Reviews

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

beckca03's review against another edition

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5.0

This book has tremendous sentimental value since it reminds me of my mother's mom - Moppa. She and I saw the movie in Clemson, SC together and we both loved it. She had a hard copy of the book and gave it to me when she was sick and dying of cancer. I will always remember reading it shortly after she passed way, and it will continue to be one of my favorites for that reason alone.

Incidentally enough, one big difference between the book and the movie is that the book is significantly more explicit in its themes of homosexuality than the movie. I had NO idea those themes even existed, and even now, I can see how you may or may not notice anything when watching. Also, the book lingers more on the connection between Mrs. Threadgood and Iggie, and that part you see coming (which you might not in the movie).

bhalstead04's review against another edition

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5.0

I wanted to read this book to answer some of the questions the movie left me with. It answered my questions and more. This book had some amazing characters that you just can't help but fall in love with.

At the end, a beloved character dies and I had to put the book down for several minutes and cry my eyes out! After I picked it back up to finish I continued to cry till the end. I have never felt such loss from a book. I truly miss all of the characters in this book as though they were my friends. (Boy I sound like a dork..lol) I am sorry it's over!

This is a MUST read!

frogglin's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The last time I read this I was probably about 20, and Evelyn's struggles with being in her 40s seemed a long way off. I definitely related more this time around as I'm about her age.

The jumping timeline can be confusing at times, but overall the past and "present" (late 1980s when the book was written) are clearly defined. The stark contrast of a nursing home compared to the warm community of Whistle Stop works well, and the sprawling cast of characters each bring their own flavour to the story.

It's a story that swings between gentle moments of community and tenderness and heart breaking  horrors of racism and violence. 

It's a shame the movie toned down the deep relationship between Idgie and Ruth, which is simply a marriage that never causes an issue or problem in the town. 

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ilonaiva's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

copper__clouds's review against another edition

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Racist treatment of black characters, and trivialisation of the true violence + impact of the KKK.

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malsbookmark's review against another edition

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Started a re-read, but bad timing. Will come back. 

nastygerbil's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

marisatn's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Yikes. Sometimes a favorite book should stay in the past as a treasured memory. I LOOOVED this book in the 90’s and 2000’s. One of my favorites. Just re-read it and wow. It’s so problematic! Racist, colorist, very one dimensional non-white characters….I don’t know how I missed all this as a late teen/ early 20-something, but I surely did. I guess it’s good to know I’ve come a long way in the last 20+ years? Really regretting choosing this one for book club, but it will lend itself to some interesting conversations, I hope. 

rosanna17's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 I loved the book.  It was a nice escape to (what I feel) every type of living everyone wishes to have.  Simple and surrounded by love and kindness. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a getaway to a small town.

I can't wait to watch the movie again since it has been years.

ntruslow's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0