Flagg, Fannie - A Redbird Christmas - Informal Buddy Read; Starts December 12, 2014

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This topic is open for discussion of A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg



Book Synopsis:
With the same incomparable style and warm, inviting voice that have made her beloved by millions of readers far and wide, New York Times bestselling author Fannie Flagg has written an enchanting Christmas story of faith and hope for all ages that is sure to become a classic.
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. Once you experience the wonder, you too will never forget A Redbird Christmas.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Greta]

I'm in! Thanks Mods.

[Greta]

I started this today and am through page 64, the chapter called Dreamy Alabama. i'm really enjoying this book so far. The main character is really interesting and I'm curious to read about how his new setting affects him.

(view spoiler)[The town of Lost River sounds so quaint and relaxing, I want to go there for a quiet vacation this winter!! I love how the mail gets delivered by boat...I wonder if that really happens anywhere in the US. These single ladies are going to be fun to watch as they interact with Oswald. I just love the story of the redbird Jack...although I don't think i'd like to shop in a store that has a bird on the loose that pecks holes in the food containers!! (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Still liking this book. I'm through page 120.

(view spoiler)[ this is a really sweet book so far. It is nice to see Oswald find a place where he is made to feel welcome and that he belongs. I wonder if Frances will be able to find a love match for him! I laughed out loud thinking of Oswald taking 4 women to the Sweetheart dance and being called the Belle of the ball.

You just have to feel so bad for Patsy...she is not in a good home environment, but at least the townspeople are taking care of her.

I wonder if Oswald will ever meet the Creoles he hears about so often. It is interesting that in such a small group such a great division has formed. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

I finished this last night and just loved it! (view spoiler)[I love how the story resolves with all of the redbirds coming and Patsy seeing Jack at her window. I was wondering how she would cope with finding out he died and am glad she was spared that. I was so happy that Oswald does end up with Frances, not that they fell in love immediately, but that they grew to love each other and they also had an extra connection to each other through Patsy. It was amazing how the whole community rallied for Patsy's benefit and how it ended up bringing Julian LaPonde back to speaking terms with Roy! I was wondering how that whole conflict with the Creoles was going to be resolved.

This story really did make me laugh and cry and ended up being so heartwarming. Perfect for Christmas! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I read this last Christmas. It really is a lovely book.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Greta!! Looks like you need someone to discuss this with you so you can get some BR points.

Okay, let's see what I can come up with. I've read this book off and on for about a month.

There are not chapter numbers so I'll post what pages I'm discussing in case I have spoilers.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Start to page 39:

I love this book already. I'm really hoping for good things to come to Oswald during his stay at the Lost River! It's interesting how the brochure he found was so old! I wonder if there's any significance to that and/or if we'll ever find that out...

Love the red bird!! What a cute, funny little character he is. I loved the sign about not letting the bird out of the store and not letting the cat in, LOL!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Pages 40 to 87:

Just as I suspected, I love the people in this little town. It seems so cozy and friendly there, despite the drama with the "other side of the river."

Man, did this book make you hungry?? It's making me hungry to read all of the delicious foods they ate for dinner and for functions!

Love how (view spoiler)[Frances wants to hook up Oswald with her sister! And I got a kick out of how Jack always annoyed Mildred, hehe.

(hide spoiler)]

The Christmas dinner was very sweet, and I liked how the kids received gifts from Santa.

I love how thoughtful everyone in town is and how they have all taken a shine to Oswald.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Greta wrote: "I started this today and am through page 64, the chapter called Dreamy Alabama. i'm really enjoying this book so far. The main character is really interesting and I'm curious to read about how his..."

I was wondering the same thing about the mail! I would love to go to this little town for the winter or something. I would be okay with a town taking me under their wing and feeding me!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Greta wrote: "Still liking this book. I'm through page 120.

this is a really sweet book so far. It is nice to see Oswald find a place where he is made to feel welcome and that he belongs. I wonder if Frances w..."

I keep wondering (view spoiler)[ if Oswald will have a love match of if he'll remain single throughout the book. I've also wondered if he would meet the Creole people.

And yes, poor Patsy! What a sweet girl she is. I love that the town is taking care of her. (hide spoiler)]

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Pages 88 through 165

Ha, I liked how Oswald figured out what type of bird he is, haha. I'm so glad he's enjoying his new bird watching hobby.

Ugh... (view spoiler)[ I hate that Patsy was living with that horrible woman!! Ugh, what a selfish hag. I am shocked that the woman just gave the little girl away like she was just an article of clothing or something!! Horrible!! I hope she never comes back around!

I wonder if anyone will ever take Betty's mother to a doctor because of her dementia.

Well, Oswald just saw Julian LaPonde for the first time! I'm sure we will be seeing this character again before the book ends.

The whole scene with the government man made me nervous but kudos to the gang for being really good at making up a story and improvisation!! Yay, they get to keep Patsy. Hopefully, there won't be any drama about that later.

Looks like Patsy is going to have surgery to correct her bones. Yay. What a nice couple of doctors! Wow, this town seems to take place in another era. Everyone is so helpful and friendly, even the visitors!

Oh no! Jack died. :( That is so sad!! How clever of them to ask Julian to doctor up the bird so Patsy wouldn't notice anything. That poor little girl. I wonder how she will handle the news of Jack's death when she gets home from her surgery.

I wonder if Roy and Marie will have a future together... (hide spoiler)]

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Finished!!

(view spoiler)[

Awww, what a sweet story with a happy ending. Yay for Roy and Marie getting back together! And yay for Oswald and Frances!! Are we good or what?? Took them awhile to realize they should be together but we seemed to know, hehe.

I love that Mildred came around to admitting she really loved the little bird. Hmmm... the snow was a wonder, and all those redbirds!

I agree, this was a perfect book for Christmas. (hide spoiler)]