The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg - 4 stars

[Ellen]

This is the story of the tiny town of Whistle Stop that sits next to the railroad tracks and held everything a young boy could want. The youngster is Bud Threadgoode who, by the end of the book, is in his mid 80's. Whistle Stop at one time was a busy town where Bud's mother Ruth and his Aunt Idgie ran the Whistle Stop Cafe, famous for its fried green tomatoes. Over the years the town became a ghost town with the buildings demolished or in complete disrepair. Folks had moved on to larger places but Bud's longing for home is the central focus of the story. Quietly leaving his assisted living home one morning, Bud boards the Amtrak headed for his past. What he unleashes with his hasty trip is both endearing and inspiring.

I never read "Fried Green Tomatoes" but of course have seen the movie. I think I will eventually go back and read it. This audio book is read by the author which makes it that much more fun as Ms. Flagg obviously loves her characters. I enjoyed it very much although I did have a bit of trouble with the constant changes in time but it's a lovely story nonetheless.