Rating: 
Summary: extremely disappointing
Review: What a let-down after reading "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe." Is this the same author? I forced myself to keep reading the predictable plot, "TV-movie" characters, and the oh-so-obvious pop-psychological analysis of the main character. Halfway through, I couldn't stand it anymore. I flipped to the last page, found out (like it wasn't obvious) that Dena gets together with the psychiatrist; the "bad guy" dies, and everyone is happy. No need to tortue myself further. "Fried Green Tomatoes" dealt with such strong female characters, social issues, and rich, funny characters. What happened?
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent book!
Review: You simply can't go wrong with a Fannie Flagg book. She has a way with words and can spin a story as well as anyone. However, with this novel she not only demonstrates her fabulous wit but also her ability to create dramatic characters and allow us a window into their lives. I read this (rather large) book in only two sittings. It kept me spellbound and you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Like a Bad TV Movie
Review: This book is just BAD. I felt like I was reading the draft of a college student's first novel -- sophomoric, with glib "meaningful" moments. Of course, the psychiatrist falls in love with the pretty blonde, and of course she needs to find out the reasons for her neuroses in order to love him back. And oh how happy and close the cute country folks are! None of the boredom and dysfunctions common to some small towns. All of these country folks are as proud and chummy as they can be -- just move to a small town and eliminate all your problems. This book is about as shallow and hokey as a novel can be!
Rating: 
Summary: Kept Me Walking
Review: I "libraried" the unabridged tape of Welcome to the World Baby Girl". It had a great plot once you got into the story. What fun to associate the characters...Walter Cronkite was easy...but I keept trying to figure out who Dena was exactly!!! This is a delightful, sad book. How far have we come, this society of ours...lets not forget what it was like just a few decades ago. Fannie Flagg has her wonderful assortment of lovable oddballs and that, combined with a suspenseful plot adds up to a solid four star!!! Read it. You will enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Everyone Needs an Elwood Springs
Review: A delightful tale of big city stress, woe, hostility and the victory of small city rejuvenation and family loyalty. Sure is kind of corn-ball...but I enjoyed this book tremendously. Fannie Flagg knows how to write them!
Rating:
Summary: Oddly Compelling
Review: I read this book over vacation, and one moment I was loving it, the next minute, I simply hated it and wondered why I was reading it -- HOWEVER, I just couldn't put it down... I had trouble really feeling much for Dena, the lead character, at first I found her terribly 1 dimensional. THEN, I realized, that was the point... she is indeed just that, until she is able to uncover her own personal history. It was strange, and at times rather implausible, but as I said, I couldn't put it down. It was a little depressing at times, but I loved all the characters "back home" -- they kept me going.
Rating:
Summary: big star from small town
Review: Dena is a tv star and as such, only sees herself as a one dimensional celebrity, instead of a real person. So when her body starts falling apart from the stress of her lifestyle, and she must take leave from her job, it comes as a shock to her to allow herself to feel emotions. Her past bubbles up and demands closure before she can continue into the future.This book superbly displays some fantastic characterisations, and I felt it read more like snippets of personalities, especially the small town characters, rather than a continuous story. This gave me a great insight into the life of the town. Despite the length it didn't take very long to read at all; I was surprised when the ending came up so quickly!
Rating:
Summary: Great weekend book with tears and laughter
Review: This was my first Fannie Flagg book. I could not put it down over a relaxing weekend away. It had everything that I like in a summer novel, hilarious parts which made me laugh out loud and moving sections which made the tears roll.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing feat
Review: WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL was my first Fannie Flagg novel; I'm sure it won't be my last. The intricately structured plot alone is enough to earn the five stars -- patience truly hath her perfect work with this book, as Ms. Flagg carefully lays out all her puzzle pieces, giving you tiny glimpses of the big picture, then slowly and carefully and brilliantly begins to fit them all together. But the characters and dialogue -- the southern scenes are just a hoot! -- are truly wonderful as well. I couldn't read this one fast enough.
Rating:
Summary: Nice Read, Good Book
Review: I never expected to like a book from Fannie Flagg, whom I'd just seen on game shows! The descriptions from the past were delightful and pleasing. I felt like I was in a swing on the porch on a summer's day, enjoying a good book. The plot wasn't the draw here - the involvement in the old-timey characters vs. the new-age characters was. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it as a good getaway read.
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