A Redbird Christmas

Fannie Flagg is the author of A Redbird Christmas. The story starts out with Oliver T. Campbell going to the doctor only to learn his lungs have worsened and he should get his affairs in order. The doctor recommends moving out of Chicago to a warmer place. He brings out a pamphlet that his father, also a doctor, had about a hotel in Alabama. Oliver lives alone in a hotel in Chicago. He tries to call the hotel but learns it has burned down years ago. He calls the city community hall to ask for housing recommendations. Francis is there setting up for a community picnic. She talks to Oliver and explains the situation. The next day Frances calls Oliver back and says she found him a place to stay. He can stay with a neighbor's spare room. Her neighbor lives there with her mother who has dementia.  The price is right and all meals are included. So Oliver moves to Lost River, Alabama where the mail comes by boat to the mailboxes on the docks. Oliver gradually makes friends with people in the town including the store owner, Jack. Jack rescued a redbird from two kids who shot it with a pellet gun. Now the bird lives in the store. The story is a charming sculpture of small town life. Ordinary people doing ordinary things. I loved this book.