The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop: A Novel
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A heartwarming novel about secrets of youth rediscovered, hometown memories, and the magical moments in ordinary lives, from the beloved author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
"A gift, a blessing and a triumph . . . celebrates the bonds of family and friends--and the possibilities of recovery and renewal."--The Free Lance-Star Bud Threadgoode grew up in the bustling little railroad town of Whistle Stop with his mother, Ruth, church-going and proper, and his Aunt Idgie, the fun-loving hell-raiser. Together they ran the town's popular Whistle Stop Cafe, known far and wide for its fun and famous fried green tomatoes. And as Bud often said of his childhood to his daughter Ruthie, "How lucky can you get?" But sadly, as the railroad yards shut down and Whistle Stop became a ghost town, nothing was left but boarded-up buildings and memories of a happier time. Then one day, Bud decides to take one last trip, just to see what has become of his beloved Whistle Stop. In so doing, he discovers new friends, as well as surprises about Idgie's life, about Ninny Threadgoode and other beloved Fannie Flagg characters, and about the town itself. He also sets off a series of events, both touching and inspiring, which change his life and the lives of his daughter and many others. Could these events all be just coincidences? Or something else? And can you really go home again?
"A gift, a blessing and a triumph . . . celebrates the bonds of family and friends--and the possibilities of recovery and renewal."--The Free Lance-Star Bud Threadgoode grew up in the bustling little railroad town of Whistle Stop with his mother, Ruth, church-going and proper, and his Aunt Idgie, the fun-loving hell-raiser. Together they ran the town's popular Whistle Stop Cafe, known far and wide for its fun and famous fried green tomatoes. And as Bud often said of his childhood to his daughter Ruthie, "How lucky can you get?" But sadly, as the railroad yards shut down and Whistle Stop became a ghost town, nothing was left but boarded-up buildings and memories of a happier time. Then one day, Bud decides to take one last trip, just to see what has become of his beloved Whistle Stop. In so doing, he discovers new friends, as well as surprises about Idgie's life, about Ninny Threadgoode and other beloved Fannie Flagg characters, and about the town itself. He also sets off a series of events, both touching and inspiring, which change his life and the lives of his daughter and many others. Could these events all be just coincidences? Or something else? And can you really go home again?
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Community Reviews
If you're like me, you've been waiting a long time to find out what happened to your favorite characters from Whistle Stop, Alabama, not to mention Evelyn Couch. Where did they go? Did they all lose touch? I can tell you without spoiling anything that the answer to the latter is no, they didn't. Dot Weems first sends Christmas cards and then discovers email to keep everyone in the loop. But what about the town itself?
Well, it's probably better not to ask what Whistle Stop looks like these days. But when Bud Threadgoode's granddaughter Ruthie meets up with Evelyn Couch they are unfazed by what 50+ years of neglect can do to a town.
It may have taken a while, but Fannie Flagg does not disappoint with this sequel. In her typical chatty style, we learn about what happened to the town and its inhabitants when the trains started just passing through without stopping. And then we zoom into the future to see how Whistle Stop lives on in spirit, and maybe even in reality.
Well, it's probably better not to ask what Whistle Stop looks like these days. But when Bud Threadgoode's granddaughter Ruthie meets up with Evelyn Couch they are unfazed by what 50+ years of neglect can do to a town.
It may have taken a while, but Fannie Flagg does not disappoint with this sequel. In her typical chatty style, we learn about what happened to the town and its inhabitants when the trains started just passing through without stopping. And then we zoom into the future to see how Whistle Stop lives on in spirit, and maybe even in reality.
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