Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

an engaging journey.., 17 Sep 2008
One of the funniest books I've read for a long time..thorougly engaging account of a young girl's life in 1950's America. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, 20 Aug 2006
Once again, this is a Fannie Flagg novel that ticks all the right boxes.
It is written from the perspective of Daisy Fay, a young girl growing up in a small town on the Mississippi coast.
Her life is turbulent from the start, and she is always getting into some kind of trouble, but she maintains a sassy and humorous attitude.

Once I'd started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's wonderful!

the most amazing book ever, 20 Feb 2005
Daisy fay and the miracle man is THE best book in the world. I first read it when I was 11 and have re-read it again and again for well over ten years. It's hilarious and will make you laugh until you cry. It's very difficult to put down because its full of one adventure after another. Daisy is a wonderful character, with a father somewhat like the hapless Al Bundy from 'Married with Children,'always getting her (and himself)into scrapes but with a heart of gold. It apeals to all ages. Treat yourself and buy it for the best read you'll ever have!

A Beautiful book, 08 Jan 2003
This book takes the form of a journal of a young girl. She records the details of her life as a child through to early adulthood. It is a beautiful, yet sad book. Her circumstances and the people in her life could leave her embittered but she never loses her innocent charm and acceptance of all that life holds. As is typical when we see things through the eyes of a child, there are loads of really funny moments but many others that will make you weep.

Oh to be a Southeren gal, 08 Oct 2001
This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me sad, made me unable to put it down. It is written briliiantly and anyone who enjoyed 'fried green tomatoes..' will love this.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

an engaging journey.., 17 Sep 2008
One of the funniest books I've read for a long time..thorougly engaging account of a young girl's life in 1950's America. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, 20 Aug 2006
Once again, this is a Fannie Flagg novel that ticks all the right boxes.
It is written from the perspective of Daisy Fay, a young girl growing up in a small town on the Mississippi coast.
Her life is turbulent from the start, and she is always getting into some kind of trouble, but she maintains a sassy and humorous attitude.

Once I'd started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's wonderful!

the most amazing book ever, 20 Feb 2005
Daisy fay and the miracle man is THE best book in the world. I first read it when I was 11 and have re-read it again and again for well over ten years. It's hilarious and will make you laugh until you cry. It's very difficult to put down because its full of one adventure after another. Daisy is a wonderful character, with a father somewhat like the hapless Al Bundy from 'Married with Children,'always getting her (and himself)into scrapes but with a heart of gold. It apeals to all ages. Treat yourself and buy it for the best read you'll ever have!

A Beautiful book, 08 Jan 2003
This book takes the form of a journal of a young girl. She records the details of her life as a child through to early adulthood. It is a beautiful, yet sad book. Her circumstances and the people in her life could leave her embittered but she never loses her innocent charm and acceptance of all that life holds. As is typical when we see things through the eyes of a child, there are loads of really funny moments but many others that will make you weep.

Oh to be a Southeren gal, 08 Oct 2001
This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me sad, made me unable to put it down. It is written briliiantly and anyone who enjoyed 'fried green tomatoes..' will love this.

American As Apple Pie, As Familiar As Your Own Family, 21 Sep 2007
I've read most of Ms. Flagg's books, and I can say I enjoyed this one most of all. The characters are lovable and real; when I read about this character or that, I can see my own family member's faces. The story manages to cover so many decades and yet there's no feeling of being rushed through any of them. There were parts in which I laughed out loud, and moments when I sat with tears running down my face. It is as real as life gets, and it really does make you long for those simple, sweet days when America was the best place on earth to be - and for good reason. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what small town life in the States is all about. Bravo, Fannie Flagg!

A Brilliant Lovely Read, 10 Jan 2005
I love reading Fannie's novels. They are so warm and evocative, and perfect for curling up with in a comfy armchair to while away an afternoon.

'Standing In The Rainbow' takes us to Neighbour Dorothy's town, (she also appears in 'Welcome to the World, Baby Girl'), and I love the continuity and reading all about her family. Bobby made me laugh out loud, and Anna Lee and Hamm and Betty Ray. The characters are colourful and totally beleiveable.

I find that I can read her novels over and over, and are excellent to raise one's spirits!

Thumbs up and a big gold star!!

Standing in the Rainbow, 22 Sep 2003
If you have read 'Welcome to the World Baby Girl!' then you will recognise some of the characters in this book, mainly Neighbour Dorothy. If you like Flagg's work then you will find this novel another treat. She is still doing what she seems to do best: creating a world of eccentric snd funny characters. The novel covers a 7 decade timescale and there are insights into quite a few members of the Elmwood Springs community. Underneath the humour and quirky characters Flagg makes a social comment on American life.

Fannie Flagg does not disappoint, 08 May 2003
Have just read "Fried Green Tomatoes", "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" and "Standing in the Rainbow" in quick succession and find Fannie Falgg's novels wonderful. She has such insight into characters of all ages and I laughed and cried while reading all these books. Cannot recommend them too highly.

Excellent, 20 Jan 2003
For fellow Flagg fans, this book won't disappoint.

Set in small town America and recording the exploits of a family and their friends from the 1940s to the present day. The characters are three dimensional and you keep reading wanting to know what happens.

If I have one criticism of Fannie Flagg it is that she doesn't write enough books.

With home-cooked, Southern literary flair, Fannie Flagg (Fried Green Tomatoes) returns with Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! "Baby Girl", as she is lovingly referred to by her sweet, country cousins, is Dena Nordstrom, a tall, blonde, corn-fed girl who makes it big in Manhattan. Ms.Nordstrom is now the top TV anchorwoman in the city, beating out veteran journalists and making ungodly amounts of money. Although her life seems charmed, Dena is frazzled and miserable. She drinks uncontrollably, is a borderline compulsive liar, and is forced to undergo therapy because of her stress-induced ulcer. Her psychiatrist, Dr. O'Malley, falls madly in love with her, of course, and sends the blonde bombshell to a close colleague, Dr. Diggers. Living up to her name, Diggers shovels up a mountain of dysfunction and forces Dena to face her mysterious past; all the while the good doctor reports back to broken- hearted O'Malley about her patient's progress. Meanwhile, back at the station, Ms. Nordstrom has made friends and enemies in very high places. Her greatest ally is Howard Kingsley, the Cronkitesque reporter who wields power with more ease than most seasoned politicos: "He closed the door and handed the driver a 10 dollar bill. 'Take this young lady where she wants to go for me, will you? And be careful, she's valuable property'". It's a good thing she has friends like that, because her boss, Ira Wallace, makes George Costanza from Seinfeld look like a scrupulous saint. When Wallace hires a nasty but effective mole by the name of Sidney Capello to dig up garbage on celebrities, Nordstrom has a head-on collision with his sense of ethics (or lack thereof) and gets Capello canned. Or so she thinks. Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is very much like its star, Dena Nordstrom: pretty, scattered, confused, and sometimes interesting. It's a long ride from the Whistle Stop Cafe.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

an engaging journey.., 17 Sep 2008
One of the funniest books I've read for a long time..thorougly engaging account of a young girl's life in 1950's America. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, 20 Aug 2006
Once again, this is a Fannie Flagg novel that ticks all the right boxes.
It is written from the perspective of Daisy Fay, a young girl growing up in a small town on the Mississippi coast.
Her life is turbulent from the start, and she is always getting into some kind of trouble, but she maintains a sassy and humorous attitude.

Once I'd started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's wonderful!

the most amazing book ever, 20 Feb 2005
Daisy fay and the miracle man is THE best book in the world. I first read it when I was 11 and have re-read it again and again for well over ten years. It's hilarious and will make you laugh until you cry. It's very difficult to put down because its full of one adventure after another. Daisy is a wonderful character, with a father somewhat like the hapless Al Bundy from 'Married with Children,'always getting her (and himself)into scrapes but with a heart of gold. It apeals to all ages. Treat yourself and buy it for the best read you'll ever have!

A Beautiful book, 08 Jan 2003
This book takes the form of a journal of a young girl. She records the details of her life as a child through to early adulthood. It is a beautiful, yet sad book. Her circumstances and the people in her life could leave her embittered but she never loses her innocent charm and acceptance of all that life holds. As is typical when we see things through the eyes of a child, there are loads of really funny moments but many others that will make you weep.

Oh to be a Southeren gal, 08 Oct 2001
This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me sad, made me unable to put it down. It is written briliiantly and anyone who enjoyed 'fried green tomatoes..' will love this.

American As Apple Pie, As Familiar As Your Own Family, 21 Sep 2007
I've read most of Ms. Flagg's books, and I can say I enjoyed this one most of all. The characters are lovable and real; when I read about this character or that, I can see my own family member's faces. The story manages to cover so many decades and yet there's no feeling of being rushed through any of them. There were parts in which I laughed out loud, and moments when I sat with tears running down my face. It is as real as life gets, and it really does make you long for those simple, sweet days when America was the best place on earth to be - and for good reason. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what small town life in the States is all about. Bravo, Fannie Flagg!

A Brilliant Lovely Read, 10 Jan 2005
I love reading Fannie's novels. They are so warm and evocative, and perfect for curling up with in a comfy armchair to while away an afternoon.

'Standing In The Rainbow' takes us to Neighbour Dorothy's town, (she also appears in 'Welcome to the World, Baby Girl'), and I love the continuity and reading all about her family. Bobby made me laugh out loud, and Anna Lee and Hamm and Betty Ray. The characters are colourful and totally beleiveable.

I find that I can read her novels over and over, and are excellent to raise one's spirits!

Thumbs up and a big gold star!!

Standing in the Rainbow, 22 Sep 2003
If you have read 'Welcome to the World Baby Girl!' then you will recognise some of the characters in this book, mainly Neighbour Dorothy. If you like Flagg's work then you will find this novel another treat. She is still doing what she seems to do best: creating a world of eccentric snd funny characters. The novel covers a 7 decade timescale and there are insights into quite a few members of the Elmwood Springs community. Underneath the humour and quirky characters Flagg makes a social comment on American life.

Fannie Flagg does not disappoint, 08 May 2003
Have just read "Fried Green Tomatoes", "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" and "Standing in the Rainbow" in quick succession and find Fannie Falgg's novels wonderful. She has such insight into characters of all ages and I laughed and cried while reading all these books. Cannot recommend them too highly.

Excellent, 20 Jan 2003
For fellow Flagg fans, this book won't disappoint.

Set in small town America and recording the exploits of a family and their friends from the 1940s to the present day. The characters are three dimensional and you keep reading wanting to know what happens.

If I have one criticism of Fannie Flagg it is that she doesn't write enough books.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!, 15 Sep 2008
This is simply an exceptionally good novel. So much so that I was moved to write this review. If anything, it is better than 'Fried green tomatoes at the whistle stop cafe'. It is moving and at the same time, humorous and a full of mystery. And through Dena's journey of self discovery in the book, you cannot help but ponder over some issues we still face today.

Great follow-up, 29 Nov 2007
After Flagg's smash hit FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, I honestly didn't think she could do any better. I was wrong. WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL is a gem. As someone said, "This is a long way from Whistle Stop Cafe," and the reason is that it's set in Manhattan. I was so reminded more than once of the novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD with its themes of NY corruption vs small town ethics. Basically, Flagg's WELCOME is a bit of a nightmare for our young and beautiful protagonist, Dena Nordstrom (a name conjured up to bring memories of the department store?) and what that young lady goes through at the hands of the ethics-lacking bosses and journalists. One has to wonder how much of this Flagg experienced herself since she's been around for a while and probably has suffered at the hands of others (who hasn't?). Our main character is put through the mill and ends up in therapy where she's once more taken advantage of. There doesn't seem to be an end to what she has to put up with, but as always, Flagg finds the silver lining. Highly recommended book, along with her FRIED GREEN TOMATOES.

wonderful, 16 Jul 2007
I could picture Elmwood Springs and all the characters perfectly because of the wonderful writing. My first Fannie Flagg novel and it won't be my last. Read it in two days and I felt I knew the characters so well I could call them, for a chat. Quite a surprise in there too. Loved it.

Welcome to MY world, Fannie Flagg!, 12 Sep 2006
When i started reading this book i thought it was a bit more 'fluffy' than Fried Green tomatoes...but how wrong I was. It takes a few chapters to get there (tho fun chapters they are), but when you start to learn the background to our heroine's life - wow! I learnt about some history i had never heard of before, and didn't know happened. I really recommend this book - you will learn, you will be outraged, and you will love it.

I also love the way the characters are all fully dimensional. Flagg has a cunning way of dribbling the characters' traits in through the story bit by bit, so you can start off disliking someone and end up fully empathising with them.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl!, 06 Jan 2003
Fannie Flagg excels in creating marvellous characters, and all her novels are testimony to this. What makes "Baby Girl" such a storming book is the mix of small-town, wholesome American life and the corruption and rat-race of New York. The storyline unfolds mostly via these two settings and the flitting back from the 70s to the 40s and the decades in between means the promise of"just one more chapter" will inevitably be very hard to keep.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

an engaging journey.., 17 Sep 2008
One of the funniest books I've read for a long time..thorougly engaging account of a young girl's life in 1950's America. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, 20 Aug 2006
Once again, this is a Fannie Flagg novel that ticks all the right boxes.
It is written from the perspective of Daisy Fay, a young girl growing up in a small town on the Mississippi coast.
Her life is turbulent from the start, and she is always getting into some kind of trouble, but she maintains a sassy and humorous attitude.

Once I'd started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's wonderful!

the most amazing book ever, 20 Feb 2005
Daisy fay and the miracle man is THE best book in the world. I first read it when I was 11 and have re-read it again and again for well over ten years. It's hilarious and will make you laugh until you cry. It's very difficult to put down because its full of one adventure after another. Daisy is a wonderful character, with a father somewhat like the hapless Al Bundy from 'Married with Children,'always getting her (and himself)into scrapes but with a heart of gold. It apeals to all ages. Treat yourself and buy it for the best read you'll ever have!

A Beautiful book, 08 Jan 2003
This book takes the form of a journal of a young girl. She records the details of her life as a child through to early adulthood. It is a beautiful, yet sad book. Her circumstances and the people in her life could leave her embittered but she never loses her innocent charm and acceptance of all that life holds. As is typical when we see things through the eyes of a child, there are loads of really funny moments but many others that will make you weep.

Oh to be a Southeren gal, 08 Oct 2001
This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me sad, made me unable to put it down. It is written briliiantly and anyone who enjoyed 'fried green tomatoes..' will love this.

American As Apple Pie, As Familiar As Your Own Family, 21 Sep 2007
I've read most of Ms. Flagg's books, and I can say I enjoyed this one most of all. The characters are lovable and real; when I read about this character or that, I can see my own family member's faces. The story manages to cover so many decades and yet there's no feeling of being rushed through any of them. There were parts in which I laughed out loud, and moments when I sat with tears running down my face. It is as real as life gets, and it really does make you long for those simple, sweet days when America was the best place on earth to be - and for good reason. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what small town life in the States is all about. Bravo, Fannie Flagg!

A Brilliant Lovely Read, 10 Jan 2005
I love reading Fannie's novels. They are so warm and evocative, and perfect for curling up with in a comfy armchair to while away an afternoon.

'Standing In The Rainbow' takes us to Neighbour Dorothy's town, (she also appears in 'Welcome to the World, Baby Girl'), and I love the continuity and reading all about her family. Bobby made me laugh out loud, and Anna Lee and Hamm and Betty Ray. The characters are colourful and totally beleiveable.

I find that I can read her novels over and over, and are excellent to raise one's spirits!

Thumbs up and a big gold star!!

Standing in the Rainbow, 22 Sep 2003
If you have read 'Welcome to the World Baby Girl!' then you will recognise some of the characters in this book, mainly Neighbour Dorothy. If you like Flagg's work then you will find this novel another treat. She is still doing what she seems to do best: creating a world of eccentric snd funny characters. The novel covers a 7 decade timescale and there are insights into quite a few members of the Elmwood Springs community. Underneath the humour and quirky characters Flagg makes a social comment on American life.

Fannie Flagg does not disappoint, 08 May 2003
Have just read "Fried Green Tomatoes", "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" and "Standing in the Rainbow" in quick succession and find Fannie Falgg's novels wonderful. She has such insight into characters of all ages and I laughed and cried while reading all these books. Cannot recommend them too highly.

Excellent, 20 Jan 2003
For fellow Flagg fans, this book won't disappoint.

Set in small town America and recording the exploits of a family and their friends from the 1940s to the present day. The characters are three dimensional and you keep reading wanting to know what happens.

If I have one criticism of Fannie Flagg it is that she doesn't write enough books.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!, 15 Sep 2008
This is simply an exceptionally good novel. So much so that I was moved to write this review. If anything, it is better than 'Fried green tomatoes at the whistle stop cafe'. It is moving and at the same time, humorous and a full of mystery. And through Dena's journey of self discovery in the book, you cannot help but ponder over some issues we still face today.

Great follow-up, 29 Nov 2007
After Flagg's smash hit FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, I honestly didn't think she could do any better. I was wrong. WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL is a gem. As someone said, "This is a long way from Whistle Stop Cafe," and the reason is that it's set in Manhattan. I was so reminded more than once of the novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD with its themes of NY corruption vs small town ethics. Basically, Flagg's WELCOME is a bit of a nightmare for our young and beautiful protagonist, Dena Nordstrom (a name conjured up to bring memories of the department store?) and what that young lady goes through at the hands of the ethics-lacking bosses and journalists. One has to wonder how much of this Flagg experienced herself since she's been around for a while and probably has suffered at the hands of others (who hasn't?). Our main character is put through the mill and ends up in therapy where she's once more taken advantage of. There doesn't seem to be an end to what she has to put up with, but as always, Flagg finds the silver lining. Highly recommended book, along with her FRIED GREEN TOMATOES.

wonderful, 16 Jul 2007
I could picture Elmwood Springs and all the characters perfectly because of the wonderful writing. My first Fannie Flagg novel and it won't be my last. Read it in two days and I felt I knew the characters so well I could call them, for a chat. Quite a surprise in there too. Loved it.

Welcome to MY world, Fannie Flagg!, 12 Sep 2006
When i started reading this book i thought it was a bit more 'fluffy' than Fried Green tomatoes...but how wrong I was. It takes a few chapters to get there (tho fun chapters they are), but when you start to learn the background to our heroine's life - wow! I learnt about some history i had never heard of before, and didn't know happened. I really recommend this book - you will learn, you will be outraged, and you will love it.

I also love the way the characters are all fully dimensional. Flagg has a cunning way of dribbling the characters' traits in through the story bit by bit, so you can start off disliking someone and end up fully empathising with them.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl!, 06 Jan 2003
Fannie Flagg excels in creating marvellous characters, and all her novels are testimony to this. What makes "Baby Girl" such a storming book is the mix of small-town, wholesome American life and the corruption and rat-race of New York. The storyline unfolds mostly via these two settings and the flitting back from the 70s to the 40s and the decades in between means the promise of"just one more chapter" will inevitably be very hard to keep.

feel good book with heavenly recipes too!, 05 Jul 2008
Like other readers I found this book quite hard to get into. I put it down after the first few chapters and left it on my book shelf for months. Then one day I picked it up again and I am so glad I did. This time I read it from chapter 4 to the end in just a couple of days. It was wonderful! Full of wisdom and love. Thank you Fannie Flagg!



Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, 03 May 2008
First Fannie Flagg I've read, but I have loved the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Love it, if you have ever love and lost someone dear to your heart this book will give you a warm feeling. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, if other reviews say its not her best then I can't wait to read the others.

Worthy read., 26 Apr 2008
Anyone who has read any of her books will love this one. Elner has a fall from a tree while collecting figs, it then transpires that she has died!!! Or has she? Amusing and touching well worth a read. The news spreads of her death and there follows the story and how it affects everyone who knew/knows her.

A Weak Spot for Fannie Flagg, 14 Mar 2008
Everyone has weak spots when it comes to literature. I love the stories of Fannie Flagg or Patricia Neal to give her real name. Ever since I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe I have been a fan.

On the surface Flagg's books have a naive feel to them, but underneath they make a whole host of comments about human nature. By and large her characters are hometown Americans - the salt of the earth. Her books always see good prevail and at times the people are just too good to be true.

But her observations are very sharp and there is wit and humanity running through them all. Last year I found A Redbird Christmas just a little too sentimentally cloying. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven finds a better balance - never becoming over mawkish. I have to day that at one point I did begin to struggle when the main character "dies" and is ushered into the presence of a God who looks surprisingly like a former neighbour. Here the tale stretched reality just too thinly.

Thankfully after skating on the brink, the story pulls itself back to life - just as the main character does. It is essentially the story of Elner Shimfissle, a minor character in some of the previous Flagg novels. One day she falls out of a fig tree, is certified dead at the hospital, meets God, and comes back to life. Yes I know it sounds ridiculous but Flagg just about gets away with it.

The rest of the novel introduces us to many already well known characters from the world of Elmwood Springs and relates just how Elner touched their lives and there is also a mystery story in how peace loving Elner came to have a gun and what the secret is behind it.

As with most of Flagg's books all loose ends are tied up and you get to a point in this novel where you realise that process is just beginning. Although the storyline of this might be more implausible than in many of her novels there is no doubting that once again Flagg has come up with an easy to read moralistic story of everyday country folk.

Beautiful, 11 Feb 2008
I listened to the audio cassette version of this the reader was fantastic the story was so so beautiful and touching and also made you think. I didn't know if to laugh of cry all Flaggs books are great especially fried green tomatoes

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

an engaging journey.., 17 Sep 2008
One of the funniest books I've read for a long time..thorougly engaging account of a young girl's life in 1950's America. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, 20 Aug 2006
Once again, this is a Fannie Flagg novel that ticks all the right boxes.
It is written from the perspective of Daisy Fay, a young girl growing up in a small town on the Mississippi coast.
Her life is turbulent from the start, and she is always getting into some kind of trouble, but she maintains a sassy and humorous attitude.

Once I'd started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's wonderful!

the most amazing book ever, 20 Feb 2005
Daisy fay and the miracle man is THE best book in the world. I first read it when I was 11 and have re-read it again and again for well over ten years. It's hilarious and will make you laugh until you cry. It's very difficult to put down because its full of one adventure after another. Daisy is a wonderful character, with a father somewhat like the hapless Al Bundy from 'Married with Children,'always getting her (and himself)into scrapes but with a heart of gold. It apeals to all ages. Treat yourself and buy it for the best read you'll ever have!

A Beautiful book, 08 Jan 2003
This book takes the form of a journal of a young girl. She records the details of her life as a child through to early adulthood. It is a beautiful, yet sad book. Her circumstances and the people in her life could leave her embittered but she never loses her innocent charm and acceptance of all that life holds. As is typical when we see things through the eyes of a child, there are loads of really funny moments but many others that will make you weep.

Oh to be a Southeren gal, 08 Oct 2001
This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me sad, made me unable to put it down. It is written briliiantly and anyone who enjoyed 'fried green tomatoes..' will love this.

American As Apple Pie, As Familiar As Your Own Family, 21 Sep 2007
I've read most of Ms. Flagg's books, and I can say I enjoyed this one most of all. The characters are lovable and real; when I read about this character or that, I can see my own family member's faces. The story manages to cover so many decades and yet there's no feeling of being rushed through any of them. There were parts in which I laughed out loud, and moments when I sat with tears running down my face. It is as real as life gets, and it really does make you long for those simple, sweet days when America was the best place on earth to be - and for good reason. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what small town life in the States is all about. Bravo, Fannie Flagg!

A Brilliant Lovely Read, 10 Jan 2005
I love reading Fannie's novels. They are so warm and evocative, and perfect for curling up with in a comfy armchair to while away an afternoon.

'Standing In The Rainbow' takes us to Neighbour Dorothy's town, (she also appears in 'Welcome to the World, Baby Girl'), and I love the continuity and reading all about her family. Bobby made me laugh out loud, and Anna Lee and Hamm and Betty Ray. The characters are colourful and totally beleiveable.

I find that I can read her novels over and over, and are excellent to raise one's spirits!

Thumbs up and a big gold star!!

Standing in the Rainbow, 22 Sep 2003
If you have read 'Welcome to the World Baby Girl!' then you will recognise some of the characters in this book, mainly Neighbour Dorothy. If you like Flagg's work then you will find this novel another treat. She is still doing what she seems to do best: creating a world of eccentric snd funny characters. The novel covers a 7 decade timescale and there are insights into quite a few members of the Elmwood Springs community. Underneath the humour and quirky characters Flagg makes a social comment on American life.

Fannie Flagg does not disappoint, 08 May 2003
Have just read "Fried Green Tomatoes", "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" and "Standing in the Rainbow" in quick succession and find Fannie Falgg's novels wonderful. She has such insight into characters of all ages and I laughed and cried while reading all these books. Cannot recommend them too highly.

Excellent, 20 Jan 2003
For fellow Flagg fans, this book won't disappoint.

Set in small town America and recording the exploits of a family and their friends from the 1940s to the present day. The characters are three dimensional and you keep reading wanting to know what happens.

If I have one criticism of Fannie Flagg it is that she doesn't write enough books.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!, 15 Sep 2008
This is simply an exceptionally good novel. So much so that I was moved to write this review. If anything, it is better than 'Fried green tomatoes at the whistle stop cafe'. It is moving and at the same time, humorous and a full of mystery. And through Dena's journey of self discovery in the book, you cannot help but ponder over some issues we still face today.

Great follow-up, 29 Nov 2007
After Flagg's smash hit FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, I honestly didn't think she could do any better. I was wrong. WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL is a gem. As someone said, "This is a long way from Whistle Stop Cafe," and the reason is that it's set in Manhattan. I was so reminded more than once of the novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD with its themes of NY corruption vs small town ethics. Basically, Flagg's WELCOME is a bit of a nightmare for our young and beautiful protagonist, Dena Nordstrom (a name conjured up to bring memories of the department store?) and what that young lady goes through at the hands of the ethics-lacking bosses and journalists. One has to wonder how much of this Flagg experienced herself since she's been around for a while and probably has suffered at the hands of others (who hasn't?). Our main character is put through the mill and ends up in therapy where she's once more taken advantage of. There doesn't seem to be an end to what she has to put up with, but as always, Flagg finds the silver lining. Highly recommended book, along with her FRIED GREEN TOMATOES.

wonderful, 16 Jul 2007
I could picture Elmwood Springs and all the characters perfectly because of the wonderful writing. My first Fannie Flagg novel and it won't be my last. Read it in two days and I felt I knew the characters so well I could call them, for a chat. Quite a surprise in there too. Loved it.

Welcome to MY world, Fannie Flagg!, 12 Sep 2006
When i started reading this book i thought it was a bit more 'fluffy' than Fried Green tomatoes...but how wrong I was. It takes a few chapters to get there (tho fun chapters they are), but when you start to learn the background to our heroine's life - wow! I learnt about some history i had never heard of before, and didn't know happened. I really recommend this book - you will learn, you will be outraged, and you will love it.

I also love the way the characters are all fully dimensional. Flagg has a cunning way of dribbling the characters' traits in through the story bit by bit, so you can start off disliking someone and end up fully empathising with them.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl!, 06 Jan 2003
Fannie Flagg excels in creating marvellous characters, and all her novels are testimony to this. What makes "Baby Girl" such a storming book is the mix of small-town, wholesome American life and the corruption and rat-race of New York. The storyline unfolds mostly via these two settings and the flitting back from the 70s to the 40s and the decades in between means the promise of"just one more chapter" will inevitably be very hard to keep.

feel good book with heavenly recipes too!, 05 Jul 2008
Like other readers I found this book quite hard to get into. I put it down after the first few chapters and left it on my book shelf for months. Then one day I picked it up again and I am so glad I did. This time I read it from chapter 4 to the end in just a couple of days. It was wonderful! Full of wisdom and love. Thank you Fannie Flagg!



Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, 03 May 2008
First Fannie Flagg I've read, but I have loved the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Love it, if you have ever love and lost someone dear to your heart this book will give you a warm feeling. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, if other reviews say its not her best then I can't wait to read the others.

Worthy read., 26 Apr 2008
Anyone who has read any of her books will love this one. Elner has a fall from a tree while collecting figs, it then transpires that she has died!!! Or has she? Amusing and touching well worth a read. The news spreads of her death and there follows the story and how it affects everyone who knew/knows her.

A Weak Spot for Fannie Flagg, 14 Mar 2008
Everyone has weak spots when it comes to literature. I love the stories of Fannie Flagg or Patricia Neal to give her real name. Ever since I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe I have been a fan.

On the surface Flagg's books have a naive feel to them, but underneath they make a whole host of comments about human nature. By and large her characters are hometown Americans - the salt of the earth. Her books always see good prevail and at times the people are just too good to be true.

But her observations are very sharp and there is wit and humanity running through them all. Last year I found A Redbird Christmas just a little too sentimentally cloying. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven finds a better balance - never becoming over mawkish. I have to day that at one point I did begin to struggle when the main character "dies" and is ushered into the presence of a God who looks surprisingly like a former neighbour. Here the tale stretched reality just too thinly.

Thankfully after skating on the brink, the story pulls itself back to life - just as the main character does. It is essentially the story of Elner Shimfissle, a minor character in some of the previous Flagg novels. One day she falls out of a fig tree, is certified dead at the hospital, meets God, and comes back to life. Yes I know it sounds ridiculous but Flagg just about gets away with it.

The rest of the novel introduces us to many already well known characters from the world of Elmwood Springs and relates just how Elner touched their lives and there is also a mystery story in how peace loving Elner came to have a gun and what the secret is behind it.

As with most of Flagg's books all loose ends are tied up and you get to a point in this novel where you realise that process is just beginning. Although the storyline of this might be more implausible than in many of her novels there is no doubting that once again Flagg has come up with an easy to read moralistic story of everyday country folk.

Beautiful, 11 Feb 2008
I listened to the audio cassette version of this the reader was fantastic the story was so so beautiful and touching and also made you think. I didn't know if to laugh of cry all Flaggs books are great especially fried green tomatoes

feel good book with heavenly recipes too!, 05 Jul 2008
Like other readers I found this book quite hard to get into. I put it down after the first few chapters and left it on my book shelf for months. Then one day I picked it up again and I am so glad I did. This time I read it from chapter 4 to the end in just a couple of days. It was wonderful! Full of wisdom and love. Thank you Fannie Flagg!



Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, 03 May 2008
First Fannie Flagg I've read, but I have loved the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Love it, if you have ever love and lost someone dear to your heart this book will give you a warm feeling. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, if other reviews say its not her best then I can't wait to read the others.

Worthy read., 26 Apr 2008
Anyone who has read any of her books will love this one. Elner has a fall from a tree while collecting figs, it then transpires that she has died!!! Or has she? Amusing and touching well worth a read. The news spreads of her death and there follows the story and how it affects everyone who knew/knows her.

A Weak Spot for Fannie Flagg, 14 Mar 2008
Everyone has weak spots when it comes to literature. I love the stories of Fannie Flagg or Patricia Neal to give her real name. Ever since I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe I have been a fan.

On the surface Flagg's books have a naive feel to them, but underneath they make a whole host of comments about human nature. By and large her characters are hometown Americans - the salt of the earth. Her books always see good prevail and at times the people are just too good to be true.

But her observations are very sharp and there is wit and humanity running through them all. Last year I found A Redbird Christmas just a little too sentimentally cloying. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven finds a better balance - never becoming over mawkish. I have to day that at one point I did begin to struggle when the main character "dies" and is ushered into the presence of a God who looks surprisingly like a former neighbour. Here the tale stretched reality just too thinly.

Thankfully after skating on the brink, the story pulls itself back to life - just as the main character does. It is essentially the story of Elner Shimfissle, a minor character in some of the previous Flagg novels. One day she falls out of a fig tree, is certified dead at the hospital, meets God, and comes back to life. Yes I know it sounds ridiculous but Flagg just about gets away with it.

The rest of the novel introduces us to many already well known characters from the world of Elmwood Springs and relates just how Elner touched their lives and there is also a mystery story in how peace loving Elner came to have a gun and what the secret is behind it.

As with most of Flagg's books all loose ends are tied up and you get to a point in this novel where you realise that process is just beginning. Although the storyline of this might be more implausible than in many of her novels there is no doubting that once again Flagg has come up with an easy to read moralistic story of everyday country folk.

Beautiful, 11 Feb 2008
I listened to the audio cassette version of this the reader was fantastic the story was so so beautiful and touching and also made you think. I didn't know if to laugh of cry all Flaggs books are great especially fried green tomatoes

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

an engaging journey.., 17 Sep 2008
One of the funniest books I've read for a long time..thorougly engaging account of a young girl's life in 1950's America. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, 20 Aug 2006
Once again, this is a Fannie Flagg novel that ticks all the right boxes.
It is written from the perspective of Daisy Fay, a young girl growing up in a small town on the Mississippi coast.
Her life is turbulent from the start, and she is always getting into some kind of trouble, but she maintains a sassy and humorous attitude.

Once I'd started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's wonderful!

the most amazing book ever, 20 Feb 2005
Daisy fay and the miracle man is THE best book in the world. I first read it when I was 11 and have re-read it again and again for well over ten years. It's hilarious and will make you laugh until you cry. It's very difficult to put down because its full of one adventure after another. Daisy is a wonderful character, with a father somewhat like the hapless Al Bundy from 'Married with Children,'always getting her (and himself)into scrapes but with a heart of gold. It apeals to all ages. Treat yourself and buy it for the best read you'll ever have!

A Beautiful book, 08 Jan 2003
This book takes the form of a journal of a young girl. She records the details of her life as a child through to early adulthood. It is a beautiful, yet sad book. Her circumstances and the people in her life could leave her embittered but she never loses her innocent charm and acceptance of all that life holds. As is typical when we see things through the eyes of a child, there are loads of really funny moments but many others that will make you weep.

Oh to be a Southeren gal, 08 Oct 2001
This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me sad, made me unable to put it down. It is written briliiantly and anyone who enjoyed 'fried green tomatoes..' will love this.

American As Apple Pie, As Familiar As Your Own Family, 21 Sep 2007
I've read most of Ms. Flagg's books, and I can say I enjoyed this one most of all. The characters are lovable and real; when I read about this character or that, I can see my own family member's faces. The story manages to cover so many decades and yet there's no feeling of being rushed through any of them. There were parts in which I laughed out loud, and moments when I sat with tears running down my face. It is as real as life gets, and it really does make you long for those simple, sweet days when America was the best place on earth to be - and for good reason. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what small town life in the States is all about. Bravo, Fannie Flagg!

A Brilliant Lovely Read, 10 Jan 2005
I love reading Fannie's novels. They are so warm and evocative, and perfect for curling up with in a comfy armchair to while away an afternoon.

'Standing In The Rainbow' takes us to Neighbour Dorothy's town, (she also appears in 'Welcome to the World, Baby Girl'), and I love the continuity and reading all about her family. Bobby made me laugh out loud, and Anna Lee and Hamm and Betty Ray. The characters are colourful and totally beleiveable.

I find that I can read her novels over and over, and are excellent to raise one's spirits!

Thumbs up and a big gold star!!

Standing in the Rainbow, 22 Sep 2003
If you have read 'Welcome to the World Baby Girl!' then you will recognise some of the characters in this book, mainly Neighbour Dorothy. If you like Flagg's work then you will find this novel another treat. She is still doing what she seems to do best: creating a world of eccentric snd funny characters. The novel covers a 7 decade timescale and there are insights into quite a few members of the Elmwood Springs community. Underneath the humour and quirky characters Flagg makes a social comment on American life.

Fannie Flagg does not disappoint, 08 May 2003
Have just read "Fried Green Tomatoes", "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" and "Standing in the Rainbow" in quick succession and find Fannie Falgg's novels wonderful. She has such insight into characters of all ages and I laughed and cried while reading all these books. Cannot recommend them too highly.

Excellent, 20 Jan 2003
For fellow Flagg fans, this book won't disappoint.

Set in small town America and recording the exploits of a family and their friends from the 1940s to the present day. The characters are three dimensional and you keep reading wanting to know what happens.

If I have one criticism of Fannie Flagg it is that she doesn't write enough books.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!, 15 Sep 2008
This is simply an exceptionally good novel. So much so that I was moved to write this review. If anything, it is better than 'Fried green tomatoes at the whistle stop cafe'. It is moving and at the same time, humorous and a full of mystery. And through Dena's journey of self discovery in the book, you cannot help but ponder over some issues we still face today.

Great follow-up, 29 Nov 2007
After Flagg's smash hit FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, I honestly didn't think she could do any better. I was wrong. WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL is a gem. As someone said, "This is a long way fro