Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

Elmwood Springs #1

by Fannie Flagg

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is the funny, serious, and compelling new novel by Fannie Flagg, author of the beloved Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (and prize-winning co-writer of the classic movie).

Once again, Flagg's humor and respect and affection for her characters shine forth. Many inhabit small-town or suburban America. But this time, her heroine is urban: a brainy, beautiful, and ambitious rising star of 1970s television. Dena Nordstrom, pride of the network, is a woman whose future is full of promise, her present rich with complications, and her past marked by mystery.

Among the colorful cast of characters are:

Sookie, of Selma, Alabama, Dena's exuberant college roommate, who is everything that Dena is not; she is thrilled by Dena's success and will do everything short of signing autographs for her; Sookie's a mom, a wife, and a Kappa forever
        
Dena's cousins, the Warrens, and her aunt Elner, of Elmwood Springs, Missouri, endearing, loyal, talkative, ditsy, and, in their way, wise
        
Neighbor Dorothy, whose spirit hovers over them all through the radio show that she broadcast from her home in the 1940s
        
Sidney Capello, pioneer of modern sleaze journalism and privateer of privacy, and Ira Wallace, his partner in tabloid television
        
Several doctors, all of them taken with--and almost taken in by-Dena

There are others, captivated by a woman who tries to go home again, not knowing where home or love lie.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Humor, Southern, Book Club, Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Fannie Flagg began writing and producing television specials at age nineteen and went on to distinguish herself as an actress and writer in television, films, and the theater. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (which was produced by Universal Pictures as "Fried Green Tomatoes"), Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!, Standing in the Rainbow, and A Redbird Christmas.

Flagg’s film script for "Fried Green Tomatoes" was nominated for both the Academy Award and the Writers Guild of America Award and won the highly regarded Scripters Award. She lives in California and Alabama.

Reviews

[Kimberly Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fannie Flagg books -the one you read when you feel that you are at your lowest point, when you feel that the world cannot get any worse, when you feel so over burdened that you are ready to go to pieces...if you can stop for a moment and pick up book, read anything written by Fannie Flagg and I PROMISE you that you will feel better...you will laugh and you will cry...you will do both at the same time...she is by far one of the best fiction/humor writers since Damon Runyon walked into Mindy's and asked if they made more cheese cake than strudel. It is unfair to say that Fannie Flagg is strictly a Southern writer as it unfair to say that Runyon was a great New York writer...they both share an uncanny ear for the way people speak and are able to write it...you cannot read a Fannie Flagg novel and just walk away..her characters just stay with you and they're honest, even when they're doing something they shouldn't they remain true to themselves...

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first began reading this book, I didn't think much of it. I kept wondering to myself: Where is this going? How is everything connected? I started to worry that maybe I was wasting my time, but then all the pieces started to fit together and I started to really enjoy reading it. There were many pieces of the puzzle that, at first, were so disjointed and didn't really go anywhere, but then they all came together and made a beautiful picture, which is what I look for in the end of a great story such as this!

[Nika · Rating 5 out of 5]

«…як на мене, у житті слід ухвалювати тільки одне важливе рішення: хороший ти чи поганий, і я з цим впоралася. Звісно, можу помилятися, та не марнуватиму часу на те, щоб через це тривожитися…і, доки я ще тут, просто насолоджуватимуся. Живи й не заважай жити іншим»

♥️♥️♥️
Така прекрасна книга ♥️♥️♥️абсолютно щира, сердечна і відверта ♥️прям дуже вийшла «моя», бо я саме шукала щось для душі ❤️‍🩹

[Linda Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think I might be too generous with my fives. Found myself liking this better and better until I did not want it to end. She made me laugh and she made me cry.
Again I have to say that the number of stars represent how much I enjoy a book and not what great literature I believe it to be.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, bitter-sweet and nostalgic.
Fannie Flagg manages to tell tragic heart-breaking stories full of hope, humour and optimism. Seems contradictory but this one exactly like that. Behind old-fashions small-town America hides gripping story of a family ruined by secrets and a woman making her way in a predatory world of television. But all is told in such a calm, reassuring manner with a bunch of adorable characters that it leaves you with a feeling of hope rather than sadness.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook….read by Fannie Flagg (who is perfect)
…. 5 hours and 12 minutes

“Welcome to the World Baby Girl”
…is Book 1 in the ‘Elmwood Springs’ series.

….Plenty of fresh air —
….Everyone takes care of their yard —
….Bake sales and High School graduations are well attended —
….Small town suburban America: “Elmwood Springs”… Missouri …it’s an all-around friendly middle-class town.
….lots of pride, loyalty to family and friends. The humor and charm is endearing and authentic.
But….
….shhh,
and there is something more…. (deeper issues worth contemplating)…
But …..
My ‘spoiler-lips’ are sealed.

….Lots of time spent in New York City; …. in the theater district….
and dazzling stories to experience in the fast moving Urban life of LIGHTS - DRAMA - and ACTION….

Dena Nordstrom grew up in Elmwood Springs — in the 1930’s and 40’s. Her dad owned a bakery in the town but was killed WWII. Her mother was somewhat of a mystery to Dena. They also moved around a lot — memories are blurry…..
Dena had remembered being loved by her mother when she was small. Yet, there is some past history and mystery about Dena’s mother, Marion.

An entire book could be written just about Marion.

Present day - it’s the 1970’s. Dena is living in New York. She’s a successful-loved television star, but Dena isn’t sleeping well … problems are rising to the surface. (not that Dena thinks of herself as a loser-basket-case)…..but years of ‘not-looking’ at past earth-shattering issues were having repercussions.

The urban/suburban stories along with past family history intrigues….is meaningfully and skillfully crafted together.
….the dialogue is entertaining……as in priceless….
triggering laughter, tears, and wisdom.

Fannie Flagg created a wonderful story here ….
Between the small town charm - with a few goofball (lovable) characters—a look at glamour life and all it’s costs to Dena —
Fannie opens up more serious topics —
….feelings of unworthiness, loneliness and anxiety…puzzlements about love and loyalty….
Fannie also opens up secrets that have been locked up too long.

A stomach ulcer brought Dena back home to Elmwood Springs…..

…..it’s actually quite surprising how enjoyable it is to be in Elmwood Springs….to be a fly on the wall observing the way Dena and old friend Sookie debate what’s valuable in life — or not —
and re-connect with friends (Goofy-Sookie) who LIKE PEOPLE… and ARE LOYAL (not even questioned love, loyalty and humanity)…. > as our protagonist Big-Star-to-Fame (Dena) questions everything.

Fannie delivers complex human relationships with unsentimental compassion.
She brings utterly lifelike qualities to her characters…..
and her graceful way of revealing past secrets- to an ending I didn’t see coming gave this book wonderful rewarding psychological depth.

I honestly never expected to love this book THIS much —
It’s just what the doctor ordered!!!

For those who dare to dive into this book ..
expect ‘a-verge-of-tears-or two’ and honest to goodness healing pleasures!!
Or…..
kill yourself - your children too - and start smoking! Haha!

A HUGE SURPRISE WONDERFUL BOOK!!!! Strong 4 star rating!!!

My only quibble…. (darn it) … now I want to read the rest of the series…as though I don’t have enough books to read.


Thank you *Diane* > great suggestion!!

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years my mother has been suggesting that I read Fannie Flagg's writing and I just never got around to it. Then one day I was watching some old episodes of "Match Game" on the Game Show Network and I realized there she was - Fannie Flagg herself. I remembered watching her on that show as a child in the 1970s but I never connected her with the renowned author of today. So this is when I decided to pick up the copy of "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl" that my mom had lent me several years ago. ...And Mom was right, I LOVED IT!

This is the story of Dena Nordstrom ("Baby Girl"), a young and upcoming 1970s TV interviewer whose failing health leads her to seek answers about her mysterious family history. In her search for the past, Dena learned many important life lessons. ...the value of loyalty, privacy, family and love...the importance of slowing down to enjoy life.

Fannie Flagg certainly does create entertainingly real characters and paints a charming portrait of life in small-town USA (in this case Elmwood Springs, Missouri) ...as well as in other parts of the world (San Francisco, Vienna, New York, etc.). But in the context of light-hearted prose, Ms. Flagg also makes important and powerful social commentary about subjects such as racism, media and fame as a whole.

I am looking forward to reading Ms. Flagg's other novels.

[Julian Lees · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. It was a truly heartwarming and enjoyable story.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know that The Whole Town's Talking was part of this series or actually, sort of part of this series.

I don't know if it is better to read "The Whole Town Is Talking" first or to read it at the end of the series -I had JUST re-re-read it so I don't know what to tell you...but when I finish the three books before "The Whole Town is Talking" I'll be sure to let you know!!!

Oops -I actually forgot to really review THIS book...I will say that it was a little surprising since this book was a bit depressing and a little frustrating to read. The heroine was not the most sympathetic of characters. But never fear, it all works out at the end and what an ending...I was surprised off of my butt when I found out what was really happening.

[erigibbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro non perfetto, anzi, ma assolutamente godibile.
Norma e zia Elner personaggi prefe della vita. La protagonista invece l’ho odiata per 3/4 del tempo.
È uno di quei libri che si prestano bene alla lettura quando si ha bisogno di qualcosa di sciallo e leggero da leggere.
[sorvoliamo sulla traduzione e scelta del titolo in italiano. Perché facciamo queste porcherie? Perché?]

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this introductory book of the Elmwood Springs trilogy. It introduces all the characters that will populate the series - Norma and Macky Warren, Aunt Elnor, Neighbor Dorothy, Poor Tott, etc. Since I've listened to the 2nd and 3rd book of this series which mainly take place in Elmwood Springs, Missouri, a fictional town near Kansas City. I was, therefor, surprised that the focus of this book was a famous television personality in 1970's New York. Dena Nordstrom, a morning TV news reporter known for her hard-hitting interviews, is a likable character in spite of herself. She can learn much from her interview subjects, but is cut off from herself, her feelings and the mysteries of her past. There are many story lines in this book, as it shuttles back and forth between the 1940's and the 1970's. I was swept up in the saga of Dena's and her family's life as well as the changes that were taking place in society during the 70's. I was rooting for her all the way to learn about herself and be at peace with who she is.

I would give this 5 stars except for the last part of the book (disc 12 of 12), which too neatly explains and resolves are the various story lines. It was nice to know how everything turned out, but it felt like Flagg was marching through all the open topics, closing them off one at a time. It's a minor quibble, though. The narrator, Kate Reading, was outstanding. I felt like I was sitting on the porch with her, rocking away, as she told this very engaging story to me.

[Negin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sites say that this is the first book in the Elmwood Springs series. I disagree. This should be the second. I believe that Standing in the Rainbow should be read first.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Getting Old
“That’s what I wish for everybody, that they get old enough not to have to please anyone, and ornery enough to thumb their noses at all the idiots in the world. It’s worth getting old. I recommend it to everybody.”

Life
“’What’s life all about, Aunt Elner? Don’t you ever wonder what the point of the whole thing is?’
‘No, not really; it seems to me we only have one big decision in this life, whether to be good or bad. That’s what I came up with a long time ago. Of course, I may be wrong, but I’m not going to spend any time worrying over it, I’m just going to have a good time while I’m here. Live and let live.’

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even more than I expected, although I love Fannie Flagg's books. Her writing is superb and I am in awe of her mastery of the craft.
Although the story is a heart-wrenching one, somehow Fannie manages to make the reader smile now and then. The time periods go back and forth, but she also manages not to make that disruptive. Other books I have read were ruined by the time changes, but not this one. I did not guess the ending at all--completely surprised.
I read Standing in the Rainbow first and didn't even know that was the beginning of the series. It helped though, because the place and some of the characters were familiar.
Would give 6 or 7 stars if I could. Hope to read the rest of the series soon.

[Liesl Jacobson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yuck. I hated everything about this book. I made the mistake of taking this as my only reading material on a 12 hour flight to Japan and regretted it! I should have known that Fannie Flagg's writing style would not jibe well with me. It contains characters that are unappealing and a predictable romantic element. Yawn. I've learned my lesson. No more Fannie Flagg! I'm marking this as "read" even though I couldn't force myself to finish it. I even skipped to the end because I was marginally curious about the outcome and it was every bit as boring as the beginning. Not recommended!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Мені здається, що лише Фенні Флегг може так описувати важливі та сумні події, що не дивлячись на сльози, які підкочують до горла, ти починаєш посміхатись, від того, що всередині тебе розливається якесь приємне тепло. Ці емоції неповторні і такі цінні!
⠀
Я знову потрапила до полюбившогося, з іншої авторки, містечка Елмвуд-Спрінгс. Було неймовірно приємно побачити таких знайомих і милих серцю героїв. Пройтися вже відомими тобі вуличками, завітати в гості до таких рідних будиночків та магазинів.
⠀
( Мені здається, що більшість людей недооцінюють книги і їх атмосферу. Для мене хороша література прирівнюється до фізичної подорожі. )
⠀
І десь серед цієї милої круговерті з'являється Дена. Популярна ведуча, що живе в Нью-Йорку, не хоче ні сім'ї, ні дітей, ні відносин. Не любить нічого і нікого, крім своєї роботи. І зовсім не хоче ні з ким зближатися та змінювати щось у своєму житті.
⠀
Спочатку я зовсім не розуміла, звідки ж вона в книзі Фенні Флегг взялася. І, взагалі, для чого. Я ж хотіла чогось доброго, легкого, сімейного і такого типового для авторки. А головна героїня здається якоюсь злою, колючою і самозакоханою.
⠀
Але сторінка за сторінкою, Дена давала зрозуміти, що за холодною маскою байдужості, ховається маленька скривджена дівчинка. Вона може любити, піклуватися про когось, співчувати, потрібно лише її вислухати. Без поспіху, дозволяючи паузи та незрозумілі навіть їй вчинки. Вона як та дика кішечка, яку потрібно приручити, огорнувши теплом і турботою.
⠀
Перегорнувши останню сторінку, я залишилася в повному захваті. Не очікувала того, що розповість і як закрутить історію авторка на останніх ста сторінках.
⠀
Ця книга для мене дещо відрізняється від двох, прочитаних раніше. Але Фенні Флегг вкотре доводить, що не дарма є однією з моїх улюблених авторок. І я неймовірно тішуся, що маю ще вдосталь непрочитаного в неї. Бо ж неодмінно ще повернуся в її чарівливий і дивовижний світ.

[Ariella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with this one. The whole mysetery of the book turned out to be shallow and really disturbed me. I would've been happier if Dena's mom was actually a Nazi. It would've made the book a lot more interesting to find out that she was actually a bad guy. Not just a black person. And not even- someone who once-upon-a-time had one black relative!! What is the big deal? Not enough to warrent all the running around and stuff that made Dena's childhood was so upheaveled. (a word?) The real mystery made all that secrecy absurd. And her accidental suicide at the end was just ridiculous. She never meant to commit suicide, but she cut herself -on her wrists!!- and was bleeding in the bathtub?!?! What??

Also, the ending was just way too pat for me. That Dena ends up married to her previous psychologist who had an undying love for her and would put up with everything and anything and living in her "hometown" was just boring.

I did actually like the structure of the book- the play between the radio show, the present and the past. And I did really enjoy the chapters on the radio show. They really helped to give the feel of a small town. But I would've rather seen Flagg take it somewhere. Make it relevant to the story itself, not just a device. (Not enough that Dena lived in the house where the show used to be broadcast from- in fact that's a little lame too!)

[Ruth Soz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Fannie Flagg. My dad actually suggested I read this since he had enjoyed it and one of the main characters is involved in the broadcasting industry...but really, that's only a small part of what it's all about! A good read for those who like fiction about small town America set earlier in the 20th century. If you enjoy this book, don't miss Fannie Flagg's Standing in the Rainbow, which is set in the same town and gives a lot of background on some of the characters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching Up…

How many of you are Fannie Flagg fans?

Well, we in our Library Book Discussion group were constant fans, and any time she had a book out, the group was insistent we read it.

And…

No doubt, each time we could always count on quirky characters, lots of laughs, a good energy, a strong sense of community…

You know…

That good old-fashioned home-town feeling.

And then…

There is always the drama, whatever that might be.

Does that mean it was a been-here-before kind of story?

Perhaps.

But…

It was also Fannie Flagg sharing a piece of old time America at its best.

And sometimes that is all we could ever ask for…

And…

A great discussion.

So…

Even though it might have been a bit cliché, with stereotypes, it was still fun.

And…

Sometimes, that is all we need in a reading experience.

I know, I know, I am not telling you anything about the book. I think you can read what it says on the book’s cover page…

I’m just sharing the experience of it, and I hope that gives you enough to decide how you would want to proceed.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't have much experience with Flagg, but I know she is a rather celebrated writer who captures Southern flavor with a charm that is most effective. I've read a short story or two and know her style to be quietly ironic and wonderfully colorful. In this full length work, however, I kept wishing she would keep her day job.
The novel starts off promising - Flagg is in her element, piecing together a patchwork quilt of Southern personalities as inviting as the warmth they exude, painting detailed pictures and showing a real ear for dialogue. As soon as the story shifts into the protagonist's experience in NYC, however, the novel takes a real turn in all ways and never recovers.
Dena, a shockingly beautiful and nothing much else girl, makes it big in stardom and seems to be everyone's favorite though as a character she has zero redeeming qualities. She is asinine at best, at worst a self centered jerk, and the narrative surrounding her is all tell and no show. We are exposed to all the of the details of the story with no subtlety to speak of; characters' motives and issues are broadcast loud and clear and nothing is left to the imagination.
Everyone falls in lvoe with Dena though I could not tell you why, and the worst victim of this, Gerry, proceeds to be a seriously boring twerp who will patiently wait and woo as need be because Dena is so .. special? Show me how. Please. All I get is that she's pretty. Doesn't speak well for anyone in this book if that's all there is.
Meanwhile a mystery unfolds in painstaking drawn outness that by the time it was revealed just seemed really stupid and anticlimactic.
A very long tale with few interesting characters and seriously poor development. Ultimately it was the writing that let me down the most. I felt like someone was talking to me the entire time, instead of allowing me to get lost in the story.

[Anna Nalepa · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ однозначно
Фенні Флеґґ як завжди потрапила в саме сердечко ❤️

[Kayley Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went full granny mode and listened to this on audiobook while working on a jigsaw puzzle. This book isn’t something I’d normally read, but I read it for my book club and enjoyed it. It was like a low stakes granny soap opera.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very happy I read this. It’s an ode to small town America. It brought me peace and contentment. That’s always nice to find a quiet spot in my reading.

[Ron Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fannie Flagg is the most shamelessly sentimental writer in America. She's also the most entertaining.

You'd have to be a stone to read "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" without laughing and crying. The clichs in this novel are deep-fat fried: not particularly nutritious, but entirely delicious.

Wandering back and forth through 40 years of history as though it were backyard gossip, Flagg tells the life story of Dena Nordstrom, America's most popular female newscaster.

Though she tries hard to forget it, Dena's roots are deeply planted in the small town of Elmwood Springs, Mo. Her mysterious mother took her away when she was only 4, but the good folks of Elmwood still follow her stellar career with complete devotion. No one holds the banner higher than her distant cousins, Macky and Norma Warren, and great-aunt Elner, who spends her quiet days firing at cats with a water pistol.

When Dena calls one night in a drunken stupor and announces she's coming home, Norma launches into panicked preparations - cleaning the rugs, painting the house, assembling back-up pastry choices, and checking the toilets for proper flushing action.

Of course, they're crushed when Dena calls later to cancel with a lie about flying to Russia. Unfortunately, Dena's gotten used to lying about her personal life. It seems life at the top isn't as fulfilling as she thought it would be. Though she hosts the highest-rated morning show on TV, she has no close friends, she's careening toward alcoholism, and she's downright unhappy. In the presence of Fannie Flagg, we know what this girl needs is a big dose of small-town America.

But for the moment, she's stuck in big bad New York City, where the forces of corrupt TV journalism are stalking. Her proverbial bottom-line producer, Ira Wallace, dismisses her journalistic principles with a cynical snort. As far as he's concerned, she can either dig up some celebrity dirt or get out of town.

Flagg's sustained attack on invasive, yellow journalism makes up in comedy what it lacks in subtlety. Dena seeks wise council from a Walter Cronkite character who editorializes about the destructive direction of TV news. The villain, Sidney Capello, a slimy investigative reporter, makes millions by inventing a trashy tabloid-news show, but ends up in the sewer - literally.

Dena wants to behave decently, but that's not easy in an industry that lives and dies by the rating numbers. She clawed her way to the top by believing in herself, but now that she's made it, she's not entirely sure who she is.

Worn down by her breakneck career, Dena finally visits a psychiatrist who helps her realize how much she's neglected her private life in the rush to construct a public life. The central aspect of her therapy - and the book's joy-ride plot - involves uncovering her mother's identity and learning how to love again.

The last thing Dena thinks she needs is the undying affection of Gerry O'Malley, a desperate romantic who's convinced she's The One. He's even willing to start watching television so they'll have something to talk about. When that's not sufficient, he rents out Carnegie Hall and puts on a private jazz concert for her.

It's not giving too much away to say Dena eventually realizes how she wants to spend her life. The implications for American journalism are dark, but Flagg's romantic portrayal of the small town is characteristically captivating. This is a comic novel to welcome home with open arms.

http://www.csmonitor.com/1998/1008/10...

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little story about the life and troubles of Dena Nordstram, an up and coming TV interviewer. Flagg writes with a lot of wit and the crux of Dena's problems was completely unexpected by me. Very interesting. Recommended.

[Katie Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel tells a story of a high flying gorgeous tv interviewer, Dena Nordstrom, and how she struggles to leave behind her cancerous lifestyle/job- she loves it because its fast pace enables her not focus on her problems (mysterious mom disappearing, lack of family, inability of love, etc.) and to not form real attachments/ commitments/ relationships to people. Like Nick Carraway in the Great Gatsby, she's caught up in glitter of NY, rich, powerful men, but eventually finds her safe haven back out west.

The novel is a true representation of the rise of televised news reporting and not-so-news reporting during the 70s- the grit and grime of networks, being a celebrity in the spotlight, and being a professional female in the industry. Of course, the issue of race is dealt with (although, not until the last 100 pages does it even come up).

At first, (even by its cover & title), the novel doesn't look like great literature- its prose isn't as beautiful as Flaubert's Madame Bovary, nor its plot as riveting and intricate as a Steven King's novel. However, if you can get past the country-bumpkin- like beginning, which is a bit kitschy, the pace quickens and you realize Flagg's structuring of the novel both mirrors Dena's self discovery and helps tie together loose ends. Simple and brilliant.


The story takes its time to develop- the first hundred pageps set up the plot but are not plot-driven. Each chapter is small and varies in points of view, time, and place. While the main story spans from 1973- 1978, it flashes back to the fifties, forties, even earlier. And the flashbacks don't read like flashbacks. It's a bit jumpy, but that's in part what keeps us on our toes and helps give us a nice rounded perspective of what's actually happening in the characters' lives.

I fell in love with the novel's heroine, Dena Nordstrom. On the outside, she is everything people admire- smart, gorgeous, successful, a television icon- driving 100mph with a martini in one hand and a smile on her face. However, underneath her rough exterior, she's a very lonely, confused, distant woman who doesn't believe in love, in thinking about "feelings", or being tied down to any one person. A true tumbleweed who doesn't realize she wants to establish roots.


Dr. Gerry O'Mally is everything you could want for a heroine's love interest- he's adorable, crazy, and hilarious. One of my favorite parts is when he dresses up in medieval attire and sings :)

And who couldn't fall in love with Dena's new mentor, Kingsly? His relationship with Dena reminds of the relationship between Arthur Abbott and Iris something in the movie, The Holiday.

Other minor characters are well developed, even if only brief snapshots are given.

Overall, this is a great light read- I couldn't put it down. However, if you can't empathize with the main character, you probably won't like the book. Dena is the book.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(1997)
RATING: 3 STARS

A great Fannie Flagg book about a small town and it's quirky townspeople.

(2020)
RATING: 3.5

Once I saw the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes I knew I had to read the book. Since then I have been a fan of Fannie Flagg's novels. I love the quirky characters and the humour mixed with drama. I remember this one being one of my least favourite books by Flagg. At the time I wasn't interested in the 1970s storyline with Dena and the press. Reading this 23 years later, I did enjoy it a bit more. I was more intrigued with the mystery this time, of what happened to Dena's mother. Also, knowing more of American History made it a bit more fun to read. I feel like we didn't get to know some of the other characters well enough. We kind of got more of a superficial look. Knowing this time that it is a series, and we will get to see more of Elmwood, explained why we got a peek at these characters. Overall, this is a great book when you need a lighter read with some heft to it.

[Kristin Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Thought it a little hokey at first, but ended up getting into it, especially after Dena was introduced. Couldn't put it down towards the end; had a surprising twist. Flagg uses great descriptions appropriate to the story. Plan to read more of her work.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

I abandoned this book because it was just boring and going nowhere... not one of her best

[Evelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Если вам надо книга, которая отвлечет от реальности и увлечет сюжетом - то это отличный выбор

[Gaetano Laureanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettura piacevole e coinvolgente; buoni sentimenti, senza esagerare, ed un messaggio, quantomai attuale, che invita a ritagliarsi uno spazio personale all’interno della vita stressante che rischia di travolgerci.

Ho apprezzato lo stile narrativo di Fannie Flagg e la caratterizzazione dei vari personaggi, ritrovandone qualcuno che già avevo conosciuto in altri romanzi (come dimenticare zia Elner). Anche i vari flashback sono ben strutturati, portandoci, senza sforzo, alla scoperta della verità sul passato della protagonista.

Mi sono emozionato durante la lettura, tra un sorriso ed una lacrima, ma ho anche apprezzato le tematiche delle discriminazioni razziali e di genere, mai ingombranti, ma narrate con la voce ferma di chi le ha vissute.

Per non parlare poi di un certo giornalismo, purtroppo anch’esso sempre attuale, che utilizza la macchina del fango come irresponsabile strumento capace di distruggere invece di documentare o denunciare.