
Member Reviews

I’m not usually a fan of short stories, because they often end with no resolution, like the author just got tired of writing. But I liked a lot of these – I think it helped that I knew what kind of writer Fannie Flagg is, so I knew what to expect. A lot of the stories were pretty cheesy, but the ones I loved had some sort of twist at the end.

This book is a collection of short stories by Fannie Flagg, showcasing how everyday Americans across the country creatively navigate adversity and unexpected life changes. With humor and compassion, Flagg introduces a cast of memorable characters: from a great grandmother in Kansas to a jilted wife in New York, each finding unique and often surprising ways to overcome challenges. Through these tales, she celebrates human resilience, quirkiness, and the enduring power of laughter.
I’ve always wanted to read more books by Fannie Flagg, and when I got a chance to read an advance copy, I was so grateful but also unsure of what to expect, since I’d read Fried Green Tomatoes a very long time ago.
This book is a collection of short stories, some of which are interconnected, some not, but all of them are portraits of modern American life, mostly of elderly folks.
The stories were captivating and interesting, though not particularly diverse.
What stood out to me the most is how even the briefest stories feel like complete novels. Fannie Flagg has a way of pulling you in quickly, making you care about her characters and their small but meaningful worlds.
This collection is engaging from start to finish and perfect for readers who enjoy character driven stories, small town Americana, and the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC!

This author is always a great pleasure to read. She is highly original and imaginative in her story telling and these short stories were no exception. I liked that the characters reappeared in many of the stories combined with other characters throughout. The trademark charm and wit behind the writing was delightful. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

*Something to Look Forward To* by Fannie Flagg is exactly what the title promises—a heartwarming, feel-good story that leaves you smiling. It’s full of Southern charm, quirky characters, and little life lessons tucked between the laughs. I loved how it reminded me to find joy in the simple things. Just a sweet, comforting read.

A wonderful book filled with short stories. Some will make you roll on the floor laughing, some will leave you wistful, and all of them are filled with Ms. Flaggs' excellent sense of love, good humor, and a tiny bit of Southern snark.
This book of short stories is filled with every kind of story imaginable: from Aliens visiting Earth, to murder, family drama, funny stories, and romance. No story takes more than 15 - 20 minutes to read (most are a lot less), but you are never left with the feeling that you were missing out on something because they weren't longer. Ms. Flagg really has a knack for this. I was disappointed to find out that this was a collection of short stories, but once I got into it, I loved it.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Random House, the author, and NetGalley.

Such a charming set of short stories by one of America’s favorite writers of homespun tales. These made me laugh and cry while wishing there were longer novels wrapped around the delightful characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A delightful book! Filled with short stories from characters throughout America, I didn't want it to end. Some of the stories are surprising, some hilarious. Very entertaining. I didn't want it to end.

Fannie Flagg writes with humor and sincerity. Her characters are people the reader would love to spend some time with. This novel is actually short stories, some with recurring characters. The stories take part in different parts of the country at different times. The characters are dealing with issues that most people face, so the stories are relatable.Some readers may not enjoy this format, but Ms. Flagg's fans will appreciate her warm, honest and no-nonsense style.

Fannie Flagg never disappoints. There is such an unpretentious down home feeling about everything she writes and this book is no exception. And you might laugh at some of the characters!
Comprised of short stories, some of which are connected with other stories, we catch a glimpse of Americans living in small town, living in cities and Special Agent Frawley who may be from some other galaxy - we will never know. We meet Velma, a great-grandmother in Kansas who would love to see her children, but they live too far away and send a card or two at Christmas time. Ranches in a small town in Montana who take matters into their own hands, a woman in New York who has had enough of the shenanigans going on around her. We share for a few brief moments the lives of others, loving, quirky, hopeful, who find the strength to go on, no matter what.

I've read several of Fannie Flagg's works in the past and liked them fine, but this one was an utter flop for me. The short stories seemed recycled, and often too similar. Flagg has a niche, and her attempts at diversifying just didn't work out. There were stories where I thought for sure there would have to be some sort of tongue in cheek haha coming up, and when there wasn't, I realized the author had no freakin' clue about who she was trying to portray. She clearly likes good ol' country folks, plucky women, and cheeky responses to being wronged. When she stays within her realm of comfort, it's tolerable. But outside of that, it's cringe. In the afterward, she suggests we all "be quiet," and that seems like poor advice for times like these.

I love books by Fanny Flagg. They are so funny and heartwarming. This book is full of interconnected stories set all over the world U.S. and beyond. They are set in different time periods and a few don’t even have dates. Her books always make me feel happy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for a honest opinion. 4⭐️

A fun and quirky collection of short stories. Flagg maintains her ability to encapsulate small town coziness; however, delivered in short bursts of storytelling. It reminded me more of Elizabeth Strout’s writing - but with more humor.
Each story was engaging, and the one story that continues throughout left me emotional. There was an underlining of thought provoking questions about the life you lead and the life you think you are living. Once I got to the support group of animals, I had a new appreciation for each story. Needless to say, I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a Fannie Flagg fan since she was my weather girl out of Birmingham. I think the time has come to admit that, for me, the luster is gone. Both this book and the one before it reads like a sophomore class assignment. I couldn't enjoy the story because I couldn't get past the stilted classroom sounding narrative.

Fannie Flagg’s new book was such a delight to read with a deeply woven human story and richly developed characters! She weaves together all our human emotions. I could. Not put this book down. Thank you Fannie for another wonderful read!

A delightful novel of short stories about people and their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

very cute stories about humankind, wouldn't have normally picked it up - but happy I read it! I loved the interconnectedness of some of the stories.

First of all, I've never been a great short-story reader. Mainly because just when you get into the plot, the story is over.
BUT, I am a big fan of Fannie Flagg, so I requested a copy . I have read all of her books and even have the F/G/T Cookbook!
What pleasant surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed each chapter. I look at the world a little brighter when I step outside and see
the wonder that surrounds me.
I still think my fave is the alien eating ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. It was so tender.
Of course, they were all terrific and made great reading while waiting in a lobby for an appointment. Just the right length.
I can't wait to eat at The Whistle Stop cafe, in Juliette, GA where they filmed Fried Green Tomatoes, and left the set when the filming
was finished. Of course, you can take a virtual tour, but now it is a must, and we live just a few hours away.
Thank you Fannie Flagg for writing such wonderful, heartfelt stories.
This book would be a great gift for a loved one.
I will also be posting on Goodreads!
Read it soon!

I always love a new Fannie Flagg book and this one did not disappoint! This book consists of 30 short stories showcasing observations of American life about love, loss and reinvention. I would highly recommend to all Fannie Flagg fans! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

I will be posting this review on Goodreads adorn once published on Amazon. I will also post it in my private reading group on Facebook.
As always, Fannie Flagg is down to earth about life. This book, however, covers many aspects of life as she writes it in short stories about different life events and facts. I loved it and hope to find a way to get a signed copy of this book to keep. A fabulous book!

This is a quick and simple read with unusual beginning and ending chapters. I thought all the stories would intertwine, but much of the book could stand alone. It was lighthearted entertainment with some sweet human insight.