Fannie Flagg has been one of my favorite authors since I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe many years ago. I watched the movie after that, and learned that the film script was nominated for an Academy award - and did win the Scripter Award for best screenplay of that year.

Since that first story, have read every book published by Fannie Flagg, and recently was thrilled when Net Galley allowed me to read The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop, due to be published 10/7/20. I just finished reading it and it left my heart so happy, my throat wants to fill with tears. I absolutely love this story, more than any book I have read this year so far. Each of Fannie Flagg's books are filled with an innocence and simplicity that truly warm the heart. She writes of bygone days interspersed with current times, emotions and feelings, and the result is this delightful look at the past - her words provide hope for the future, and make the reader long for simpler, sweeter times.

In this newest story we meet characters introduced originally in Fried Green Tomatoes - particularly Evelyn Couch, who's serendipitous encounter with Ninny Threadgoode at a retirement home outside Birmingham, Alabama changed the course of Evelyn's life, and captivated my soul. The movie expresses it beautiful when Eveyln "accidentally" back into a smaller, quicker car driven by two younger, more beautiful characters who treat her shabbily; face it girls, I am older and have more insurance! At that moment, Evelyn, empowered by Ninny's words, takes back her life. That beautiful convergence is the basis for the book/movie Fried Green Tomatoes and it's quirky, wonderful characters. Evelyn is back in the new book, and we learn how that happenstance completely changed Evelyn's life, even more than we saw in the first book. The theme of the Wonder Boy is how to illustrate how our stories are all threads that truly weave us together in our histories and our lives; how just one tiny moment in time sends us in a direction we cannot possibly imagine. I am so glad to know what happened to Evelyn, to Buddy Threadgoode. Idgy Threadgoode herself, and to all those wonderful souls from Whistle Stop, Alabama. I am sad it is over, but I am so glad to have read it!

Fannie Flagg brings us back to Whistle Stop, Alabama in a much anticipated follow-up to "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe". Buddy Threadgoode is all grown up with children and grandchildren of his own. We get to revisit the town and all its inhabitants in the past, as well as catch up with what they are doing now. Chapters are typically short and jump around to different time periods from the 1930's through the present day. Some people may find this disorienting as it is not linear or only in two time periods. But it works. It's filled with humor, drama, heart and warmth, as is typical of her books. Even when bad or sad things happen, you somehow feel uplifted. I have read all her books and this certainly does not disappoint.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to spend time with characters who are funny, strong, resilient and who show the true meaning of love, friendship and community. A truly feel good book. I will highly recommend to my library patrons.
Thank you to Ms. Flagg for writing this. Thank you to Random House and Net Galley for this digital review copy.

Delightful. Not so much plot wise, but more like sitting down and catching up with old friends. A welcome respite from all of the frustrations of life in 2020.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advancer Reader Copy.

I was very excited to see that Fannie Flagg has written a sequel to Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe so many years later. I didn't read the original book, but like everyone else have seen the film.

The writing is light and humorous, typical of the author's style. I loved visiting these characters again, even though the story was bittersweet - the setting is many years after the original, and all the original characters are now either old or gone. I loved that the chapters were short and sweet - easy to pick up and read a chapter or two throughout the day.

One can only hope that this sequel will also become a movie?

Thanks for the opportunity to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of Whistle Stop and the focus on the later generations. If you enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes, you will get right back into the story and find new information on some beloved characters. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book.

Fans of previous titles from Fannie Flagg will be thrilled with The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop. The Wonder Boy spans decades from the heyday of the cafe whose fried green tomatoes put Whistle Stop on the map to present day when Whistle Stop has gone to seed. The book is an interesting mix of current day story as Bud faces old age and years gone by, teaching the reader new tidbits about well loved characters such as Idgie and Ruth. If you enjoy stories that reminisce about "the good old days", explore the idea of whether one can truly go home again, and family-both found and biological, you'll likely enjoy The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop. While the book is enjoyable without having read "Fried Green Tomatoes", it is more meaningful if the reader has read or watched the movie adaptation of "Fried Green Tomatoes".

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fannie Flagg always manages to write such heartwarming stories and this newest work from her is no exception. I found this to be a hybrid of short stories, a novel and a sentimental walk down memory lane featuring all the special characters from Whistle Stop.

I expected this to be more about Bud, but it seemed that it was about everybody, even though it did tell readers about what happened to Bud through the years after he left Whistle Stop.
In a sense, this was Bud recalling fond memories along with the written commentary of the newsletter put out by the local postmistress.

This is not the best as a stand alone novel. If you’ve read other work by this author, it will be more enjoyable. The timeline skips around from the 1930’s to the present day. At times, I felt like it was a bit confusing, but once I was deeper into the book that didn’t bother me so much.

Readers who like clean, heartwarming stories with happy endings will love this one. I think it’s also a great read for the holiday season.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg takes a look at the life of Buddy Threadgoode from childhood to being a senior citizen. Buddy lost his arm in an accident as a young child. It never held him back and he learned to do most things other boys his age was able to do. After many successful years in a lucrative career he is ready for retirement or is he really?
I loved this book! It is an honest and sometimes funny, sometimes sad look at the life of fictional characters that seem like they live next door. The characters draw the reader in to the story line and, for me, it was difficult to put the book down. I could almost smell the café and the fried green tomatoes they served. All the citizens of Whistle Stop work together for the good of the community which is very uplifting in the day and age. There are parts that are very sad as is normal in everyone’s life as the circle of life goes on. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 of 5 stars. Well written and a very honest look at life and its ups and downs.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I don't mind admitting that I was apprehensive of reading Fannie Flagg's return to Whistle Stop in Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is a beloved favourite, and I was psyching myself up for disappointment. It is with joy that I report it was far from that, the original spirit and magic is all here as we are given a non-linear narrative, that goes back in forth in time from the 1930s to the present day, learning of what has happens to the close knit Whistle Stop community. It particularly focuses on Bud Threadgoode, the one armed son of Ruth and Frank, his wild, rebellious, and unforgettable Aunt Idgie, his long, happy marriage to Peggy and their daughter, Ruthie.

The snippets of information, and glimpses into the lives of the wide cast of characters, old and new, as the original community disperses far and wide, are provided by Dot Weems, the writer of newsletters, bringing news of births, marriages and deaths, as Whistle Stop dies a death with the closure of the railroad yard. Bud is not to be held back by his missing arm, to become a veterinarian, joining the army, running a successful practice, but as his life gets ever busier, his visits to Aunt Idgie who moves to Florida to be close to her brother, Julian, become few and far between. Ruthie marries, giving birth to two children, plagued by a mother in law who never really accepts her or her parents, deeming them not good enough. We learn of Chester, a dummy who writes to Bud, Sheriff Kilgore, Sipsey and Big George, the passing of Ninny, Opal Butts, the beauty shop owner, and, of course, Evelyn Crouch and how her life panned out. No-one forgets their lives from Whistle Stop, remembered with love and nostalgia, and the central role of its Cafe, and the antics of Idgie and the untimely demise of Ruth. This triggers the elderly Bud's visit to Whistle Stop, this leads to him and Ruthie meeting Evelyn. A new chapter to Whistle Stop is about to begin.

I loved being taken back to the wonders of Whistle Stop, to discover what happened to the characters, the secrets that emerge, the triumphs, the challenges and tragedies that must be faced, a community that never forgets each other, and the introduction of its new members. Evelyn Crouch is a revelation as she flourished beyond all measure after meeting Ninny, someone she never forgets as she forges connections with a lonely Ruthie who desperately needs a friend and Bud. This may not appeal to all the legion of fans of Fried Green Tomatoes, but I found it a delight, full of charm, a beguiling read that entertains and enthralls. Many thanks to Random House for an ARC.

This story is rather like a beautiful creek. It meanders along and around every turn there is a new and beautiful surprise.

Ms Flagg has created a wonderful story for her readers.

Bud grew up in Whistle Stop Alabama. He lived behind the cafe with his mother Ruth and his Aunt Idgie. He was well loved by both of them. In fact, he was well loved by everyone in town. And that town was packed full of people who wanted to love their fellow man.

When Bud was a young boy, he lost his left arm in an accident. At first, he felt very down hearted. But, then things changed for him. The change was brought about because of love for Bud. As Bud grew to be a grown man, he remained one of the nicest people anyone ever met.

The story includes several characters from the original story of Green Fried Tomatoes. There are also new people who add a great deal to the story. The stories of everyone bring home the facts that few people are perfect, but everyone can recover and become a better person.

Bud became a veterinarian. He had a successful practice with his wife, Peggy, working in the practice with him. They had one little girl named Ruth after his mother. Ruth grew up to be a beautiful woman who was as kind hearted as her parents

The story goes back and forth between time periods. The reader gets to know all the people who lived in Whistle Stop in the early 1930’s. It makes it easy to see the character of the small town and what made it such an exceptional place to live.

Lives are changed by outside events both bad and good. Sometimes lives are changed because of questionable choices.

As Bud goes through his life, he lives it the way he feels life should be lived. He believes in kindness, caring, love and a giant sense of humor. He never meets a stranger and people do not forget meeting such a man..

Although Bud is the main character in this story, everyone else is important. People who appear to be passing through create new paths to follow.

In the entire story, there is really only one main character who is not likable. But, that character uses up enough ugliness for several other people.

This book will make you laugh. The humor is an ongoing thing. There is a great deal of charm in each person in the story. Whether we are reading about a road house in the 1930’s or a train ride in the 21st century, each story holds the reader’s interest. No one is unimportant and no one is a dull character.

There are times when the unfairness of life seems to hit like a physical blow. But, no matter the blow, a strength and power shows through in each character.

This book is like every book I have read by Ms Flagg. It is a pattern for enjoying life, finding delightful people and believing things will work out for the best.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

A nostalgic return to the town of Whistle Stop. Enjoyable bit of escapism to a place of good vibes, nice manners and kind people.

I love anything by Fanny Flagg and The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop was no exception. How fun it was to go back to visit the Threadgoode family and hear again all the stories of Whistle Stop, the cafe, the bee charmer and so much more.

This book is really the story of Buddy Threadgoode, the little boy nick-named "Stump' when he lost his arm in a railroad accident. Flagg weaves a story that tells about Bud's life which includes many Whistle Stop residents and other characters from the Fried Green Tomatoes book. It meanders slightly at times and goes back and forth in a timeline that is sometimes hard to follow, but I kept thinking that is exactly how families tell stories!

I am so thrilled to have gotten the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop and that Fannie Flagg completed the Fried Green Tomatoes saga in such a satisfying way. I read this book in one day.

I loved this book as much as most of Fannie Flagg's previous titles. The fact that she filled in so many background stories in such a clever way was intriguing. I can't wait for our book group[ to start meeting again so we can discuss this title. In the meantime, I will be recommending The Wonder Boy of Whistlestop to anybody looking for a warm. feel-good read.

I have always enjoyed all Fannie Flagg books and this is no exception. I read Fried Green Tomatoes Years ago and her new book helps the reader familiarize with the characters once again . I enjoyed the story of Bud , Ruth’s son in his adulthood and how his journey made a complete circle back to Whistle Stop where all the events made in the past effects his present day life .

This book started out very slow and was bouncing all over the place so I had a hard time getting interested in it. I also wonder because I did not read Fried Green Tomatoes before this one, if that’s why I was getting confused with all the many characters. I was a little disappointed in this book overall. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

Unbelievably disappointing....

I was excited to see that Fannie Flagg had written a new novel updating us all on characters from her wildly successful novel Fried Green Tomatoes. Unfortunately, nothing about this worked for me. It bounced around so much from place-to-place, time-to-time and character-to- character that it was impossible to develop a connection with any of them. I found myself bored. The writing was shallow and detached which surprised me. If you are a die-hard FGT fan then this maybe a fun way to reminisce about the original, otherwise I’d skip it. Really, really hate saying that. 2.5 stars rounded up... just because it’s Fannie Flagg.

Fannie Flagg is the kind of author who provides a near-identical experience with each of her books, though not necessarily in a formulaic way. Her version of the South is always charming, quirky, loving, and sanitized of any tensions that might seem untoward. There is just enough hardship to have a plot, but everything usually works out for the nice, good people. The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop takes some old characters into modern times, but I read it more as a stand-alone since it had been so long since I had read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. It worked out, but I wonder if my experience of reading this book would have been different if I had remembered some of the characters' back stories more. The characters were likeable, but a few of them lacked dimension and that might have been because the majority of their stories had already been told in the earlier book. The format of the book included lots of back and forth movement between different eras, and while they could be confusing at the start of a chapter, a short while later they were usually sufficiently explained so that you knew how they fit into the larger picture. All in all, this was exactly what I expected from Flagg.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Publishing Group through NetGalley.
What a delight to return to Whistle Stop and see how favorite characters have grown and changed. Flagg moves readers all over in time from chapters set during the time during the first book to last year (2019). Switching timeframes lets readers see how changes come about. I admit I was crying when I finished the book. It's refreshing to see the human spirit renew itself and triumph over all sorts of difficulties. I wish we had seen more of some characters but feel that everyone was connected together at least through Dot's letters and emails.

I absolutely adore anything that Fannie Flagg writes. "The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop" is no exception. I couldn't put it down, and I thought about it all the time! I love the little tie-ins to her other books and the way she flashes back and forth in time. She's laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. It's classic Fannie Flagg.

Phenomenal southern characters with a charming old fashioned story! If you loved FRIED GREEN TOMATOES you will love this book. While the characters are continuations of the first book, it helps to have read it to know the context of the relationships. I loved Buddy and his daughter's conversations as they really show the love and family connections. I thought the author did a good job weaving in history and side characters into the main plot. The chapters were sometimes a bit choppy going back and forward in time but the dates at the chapter start help you keep track. Loved the Evelyn and Ruth sisterhood and the ending was awesome!! It felt like an old time visit with my grandmother and all her friends. Truly loved the ending and the funny side stories about Idgie and Buddy and their adventures!!