to live. Aft More...
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Jan 08, 2011
Elaine
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This was the December selection for the local library's book discussion group. I did not attend that meeting but still read the book.
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, Alabama. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mys More...
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, Alabama. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mys More...
Feb 27, 2010
Cid
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Our book club book for the November/December read was A Redbird Christmas by the author of Fried Green Tomatoes, Fannie Flag.
Let me first say that I do not like Christmas books - but I actually liked this one. I think I liked A Redbird Christmas because it was not so much about how the characters celebrated the holiday, or what they did during the holiday, but instead about what happened between two Christmases that so changed the characters lives. I like stories about characters More...
Let me first say that I do not like Christmas books - but I actually liked this one. I think I liked A Redbird Christmas because it was not so much about how the characters celebrated the holiday, or what they did during the holiday, but instead about what happened between two Christmases that so changed the characters lives. I like stories about characters More...
Oct 31, 2009
Athene_who
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I read this book in one sitting in Borders today as an indulgence. It is the kind of thing I might check out as light reading from a fiction library were I a member of one, but at £6.99 I wouldn't buy it. (Particularly as I finished it in under 2.5 hours).
A quaint story set in small-town America it started out well but the end of the book seemed to be tied up very quickly and fairly unbelievably. Snow falling in Alabama in December 26th when the day before it was 50 degrees and More...
A quaint story set in small-town America it started out well but the end of the book seemed to be tied up very quickly and fairly unbelievably. Snow falling in Alabama in December 26th when the day before it was 50 degrees and More...
Jan 12, 2012
Rosamar
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Совершенно не хочется анализировать художественные достоинства этой книги, коих наберется не так уж и много. Язык повествования прост и незатейлив, а сюжет, который начинается со знакомства с персонажем, чей жизненный путь неизменно должен оборваться в ближайшее время, скатывается в приторную оду оптимизму. Обладая большим потенциалом, заведомо интересными персонажами и доброй атмосферой книга не выходит за рамки среднестатистического чиклита пусть и в своеобразном сеттинге. Вопреки всему это
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Mar 21, 2011
Carly
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This one came up for a discussion many moons ago - guess it was around Christmas . . . duh . . . I'm just getting around to listening to my audio version now.
I like the way it's kind of serious yet light and funny at the same time.
I like the way the old guy described how he never seemed to fit into the world - how he was probably born with odd socks, etc.
.............
I'll add to my review when I'm a little farther along . . . or finished entirely More...
I like the way it's kind of serious yet light and funny at the same time.
I like the way the old guy described how he never seemed to fit into the world - how he was probably born with odd socks, etc.
.............
I'll add to my review when I'm a little farther along . . . or finished entirely More...
Feb 04, 2012
Lydia
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This novel was slow to start, but it did pick up and become more enjoyable. The main character, Oswald, is so angst-filled and negative at first that it was hard to care about him. The other characters, however--Roy, Patsy, Frances, and, of course, Jack--make the small town of Lost River come alive. This is one of those tales where everything ends all wrapped up in a big, red bow. I just wish all of life's tragedies could end with "happily ever after!"
The end of the epi More...
The end of the epi More...
Jul 08, 2010
Carole
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This is just a plain old fashioned heartwarming story, fast paced and a refreshing escape from some of the "oh so serious" issues of today. I loved the dialog, rich descriptions of the South and the characters. You will laugh, you will cry and be chilled with inspiration. Enter Oswald T. Campbell--Chicago native, orphan, divorced, practically penniless alcoholic, recently diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only months to live. His doctor encourages Oswald to move to the S
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Dec 05, 2010
Susie
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This was a very nice christmas story that went beyond christmas, it was actually 2 christmas', and the year in between them.
Oswald T. Cambell so named for the can of Tomato soup that was in his basket at the orphange he was left at has just recieved some bad news from his doctor who tells him to get out of Chicago and head south. He ends up in Lost River Alabama after his doctor gives him an outdated brochure for a health spa that turns out burned down over 20 years ago. But what he More...
Oswald T. Cambell so named for the can of Tomato soup that was in his basket at the orphange he was left at has just recieved some bad news from his doctor who tells him to get out of Chicago and head south. He ends up in Lost River Alabama after his doctor gives him an outdated brochure for a health spa that turns out burned down over 20 years ago. But what he More...
Dec 04, 2009
Jill
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I read this for a book discussion group that I belong to. Very sappy like most Christmas books tend to be. However, I finished it and enjoyed it. I decided to institute a new Christmas tradition and read this book to my 10 year old granddaughter. The tradition has changed slightly in that she is reading it to me. There are times that she will stumble on a word, but I help her and explain the meaning of the word.
I'm looking forward to the discussion of this book next week as I have a More...
I'm looking forward to the discussion of this book next week as I have a More...
Dec 20, 2011
Graceann
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When Oswald T. Campbell is told by his doctor that if he doesn't get to a warmer climate for the winter, he'll die, he's not quite sure what to do with himself. He's lonely and bored and doesn't have a soul to love him. Salvation arrives in the form of an old brochure for a health retreat in southern Alabama.
What Oswald finds in Lost River is surprising, most of all to him. After living in Chicago for so long, his the culture shock is overwhelming. As with Fried Green Tomatoes at More...
What Oswald finds in Lost River is surprising, most of all to him. After living in Chicago for so long, his the culture shock is overwhelming. As with Fried Green Tomatoes at More...
Jan 05, 2011
Alleluialu
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I read this book as part of the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge and it was definitely filled with Christmas Spirit. Oswald Campbell was told by his doctor in Chicago that if he didn't get out of the cold city, he would be dead by Christmas. He also gave him a brochure of a little place in Alabama that his father sent people to to get out of the north cold. Oswald investigated and made the trip to Lost River, Alabama. There he found a community of wonderful people who welcomed him and helped h
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Oct 18, 2009
Rusty
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This is just a delightful book. I first read a condensed version about three years ago and then got the book on Amazon. It's about a man who is given a death sentence by his doctor. He changes locations, lifestyles and interests and along the way runs into a delightful little girl.
Two quotes: "On the way back home, Oswald thought about it and wondered which was worse, being an accordion player or being an alcoholic. He figured it was a toss-up." (page 95)
"T More...
Two quotes: "On the way back home, Oswald thought about it and wondered which was worse, being an accordion player or being an alcoholic. He figured it was a toss-up." (page 95)
"T More...
Dec 26, 2010
Sherry (sethurner)
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"It was only November sixth, Chicago had just been hit with its second big blizzard of the season, and Mr. Oswald T. Campbell guessed he had stepped in every ice-cold ankle-deep puddle of dirty white slush it was possible to step in, trying to get to his appointment." Living 100 miles north of Chicago, I have a pretty good idea of the sort of misery Fannie Flagg is introducing her readers to. Turns out Mr. Campbell has an authentic case of the "fixing-to-die blues, and when he d
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Nov 29, 2009
Candace
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This is the whimsical story of a hard-luck orphan, Oswald T. Campbell, mostly named for the can of Campbell's Tomato [T:] soup found in the basket with him. Given only a month or so to live, his Chicago doctor sends him to Lost River, Alabama, where a sanitarium once was located. He is quickly absorbed into the warm and friendly community of this wee village (pop. between 50 and 110), and little by little recovers not only his health but his faith in his fellow man.
The town is popul More...
The town is popul More...
Dec 13, 2011
Jenn
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This book was OK - just ok. A little too mushy for my taste but a very quick and easy read for book club. I feel like it would be a nice book for my 11 year old daughter to read - nice story - just a little too nice for my taste - I feel bad writing that because I do like nice and I did not dislike the book - it was just ok.
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Dec 22, 2011
Rachel
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Oswald T. Campbell's doctor has told him that if he doesn't spend the winter in a warmer climate then it may be his last. Oswald packs up and moves to the small town of Lost River, Alabama. Once he gets there he is greeted by a cast of colorful characters, including a store-owner and his little redbird named Jack.
A Redbird Christmas is classic Fannie Flagg. It's filled with colorful, Southern characters with good hearts and intentions. It's a little on the sappy side but it's a Christm More...
A Redbird Christmas is classic Fannie Flagg. It's filled with colorful, Southern characters with good hearts and intentions. It's a little on the sappy side but it's a Christm More...
Dec 16, 2009
Tahleen
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Not as good as Fried Green Tomatoes, but still quite enjoyable. Flagg brings Oswald T. Campbell from Chicago to the tiny Alabama town of Lost River in order to recover from the damage he's done to his lungs over the years (smoking, plus a bout with tuberculosis when he was a child). While in Lost River, Oswald becomes a member of the community. The real plot begins when a young girl named Patsy arrives in their town, and everyone has to pitch in to help her, especially a little redbird by the na
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Nov 07, 2009
Marleen
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What a lovely read! I finished it in one evening and totally fell in love with this story and all the characters. This is my second Fannie Flagg book; and now I really want - I really need - to read all her books.
This book is homy and cozy and comforting. It's totally heart-warming!
This book is homy and cozy and comforting. It's totally heart-warming!
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Apr 18, 2008
Jenny
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Absolutely the best Christmas book ever! It's sweet, funny and touching. I've read it 4 times and given copies to friends. Fannie Flagg herself reads the audio version and I hear she's working on a movie version. I vote for William H. Macy for the lead.
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Dec 13, 2010
Kristi
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This was a very quick read for me as it was actually my 2nd time with the story. The first time was in audio, and this time was actually reading the book. There was no reason for the 2 different formats except for availability at the library at the time.
It had been about 3 or 4 years since I had "visited" Lost River, Alabama and its cast of characters, but I knew this was a lovely story and I was excited to revisit it.
The story starts with Mr. Campbell in Chic More...
It had been about 3 or 4 years since I had "visited" Lost River, Alabama and its cast of characters, but I knew this was a lovely story and I was excited to revisit it.
The story starts with Mr. Campbell in Chic More...
Dec 14, 2011
Valerie J K
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A Chicago man named Oswald T Campbell (named for a tomato soup can that was left with him when he was a baby, abandoned on the steps of a church) gets news from his doctor that his life is almost over due to the progression of emphysema. He is told to get out of Chicago in order to prolong his life. He is given a brochure for Lost River, Alabama, and heads for the tiny community. Upon reaching Lost River, he becomes immersed in their community and finds many friends including a little girl na
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Dec 12, 2010
Age has the main man of the book looking for a new place to live after a life in city dwelling and smoking has lef him alone and sick. He finds a small town and all the 'fantasy' that goes with it, a little store where a bird who's life was almost lost now almost runs the place, little ol woman that take him under thier wing to bring him to health and love and of course a poor little girl no one really wants finds a new family with a small fight of wills between two cultures which in the end tu
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Feb 01, 2012
Joanne
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Our book club usually picks a holiday themed novel to read during the month of December and this was our pick for this last Christmas season. We have all become accustomed to not expect too much from these novels, by just accepting that these are light reads for some holiday entertainment. A Redbird Christmas was a sweet story that provided just that.
Oswald is our main character that isn't living much of a fulfilling life in Chicago. He is a divorced man who doesn't even seem to More...
Oswald is our main character that isn't living much of a fulfilling life in Chicago. He is a divorced man who doesn't even seem to More...
Nov 26, 2011
Annalisa
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This is the Spanish Fork library's book group book for November 2011. Not my favorite book but a nice holiday read. This is the same author that wrote "Fried Green Tomatoes" so if you are familiar with that and like it you will probably enjoy this too.
From Publisher's Weekly:
Lured by a brochure his doctor gives him after informing him that his emphysema has left him with scarcely a year to live, 52-year-old Oswald T. Campbell abandons wintry Chicago for Lost River, Ala., More...
From Publisher's Weekly:
Lured by a brochure his doctor gives him after informing him that his emphysema has left him with scarcely a year to live, 52-year-old Oswald T. Campbell abandons wintry Chicago for Lost River, Ala., More...
Dec 26, 2011
Becky
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Quick read. Oswald Campbell's life has been a disaster. He is an alcoholic on disability because of his ephysema and has been told by his doctor that if he continues to live in Chicago, he will die in the next year. The doctor suggests a hotel in Alabama that has burned down. Oswald calls a community center in the town, and up as a boarder.
Rest of the book is about the quirky characters, long-held regrets, a redbird named Jack, and a crippled girl named Patsy. All ends well with More...
Rest of the book is about the quirky characters, long-held regrets, a redbird named Jack, and a crippled girl named Patsy. All ends well with More...
Oct 18, 2010
Janice
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This is my most favorite book ever. I adored this book! I laughed, I cried, I was a wreck of tears of happiness in the end. What a beautiful, heartwarming book!
If you want to read about a charming southern rural town in the Ozarks, with wonderful people who all care about each other, this is the book for you.
From the beginning to the end, you will be enthralled. Without any doubt, Fannie Flagg finds what makes us all better people, weaves the story with great wit and charm.
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If you want to read about a charming southern rural town in the Ozarks, with wonderful people who all care about each other, this is the book for you.
From the beginning to the end, you will be enthralled. Without any doubt, Fannie Flagg finds what makes us all better people, weaves the story with great wit and charm.
More...
