"The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop"

"The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop" by Fannie Flagg 

In the 1930s, Whistle Stop, Alabama, was a bustling

railroad town, where plain, good folks lived. In the best

of times. they laughed together, in the worst of times,

they cried and comforted each other. No pretense, no

flair, just a common place where everyone was welcome. 

Now, many years later, Whistle Stop is a pile of

junk and rubble, a sad, ghost town where a weary

traveler could once stretch his legs on the way to the big city. 

If you are nostalgic, and feel like dropping by to see what

remains, be sure to listen very carefully, because the faint

whispers of what used to be, may echo in your ears. 

Like the lively conversation coming out of the Whistle Stop

Cafe, home of the famous, fried, green tomatoes. Or the

gossip from the beauty parlor owned by Opal Butts where

stylish ladies get their hair done-up every Saturday.

You might even hear Reverend Scroggins preaching

encouraging sermons to his flock of worshippers who 

seldom listen to sound advice.

Bud Threadgoode grew up in this town, and now he's an

old man, determined to return one last time to that place

where fond memories fill his heart and soul. This is his

story, spanning the glorious past, while taking a peek as 

to what's in store for an uncertain future. Join Bud on his

journey as he mourns the loss of so many loved ones,

celebrates newfound friendships, and embraces endless

possibilities in his twilight years. 

Actress Fannie Flagg writes another delightful story in

her Whistle Stop series, with all the warmth and humor of her

two previous books. Step back in time where mellow anecdotes

and lovable characters fill every page. Perhaps the next

chapter about this beguiling town is waiting to be written. 

"Anxious People"

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 

Desperate people often do very foolish things.

Take the case of the bungling bank robber, who 

half-heartedly brandishes a pistol while demanding 

money from a cashless Swedish bank, while the social 

media-obsessed girl at the counter, thinks it's all a silly

joke. The would-be thief simply wants enough cash to

pay the rent, but the futile attempt has now turned into

a clumsy escape from the authorities. 

So the amateur perpetrator runs to an apartment building

open house, where a mismatched group of eight possible 

buyers mistakenly think they are being held hostage. 

What ensues, is a comical, yet heartwarming story, of total

strangers finding friendship in a most unlikely place.

Everyday lives change dramatically during the crazy, chaotic

hours they spend together. 

 

You'll meet a cold-hearted banker, an elderly lady, wise and 

mischievous with a contagious, positive attitude, a gay couple 

fearful of bringing a child into an uncertain world, and a man

of mystery with an unusual occupation. Add to this motley 

crew of needy individuals, is the father/son police duo who

reconnect with one another while enduring endless interviews

with a slew of frustrating witnesses. They all unite with one

purpose, and begin to execute their clever and ingenious plan

to end their unusual predicament. 

Readers will feel a wide gamut of emotions as they turn the

pages of this book, written by an author with the remarkable talent 

of intertwining his memorable characters in a most disarming way. 

 

Nothing to See Here

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

When Lillian and Madison meet at a prestigious
boarding school, the bond is immediate, even
though highly unlikely. Lillian, the poor,
scholarship student, struggles to identify with
the likes of the poised, rich, and stunning
Madison, on just about every level.

But the young women defy the odds and become best
friends, until a juicy scandal sends Lillian back
to her lonely mother's attic, while Madison continues
to reap the rewards of  her wealthy father's influence.
They unceremoniously part ways, with the realization
that status and money really do matter.

Imagine Lillian's surprise when Madison resurfaces
ten years later with a lucrative offer for her former
friend; one that's hard to refuse. Lillian has the chance
to become" governess" to twins from Madison's husband's
previous marriage. The children's biological mother has
died, and it looks like their Senator father is now wholly
responsible for them; quite a task for a man who knows
so little about his own offspring except for one very troubling
detail that Madison finally reveals to a skeptical Lillian.

Supposedly, the twins spontaneously combust when stressed
or agitated, their little bodies aglow with flickering
flames at the most inopportune times.

Once Lillian witnesses the phenomenon herself, and
accepts the absurdity of it all, she agrees to be part
of a dysfunctional family that becomes more
challenging with each waking moment. Two confused,
sheltered children are slowly capturing Lillian's heart,
and what starts as a way out of her hapless life, turns
into a life-changing opportunity when she needs it the most.

This quirky, funny, offbeat novel with its improbable plot,
sends a clear message about the power of acceptance and belonging,
and how finding purpose in life can turn dark, meaningless days and
nights into hope for the future.

The Today Show's Jenna Bush Hager chose this one as her Book
Of The Month with good reason. It's for those who like to think
outside of the box, laugh, (or ponder) a wildly entertaining
premise, and empathize with likable characters, from an author
with a style all his own.