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klparmley's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lot of fun. I love how she tells a story. Her characters are all friends of mine by the time a book is through.
You don't have to have read her other books to enjoy this one, but a couple of them get a nod ad you may wonder if you've missed an in-joke.
You won't have. Everything you need for this story is right here.
You don't have to have read her other books to enjoy this one, but a couple of them get a nod ad you may wonder if you've missed an in-joke.
You won't have. Everything you need for this story is right here.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audio book read by Cassandra Campbell
From the dust jacket: Life is the strangest thing. One minute, Mrs Elner Shimfissle is up in her tree, picking figs, and the next thing she knows she is off on an adventure she never dreamed of, running into people she never in a million years expected to meet. Meanwhile, back home, Elner’s nervous, high-strung niece Norma faints and winds up in bed with a cold rag on her head; Elner’s neighbor Verbena rushes immediately to the Bible; her truck driver friend, Luther Griggs, whom Elner has known since he was a boy, runs his eighteen-wheeler into a ditch – and the entire town is thrown for a loop and left wondering, “What is life all about anyway?” Except for Tot Whooten, who owns Tot’s Tell it Like It IS beauty shop. Her main concern is that the end of the world might come before she can collect her social security.
My reactions:
This is a sweet, gentle tale of one woman’s influence on her community, that reminds us all to consider the cycle of life and how we fit into it. Flagg populates Elmwood Springs with colorful characters who, for all their eccentricity, are completely recognizable. We have a matriarch who touches everyone with her genuine kindness, straightforward advice, and simple life lessons. There are the local busybodies with hearts of gold who rally around to help anyone mired in one of life’s tragedies. And no community would be complete without the juvenile delinquent headed for a life of crime but for the kind person who sets him straight and gives him a reason to stay on the right path.
Is this an unrealistic community? Maybe, but I still recognize the parable. Flagg reminds me that the things I most cherish have nothing to do with material goods, and much to do with relationships I’ve developed over the years. It’s not great literature. It’s not even Flagg’s best work. But I did enjoy the time I spent with Elner and the residents of Elmwood Springs.
Cassandra Campbell does a good job on the audio; I particularly liked how she voiced some of the excitable characters like Norma and Tot.
From the dust jacket: Life is the strangest thing. One minute, Mrs Elner Shimfissle is up in her tree, picking figs, and the next thing she knows she is off on an adventure she never dreamed of, running into people she never in a million years expected to meet. Meanwhile, back home, Elner’s nervous, high-strung niece Norma faints and winds up in bed with a cold rag on her head; Elner’s neighbor Verbena rushes immediately to the Bible; her truck driver friend, Luther Griggs, whom Elner has known since he was a boy, runs his eighteen-wheeler into a ditch – and the entire town is thrown for a loop and left wondering, “What is life all about anyway?” Except for Tot Whooten, who owns Tot’s Tell it Like It IS beauty shop. Her main concern is that the end of the world might come before she can collect her social security.
My reactions:
This is a sweet, gentle tale of one woman’s influence on her community, that reminds us all to consider the cycle of life and how we fit into it. Flagg populates Elmwood Springs with colorful characters who, for all their eccentricity, are completely recognizable. We have a matriarch who touches everyone with her genuine kindness, straightforward advice, and simple life lessons. There are the local busybodies with hearts of gold who rally around to help anyone mired in one of life’s tragedies. And no community would be complete without the juvenile delinquent headed for a life of crime but for the kind person who sets him straight and gives him a reason to stay on the right path.
Is this an unrealistic community? Maybe, but I still recognize the parable. Flagg reminds me that the things I most cherish have nothing to do with material goods, and much to do with relationships I’ve developed over the years. It’s not great literature. It’s not even Flagg’s best work. But I did enjoy the time I spent with Elner and the residents of Elmwood Springs.
Cassandra Campbell does a good job on the audio; I particularly liked how she voiced some of the excitable characters like Norma and Tot.
between_the_clouds's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
Un libro profondo ed esilarante in alcuni passaggi, scorrevole con una sensibilità in alcuni passi veramente notevole, ha un sottotono che mette in discussione il significato della vita.
Un romanzo davvero delizioso che consiglio, scritto bene, rilassante, fa sognare...e poi tante ricette di torte alla fine del libro lo rendono speciale.
Un romanzo davvero delizioso che consiglio, scritto bene, rilassante, fa sognare...e poi tante ricette di torte alla fine del libro lo rendono speciale.
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
Reading for my Cibolo House book group. I picked this book without having read it, so I hope my little old ladies like it!
I started out liking this at a 4 star level, but didn't think it stayed as fun as it started. Overall, not a bad book, but not a favorite.
I started out liking this at a 4 star level, but didn't think it stayed as fun as it started. Overall, not a bad book, but not a favorite.
meme_too2's review against another edition
3.0
Fannie Flagg writes feel-good books. I laughed so hard and couldn't put the book down. So much fun to read.
sararaymond's review against another edition
2.0
Not enjoying this nearly as much as Fannie Flagg's other novels. This is another I can't bring myself to finish. Yaaaawwwn.... I'll get it out again when insomnia hits next.
redskates's review against another edition
3.0
I like this author in general, so I think that the story would have to be horrible for me to rate one of her books badly. Highlight of this book for me was how I fell in love with the main character. I want to be like Elner!!
bmpicc's review against another edition
4.0
I always chalked Fannie Flagg up to old lady fiction. I guess I fooled myself! I was the one missing out all of these years! I truly enjoy her storytelling. Her characters have such great names, back stories & characteristics. A great and relaxing read.
violetcat's review against another edition
3.0
Not one of Fannie Flagg's best. It dragged on a little longer than I thought was necessary.