Rating: 
Summary: This is ok...
Review: I found it a very pleasant read...like reading a Norman Rockwell painting.
Rating: 
Summary: Sentimental Slice of Life
Review: My rating is really about a 3.75This was an enjoyable if somewhat sentimental view of small town life. Centered around the friends and family of Dorothy Smith, who is a 'radio homemaker' broadcasting her show Neighbor Dorothy from her living room, from 1936-1974. The book itself has no real major plot line, but is instead a series of vignettes of small town life, loosely linked together by the interaction with Neighbor Dorothy, or her reporting of news about the characters on her show. Although enjoyable I did have a few complaints. One is that Ms. Flagg writes some wonderful characters that we get very attached to, and then suddenly never hear much about again. One feels there are a wealth of interesting stories left untold. I would be interested in learning more about Beatrice, the little blind song bird, and her life with the Oatman Family Gospel Singers. There are a number of characters like this, and I found that a bit frustrating. One other thing that bothered me was some historical inaccuracy here and there. These things always bug me, and although they did not alter the story, it was always in the back of my mind. All in all a light and fun read, particularly if you enjoyed Welcome to the World Baby Girl, where the folks of Elmwood Springs also appear.
Rating:
Summary: Pot of Gold
Review: Fannie Flagg's Standing in the Rainbow is a golden read, full of wisdom, love and humor about the folks in the next town over. Spanning six decades, the story focuses primarily on Mother Dorothy's family and their closest neighbors in Elmwood Springs, Missouri. The first decade, the 1940's, covers almost half the novel. From there, the decades begin to speed past until the 1990's, giving the reader a very lifelike perspective on the phenomenon of time passing ever more quickly the older you get. In spite of the humor, I found that slightly depressing compared to the fullness of the first half of the book. The characters in this book are unforgettable. There's Mother Dorothy, who has a half-hour homemaker's radio show every day for almost forty years. There's her husband Doc, the philosophical pharmacist and keeper of town secrets and their children, the ever-popular Anna Lee and the irrepressible Bobby. Their hired man Jimmy and Betty Raye Oatman (who is fleeing her gospel-singing family), Mother Smith, Princess Mary Margaret (the dog) and canaries round out the household. Town characters such as Poor Tot Whooten and Norma's Aunt Elner make for funny reading. Fans of Fannie Flagg will recognize some characters from Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! The book takes on a Forrest Gumpish tone as it goes along and various characters run for government positions and hang out with Elvis and get congratulatory telegrams from President Truman. The latter half of the 20th century is treated with a deft hand and events are meaningful only as they touch the folks of this insular Missouri town.
Rating:
Summary: From a guy reader. It's very good, better than an NFL game
Review: People love to categorize books--a woman's book, a guy book, etc., but in the end a book has to stand on its own. This one certainly does. Yes it's sappy and yes it's bit much (especially all that political stuff with Hamm getting elected governor), and yes it begs to get smacked for being so syrupy, but in the end, it's a great pleasure and you can't help but smile and feel good, and any book that does that is a success and merits good ratings. So for you guys, it's ok to read this between NFL games and the World Series. Trust me, it'll stay with you longer and it's even more enjoyable. I can't give it 5 stars because it is over the top with the politics, but the characters are wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: From Robert Edward Levin, author of The Glass Heart:
Review: Flagg's, Standing in the Rainbow, is a great read. Most impressive, for me, anyway, is the way she brings life to her characters. Colorfully portrayed, they move in and out of the story with the ease of shadows, all the while leaving the reader with a sense of community and morality that so often seems to be missing in today's society. I liked this book very much, and would suggest it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Honoring Community
Review: The ability of the characters in this book to get up every day and with good humor and grace live their lives in the best way they can is a model for us all. The book shines with the value placed on family and friendship. The characters are able to adapt to situations and move on. If you want to connect to real people from the heartland, read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: B-O-R-I-N-G
Review: I was excited to get my hands on this book after hearing so many great reviews. While quaint and not terribly written, the book never gained momentum and barely grasped or held my attention. I waiting for something to keep me going, but it never came. After 84 pages, I gave up Standing in the Rainbow and watched this one go back on the shelf!
Rating:
Summary: rainbow's gold
Review: fannie flagg can really tell a story and this is one you shouldn't miss. everyone wants neighbors and friends like these characters and most of us know one or two. i couldn't put this book down once i picked it up and i know you will have the same experience. this is the perfect escape from a stressful day. the chapters are short but numerous and she packs a great deal of laughter and joy and sorrow into every one of them. if you enjoy books about family ties and small town charm, definitely read this book. you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Another Winner From Fannie
Review: Fannie Flagg has done it again. Another wonderful novel that will make you laugh and cry. Fannie writes from the heart and, therefore, her books make you feel good about everyday life.
The world is so full of negativity and violence and to be able to pick up a book and read about down home people is truly a delight. Her characters are taken from real life and real life situations that we face everyday. So do yourself a favor:get a copy of this delightful book, sit back, relax, and be prepared to enjoy a wonderful read.
Rating: 
Summary: Dull and disappointing
Review: I have read all of Fanny Flagg's other books and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I have now read the first 150 pages and I am still waiting for it to kick into gear. I picked it up and put it down several times already. What is the point? Where is the story? What is to laugh about? This book is deadly dull. I cannot punish myself by reading further.
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