Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I’m so glad I read this book. I don’t think I would have picked this up myself, sadly, but I read it because it’s my local book club’s monthly pick.
I love that the book centers around the relationship of Evelyn Couch and Ninny Threadgoode. Who would have thought a friendship could form at a nursing home? Although Ninny is remembering the past, Evelyn is motivated to live the life she finally wants, even at age 58, through the crazy stories of the Threadgoode family.
Although it touches on serious themes such as racism, lesbian relationships, gender, and poverty, this is definitely a feel good type of story. Honestly, I don’t think it really provides critical analysis on these themes and really just “touches” on them by acknowledging they simply exist.
It’s a book that makes me wish I had a bigger family myself- or see the joys in it- and makes me want to enjoy all the life I can live.
I love that the book centers around the relationship of Evelyn Couch and Ninny Threadgoode. Who would have thought a friendship could form at a nursing home? Although Ninny is remembering the past, Evelyn is motivated to live the life she finally wants, even at age 58, through the crazy stories of the Threadgoode family.
Although it touches on serious themes such as racism, lesbian relationships, gender, and poverty, this is definitely a feel good type of story. Honestly, I don’t think it really provides critical analysis on these themes and really just “touches” on them by acknowledging they simply exist.
It’s a book that makes me wish I had a bigger family myself- or see the joys in it- and makes me want to enjoy all the life I can live.
The thing is, this is a good story. It sheds light on a small town dealing with hard economic times, it comes across like a time when people were treated fairly and it didn't matter if you were white or Black, straight or gay or struggling with alcoholism. People of whistle stop town took care of each other. While that seems to be true, the small town charm covers up some blatant systemic racism. Black people were not treated equal or fairly, and in the end I find the characters charming yet problematic to the core. This book hasn't aged well.
No words, I think I'm still crying. One of the sweetest, loveliest books I've ever had the pleasure of reading!
3.5 stars. If I'm honest,throughout the first third of the book, I really didn't think I would like it. I was pretty bored, the story telling was weird and jumpy, and I pretty much didn't like anyone. It did slowly pick up later on though, and the ending did turn out to be pretty emotional and sweet. Would probably not read it again, but for what it was, it was enjoyable enough (really excited about the recipes at the end, though...).
“It's funny, most people can be around someone and they gradually begin to love them and never know exactly when it happened; but Ruth knew the very second it happened to her. When Idgie had grinned at her and tried to hand her that jar of honey, all these feelings that she had been trying to hold back came flooding through her, and it was at that second in time that she knew she loved Idgie with all her heart.”
Fried Green Tomatoes has been one of my favorite movies for years. It is charming and sweet and has some of the most well developed female characters and friendships I have ever seen. So, of course I had to read the book! I put it off out of fear that the book and movie would be far different from each other. To my delight the movie was very faithful to the source and I so very enjoyed this novel.
Characters- As can be expected the book held so much more depth to the characters. There was so much more insight into them and the relationships and I was delighted by many of the characters. My favorite being more depth in Ruth’s and Idgie’s relationship. Though it was supposed to be more subtle in the movie it was pretty clear that the women were in a sapphic relationship and this book gave me all the confirmation I needed. There are so many instances and references of their love for each other (like the quote I chose). They start off as friends and end up living together, own a cafe together and raise a son together. Their relationship was so sweet and domestic and just warmed my heart.
But their’s wasn’t the only well rounded relationship! I was a delight to see two older woman having such a deep and meaningful friendship. Female friendships are just so important and I just feel like I don’t ever see enough of them. Especially from two characters who are at varying later parts of their lives. It was interesting to see the contrast of Mrs.Threadgood, an elderly woman who had come to terms and accepted old age and death, and Evelyn who is has reached middle age but is very terrified of that very thing and uncertain of her place in life.
The Town/Setting- How could you not adore Whistle Stop? It sounded like such a cozy small town where everyone new everyone else. I adored it in the movie and the book went into so much more depth of the lives of all of those who lived there and just had such a feeling of community. As for the time period the novel mostly switched between taking place in the 30’s and the 80’s. This lent it such a sentimental feeling of nostalgia while also not shying away from the hard truths of those times (including racism, the depression, etc).
Plot-As far as plot goes it was mostly the story of a town and the people within it. There is life, love, heartbreak and a dose of murder to keep it interesting.
Overall- Still one of my most absolute favorite stories whether it is in book or movie form.
Fried Green Tomatoes has been one of my favorite movies for years. It is charming and sweet and has some of the most well developed female characters and friendships I have ever seen. So, of course I had to read the book! I put it off out of fear that the book and movie would be far different from each other. To my delight the movie was very faithful to the source and I so very enjoyed this novel.
Characters- As can be expected the book held so much more depth to the characters. There was so much more insight into them and the relationships and I was delighted by many of the characters. My favorite being more depth in Ruth’s and Idgie’s relationship. Though it was supposed to be more subtle in the movie it was pretty clear that the women were in a sapphic relationship and this book gave me all the confirmation I needed. There are so many instances and references of their love for each other (like the quote I chose). They start off as friends and end up living together, own a cafe together and raise a son together. Their relationship was so sweet and domestic and just warmed my heart.
But their’s wasn’t the only well rounded relationship! I was a delight to see two older woman having such a deep and meaningful friendship. Female friendships are just so important and I just feel like I don’t ever see enough of them. Especially from two characters who are at varying later parts of their lives. It was interesting to see the contrast of Mrs.Threadgood, an elderly woman who had come to terms and accepted old age and death, and Evelyn who is has reached middle age but is very terrified of that very thing and uncertain of her place in life.
The Town/Setting- How could you not adore Whistle Stop? It sounded like such a cozy small town where everyone new everyone else. I adored it in the movie and the book went into so much more depth of the lives of all of those who lived there and just had such a feeling of community. As for the time period the novel mostly switched between taking place in the 30’s and the 80’s. This lent it such a sentimental feeling of nostalgia while also not shying away from the hard truths of those times (including racism, the depression, etc).
Plot-As far as plot goes it was mostly the story of a town and the people within it. There is life, love, heartbreak and a dose of murder to keep it interesting.
Overall- Still one of my most absolute favorite stories whether it is in book or movie form.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
I loved both the parts that took place in the present and those that were stories from the past.
inspiring
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the best books I've ever read. Such a touching love story. An eye opening look into the south during the 20's, 30's, and 40's. I cried really hard at least 4 times. Fannie Flagg brings all of the characters to life. I LOVE this book.