A Return to Whistle Stop

I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I read an entire book (except picture or YA books) in one day.  Fannie Flagg's The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop is one of those books.

I remember seeing Fried Green Tomatoes in 1991. I was engrossed in the characters and storyline from the very beginning of the movie. I had no idea it was a book until the credits. I'm one of those people who have to read a book before seeing the movie because I want to have my own movie in my mind. After watching the movie, I had to find the book. I knew even as good as the movie was, the book had to be better. But because Flagg co-wrote the screenplay for the movie, she made sure it was as close as possible to the book. Jessica Tandy will always be Ninny, Mary Stuart Masterson will always be Idgie Threadgoode, and Kathy Bates will always be Evelyn Couch. How could you make any of these characters look any different in your mind?

For those who loved Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (book-published in 1987), Fried Green Tomatoes (movie), or both, this is a MUST read! Fannie Flagg does not disappoint in her continuation of Buddy Threadgood, Ruth's son's life. You will fall back in love with the original characters and in love with the new ones.

As soon as I started reading The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop, I was immediately back in Whistle Stop. I knew the one-armed boy referenced in the first few pages. I could clearly hear Jessica Tandy's voice narrating the words as I read. Like the chapters in the previous book, these jump around in time (just like the movie).If you know the characters, you will easily be able to follow along with the storyline. Flagg picks up where the previous book ended  as if we never left.

I have seen reviews from readers who have not read the original book. For those readers, all I can say is you have to read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe to truly appreciate the return of these great characters.

Again, I will say, this return to Whistle Stop is a MUST read for lovers of Idgie and her family. I wonder what will happen next. Will there be another return? I can only hope.

The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop is expected to be released on October 27, 2020, by Random House.

*To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Random House has provided a complimentary digital edition of The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.