Songbird

by Lisa Samson

In Lisa Samson's moving novel, the wife of a popular televangelist discovers a family secret that threatens to destroy her marriage and her husband's ministry.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary

480 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

The Christy-award winning author of nineteen books including the Women of Faith Novel of the Year Quaker Summer, Lisa Samson has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks." She lives in Kentucky with her husband and three kids.

Also, published under the name L.L. Samson

Reviews

[Gray Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring and extraordinary book!

Definitely a more mature read though.

Full review to come (hopefully).

[Liz Estrada · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had no idea when I picked this up at my used bookstore, desperate for new books, that this was an evangelical Christian novel. But I persisted and read it all. Talk about a "maxwell silver hammer" banging down on your head. All about finding Jesus. Not my kind of book at all. It gets one star basically just for my perseverance to keep reading. Off to try and read something better and wiser.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, reread.

Another one I read about 20 years ago and remembered very little of the plot. Lisa Samson has such a unique author voice and does an excellent first person POV. The Passion of Mary Margaret was an absolute five star favorite that I look forward to rereading. But this one was tough.

Over the course of Songbird I came to know, love, and root for Charmaine as she unfolds her life story. That said, while this book has its upswings and glimmers and moments of hope and happiness it ultimately left me feeling rather down. Lots of bad (though not necessarily terrible) things happen throughout her life and you’re right there in her head as she experiences them. Though I wouldn’t say this ended on a downturn it did not leave this reader feeling particularly cheery or inspired. Great writing, but one I hesitate to recommend as an uplifting read.

[Kirsten Kroeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently discovered Lisa Samson and... what variety! None of her (3) books I've read so far are anything like the other.

This is overtly religious (her husband's a travelling preacher), and the thick southern first person drawl would have been enough for me to abandon the book. Not generally my style.

However, the mental health aspect was intriguing, the decent pace (the book spans 20ish years?) and a sleepless night had me finishing it and being impressed.

Relatable? No.
Enjoyable? sort of
Unexpectedly profound - yes!

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a likable character! Charmaine is a down-to-earth girl who survives life’s struggles with pluck. This novel is also an interesting look at mental health and the fishbowl of public ministry in the 80’s.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully heartbreaking story that deals with mental illness and family struggles. Despite all of the challenges, Jesus and the people around her sustain the main character throughout and provide such hope.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very real

[Katie Powner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book was how honest it was. A lot of gritty material but no pat answers given.

[Linda Koehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was kinda crazy but I about made myself listen to it until a bit over half done. Then I decided I liked it 😊

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not preachy, not over emphasizing the religious theme. Very good story. Had a mixture of romance, sadness, laughter and suspense. One part left the reader hanging (at least I was), wanted answers, but none came. A good look into the life of being a celebrity, as well, making us mindful that even though one calls themselves Christian it is not necessarily the way one behaves, no matter what position they hold. Very relevant to the news we are hearing about today in the life of the famous.

[Kristie Kercheval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being in vocational ministry, I felt a connection with the character Charmaine. There are expectations you place on yourself that are unrealistic, and others place expectations on you that are unrealistic. It is sometimes hard to know when you are to be content, and when you need to speak up. The scene where she thinks they are moving into a house, but it turns out to just be a bigger motorhome is classic. She is so disappointed, yet she doesn't want to complain. Things after all, reasons Charmaine, could be worse!

And some things do get worse for Charmaine. Some of her worst fears come to pass. Yet each time there is a way out of the darkness through her faith and the love of those around her. Even her husband who preached against modern psychology eventually comes to accept her need to take medication to combat her ongoing struggle with depression. He becomes like Christ to her when he brings her homemade chicken soup and her prescriptions during her darkest hours. I found her husband's transformation in the story to be especially touching. He's not perfect, but he is willing to change and is always supportive of Charmaine.

[Pr Latta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to soldier through this domestic Christian fiction title -- 9 weeks later, I'm halfway through and still haven't gotten to the point the library's summary describes. This is a book of process not plot. Gentle read, inspirational but not primarily in a religious way. First person enhances the story. I enjoyed the sense of place (Lynchburg & New Jersey & and even on the road) and the characterizations. Though it has received a Christy (Christian fiction) award, it is not evangelical -- Samson is just telling the story -- which makes it a good crossover for people who enjoy domestic fiction.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and inspiring story, with some humorous moments as well, with a likable protagonist you just can't help but root for. Charmaine Whitehead was abandoned by her mother at the age of eleven, but Charmaine has a strong spirit, and a close relationship with God, thanks to her first foster family and their belief in Charmaine and her beautiful voice. Despite all odds, Charmaine enters adulthood with her virtue intact and the beginnings of a career in the gospel music industry. As Charmaine struggles with the fact that her mother has no intention of ever finding Charmaine again, she begins to learn things about herself and the power of love and its ability to heal and allow forgiveness.

[Charmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty hard not to like a book when the protagonist has your own first name - especially when that name is rare and you've only met a handful of other women with the same name in your entire lifetime. But, aside from the fact that Charmaine and I have the same name, this was also a very good story. Lisa Samson is able to portray the ups and downs of the Christian walk in a realistic yet hopeful way.

Clean readers: yes, this one is fine.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful, lyrical, story of a woman who from childhood experienced heartbreaking events, and yet through her middle-aged eyes as narrator, traces God's care and grace throughout her life, to her salvation, and her ministry with her husband in later years. I've read 3 of Lisa Samson's books so far, loved each one of them, but loved this one the most. The writing is so engaging, the voice of the character is unique and fits a singer/poet. Realistic, redemptive, inspiring novel.

[Karen Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know Charmaine. She was such an admirable character. I was amazed at how she persevered and wrestled with life so that she came out on top!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's definitely a girlie book. A little mushy, but Lisa Samson is the first Christian fiction writer I have come across whom I can stomach. It tells the story of a girl who has a very tragic life. She loses me a little towards the end in her choice of a mate for the main character (very cheesy). But is a good read, no kleenex needed.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fun book to read. You can totally hear the southern, bubbly voice in the way it is written. It is also written in 1st person, which is different from most books I read, but definitely made the book better. Its an engaging story. I laughed and cried. I really enjoyed it and will be looking into more Lisa Sampson books.

[Hildy Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: A-

Very much enjoyed this one. The author was amazingly successful at stepping away from her own voice and getting head the head of a poor, uneducated southern girl! The turn of phrase and language used was completely unlike other Lisa Samson novels I have read! And the story was good too!

[Ccobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read...the story is about a young girl's tragic life after her mother abandons her, the people God brings into her life during fostercare stays and how the God-given singing talent she has heals her emotional wounds.

[Jan Ackerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Samson's writing! She's got great skills with dialog and characterization, and a wonderful way of combining wit with drama. This was the first of hers that I read, and still one of my favorites.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. The only negative is that ending feels a little... fast? Unresolved? I'm not sure, it's just not as satisfying as I think it could have been.

Book trigger warning - Rape, child abuse/neglect, addiction

[Debbie Marshall]

This was the first book I read by Lisa Samson. I found the characters quite believable. I have recommended this book to others to read, because of the way the main character was ashamed of needing to take antidepressants because of her Christian faith.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was awesome and quirky and made me think of the movie Beaches.

[Julie Mihevc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

better than I expected. kept me fully engaged.

[Katrina]

This was an easy read with endearing characters and an interesting look at the intersection of psychology and Christianity.

[Eunira]

I did not read this book - I sent it to the UK by BookMooch.

[Shelly♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lisa Samson's writing. This character was also in a couple of her other books, so I knew some of the outcome based upon that. This is a story of hope and the love of Jesus for everyone.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting; a sad soulful story of a little girl growing up in the South with mental illness in the family.