A Redbird Christmas

A Novel

By: Fannie Flagg

Narrated by: Fannie Flagg

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

With the same incomparable style and warm, inviting voice that have made her beloved by millions of people 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.

©2004 Willina Lane Productions (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Flagg makes this down-home story about good neighbors and the power of love sparkle with wit and humor....Flagg is a gifted storyteller who knows how to tug at readers' heartstrings, winding up her satisfying holiday tale with the requisite Christmas miracle." (Publishers Weekly)

Cute Christmas Story

What did you like best about this story?

This was a charming story about a small town of lovely people. Very enjoyable red!

A great Christmas listen

I just loved this short novel. Such a sweet story about a small town and love of all different kinds. I plan to listen each Christmas hereafter. Great character development and great story.

Heartwarming

No one does heartwarming better than Fannie Flagg, at least if they do, I haven't heard about them. And contrary to my expectations at least, although she can get a little cornpone, it is with so much charm that it is easily forgiven. Her characters are imperfect but lovable, and this particular story, although sentimental, is never mawkish. I think everyone yearns for the type of community that pulls together to help their weakest link. This is the story of a middle aged man with an alcohol problem and a little girl who is abandoned to people who can't afford her and don't want her. All the quirky residents of a small Alabama town on the gulf take in these two lost orphans and....well lots of things happen to them but rest assured the ending is happy despite some losses they have to endure. It is a perfect story for the Christmas season.
(My only complaint is that it is a little high priced and does not have the "whispersync" feature.)

Awesome, warm Christmas story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Orson was my favorite character because he started out as such a hopeless person and evolved throughout the story.

What about Fannie Flagg’s performance did you like?

The way that Fannie Flagg performed the book was part of its charm. Her voice took me to the small community and drew me in. Her narration was part of the atmosphere.

If you could rename A Redbird Christmas, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change anything about this book. It was perfect!

Any additional comments?

Reading this book was like becoming part of a small community with heart warming and quirky residents. I loved the way that the whole community rallied around a resident in need. The main character in the story, the redbird, was magical. This was a book with a good plot that I couldn't predict and a wonderful ending! I would recommend this book to anyone.

I Love This Book

I am fromBirmingham and knew of Fannie as I would see her picture in the paper each year as she entered the Miss Alabama contest. It has been nice to watch her career grow and I’m happy she began writing as I enjoy her stories. Many coincidental things in this book that relate to me made it such fun to read. I’m called Midge but my given name Is Mildred and my sister is Betty. My close friend growing up was Francis. I went to many events where the Auburn Knights played.
Before my Mother died at 93, she said she would come back and leave a feather for me. One day as I was cleaning with no radio or tv on, I heard my mothers voice say my name. I spun around and of course no one was there. I sat down in shock trying to make sense of it not knowing what to think. I happened to look down where I had been standing before and there was a small red feather on the floor. Of course, the cardinal was her favorite bird and she had two Aundrea cardinal porcelain birds on each end of her mantle.
The book was charming with wonderful well developed characters and a sweet story. I had tears in my eyes as it ended. The best Christmas story I read this season.

Cute and wholesome

I loved the movie Green Fried Tomatoes but didn't know it was a book. I came across the book later in life and learned that it was Fannie Flagg, So I started reading/listening to anything written by her. It is great break from all the worst things in the world type of books. Nostalgic, funny, lessons, etc.

Fun for Christmas

Ms Flagg should NEVER read her own work! Cute story if you can get past her narration.

a wonderful Christmas story.

This is a sweet simple story and something I listen to every Christmas. fannie flagg is a gifted writer

A Sweet Story

I absolutely love listening to this story. It was so nice to go back in time and hear about how life used to even for cell phones.

Fannie is the cutest!!!!!!

Just the most enjoyable book ever!!!! Love this author! Wish she was my mom or aunt or grandma!