Tiger Lillie (Paperback)

by Lisa Samson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
This is a breakthrough novel for the award-winning Samson, whose exuberant prose, zany characters and willingness to tinker with some cherished boundaries of Christian fiction make this story memorable. One of the most enjoyable characters is Cristoff, an epileptic, celibate gay man who loves Kay Arthur Bible studies and old movies with equal passion. He's best buddies with Lillie Bauer (think My Best Friend's Wedding), or "Tiger Lillie" as she's nicknamed, a big-bosomed, size-16 Hungarian Episcopalian asthmatic who celebrates her birthday each year by bungee jumping in an evening gown. Together, she and Cristoff run Baltimore's most offbeat business, Extreme Weddings and the Extremely Odd Occasion. The perspective snaps briskly back and forth between Lillie and her little sister, Tacy, married to the rather one-dimensional fundamentalist Rawlins McGovern, which adds intriguing tension to the plot—and some spiritually spooky moments. Samson pushes the boundaries of sexual innuendo and spirituality farther than in her earlier work, which gives her writing more authenticity. Those with weak stomachs will find a few short paragraphs about the crucifixion gruesome, and Samson's writing occasionally drifts over the top ("The humidity of the estuary coats my throat, wrapping my tongue in the taste of summer's end and the dark settling of the day"). However, this talented novelist isn't afraid to take risks, and she gets more inventive with each book.
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Review
“Reading Tiger Lillie is like bungee jumping in a prom dress–breathless, extreme, elegant, a mixture of freefall reflection and being jerked back to heart-stopping reality! I was completely captivated by Lisa Samson’s quirky and colorful characters, so tender and down-to-earth, but bold and dangerous when one they love is threatened. You’ll never forget Tiger Lillie.”
–Neta Jackson, author of The Yada Yada Prayer Group novels

“Lisa Samson has done it again! A superbly told story that immediately captivated me with its loveable and quirky characters. The intricacies of relationship between two completely different sisters provide an intriguing and captivating read–a story that becomes a real page-turner toward the end! Way to go, Lisa!”
–Melody Carlson, award winning author of Finding Alice, Crystal Lies and Diary of a Teenage Girl series

“Like sprinkles of paprika on a sea of sour cream, Tiger Lillie’s colorful characters catch the attention and tantalize the taste buds. I read this novel in one sitting, but I’ll not soon forget the cast of flavorful characters–Lillie and Tacy and Christoff and Gordon. Lisa Samson writes with surprising honesty, genuine love, and indefatigable hope. Make time for this one–you’ll love it!”   
–Angela Hunt, author of The Awakening

“Many writers in the genre of Christian fiction shy away from characters who stray too far outside ‘safe’ conservative lines. Thankfully, Lisa Samson seems to understand that to breathe life into wonderfully flawed characters is to paint a refreshingly honest and compelling picture of the foibles and follies of the human experience. In Tiger Lillie, she does just that. Brilliantly.”
–Constance Rhodes, founder of FINDINGbalance.com and editor of The Art of Being: Reflections on the Beauty and the Risk of Embracing Who We Are

“Wow!  What a book!  Strong, courageous characters, compelling storyline, hidden truths that jump out and grab you–all in Lisa Samson’s marvelous and unique voice.  Loved it!  Loved it!”
–Gayle Roper, author of Winter Winds, Autumn Dreams, Summer Shadows, and Spring Rain

“Nobody writes like Lisa Samson. Not even Lisa Samson! That’s because each of
her novels is different, exposing yet another aspect of her literary talent.
See for yourself in Tiger Lillie, a fresh and wonderful addition to her unique
body of work.”
–James Scott Bell, Christy Award-Winning author of Breach of Promise and A Certain Truth

“Lillie and Tacy, two sisters brimming with joie de vie, delight and then draw us into their life and death struggle with darkness. Tiger Lillie provokes thought as it tugs the heart.”
–Lyn Cote, author of Winter’s Secret

“Tiger Lillie showcases Lisa Samson’s unique ability to write in-your-face fiction. Her vivid characters reach out and grab, providing a contrast between the self-centered mind and the dedicated heart of those who claim His name. This is her best book yet!”
–Lois Richer, author of Dangerous Sanctuary

“Lisa Samson creates the most wonderful, quirky characters, ones that jump off the page and into your heart. Tiger Lilly kept me up way too late reading. Lisa’s voice is unlike any other writer out there, and she’s addicting. If you haven’t discovered this phenomenal writer yet, you’re in for a treat with Tiger Lilly.”
–Colleen Coble, author of Without a Trace and Beyond a Doubt

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578565987
• ISBN-13: 978-1578565986
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #525,245 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't ask for more, January 28, 2005

By	Marilynn Griffith (Florida United States) - See all my reviews

Mrs. Samson's books always undo me in such a way, that I can't review them exactly, but I must try.

First, there was the language--colors, tastes, textures. Orange personalities and mustard silk sentences, phrases that slip over you like a favorite spread. I tried to write down the quotes, but there quickly became too many to count.

And there was soon too much story to bother with such things, too much humor and heartbreak. Too much truth, sheathed in just enough grace to cover the hard parts until I could take them.

Others have told of the top layer of TIGER LILLIE, a spicy mash sprinkled with the love inherited by the daughter of a blind Episcopalian and the need exploited in her younger sister. It's a tale of sufficient grace, of facing the skeletons, sometimes even the one under our flesh. Between the flamboyant flowers, wonderful gowns and delicious food of the employees of an extreme wedding planning company, rest courageous, kind souls whose collective, quiet love is always on time.

Beneath the story rests a mirror, a glassy sea, allowing the light of Christ to refract between the pages. It is this light that brings me here, breathless, minutes after turning the last page. It is this light that brings me back to Mrs. Samson's books again and again. It is this light that draws me closer, for a better glimpse of Jesus.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a fun book, January 10, 2005

By	lor369 (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This was such an excellent book. This book dealt with a woman who was struggling to get her sister and niece out of an
abusive situation.

This book was just about the abusive situation. The book also talked about Lillie's struggles with her love life and about
her quirky set of friends. They were so fun to read about. And I liked the balance in the book, between something so horrible as abuse, but as fun as friends and romance.

I love the humor in the book. I really loved how 6 year old Lillie was envisioning "skeletons in her closet".

Samson creates such unique characters in her books. Many books portray characters who are so glamorous. Samson's characters
may not be the most glamorous, but her characters are everyday people with quirks just like everyone else.

I also loved how she interwove life in communist Hungary into the book, and the story of Lillie's mother's escape from
Hungary. The women in this book are remarkable.

I highly recommend this book. I can't wait for Samson's next book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discover Unfettered Talent, October 31, 2004

By	Don Pape (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The writer of this book - and several others - is pure genius. She has captured the pathos of contemporary women. Infused with brilliant glimpses of a life of faith, Lisa Samson is a force to be reckoned with...watch this wondrous talent.
I hope that you too will enjoy Tiger Lillie...and the many other characters Lisa introduces in the pages of this novel. Enjoy!