Review of the All-girl Filling Stations Last Reunion

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Judith Jagoda I had not realized that in that location was a grouping of women WASCPs.. I grew up during WW2 and knew WAVSFanny Flagg has the ability to bring me into different w…more I had not realized that there was a group of women WASCPs.. I grew upward during WW2 and knew WAVSFanny Flagg has the ability to bring me into unlike worlds.. I loved, Fried Light-green Tomatoes, and not The All-Girls filling Station.....(less)

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Commencement your review of The All-Girl Filling Station's Concluding Reunion

Oh, it's a happy twenty-four hour period when at that place is a brand new Fannie Flagg novel! At that place is something so comforting and soothing about diving into her version of minor town Alabama. Here she follows two families; the Simmonses of Bespeak Clear, Alabama in 2005 and the Jurdabralinskis of Pulaski, Wisconsin during WWII. Flagg deftly weaves the stories of her families closer together every bit the novel progresses, simply the real fun in a Flagg novel is not necessarily the plot yielding its secrets, only much more so the jour Oh, it's a happy day when at that place is a brand new Fannie Flagg novel! At that place is something so comforting and soothing nearly diving into her version of small town Alabama. Hither she follows two families; the Simmonses of Signal Clear, Alabama in 2005 and the Jurdabralinskis of Pulaski, Wisconsin during WWII. Flagg deftly weaves the stories of her families closer together as the novel progresses, merely the existent fun in a Flagg novel is not necessarily the plot yielding its secrets, but much more then the journey. The characters and the tiny Alabama town will completely amuse you; how lovely it is to feed the birds in the morning time, to know all of your neighbors, to slumber with the doors unlocked and to hear that screen door banging shut. Fifty-fifty if, like me, yous've never lived in a small-scale town, you will instantly recognize and long for Flagg'southward version of "domicile." Every bit an added bonus, this book is completely hilarious! ...more

"The All-Girl Filling Station'due south Terminal Reunion", a novel by Fannie Flagg is, in my opinion, her best work since "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café". This author can conjure upwardly the characters of the old South like no one else, and I beloved getting lost in her books. And, that is exactly what I did with this ane.

As usual, Flagg has made some splendid points in the fabric of her fiction. One is the homage paid to the WASPs (Women's Airforce Service Pilots) of World State of war II. These unsung united nations

"The All-Girl Filling Station'due south Final Reunion", a novel by Fannie Flagg is, in my opinion, her best work since "Fried Light-green Tomatoes at the Whistle Cease Café". This writer can conjure up the characters of the quondam South like no ane else, and I love getting lost in her books. And, that is exactly what I did with this ane.

Every bit usual, Flagg has made some excellent points in the material of her fiction. 1 is the homage paid to the WASPs (Women's Airforce Service Pilots) of World War 2. These unsung until recently heroines ferried airplanes across the country, and many of them across the sea in lodge to gratis up male pilots for combat roles. Their courageous contribution to the state of war endeavour had been treated similar some sort of shameful secret for many years since then. Only in the more than enlightened period in which nosotros live has this error been rectified --- somewhat. In November of 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed into law that these women deserved some VA benefits. This was the result of tireless effort on the part of many individuals, and was not much considering the gratitude owed to them by this nation. Flagg brought this to calorie-free in this book. She also addresses the trauma of adoption for children, the flawed dictatorial k dames of southern American families, the damage we do to one another without meaning to, and the rights of individuals to marry regardless of sexual preference. That lot to get into a novel that will make you express mirth and cry as you lot read and Fannie Flagg has done it with grace.

As I said, I got lost in reading this book. I started it last dark at bedtime, read about 10 pages then and finished the volume this afternoon. I cannot think of a better way to while away a rainy day. What a care for this has been.

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Woot-Woot!! Looks like I won this on the GoodReads giveaway!! This looks like a really fun book! :D

4 Stars - for the past. The flashback portions of this sugariness little novel, were funny, distressing, and at times will brand you angry and frustrated, but full of pride for our countrys past. The Jurdabralinski girls were a hoot and ahead of their time. I know they are fictional characters, simply I am then proud of them!

3 stars - for the present. Sookie and Lenore's characters were just too over-the-acme for me.

Woot-Woot!! Looks like I won this on the GoodReads giveaway!! This looks like a really fun book! :D

4 Stars - for the by. The flashback portions of this sweetness little novel, were funny, lamentable, and at times volition make you lot angry and frustrated, but full of pride for our countrys past. The Jurdabralinski girls were a hoot and alee of their time. I know they are fictional characters, simply I am and then proud of them!

3 stars - for the nowadays. Sookie and Lenore'due south characters were just too over-the-elevation for me. Sookie is like a extravaganza of the old 50s blazon "lady" that fainted at the starting time sign of stress. I must admit that I hurried through her portions of the book. Lenore was just irritating, shallow, and irritating; did I mention that??

Overall 3.5 Stars for making me grin more than scowl. If you lot are a Fannie Flagg fan; so this is the volume for you lot. Lots of fluff and fancy.

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Listen, this was but not skillful. I don't know much well-nigh Fannie Flagg's publishing history, only I'1000 thinking she one time was able to capture lightning in a bottle with the delightful and oh-so-lovable Fried Dark-green Tomatoes at the Whistle Terminate Cafe, and she'll never ever be able to do it again. I retrieve there was a strong (and potentially actually great) idea behind this book, to highlight the WASPs of WWII (women pilots, essentially), and it was executed so insanely poorly that I only can't recommend information technology Mind, this was simply not good. I don't know much about Fannie Flagg's publishing history, but I'm thinking she once was able to capture lightning in a bottle with the delightful and oh-and so-lovable Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Buffet, and she'll never e'er be able to do it again. I retrieve there was a strong (and potentially really great) thought backside this book, to highlight the WASPs of WWII (women pilots, essentially), and it was executed and then insanely poorly that I just can't recommend it. Mind, I *hated* the main modern character of the book, Sookie. She was atrocious. And her supporting cast was terrible too! I don't go why you would write such hideous characters. I really don't.

Then uh, don't read this. Do yourself a favor.

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From the same writer of the popular book, as well every bit movie, Fried Dark-green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, comes this book of dearest and loss with women being the main characters. I was simply blown away to see that this book, which I got on a whim, received more than than nineteen 000 ratings on GR!

This book commemorates the WASPS (Women's Airforce Service Pilots)during WWII - the women who flew airplanes in their back up of the war attempt. A tale of family relationships, mother-girl bonding, nature a

From the aforementioned author of the popular book, as well every bit movie, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, comes this book of beloved and loss with women being the main characters. I was just diddled abroad to come across that this book, which I got on a whim, received more than than 19 000 ratings on GR!

This book commemorates the WASPS (Women'due south Airforce Service Pilots)during WWII - the women who flew airplanes in their support of the war effort. A tale of family relationships, mother-daughter bonding, nature and nurture.

My initial reaction to the protagonist was that she was not credible, an unbelievable grapheme; that a sixty-twelvemonth-onetime woman did not act the way she did, and she simply annoyed me. She was i of those people complaining with the white bread under the arm.

Later in the book she admitted that "there's zippo more unattractive than a lx-twelvemonth-old ex-cheerleader still trying to exist perky. I but make myself ill." I realized then that the character was intentionally created this way for a specific purpose and information technology was done extremely well. She had to be a 60-year-onetime spoiled brat with a crazy female parent. She had to exist unlovable, although other readers might not experience the aforementioned, of course.

I experienced the attributes of snobbishness, pretentiousness, the wealth- and grade consciousness, as well as the superficial values, annoying. I could not relate to any of the women, for various reasons, but I did adore the brave pilots, and what they endured, tremendously. My empathy and adoration came into play as the plot unfolded, and the background stories of all the characters were shared. The more than the characters developed, the more I bonded with them. In the end I wanted to be among the crowd who gave them a standing ovation. They proved to the earth that being a successful person is not necessarily divers by what you have accomplished, but rather by what you lot have overcome. They all had their own stories to tell of how it was done. A celebration of the human spirit.

This was a actually an entertaining, enjoyable, and informative read. I felt immensely grateful that books like these are written. Nosotros owe it to this brave and honorable women to call up them by reading their stories.

This is a women's read with a affect of history and serious bug thrown in every bit the corner stones. A good read.

Yes, information technology comes RECOMMENDED.

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This was a really uneven volume. The offset was slow and too quirky for its own good. The centre was excellent and a few parts brought tears to my eyes (in a good style). The catastrophe was predictable and threw in a gay character for admittedly no reason. (Is it a rule that every book written since 2005 has to be sympathetic to homosexuality?) So, it was difficult to rate. I'd say read information technology for the fascinating information about WASPs during WW II, simply skip over the balance, if you want. This was a really uneven book. The first was slow and too quirky for its ain practiced. The middle was excellent and a few parts brought tears to my eyes (in a adept mode). The catastrophe was predictable and threw in a gay grapheme for admittedly no reason. (Is it a rule that every volume written since 2005 has to be sympathetic to homosexuality?) And so, information technology was difficult to rate. I'd say read it for the fascinating information about WASPs during WW II, merely skip over the balance, if y'all want. ...more

I watched more television in the 1970s than I intendance to admit to my book reading friends. Information technology made an impression on me. I did non entirely understand everything that I watched, simply sometimes I knew in that location was more the what the canned laugh tracks might have implied. 1 of those impressionable shows was Match Game 75 or 76 or whatever twelvemonth it was (needless to say that Bill Gates too watch television in the 70s). Lucifer game had a celebrity panel filled with people that were clever and who seem

I watched more television in the 1970s than I care to acknowledge to my book reading friends. It made an impression on me. I did non entirely understand everything that I watched, but sometimes I knew there was more than the what the canned laugh tracks might have implied. One of those impressionable shows was Match Game 75 or 76 or whatever year information technology was (needless to say that Beak Gates also watch television set in the 70s). Match game had a celebrity panel filled with people that were clever and who seemed to be in on the joke. Ane of those faces was a writer/actress named Fannie Flagg. Much later on she would keep to write Fried Light-green Tomatoes, both the book and the screenplay. As a kid, I had no idea who she was, merely she was smart and wore funny sweaters and betwixt her and Mary Richards, I had part models.

As for this book, I needed a dose of campy estrogen fueled feminism laced with Southern dysfunction. This wasn't a high forehead read, yet I accept no regrets spending several pleasant hours with these unsung WWII air-women and learning about their contributions to the state of war effort. Thanks Fannie.

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Readers of Fannie Flagg's novel Welcome to the World, Infant Girl! will no dubiety remember Sookie Poole, loyal college roommate of Television forenoon prove host Dena Nordstrom. Forty years after, the two are still close confidantes, but nosotros learn a lot more than virtually Sookie in Flagg'south welcome new dramedy The All-Girl Filling Station's Concluding Reunion (Random Firm, digital galley). For that matter, Sookie learns a lot more nearly Sookie, and thereby hangs Flagg'due south tale.

Dissimilar her pal Dena, Sookie Krackenberry Poole o

Readers of Fannie Flagg's novel Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! volition no dubiousness remember Sookie Poole, loyal college roommate of TV morning show host Dena Nordstrom. Xl years later, the two are still close confidantes, merely we learn a lot more about Sookie in Flagg's welcome new dramedy The All-Girl Filling Station'due south Terminal Reunion (Random House, digital galley). For that affair, Sookie learns a lot more near Sookie, and thereby hangs Flagg's tale.

Unlike her pal Dena, Sookie Krackenberry Poole of Signal Articulate, Ala., has always known her people. Sure, she'southward the 60-twelvemonth-onetime wife of dentist Earle and mother of 3 girls (all recently wedded) and 1 son (single). Only she's as well the dutiful daughter of 88-year-old, still-going-strong Southern matriarch Lenore Simmons Krackenberry, who is obsessed with her Simmons forebears. Although Sookie has "the Simmons foot,'' she has always been a thwarting in the ancestor-venerating section, and Lenore has a hissy fit when Sookie suggests giving all the Simmons family unit silverish to her sister-in-law Bunny. "Who is non even a Simmons -- and not even from Alabama?'' cries Lenore. "Why don't you just cutting my heart out and throw information technology in the yard?''

And so, of course, Sookie relents and promises not suspension up the set of Francis I and to be a ameliorate girl and thus a meliorate Simmons. Just that'south before the registered letter from Texas arrives in the mail and Sookie discovers she likewise has ties to another family -- the Jurdabralinskis of Pulaski, Wisc., a colorful Shine-Catholic association.

As Sookie's world turns topsy-turvy, Flagg shifts the narrative to 1940s Wisconsin, where the Jurdabralinski family unit run Wink'southward Phillips 66. Before the state of war, eldest daughter Fritzi was a barnstorming pilot, but she's grounded when her partner is drafted as a flying instructor. Her brother and the garage's male mechanics besides have joined up, so Fritzi and her three sisters pitch in to keep the family concern running and turn it into a popular roadside attraction.

Simply as Sookie discovers, the all-daughter filling station is just 1 chapter in spirited Fritzi's adventures. She becomes a Fly Daughter, a member of the all-female WASPs, who fly transport and back up missions for the Air Force during World War II, and two of her sisters follow accommodate.

Readers may call up they know where the story is headed -- and they may be right -- only this journey to home truths offers delightful detours, from Sookie secretly meeting a psychiatrist at the Waffle House, to Fritzi outflying a condescending male person pilot at a Texas airfield. But as Fritzi'southward a pro at barrel rolls, Flagg'due south a whiz at loop-de-loops. Hang on, Sookie!
from On a Clear Day I Tin Read Forever http://patebooks.wordpress.com

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This is a historical Fiction/Chick-Lit/Women's Fiction. I find all of Fannie'due south books has very adult characters, and all the characters are one of a kind. I loved this book so much, and I could not put it downwards. I volition accept to read more books written by Fannie Flagg. (*) This is a historical Fiction/Chick-Lit/Women'south Fiction. I discover all of Fannie'south books has very developed characters, and all the characters are one of a kind. I loved this book so much, and I could non put information technology down. I will have to read more than books written by Fannie Flagg. (*) ...more

Information technology is said that life is total of surprises. For Sookie Poole who despite existence seemingly a disappointment to her overbearing mother, Lenore Simmons Krackenberry, who has spent her life trying to mold Sookie in her paradigm, as a female parent and a married woman seemingly know'southward who she is as a person. Those thoughts will be shattered though when by accident she stumbles on her mothers darkest hugger-mugger, something that volition run into Sookie non merely question everything she has thought she has known in life just also her own Information technology is said that life is full of surprises. For Sookie Poole who despite existence seemingly a disappointment to her overbearing mother, Lenore Simmons Krackenberry, who has spent her life trying to mold Sookie in her image, every bit a mother and a married woman seemingly know's who she is as a person. Those thoughts will be shattered though when by blow she stumbles on her mothers darkest secret, something that volition see Sookie not only question everything she has idea she has known in life but as well her own identity. While Sookie struggles to come to terms with what has happened and how she will break the news to her family unit we are transported dorsum in time when a Polish immigrant family arrived in America.

At the commencement of the twentieth century, Stanislaw Jurdabralinski and his wife flee Europe for a better life. What they don't know is what in that location family (Inparticular there irrepressible daughters) will achieve. Through hard piece of work and dedication the Jurdabralinski's will open there very own gas station as they take advantage of the car smash. When there son goes to fight in Europe during WWII and Stanislaw is hospitalised information technology is left to the the family women to keep the bussiness going. Fritzi and her sisters practice a great job and when she leaves after finding her calling in life every bit a pilot, she volition beginning astonish crowds equally an aerial wing walker and then in the state'due south hour of need joins the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). She will so be followed by her sisters. These women would exist pioneers for future generations of female pilots and astronauts.

Combining humour with a facinating look at a now long gone era, Fannie Flagg'south The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion is a delightful read that volition encounter yous go through the total spectrum of emotions equally you follow the fortunes of two wonderful women in Sookie and Fritzi. Reading about female pilots for one was but fascinating and i won't prevarication and say i have been looking up as much information as i tin can find on these brave women who at the end of the war had at that place records closed as if they never served and took decades to receive the recognition they deserved. You'll laugh, y'all'll weep and you may fifty-fifty desire to fly in an old clunky plane. I loved my time reading this book and i am certain yous will to.

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This book got better equally it went on. At first Suki collection me nuts, granted her female parent was a piece, but withal Suki created and so much of her own drama. I didn't like how she acted when she institute out she was adopted, she kept proverb she wasn't so and then, that her mother wasn't her mother, in my opionon it was over kill. It got to the point that I kept hoping for Suki's part to become over, I liked the parts in the past much better. It was only as Suki accepted her life that things started to pick up.

I hat

This volume got amend every bit information technology went on. At first Suki drove me nuts, granted her female parent was a slice, but still Suki created so much of her own drama. I didn't like how she acted when she plant out she was adopted, she kept proverb she wasn't so and so, that her female parent wasn't her female parent, in my opionon it was over kill. It got to the betoken that I kept hoping for Suki'south part to get over, I liked the parts in the past much better. It was only as Suki accepted her life that things started to pick up.

I hated Suki's mother, I can't imagine living with someone who was so cocky-centered. I hated how Suki kept cringing from her mother, something a 60 year onetime adult female shouldn't accept done. I did like when Suki started to get therapy. I loved that she met him in unusual places and how the md seemed thrown a scrap by Suki.

I loved the parts in the by, loved Fritzi and all the Jurdabralinski's. I thought the parts in WI were fun, the parts where they were flight for the war in TX was but equally good, although there were trials at that place. I was stunned by Fritzi's concluding cloak-and-dagger when she told Suki, but found myself laughing when i of the other WASP's got their revenge. I really liked the human relationship that Fritzi built with Suki. The trip they took to WI was great! I think it allowed Suki to connect with this new family and gave her a connexion she needed.

On a side note, I loved the narration of this one. Information technology was washed past the author, wasn't sure at the start, but she did a peachy job!

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This book started out with a salubrious dose of Fannie Flagg'southward southern humour, so I thought I had something good in my easily.

Regretfully, I found out otherwise.

First, the book is non nearly an all-daughter filling station or a reunion- it primarily concerns itself with a woman'south search for identity along with a second story line well-nigh women pilots in Globe War Ii. So- catchy championship, but misleading.

Secondly, the characters would occasionally act so far over the elevation that things deteriorated into complete f

This book started out with a healthy dose of Fannie Flagg'south southern humor, so I thought I had something good in my hands.

Regretfully, I found out otherwise.

First, the book is not about an all-girl filling station or a reunion- information technology primarily concerns itself with a adult female's search for identity forth with a second story line virtually women pilots in World State of war 2. So- tricky title, but misleading.

Secondly, the characters would occasionally act so far over the top that things deteriorated into complete farce.

Third, an important confrontation set up between two characters at the very get-go is postponed for a couple of hundred pages until I just couldn't intendance anymore.

Quaternary, less would have definitely been more for the whole volume.

And last of all, the authoress manifestly threw in everything she could think of, in staccato bursts, for her finale. Introduced and dismissed in 3-4 pages were things like "Hey Mom, I'one thousand suddenly gay!" and "She had a slap-up idea, patented it, started a successful business...and then got to spend more fourth dimension with her married man." It added up to one of the worst book endings I've ever read. What a please it was to finally set this book down!

Fannie Flagg is a proficient writer, absolutely. I don't know what happened here, but I promise it doesn't happen again. Read "Fried Green Tomatoes" or "Daisy Fae and the Miracle Human" instead of this 1.

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I honey Fannie Flagg and am so grateful every time she publishes a volume. Her books are southern chichi-lit at it'southward best. She writes of potent women trying to get through their lives the best way they can. And there is ever a few whacky characters that are fun to read. This novel does non disappoint. It's two stories told from two women's prospective. In one, Sookie Poole is looking forrard to living her empty nest life with her wonderful hubby Earle. The side by side is of a fiesty first generation Pol I honey Fannie Flagg and am so grateful every time she publishes a book. Her books are southern chichi-lit at information technology'south best. She writes of potent women trying to get through their lives the best manner they can. And there is always a few whacky characters that are fun to read. This novel does not disappoint. Information technology'due south two stories told from 2 women's prospective. In one, Sookie Poole is looking forrard to living her empty nest life with her wonderful married man Earle. The next is of a fiesty first generation Polish adult female, Fritzi, who'due south family unit owns a gas station in Wisconsin in pre-WWII. The two globe collide when Sookie opens mail addressed to her mother and finds a document that connects the 2 women. Flagg begins Fritzi'due south story with her parents migrating to Wisconsin in 1909. Sookies story begins in 2005. This novel is a fun romp of a mystery. It's a story of women coming into themselves; of struggles women have with identity. Flagg as well weaves some historical data of the WASP program in WWII. If yous are a fan of Southern Chic-lit and have enjoyed Flagg's previous works, this is a must read. Flagg's work is one of my decadent pleasures. ...more

Fabricated information technology 1/three of the way through. Hither's what happened in that function of the book.

A adult female fed some birds
A adult female read a letter of the alphabet and reacted to it (and kept reacting and kept on and kept on)
We flash dorsum fourscore years and get info-dump groundwork well-nigh a family.
In olden times, a girl cleans a toilet

And if the sense of humor was funny or the mod timeline woman was anything but despicable and useless, I might keep going. Only the humour wasn't funny (name foreign people funny-sounding names! hahahaha, not) and I pure

Made it 1/3 of the manner through. Hither'southward what happened in that role of the book.

A adult female fed some birds
A woman read a letter and reacted to it (and kept reacting and kept on and kept on)
We flash back eighty years and get info-dump background nigh a family unit.
In olden times, a girl cleans a toilet

And if the humor was funny or the modernistic timeline adult female was anything but despicable and useless, I might keep going. But the sense of humour wasn't funny (proper noun strange people funny-sounding names! hahahaha, not) and I purely loathed the main character.

Life is too curt.

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WOW!!, what a book. Information technology was a Express mirth Out Loud story. A more serious side of the story was the telling of the WASP's during WWII and the background of the sisters from Wisconsin that ferried planes from one side of the United states of america to the far side of the U.s.a. for the men in the Air force.
The story was so engaging, it was hard to end reading.
I highly recommend it. WOW!!, what a book. Information technology was a Laugh Out Loud story. A more serious side of the story was the telling of the WASP'due south during WWII and the background of the sisters from Wisconsin that ferried planes from one side of the U.s.a. to the far side of the U.s. for the men in the Air strength.
The story was and then engaging, information technology was difficult to end reading.
I highly recommend it. ...more

It's been awhile since I've read a Fannie Flagg novel and I then regret that afterwards reading this i! Information technology was not stop laughter to the cease and plenty of twists and turns to make it one of my favorite books in long time. It'due south been awhile since I've read a Fannie Flagg novel and I so regret that later reading this ane! It was non stop laughter to the end and plenty of twists and turns to make it i of my favorite books in long fourth dimension. ...more

This review has been subconscious because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. (*Upon request: "Spoiler warning")
When Sarah Jane (Sookie) Poole discovers at historic period 59, by blow, that she's adopted (and she'south already 60!), she's non happy to Not exist who she idea she was (if, in fact, she really knows who that is - is she really merely a boring, pushed-around, personality-less housewife and female parent who has never really done anything with her life except disappoint her female parent - who isn't actually her real mother later on all, only is a stranger)? So, who is she, and who were her bi (*Upon request: "Spoiler alert")
When Sarah Jane (Sookie) Poole discovers at age 59, by accident, that she'south adopted (and she's already sixty!), she's not happy to NOT be who she thought she was (if, in fact, she really knows who that is - is she actually just a boring, pushed-around, personality-less housewife and mother who has never really washed anything with her life except disappoint her mother - who isn't actually her real mother after all, but is a stranger)? So, who is she, and who were her nascency parents? And how is she going to keep from strangling Lenore, the woman who adopted her but never told her she was adopted - the woman who always had to be in command and the center of attention, who was forever critiquing Sookie for everything?

What I loved most about the story is the way it compassionately, with center and sense of humour, tells both the story of Fritzi, her 3 sisters, blood brother and parents, during World State of war Ii (four of them were pilots, with the girls being WASPs) and Sookie'due south search for her identity and the truth about her family. Both Fritzi and Sookie's stories are told alternately, in both women'southward voices, until eventually their stories merge. I often smiled and sometimes I laughed out loud - just the things Sookie thinks and does, are not just funny, only relatable (I can see people I know, even me sometimes, doing or thinking some of these things). I as well felt mad (at the handling of the women pilots and how men got away with some horrible things), lamentable, proud, and through it all, I felt involved and engrossed in what I was reading - there is really nothing I didn't similar about this book.

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Dual adventures of dynamic women kept me turning pages until well past midnight. Fannie Flagg's characters are thoroughly engaging, with all the hangups and strengths of families from very unlike backgrounds.

I of the things I always bask is the author'southward grasp of the complication of the interior life of Southern U.Due south. women (and men)---all liberated, simply notwithstanding working through expectations of culture, family, and society---handled with affection and humor. Equally stiff in this story is the e

Dual adventures of dynamic women kept me turning pages until well by midnight. Fannie Flagg'due south characters are thoroughly engaging, with all the hangups and strengths of families from very unlike backgrounds.

Ane of the things I always enjoy is the author'due south grasp of the complication of the interior life of Southern U.Southward. women (and men)---all liberated, but still working through expectations of culture, family, and society---handled with affection and humor. Every bit strong in this story is the exploration of the Polish/American experience in the North, spring together past historical threads of WWII aviation.

The pacing is so well managed, I could sense the collision grade of the ii story lines and could hardly wait for the issue to arrive. I was not disappointed, and the story finished with satisfying flair.

Honestly, I think this ranks among my favorites of her work, the other two contenders existence Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Buffet and Can't Wait to Become to Heaven. Glad I bought the book; it'll get multiple reads, and I know what I'll be sending many friends and family unit as gifts for Christmas this yr.

I warning, though: If you have anything else to get done that'southward pressing, do it outset, otherwise expect to be captivated past this volume from comprehend to embrace.

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Sometimes you lot find a volume that you but autumn in love with. Being a fan of Fannie Flagg and having thoroughly enjoyed her other books, I was rapt to find this on the library shelves the other day. It no sooner came dwelling and I was into it, chuckling along while at the aforementioned time enthralled with how easily Fannie Flagg draws characters. They effortlessly pull you into their earth and make yous desire to go along reading. I resented anything that took me away from this book. It is a sheer delight.
Sookie, a Sometimes yous find a book that you merely fall in love with. Existence a fan of Fannie Flagg and having thoroughly enjoyed her other books, I was rapt to find this on the library shelves the other twenty-four hours. It no sooner came home and I was into it, chuckling along while at the same time enthralled with how easily Fannie Flagg draws characters. They effortlessly pull you lot into their world and make you desire to go along reading. I resented anything that took me abroad from this book. It is a sheer delight.
Sookie, a 50 ix year one-time woman living in Indicate Clare Alabama finds out she is not who she thought she was. Or is she? This is a story nigh what shapes a person, nature or nurture. The characters in this novel are lovable eccentrics; though I admit I would hate to accept Lenore as a mother given the way she tried to force Sookie (Sarah Jane) into her own image. Thankfully she never succeeded completely.
This story flickers betwixt the present and Sookie's dilemma, and the by with a Fritzi and her sisters who non only ran the gas station when their Smoothen male parent contracted TB simply became pilots during the war. It was interesting to find out about the WASPS (Women's Air Force Service Pilots) which I had never heard of earlier and the vital part they played in World war 2.
This is a book that me laugh, cry, become angry and laugh again. It is typically Fannie Flagg. I have tried other supposedly humorous Southern fiction writers but they do not have the deft touch Fannie Flagg does. A joy to read, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sookie and her family and the Jurdabralinski sisters. My husband is now reading it. Fannie Flagg is i of the few authors we concord on in our reading. The novel is a lot of fun withal with an inherent serious theme about families, loyalty and what shapes a person. Highly recommend reading designed to go along y'all turning the ages and smiling. What more can you ask from a book?
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I was really surprised by this book. This was a local book order assignment, and was really liked and well reviewed past several trusted reading friends. But in my listen Fannie Flagg=cute=light=funny=fluff. And so the surprise to me correct off the bat was how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters were Not caricatures, the plot was NOT predictable, and I didn't roll my eyes one time while turning the pages. I loved information technology, and I cared virtually the people involved, and I learned about a footling known an I was really surprised by this volume. This was a local book club assignment, and was actually liked and well reviewed past several trusted reading friends. But in my mind Fannie Flagg=cute=lite=funny=fluff. And then the surprise to me correct off the bat was how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters were NOT caricatures, the plot was NOT predictable, and I didn't curl my eyes once while turning the pages. I loved information technology, and I cared most the people involved, and I learned almost a petty known and generally forgotten piece of American history, namely the female WASPS who piloted fighter planes from the factories to the airfields during WWII.

Apologies to Fannie Flagg for forming an opinion before reading the volume. I should know better by at present. And kudos to Wendell Small-scale, who designed and illustrated the cover; it'due south a keen 1.

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Oct 04, 2020 Kiran Bhat rated it really liked information technology

An old fashioned yet charming book, The All Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion delves into the live of another small town Sookie (non the ane from True Blood). Flagg renders the globe of small town Alabama with a lot of believability. You really feel similar you know these characters and accept met people like them. As per whether the book says annihilation with particularly any depth or freshness is some other question altogether, but the novel makes for a fairly fascinating and quick read.

Nov 25, 2018 Ange H rated information technology really liked it

This ane takes a petty while to get going, and it'south not Flagg's best, only fans of her manner won't be disappointed by the story of Sookie, a timid southern belle with a domineering mother who at the age of 60, finally finds out who she really is. Her journey is interspersed with flashbacks to Fritzi, a fearless woman from a world away in Pulaski, Wisconsin. Fritzi was a member of the little-known WASPS, a group of female pilots who flew planes as part the war effort in WWII. Discovering how the This one takes a fiddling while to go going, and it's not Flagg'due south best, simply fans of her style won't exist disappointed by the story of Sookie, a timid southern belle with a domineering mother who at the age of threescore, finally finds out who she really is. Her journeying is interspersed with flashbacks to Fritzi, a fearless adult female from a world away in Pulaski, Wisconsin. Fritzi was a member of the niggling-known WASPS, a group of female pilots who flew planes as part the war effort in WWII. Discovering how the stories of these two women intersect makes for an interesting and heartwarming read.

I enjoyed this, but like well-nigh novels where the author goes back and forth in time, I much preferred one story over the other - namely Fritzi's. For one thing, Sookie was actually too much of a nitwit. I was more than annoyed then overjoyed past her. Only Fritzi and her large, boisterous Polish family unit were great fun to read about. I loved the descriptions of how Fritzi and her sisters took over the family filling station, to keep the business organisation going while their brother was abroad at war. They pumped gas, stock-still cars, and did information technology on roller skates! They became modest celebrities every bit men came from far and wide to have their cars serviced by the pretty girls. I loved all the tales of pride and patriotism equally everyone pulled together to support the war. I had never heard about the WASPs (apparently no one else did either for many years later on the war, every bit it was kind of hushed upwardly) and so I as well love that this volume tells their story and gives them their due after all this time.

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I should have enjoyed this volume more what I did. It had many aspects to it that I often love in a book: southern setting, older ladies and their friendships, humor, a dual time line, and a piece of history I could acquire something from. Lately, I take been trying to employ my libraries' overdrive and listen to audio books more, so I have been attempting to pick out some books that others seem to beloved or it sounds like something I might similar. ( I am currently FAILING at this attempt!) However, I should take enjoyed this book more than what I did. It had many aspects to information technology that I often love in a book: southern setting, older ladies and their friendships, humor, a dual time line, and a piece of history I could learn something from. Lately, I have been trying to use my libraries' overdrive and listen to audio books more, so I accept been attempting to pick out some books that others seem to love or information technology sounds like something I might like. ( I am currently Declining at this endeavour!) However, every bit I listened to this, I kept hoping it would become amend. It started out sort of funny, but the longer I listened, the more I realized I was just trying to talk myself into liking it. (Am I the only one who does this?) The basic plot wasn't also bad, but I did not feel as though it was executed very well. I felt like the characters were extreme caricatures and because of that, even the historical facts felt diminished. I was going to allow my star rating settle as a solid 2, but then the ending ruined it all for me. In fact, I was a upset that I even finished the book. It was degrading to me. The feeling I got, after listening to this volume, is that unless you live or accept those living a worldly life, and so you aren't "upwardly to date" with the times and are probably a boring person. (These are simply my opinions, though.) The truth is, there are and so many books out there to read, and I wish I didn't spend my fourth dimension on this one. ...more than

The All Daughter Filling Station's Last Reunion" past Fannie Flagg is is a dandy story, very funny, with lots of information about women today and in WWII. It even has discussion questions at the end. I establish erstwhile photos on line of some of these characters.If any of you live in Ohio, the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana has a swell exhibit on women flyers in WWII. They accept life-sized cutouts of the pilots along with their memories and photos of themselves in the war. The All Daughter Filling Station's Concluding Reunion" by Fannie Flagg is is a great story, very funny, with lots of information about women today and in WWII. Information technology fifty-fifty has word questions at the stop. I establish old photos on line of some of these characters.If any of yous alive in Ohio, the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana has a great exhibit on women flyers in WWII. They accept life-sized cutouts of the pilots along with their memories and photos of themselves in the war. ...more

This was one of those that came across my desk and piqued my interest. While it wasn't quite what I think I'd expected (not that I call up what I'd expected), it was enjoyable.

Sookie.
I know this adult female. I know several versions of this woman and while I sympathise how these women are made and why they are the way they are, information technology doesn't make me love them any more. These women, the ones who exist for everyone else, the ones who have no self-definition, the ones who pitter and dither and are the mercy

This was 1 of those that came across my desk and piqued my interest. While it wasn't quite what I recall I'd expected (not that I call back what I'd expected), it was enjoyable.

Sookie.
I know this adult female. I know several versions of this adult female and while I understand how these women are made and why they are the way they are, it doesn't make me love them any more. These women, the ones who exist for everyone else, the ones who accept no cocky-definition, the ones who pitter and dither and are the mercy of their community's whims, they drive me batty. I am definitely a product of the women's liberation movement (thanks, mom, aunts, and grandmothers!) and, as a result, could not connect to Sookie. The adult female total-out exasperated me.
Because of that, I was able to be proud of her as she bandage off some of her unwarranted beliefs and notions, as she learned near her biological past and created her own future. Yay, Sookie! I still don't want to know you only I am proud of you, nonetheless.

Here's something funny: I got to feel a little smug while listening to this. Not just do I know a whole lot more about...well, a lot of crap than Sookie (really? Jays are bullying your finches and chickadees and y'all can't figure out how to deal with it and you lot make yourself look similar a crazy lady in your attempts to foil those not bad birds? Besides, jays are funny; just get to know them and terminate beingness so judgey, you onetime bat and stop freaking out over every trivial thing! Pull upwardly your big girl panties, suss it out on your own, and cease calling your poor husband at work) only I felt all "Why is this not common noesis?" on a regular basis. For instance, the WASPs. Howcome no 1 in the contemporary story knew who they were? I know who they were. Maybe considering my grandmother told me. I don't know. But I knew that women flew planes and were chosen WASPs (though, to be honest, up until probably ... oh, five or six years ago, I think I just causeless they were called WASPs because the wasp insect has a feminine body and it flies so it made sense to have the flying females named later on the blackness and yellow stripey guys. Research. Who needs it? Logic comes upwards with much more delightful explanations) I wound upwards feeling smarter than most the contemporary characters in this book. What an ego boost! I like to think of myself as B+ smart and that's only if yous don't involve things like math or brain surgery or proficient-decision-making. But these people made me experience similar a member of MENSA! Yay!

Ok, time to exist serious.
I enjoyed the parts about Fritzy and her family the best. I wanted to be a Fritzy when I grew upwards and I missed the marker, which turns out to be good, but still, as I suppose her peers would have said, "What a gal." We've got so many stiff stories from World War II, many of them focusing on the men who fought on either side, on the atrocities and terrors that raged so regularly during that time, on the saviors and the villains, on victims and the families left behind. This isn't the beginning story out there virtually how women helped their countries - America, in this case - but it is however a good reminder that it wasn't but young men standing up for what they believed in, fighting and dying. Women did not merely stay home, recycling gum wrappers and drawing lines upwardly the backs of their legs in lieu of stockings. Many did astonishing, heroic things and it's nice to have that recognized.

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3.v Sookie has only managed to get all her daughters married and is looking forward to some fourth dimension for herself, perhaps to read a volume. I can sympathise. Her mother, who is loosing it mentally, and is a grapheme to boot, has other ideas. Sookie finds out her family history is not what she thought it was and this turns into a sometimes amusing, sometimes poignant, quest.

Fannie Flagg has such a bang-up job of detailing her characters lives, making them quirky and amusing, larger than life people. This

3.v Sookie has just managed to get all her daughters married and is looking forward to some time for herself, peradventure to read a book. I can sympathize. Her mother, who is loosing it mentally, and is a graphic symbol to kick, has other ideas. Sookie finds out her family history is not what she thought information technology was and this turns into a sometimes amusing, sometimes poignant, quest.

Fannie Flagg has such a bang-up job of detailing her characters lives, making them quirky and amusing, larger than life people. This has several plot twists, gamble , humor and history as we go back in time and meet the Polish girls who ran the filling station and also flew the skies. Using letters and notes and other literary devices Flagg makes the final third of the book vastly interesting. Although I wished parts of the story, especially in the beginning, moved a piffling quicker, Flagg'due south fans won't be disappointed, definitely has the Flag flavor..

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Jul 23, 2021 Sandra rated it liked it

Fannie Flagg's books take that feeling-proficient atmosphere that was really appreciated right at present. I learn some new things, and although I worried things were headed toward some common places, at the end everything was solved in a satisfying way. Fannie Flagg's books have that feeling-good atmosphere that was actually appreciated right now. I larn some new things, and although I worried things were headed toward some common places, at the end everything was solved in a satisfying way. ...more

I've ever enjoyed Fannie Flagg's writing, but it's been a while since I terminal picked up one of her books. (I'yard embarrassed to say how long ago!) I had purchased this volume a while dorsum, simply hadn't managed to fit information technology in my queue notwithstanding, so I decided to check out the audio version instead.

The All-Girl Filling Station'due south Last Reunion is an entertaining and captivating story. Honestly, it started a bit slow, but I decided to stick with it considering, well, Fannie Flagg! It picked upward pace after a bit and th

I've ever enjoyed Fannie Flagg'due south writing, but information technology's been a while since I last picked upwards one of her books. (I'm embarrassed to say how long ago!) I had purchased this volume a while back, but hadn't managed to fit information technology in my queue yet, so I decided to bank check out the sound version instead.

The All-Daughter Filling Station'southward Terminal Reunion is an entertaining and captivating story. Honestly, information technology started a flake slow, but I decided to stick with it because, well, Fannie Flagg! It picked up pace after a bit and so took me on quite a ride. The story starts out eleven years ago and then goes fifty-fifty further dorsum to the 1920's and upwards through the 1940'south. Sookie's overbearing mother Lenore has a secret and learning about how information technology relates to Fritzi and her filling station and war-fourth dimension flights is quite the engaging story. I do wish Sookie had confronted Lenore about her secret, but I'yard sure she had her reasons for staying silent.

I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics and camaraderie between women during both the nowadays and the by. Lenore really was quite a piece of work and I kept wondering what she was going to say next. Sookie definitely had her easily full! It was easy to visualize people and settings without taking away from the narrative.

Fannie Flagg narrated the story for the audio version. She definitely has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and her vocalisation is stuck in my caput. Even so, I sometimes had trouble distinguishing between characters. I might have read it in a more subdued way in my caput, but it was still fun to listen to and kept my attending the unabridged fourth dimension.

Overall, it was an sweet (and somewhat snarky) comfort read. I expect forward to communicable up on the other Fannie Flagg books I missed, as well as reading one she has coming out afterwards this yr.

If this were fabricated into a movie, I could see Reba McEntire playing Sookie and Emma Rock equally Fritzi.

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I'm embarrassed to say that The All Girls' Filling Station has sat on my bookshelves for near three years, and information technology took a move and its rediscovery to finally read information technology. The expert part of all of this? I DID read information technology, and thoroughly enjoyed information technology. If you have enjoyed Fannie Flagg and missed this ane, practise yourself a favour and read information technology.

United States of America'south dear thing with cars is cardinal to this delightful tale - gas stations helped them motor across the country and in time of state of war, ladies had to tak

I'm embarrassed to say that The All Girls' Filling Station has sat on my bookshelves for about iii years, and it took a move and its rediscovery to finally read it. The practiced part of all of this? I DID read it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you have enjoyed Fannie Flagg and missed this one, do yourself a favour and read it.

United states of america's honey affair with cars is central to this delightful tale - gas stations helped them motor across the state and in fourth dimension of war, ladies had to take over at the pumps. These were very crucial jobs! As well, the history of female pilots and how they served in wartime was completely ignored until recently - this tale embraces the story and it is a marvellous and surprising ane.

Flagg's wry humour is wrapped throughout the story, which moves from a modern twenty-four hours flibbertygidget suffering empty nest syndrome and an identity crunch dorsum to the historical period which eventually converge in a lovely and satisfying fashion.

Even though I was late to this party, I'm so pleased I finally attended (especially since I wasn't impressed by Flagg's latest novel).

Recommended!

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Sep 19, 2018 Dianne rated it really liked information technology

This was a more difficult book to get into, but in one case I did I couldn't put it downwardly. The fact that it was written in 2 unlike time periods was non the problem for me, my problem (and of course in that location would have been no book without this plot device) is that Sookie was such an annoyingly indecisive creature.

What I LOVED about this book was learning about the WASP's :
"They were the pioneering organizations of civilian women pilots, who were attached to the United States Army Air Forces to wing mi

This was a more hard book to get into, but once I did I couldn't put it down. The fact that it was written in two different time periods was not the problem for me, my problem (and of grade in that location would accept been no book without this plot device) is that Sookie was such an annoyingly indecisive creature.

What I LOVED almost this book was learning nigh the WASP's :
"They were the pioneering organizations of civilian women pilots, who were fastened to the United States Army Air Forces to fly military aircraft during World War 2. On Baronial 5, 1943, the WFTD and WAFS merged to create the WASP organization."

"Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly Girls Nearly ane,100 immature women flew war machine aircraft stateside during World War 2 as part of a program called Women Airforce Service Pilots — WASP for short"

and the history that this book gave me was enough to stir me into doing some research and besides finding new books to read!

Past the middle of this volume, I got into the rhythm and fifty-fifty started feeling comfy with Sookie's issues with her overbearing mother and the fact that Sookie wouldn't face her female parent with the huge hush-hush that Sookie knew.

Past the cease of the book, I understood why Sookie kept the cloak-and-dagger...well...secret. And I really enjoyed seeing Sookie grow and learn and to larn to stand up for herself.

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Fannie Flagg began writing and producing television specials at age 19 and went on to distinguish herself as an extra and writer in television set, films, and the theater. She is the writer of the New York Times bestsellers Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, Fried Greenish Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (which was produced by Universal Pictures as "Fried Dark-green Tomatoes"), Welcome to the Earth, Bab Fannie Flagg began writing and producing television specials at historic period xix and went on to distinguish herself as an actress and writer in television set, films, and the theater. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Daisy Fay and the Phenomenon Man, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (which was produced by Universal Pictures every bit "Fried Green Tomatoes"), Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!, Standing in the Rainbow, and A Redbird Christmas.

Flagg'due south flick script for "Fried Green Tomatoes" was nominated for both the Academy Award and the Writers Guild of America Accolade and won the highly regarded Scripters Award. She lives in California and Alabama.

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Articles featuring this volume

Celebrate fearless women in these picks from the comic writer whose new Southern romp is The All-Daughter Filling Station'southward Last Reunion.

"beingness a successful person is not necessarily defined by what you have achieved, but by what you take overcome." — 47 likes

"I'm telling you, Dena, when you live long plenty to run into your children begin to expect at yous with different eyes, and you can look at them not as your children, just as people, it's worth getting older with all the creaks and wrinkles." — 17 likes

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