Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I really adored this book when I read it in the spring of 1992 and I'm wondering why I haven't sought out more by Fannie Flagg since then! The movie adaptation is very good, but the book is something special. My notes from 1992 when I read this indicate I gave it 9.5 out of 10 stars and said it was "excellent" but that I had trouble keeping track of some of the big cast of minor characters.
This book is a classic in my opinion. I had watched the movie many times in my teens and twenties so I had to have the book. I've read it many times and it's still a favorite of mine. Has just the right amount of humor, suspense and friendship.
This book was SO hard for me to read, and I'm not sure why. I managed to finish the book, but I put it down quite a few times before I reached the ending. I think I just kind of didn't know what was happening the whole time, so it was hard for me to really engage with the book. That being said, I think the book was honest and did a great job representing the American South during the 20th century.
Fannie Flagg's characterization makes for some of the most heart warming and most hated characters I've met. She does southern women as they should be done and her plots bounce along at a great pace. She's like the Agatha Christie of the south. This is one of her best most famous novels.
One of my all-time favorites. Such a powerful story of women loving women, supporting women, and changing each other's lives across generations. The movie is great, but definitely take the time to read the book. You won't be disappointed.
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I read this book when I was eleven during the summer between fifth and sixth grade. I decided to listen to it because I figured there would be things I didn't understand.
I don't remember it being as funny as I find it now. And I know I didn't realize Ruth and Idgie were a couple when I was eleven. Yes, I'm aware there's a debate on that but anyone who says they were just friends is wrong.
That being said, this is a story about all the different kinds of love. For friends and neighbors and family... with a side of killing a man who deserved it. And it's beautiful.
I don't remember it being as funny as I find it now. And I know I didn't realize Ruth and Idgie were a couple when I was eleven. Yes, I'm aware there's a debate on that but anyone who says they were just friends is wrong.
That being said, this is a story about all the different kinds of love. For friends and neighbors and family... with a side of killing a man who deserved it. And it's beautiful.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Book club read.
I can definitely appreciate the relevance of this book, the emotional connection you have with it while you read, and how you can become invested in those characters and their life stories.
I think what saved it for me was exactly how character driven it was. The plot was secondary, and that worked very well for this text.
Unfortunately, even though the characters were great and their stories were interesting, it was just too slow for me. It was an effort to keep on going. The pace improved towards the end, and the conclusion did make me feel emotional, which is also a plus, but overall, it was a laborious read that I couldn't wait to finish.
Im glad I read it, though. There was a degree of enjoyment, and it will certainly make for a great discussion at the book club.
I can definitely appreciate the relevance of this book, the emotional connection you have with it while you read, and how you can become invested in those characters and their life stories.
I think what saved it for me was exactly how character driven it was. The plot was secondary, and that worked very well for this text.
Unfortunately, even though the characters were great and their stories were interesting, it was just too slow for me. It was an effort to keep on going. The pace improved towards the end, and the conclusion did make me feel emotional, which is also a plus, but overall, it was a laborious read that I couldn't wait to finish.
Im glad I read it, though. There was a degree of enjoyment, and it will certainly make for a great discussion at the book club.