Southern-Fried Fiction
Between the covers of a Fannie Flagg novel, the reader will most likely discover one or more of the following:
- a small southern town where nobody’s business remains private for long
- several irresistibly, quirky characters living out their convictions regardless of public opinion
- shrewd insights and observations cloaked in homespun humor for all to enjoy
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
In this break-through Alabama novel, the action swings between the Whistle Stop Cafe and the Rose Terrace Nursing Home.
This two-fold story introduces Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison, co-owners of a post-depression era eatery. The secondary account revolves around the nursing facility where Ninny Threadgoode, Idgie’s elderly sister-in-law, coaches middle-aged housewife, Evelyn Couch, through several of life’s more challenging moments.
Through the respectful treatment of Idgie and Ruth’s ‘relationship’, Flagg presents her personal views on feminism and Sapphic love.
Probably the author’s best known novel, its story line spawned the1991 movie, Fried Green Tomatoes , but also earned Ms. Flagg an Academy Award nomination for her work on the screenplay.
Discussion Questions can be found here.
Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man
Coming to light first as a short story that garnered the author first prize at 
an 1978 Writer’s Conference, this novel is told from the perspective of 11-year-old Daisy Fay.
The story unfolds in diary form peppered with spelling mistakes which Ms. Flagg hoped would disguise her lack of competency in that area. (an outgrowth of undiagnosed dyslexia)
Set in the 1950s era town of Gulf Coast Shell Beach, the dysfunctional Harper family, complete with adored alcoholic father and neurotic mother, will stop at nothing in their struggle for survival.
Whether riding half naked through town on horseback or competing for a scholarship in the Miss Mississippi pageant, the hapless, truth-telling heroine just can’t avoid trouble.
Discussion topics can be found here.
Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
Main character, Dena Nordstrom, travels from Elmwood Springs, to New York City and back again when the stresses of TV journalism and life in the big city take their toll.
Each humorous character: cousin Norma and her husband, Mackey; sorority sister, Sookie, the antithesis of our heroine; and the recurring character, neighbor Dorothy, lends a spark to Dena’s life below the Mason-Dixon line.
But Ms. Flagg shoves humor aside when Dena confronts a major crisis during the search for a mother who abandoned her daughter many years before.
Click here for discussion questions.
Standing in the Rainbow
Once again Ms. Flagg takes the reader back to Elmwood Springs, home of the
Smith family. There’s earnest Cub Scout Bobby Smith, his pharmacist father, and his radio personality mother, Neighbor Dorothy. (This character first appeared in Welcome to the World, Baby Girl.)
The story follows the family, their friends, neighbors and acquaintances over a 50-year period of time starting when $1.50 could buy a live Christmas tree, movie goers could find an afternoon’s worth of entertainment for a nickle, plus sit on a stool afterwards for a sundae at the soda fountain.
Questions for book club discussion can be found here.
A Redbird Christmas
A synopsis and discussion questions can be found by clicking here.
Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven
In this 2006 selection, the novelist treats the reader to one person’s view of heaven-the botanical garden in Kansas City.
After octogenarian Elner Simfissle dies of anaphylactic shock, she rides a crazy, side-ways elevator to meet her makers in the guise of Neighbor Dorothy and her husband, Raymond, atop a sparkling crystal staircase.
Later a sudden and most unexpected resurrection prompts those around the rosy-cheeked lady to make drastic changes in their lives: Norma becomes a real estate agent, Luther marries Bobbie Jo and Tot gives up her negativity.
Click here for discussion questions.
I Still Dream About You, Honey
Coming soon – November 2010
No matter which Fannie Flagg book your club might choose, members will always find a multitude of unconventional characters known to make observations such as, “That catfish was so big the photograph alone weighed 40 pounds.”
Don’t miss out on the fun!!
