Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

Rating:
Summary: enjoyable reading
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy to read, interesting 'day at the beach' kind of book. The storyline was predictable except for the end but the detail and characters kept the story engaging. The answer to the 'mystery' of Dena's mother was nothing I had expected. A good book for the down to earth type of person.

Rating:
Summary: A Summer Beach Read
Review: Fannie Flagg's WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL! is an interesting, easy read. It's a book you can take to the beach because it can be picked up and put down at any time without losing the flow of the story. Although the book's style is uneven meaning some characters are developed more completely than others, Flagg gets readers to reevaluate their views on important issues such as prejudice, the goals of newscasting, and the choice that humans can make to either tear down or support their fellow human beings.

Rating:
Summary: Once I'd finished I turned to the front to start again
Review: This is a captivating story told in a way that makes you unable to put it down. The minute details of the characters lives are compelling and you end the book feeling that they are your personal friends.

Rating:
Summary: I LOVED this book!
Review: I loved how the author kept switching time periods and places and people. It seemed like there were many stories all going on at the same time, but they eventually all wound together in the end. The quirky, small-town, characters reminded me of many people I know. This was a genuine, heartwarming tale and I truly enjoyed it!

Rating:
Summary: Could have been better...
Review: I started out really enjoying this book but it seemed to fizzle midway through. The characters were very well written but the storyline wasn't as good as it could have been. I also was not fond of the main character and I think that was not Fannie Flaggs intent. I think she intended us to like the main character and feel sorry for her and her obvious flaws.

Rating:
Summary: It's no Daisy Fay!
Review: Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man is one of my favorite books of all time, and when I saw a new Flagg book, I snatched it up. I enjoyed the Neighbor Dorothy story line, and found myself wishing for more of that era and less of Dena's world. Dena was a spoiled brat, and I had trouble finding any sympathy for her. Gerry, although a little flat, was one of the funniest characters in the story. His antics trying to win Dena (I don't know why he wanted her!) were great, and it was nice to see a male character unafraid to be a little silly to win her over.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: As soon as the book started I was hooked, I couldn't wait to read it and even stole some reading time at work! The characters were very well portrayed and the whole concept of making a living in this world without hurting anybody is something that I wish more people could understand. Plus, the midwest humor made me laugh, it's so innocent and genuine. Thanks Fanny!

Rating:
Summary: Baby, You had me interested, But left me cold
Review: Welcome to the World, Baby Girl provided entertainment for rainy days, but was by no means considered captivating. The story line was composed rather well, and the plot of the novel was interesting. However, there were faults as well. Despite the fact that I enjoyed reading the novel and learning of Dena's life, the novel lacked substance to pull in the reader. I was not displeased while reading the novel, but once the last page was read I was left without any overpowering emotions. The book provided me with some laughter and occassional grins, but I would not classify it as a "humorous" novel. I was interested in trying to figure out the happenings in Dena's early life that affected her older self, but that aspect of the novel only went into depths in the latter half of the novel. If you are looking for an entertaining book, without implication's of deep emotion's this is a book for you. However, if you are looking for a novel that will leave you thinking about it for hours after, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Real
Review: Fannie did it again! This is the best read I've had in years! With all the talk about being "authentic", this just was. I loved it! I just finished it and I plan to read it again. Thanks.

Rating:
Summary: Cheesiness Personified!
Review: I loved "Fried..." and "Daisy...", and enjoyed parts of "Welcome..." However, my overall impression of the book was less than favorable. I thought it was too cheesy. The "good" characters were too good. The "bad" characters were too bad. Gerry, the nerdy doctor. Oh, God, totally one dimensional character. Wasn't likable in the very least. Loved Aunt Elner, though. I thought the mystery behind Dena's mother was so lame, I put the book down with 30 pages to go and didn't touch it for days because I was so disappointed with that revelation. There wasn't one word or action in this book that wasn't predictable. I could have written it myself word for word after reading only the first chapter. Except the end. I wouldn't subject ANYONE to that ending. I believe Flagg has an excellent grasp on small town America. She's a great storyteller when she's telling an original story. I've read this one a million times before by a million different authors.