I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't read the reviews before reading and I'm glad I didn't. I honestly can't understand the intense dislike for this book. While I agree that it's probably not her best novel I didn't think it was all that terrible. So far the one I liked the best was "Standing in the Rainbow". All in all I enjoyed the characters and getting a picture of what the south (particularly Birmingham, AL) is like. I was born and raised on the West Coast and have never had an opportunity to go South so I am intrigued by this other part of the country. There is a certain pride among southerners about being southern that just doesn't exist in my area of the country(there's no particular pride or loyalty for living in the PNW other than our NFL team finally doesn't stink), and I like that. This book does a good job of portraying these things, and it's something I appreciate.I thought it was fine. At least borrow the book from the library that way you won't feel like you wasted money if it turns out you really didn't like it. First Fannie Flagg book I have read, and even though it's not great literature, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't know anything about the book or the author, and bought this at a used bookstore because I was looking for a book for the beach--fit the purpose perfectly. Despite its heavy subject--a 60-year-old woman who is disappointed with her life and planning her suicide--it is a light and fun book. (I wouldn't be giving much away to say it has a happy ending.) I especially liked the character of Hazel. I had to laugh that I could relate to the grumblings of 80-plus-year-old Ethel. If I had any complaints it was that the character of Babs was so one-sided--although I did like the unexpected scene at the end with Maggie and Babs. I also thought the author could have chosen a better title (but that's a small quibble).
Do You like book I Still Dream About You (2010)?
This was a perfect summer read - light, funny, entertaining!
—Heraa
