Monday, February 4, 2008

Book Review - What's in a Name Challenge

I finished my second book for Annie's reading challenge - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg (Color in title - this was not my original color title pick, but it still worked!). I read this book (and saw the movie) years ago and had forgotten how great it is.

Whistle Stop, Alabama is a stereotypical small American town, but this story is not simply fluff. Alternating between the past (1920's and 30's) and the 1980's, Cleo Threadgoode tells the story of Whistle Stop and its inhabitants. In doing so, she essentially saves the life of Evelyn who is suffering from a mid-life crisis of sorts. As Cleo remembers it, the Whistle Stop Cafe is the glue that somehow holds the town together as the owners feed not only the townspeople, but go against societal norms by feeding the homeless and blacks as well. We meet a number of crazy characters throughout the story, each endearing in his/her own way.

Fried Green Tomatoes touches on many subjects, making it both uplifting and heartbreaking. It is a story of love and friendship, loyalty and bigotry, the Depression, secrets and survival. I loved it and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a realtively quick read with some substance...

6 comments:

Karen Hossink said...

I loved the movie. Was the book as good? I mean your review makes it sound good, but since you have read it and seen it, I just wondered what you thought...

kreed said...

Karen-

I don't really remember the movie very well...I plan to watch it again soon! But the book is definitely worth reading and not at all hard to get through.

Debi said...

I have to admit I don't remember this movie well at all, but I do remember loving it. Never read the book though, but now I'm sure I'd like to. You're good at this whole book review thing, Kara! (Perhaps you can teach me sometime?)

gail@more than a song said...

I've read another one by Fannie Flagg, not this one...but I did enjoy the movie!

J.C. Montgomery said...

I put reading this book on the back burner since I had seen the movie and thought it quite good.

But now I realize that may be rather narrow-minded and depriving me of reading a really good book.

Thanks for the great review.

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

Can you believe I've seen the movie but never read this book, or any other Fannie Flagg book, for that matter. You'd never know I've lived in the South my entire life, would ya?! :)

Great review, and good job so far on the challenge!