Something to Look Forward To: Fictions

by Fannie Flagg

Joyful and surprising interconnected stories that celebrate the ways people from all across America are learning to cope and to connect in a changing world—from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Fannie Flagg once said that what the world needs now is a good laugh. And that is what she gives us in these thirty warmhearted, often hilarious, always surprising stories about Americans finding clever ways of dealing with the curveballs life throws at us.

We meet Velma from Kansas, a loving great-grandmother who struggles to bridge the generational divide with her great-grandchild in California. Why, for instance, does her great-grandchild sign letters to Velma with “(they/them)”? We cheer for Helen, in Ithaca, New York, who takes an audacious course of action when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Four men in Bent Fork, Wyoming, make a bold decision after learning that the café where they eat breakfast every day is about to be sold to a stranger from out of town. And observing them all is Special Agent Frawley, an odd visitor from another planet, sent to Earth to figure out what makes human beings tick, only to fall in love with one of them—and with her cat.

With her infectious humor, wild imagination, and her great understanding of Americans—and of the human heart—Fannie Flagg holds up a mirror to all of us and lets us laugh at the sometimes eccentric, sometimes brilliant ways people learn to deal with and, ultimately, prevail over life’s challenges.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Humor, Historical Fiction, Romance, Family, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

Fannie Flagg began writing and producing television specials at age nineteen and went on to distinguish herself as an actress and writer in television, films, and the theater. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (which was produced by Universal Pictures as "Fried Green Tomatoes"), Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!, Standing in the Rainbow, and A Redbird Christmas.

Flagg’s film script for "Fried Green Tomatoes" was nominated for both the Academy Award and the Writers Guild of America Award and won the highly regarded Scripters Award. She lives in California and Alabama.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog

There is something warm and comforting about a Fannie Flagg book. Everyone has heard of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and I loved that one, but she has also written numerous other books that I have loved. This collection is no different, and it was filled with Flagg's usual humour and heart.

This set of stories brings the reader to small-town America with endearing characters and charming tales. I loved how her stories revolved around community and finding friends in the least likely of places. Her characters enjoy the simple joys of life. They feel like friends, and they turn the ordinary into extraordinary. The writing is simple yet poignant, and though I admit it isn't for everyone, it was everything I needed right now.

Full of laughter and sentimental moments, this collection is the perfect feel-good escape and a heartwarming reminder that there is sunshine after the rain. This is the perfect example of feel-good fiction, and I am so here for it. It left me feeling optimistic and with a big smile on my face, because we always have something to look forward to.

All. The. Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“BE QUIET, PLEASE!”

In the early years that I was facilitating our local library book discussion group, the participants wanted to read anything written by Fannie Flagg. So, it wasn’t uncommon for us to read and discuss a lot of her books. Besides, she lived in Santa Barbara, CA, about 2 l/2 hours outside of where we were located (Morro Bay, CA). So, we almost felt like she was our very own local author. (We could dream, right?!)

I have re-visited and eventually reviewed several of her books here on Goodreads based on our reading and discussion experiences, which included:

“The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop,”
“Standing in the Rainbow,”
“Welcome to the World, Baby Girl,”
“A Redbird Christmas,”
“Can’t Wait to get to Heaven;” and,
“Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man.”

I have also read, but not re-visited (yet): “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion,” “I Still Dream of You;” and, “The Whole Town’s Talking.”

I actually did read her most ‘famous’ book, because it was turned into a movie, “Fried Green Tomatoes and the Whistle Stop Café.” But I got behind in my re-visiting of books (preferring to walk with hubby and my corgi dogs). Thus, no review on this one yet, either.

I believe the reason our book discussion group was so attracted to her books, was because they found themselves fond of her characters. Her characters typically felt quirky, fun, somewhat believable and oh so relatable, in a down-home kind of way.

So, now her new book is out. This one. And, it only seemed fitting that I would want to come home to Fannie.

So, how did it feel to be back?

Consider the title of the book. A nice invitation, don’t you think?

This is a series of 31 short stories and an epilogue. Which can make this a nice in-between the novels reading experience or a breeze-on-through the quick, easy-to-read stories book. However one chooses to approach this book, it is recommended that readers go into it with no expectations.

Because not all the stories may grab readers. At least, this one. As an example, I wasn’t quite knocked off my feet in awe or joy with the first story. It was about aliens. What? It really shouldn’t have been the first one, but it makes sense later why she chose to put it at the front of the collection.

Still, it almost made me not want to continue reading, especially when the end said…

“To be continued…”

Oh no! More aliens? Yep. With an interesting perspective. Perhaps an opportunity to re-evaluate the human race? After all, we still have so much to learn. Especially in today’s world.

So, I wasn’t feeling as disappointed by that first story, once I understood where the author was taking us readers. (Still doesn’t mean I was particularly fond of it.)

But I was willing not to give up on her other stories.

Fortunately, most stories reminded me of the Fannie characters our book group really enjoyed. Because, here her characters felt so simplistically real. Like the one who heads to a funeral, and the impact that decision made. Or, the one that everyone thought was dead, and what happened next. Or, the one that showcased their vital bond to each other, in hopes of saving a life. Or, the one with the author who looks for inspiration. Or, the one who appreciated the guiding mentor.

Her characters are from all over. No particular place. And, being presented at different time periods – whether it is present, future, or past.

And, in her typical way, with some of her stories, characters continued on into another one of her short stories. Which made her characters somewhat relatable to the everyday occurrences in this life. Because, Fannie has a way of bringing people to life for others to experience.

Which allows readers, along with Fannie, who considers herself an observer of “other humans as they go about living their daily lives,” to also become observers – of people – and, the humanity of it all.

Heart-felt, silly, warm, relaxed, familiar, quirky, and thoughtful, this collection of short stories might please most Fannie Flagg fans. Not perfect, but a pleasing distraction when the world is hard to ignore.

“Considering all of the uncertainties…that we humans have to face in life, we just may be the most courageous creatures that have ever lived. Because, in spite of it all, we just keep going.”

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Something to Look Forward To, by Fannie Flagg, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I usually have something to look forward to, it helps get through a long day of work. Fannie Flagg has 30 short stories about normal American people. doing the best they can, with what they have. This was a n enjoyable read, at American Culture, everyone is so different in different parts of America.

[V. Briceland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look. If 80-year-old Fannie Flagg wants to cap off her career with a bunch of grandma-core short stories unified with a lite-science-fiction framework, I say more power to her.

Some of the stories in Something to Look Forward To are intriguing in the sense that they seem to read as treatments or sketches for what should have been longer works. "Don't Forget to Write"—a story of a middle-aged wife seemingly losing her marbles over an unfaithful husband, which features a sharp surprise ending worthy of Flagg's early-career novels—is the best of these. In short story form, though, the reader isn't invested enough in the characters for its twist to have a sting.

My problem was that a majority of the chapters in the collection seem incredibly slight, and aren't so much actual stories as the kind of pointless anecdotes with which my mother-in-law used to glaze my eyes over the dinner table. A few paragraphs about someone discovering a box of old photographs in an antique store and thinking, "Wow, these folk are all dead!" isn't a short story—nor is one in which one person confesses to some dastardly deeds and then yells "APRIL FOOLS!" at the end. So many of the tales in this collection feel like a wet towel sliding to the floor, after someone forgets the back of the bathroom door doesn't have a hook to hang it on.

Worse, I found several of the short stories herein actively offensive. I knew I was in for some rough weather with the several Velma and Cathy stories, which are supposed to contrast the wholesome down-home country values of Grandma Velma with her ig'nant city-dwellin' granddaughter Cathy, when Cathy referred to herself as 'socially conscious' multiple times in a row. Flagg's so-called satire is not subtle, here. Soon Cathy is haranguing her elderly relative for not living in a town that has a charger for her EV and forbidding the old woman from seeing her great-granddaughter because the tyke might encounter some cis white males and honestly, Fannie Flagg, you're a lesbian who used to be involved with Rita Mae Brown and should know better.

My least favorite was the dreadful "The Fiction Writer," in which (sorry, I'm going to spoil the wafer-thin plot, here) an elderly, best-selling, wealthy, straight white male author finds himself bedeviled by the prospect of permanent cancelation if he dares include characters in a new book who are either female or of color—again, I don't think that's a thing, but Flagg seems to. So he sidesteps the issue by adopting a female pen name. The end! Ho ho ho, Fannie Flagg! That sure pulls the wool over the eyes of them woke readers, don't it?!

Honestly, the low points are awful, and seem like a betrayal of the author's previous literary legacy. Flagg's books have been coasting on charm as her technique has faltered in the last decade. As a born Southerner who appreciated the quiet charisma and settings of her novels, I stuck with her. In this volume, though, that charm is spread thinner 'n' the last of the honey jar over cornpone.

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a Fannie Flagg fan for years. When I saw this new book, I jumped at the chance to read it. I didn't take the time to read the book blurb. It took me by surprise that this was a book of short stories.

The stories were about regular people, some a little bit quirky, most of them dealing with an issue in their lives. Some stories were only 2-3 pages long, some a bit longer. A few seemed pointless. And, a few were interesting. The stories did not seem connected but a few of the characters reappeared in different stories.

It was just an ok read. I would definitely read another novel by Ms Flagg but, these short stories just didn't appeal to me. Maybe it was because I didn't realize that was what it was.

I lived the cover. Very homey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Stephanie Carlson · Rating 2 out of 5]

**My thanks to Random House for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**

2 stars

A short-story cycle centered on the experience of aging in the contemporary world and the many divides between arbitrary groups, especially generational ones, Something to Look Forward To promises—but doesn’t quite deliver—classic Fannie Flagg observational humor mixed with reflection.

Unfortunately, I think Flagg is at her best when writing longer-form stories, where we have a chance to spend many years with a character and see how their different sides come subtly to the surface under different situations. In these flash-fiction vignettes, the only characters who have much depth are those who appear in recurring roles, like Nancy and Velma (who appear in several stories, and who we get glimpses of over time). Characters who show up in only a single vignette aren’t given enough sketching-in to feel real, if anything more like the setup for a joke. There’s one short story about two Catholic priests that I wouldn’t be surprised to some day see in a “Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: From Grandma” e-mail chain.

Flagg’s concerns in this book, as outlined in a disappointingly bland alien-observing-Earth framing device, are how to age gracefully in a world constantly bombarding you with ragebait and the increasingly divided and individualistic nature of American communities. These are worthy topics, and I wish Flagg had examined them in a novel rather than teasing them with these short stories, which lack the teeth and insight of her greater works.

I have read and loved many Fannie Flagg novels, and I hope she someday writes another. But I’d be comfortable advising prospective readers to skip this particular title—it doesn’t bring much of substance to the table.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in need of some humor so when I saw that Fannie Flagg had a new book out, I was all in, especially when she was the narrator of her story. This book is actually a compilation of interconnected stories of people coping with challenges in a confusing world. It was indeed humorous at times, but it was also sentimental, touching and even inspiring. It was just what I needed.

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very mixed experience for me. I’ve been enjoying short stories a lot lately and since I’ve really enjoyed this author in the past, I thought it’d be fun to give this a try.

Some of the stories were great, but some I really struggled with. Emotional depth is pretty important to me when I read, but that’s obviously difficult to do when you’ve got the very limited page count of short stories. Sometimes, this was done really well. Some of these stories really hit me in the feels. But at other times, I either struggled to connect at all or I thought the bones were pretty good but that that the story really needed to be longer to get the depth it deserved. I did enjoy how some characters continued to show up in various stories, whether directly or through small connections. I laughed pretty hard at some of them, but there were also a couple that felt too forced in their themes, making the reading experience a bit awkward for me.

I don’t think Fannie Flag will be a go-to author for me for short stories, but I do think I will pick up another of her books again in the future to get that depth again that I’ve enjoyed in the past.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fannie Flagg has a gift for weaving stories that blend humor, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. The stories the reader finds here continue this tradition of creating memorable characters and a comfortable sense of community. The novel reminds readers that even in the face of challenges, there is always hope, kindness, and connection to be found.

The stories are lighthearted with humor and touching reflections of life, aging, and friendships. The pacing is gentle, but allows space to savor the moments of kindness and wisdom tucked into the narrative.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Ms. Flagg for a digital copy to read for review. I loved it. 5 stars

[Patricia Rupell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this collection of short stories. I really enjoyed some of the stories, especially the ones that were connected, but the sci-fi angle didn't work for me.

3 stars.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartwarming collection of short stories that some of them interconnect Some of the stories are a little longer than others but it's a quick look at family. friendships and life through the ever changing world The best ones for me were the ones about the aliens who tried to assimilate on earth and then report back what they found. It was quite comical what they would make of us here all staring at the little boxes in our hands all day long!
This is full of feel good moments and small town charm as most of Fannie's books are it is a perfect way to escape if you only have a few minutes since the chapters are short or you can read the whole thing in just a few hours It's sure to leave you with a smile on your face and we all need more of that these days Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Barb Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fannie Flagg writes a collection of mostly forgettable short stories in "Something to Look Forward To: Fictions."

Some characters, such as the rural-based Southern great-grandmother eager to see her young relatives and an alien who looks an awful lot like Fred Mertz, make appearances in multiple stories. Others are one-and-done.

Flagg's writings make note of the world's divisions between various people, but she does so in a slightly offensive way.

I've enjoyed several of Flagg's previous books. I would have been just fine if I had skipped this one.

[Kay Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF this book. Good intention, but bad delivery. Nothing wrong with trying to lighten people's moods these days, but these short stories were trite and heavy-handed.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

These thirty short stories, almost vignettes, offer insightful observations of American life as it unfolds. Many of the stories are interconnected, and all are written with Fannie Flagg’s signature blend of insight, pathos, and humor. I particularly enjoyed the clever twists in many of the stories and the colorful and endearing characters.

This book is a delightful read that serves as a refreshing palate cleanser. It evokes a sense of humanity that I believe we all desperately need right now. While it’s possible that you won’t love every story, I highly recommend this fast-paced read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

[Julia Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit as delightful as I had hoped.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Something to Look Forward To” by Fannie Flagg is a joyful and character driven collection of interconnected short stories, where every day moments have unexpected meanings. Each vignette is told from a different charming character’s perspective weaving a patchwork of life lessons about love, loss and reinvention. .The stories are told with charm, depth, and honesty with the added touch of Ms. Flagg’s trademark sense of compassion. I recommend this entertaining book to everyone who needs a hug and a good laugh.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very odd book. The way it’s organized and delivered is simply strange. It’s a host of little vignettes of people’s lives, some who appear later in the book, and some who you never hear from again. Some, have their stories resolved, and some, just leave you hanging.

All of this sandwiched between a beginning and end wherein an extraterrestrial being is studying earth and trying to figure out what is wrong with humans.

Flagg is a lesbian who came out in the 80s. So, you’d think she’d be “woke” and really understand marginalization. It doesn’t seem so. Why you ask?

- she is obsessed with looks (from the alien wanting to be thinner, the woman who only turned pretty and could then get the man after she lost weight, the grub worm who thinks he’s ugly, and more!). It was exhausting.

- the whole premise of the book is pretty much that humans have become tribal and only want to hang out with and talk to people who think like we do - what an over simplification! I mean, maybe if you think someone I love (say a trans person) shouldn’t exist and should be rounded up and studied/experimented on, maybe we can’t just agree to disagree (which is essentially the end message — we should just all be “quiet” and get along). If you want to read more on what I am getting at, look up the paradox of tolerance, which suggests that if a society extends tolerance to those who are intolerant, it risks enabling the eventual dominance of intolerance; thereby undermining the very principle of tolerance.

- there’s a white man author who doesn’t want to be “woke” (can’t write about women being a man himself, has to insert a character of colour in his books etc - woe is me, eh?) and so he resolves his problem by just writing under a female pen name. Ugh! That’s not how things work, or how they should work!

It’s hard to believe this is the same woman who wrote the deeply classic Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe.

There was a redeeming story wherein an elderly grandmother in Kansas was being educated on her grandchild’s use of they/them pronouns where she eventually realizes she loves them and will accept them even if she doesn’t understand.

I would have given this one star, but there are some endearing stories and moments that really had me smiling.

In the end, I will return to some of Flagg’s older works that I haven’t read, because she has some great writing out there. This was not it, even after we have waited for so long for something new by Flagg!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something To Look Forward To is a collection of interconnected short stories by Fannie Flagg. They range from quirky and fanciful to humorous to poignant. Two of the stories feature an alien who chooses to come to earth disguised as William Frawley (with that name as well) to learn about earth. He finds a sense of wonder on earth, with observations like:

"This was the first time he had ever encountered color. All the images of Earth on his boss’s screen were light gray, but here on Earth, everything was a different color and it almost made him dizzy." (ebook location 102).

Other stories feature a news reporter, a remote cafe in Wyoming, a college student who has a crush on her professor, a woman who finds love with rescued animals, and (my favorite) recurring stories about a sweet older lady who has a happy life on a farm but misses her granddaughter and great-granddaughter who live far away in California.

I wanted to read this book because I love Fannie Flagg's fiction; she is one of my favorite authors.

I prefer novels to short stories, but ventured into this genre because of the author. I'm so glad I did! I found these stories heartwarming and enjoyable. I loved the little connections here and there with the stories and characters. Through it all, Fannie Flagg's distinctive authorial voice shines through.

I recommend this book for other fans of southern fiction, and for anyone who enjoys short stories. I found it a quick read, and it would be a nice comfort read for a weekend or a vacation.

[Mindy Quisenberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a short story fan, but since Fannie Flagg is one of my favorite authors, I thought I would give it a try. Enjoyable stories, all heartwarming. It was a quick read and made me smile a few times. But, to be honest, I’m still not a short story fan. :)

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read every book Fannie Flagg has ever written, so when something new comes out I rush to get it.

Fannie Flagg novels have always been comfort reading for me. I have always known what to expect in her novels. For me, “Something to Look Forward To” missed the mark. The novel is a series or short vignettes showing people in different circumstances in their lives. Some of the stories are connected but not all. I lost interest in the first 50 pages. I finished it thinking things would start gelling more between each story. For me, that gelling never happened.

When Fannie wraps up the book she encourages readers to stop being angry at each other because we all come from the same place and to that place we shall all return. The best part of these stories, for me, was the development of characters in a very short number of paragraphs. She’s still a wonderful author and I will continue to read everything she publishes. I hope that more readers like it better than I did.-

[Anica Lest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent William Frawley --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Beware of Weathermen --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Darla Womble --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Honey Bee Cafe --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Two Different Worlds --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Don't Mess with Texas --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A New Arrival --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Don't Forget to Write --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Science Project --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Seat of the Matter --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Dreaded D Word --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Traffic Stop --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Christmas in Cottonwood --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

City of Lost Dreams --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The High School Reunion --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Cardboard Box --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Little Church of Signs and Wonders --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Pandemic --- ⭐ ⭐

The Will-O-Wets Take a Trip --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Fiction Writer --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A Doctor's Dilemma --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Hunter College --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Cathy and Velma --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Two Years Later --- ⭐ ⭐

I Never Said Goodbye to Mama --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A Mother's Secret --- ⭐ ⭐

The Confession --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A Thinking Man --- ⭐ ⭐

Something to Look Forward To --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Regarding Special Agent William Frawley --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Planet 8676 --- ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Epilogue --- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Cortni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed Fannie Flagg’s books, but this one didn’t quite do it for me. It still had her usual lighthearted, fun tone, and I can see longtime fans enjoying it. I think I just realized I’m not a big fan of short story collections—they don’t draw me in the same way as her full-length novels.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Fannie Flagg for the opportunity to read this early!

[Roslynne Levine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. I read the first 4 stories and couldn't take anymore. It's hard to believe that this came from the woman who wrote Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and Standing in the Rainbow.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this one because I have loved all her books, but I could not connect to any of the characters in the short stories. Some stories were better than others, while some I downright just hated. I gave this 3 stars because of the ones I liked.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for my ARC.

[Lizzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like reading a painful Chicken Soup for the Soul Book indoctrinating you into the Christian Utopia mindset. I’m too WOKE and MISERABLE for this clearly.

Why don’t people just get along?? Then proceeds to describe a perfect world of people who have to look a certain way and be a certain way. City living and caring about the environment is for chumps! Instead feed carrots to wild rabbits (bad for them) and watch the Waltons reruns. Struggle to adapt to a changing world and long for “the good old days.” Happy ending = easy/sacrificed career + wealthy husband + 2.5 kids.


Also the “sci-fi” part was so laughable. This reads like it was written by a not particularly bright or worldly teenager. The writing is simplistic and saccharine. The most interesting story ends with a murder and it was the only one with actual spice.


I am a WOKE BITCH but at least I care about other people besides other “good folks” who go to church and aren’t “trashy” or god forbid fat. I like yoga and eating less meat and caring about non-white and non-cis straight people and I’m OVERALL PRETTY HAPPY. It’s like your options are 50s nostalgia idealism or miserable wokeness in this life.


Glad Garland is living their best life! Go out and change the world, Garland!


IF ONLY WE WOULD THINK MORE ABOUT THE CIS STRAIGHT WHITE MEN!! They don’t get to publish enough books!!!! Did you know they invented the polio vaccine and electricity and absolutely have never done anything bad or lamentable? And there’s definitely not bigger social reasons so much of history focused on the accomplishments of white men or why they may have more opportunities to do such things. Definitely everything is black and white and everyone who thinks otherwise is overthinking and wasting their life! Who gives a fuck about climate change? We have reruns to watch and bird feeders to stock!


Also Fannie Flagg’s “woke California” punching bag doesn’t even define cis correctly, so Fannie Flagg clearly didn’t even bother to google that. Oh this community is so enlightened they have one of “them” at the hospital! Who wouldn’t want to live in this small town? Oh right, the only opinions that matter are good citizen, good girl/boy white people, or at least people who have turned to God for forgiveness. They can join (still depends on if they try to conform though).


This book is such a pathetic miss for this time period. Fluffy bullshit to keep the masses docile. Not a single interesting or unique or poignant thought here at all. Nothing challenging.
The blunt take home message for humanity at the end is “Be Quiet!” Fuck off with that bullshit!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something to Look Forward To is a short story collection by Fannie Flagg that was just recently published on August 19th of this year! Penguin Random House reached out to me asking if I’d like to be sent a proof copy as they had seen my review of Flag’s famous novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and saw I had loved it. A big thank you to them!

Something to Look Forward To is bookended by stories about an alien from a far away planet sent to earth to see what on earth is up with all of us humans. It sounds like an unexpected way for this book to be wrapped up, but it honestly was something I liked.

This book does seem like a study of humans. The stories follow people from all across the U.S. mostly in the present day ( some are set a little farther back) and tell of their trials and tribulations, yet the surprising ways their lives turn around. Often times a turn around that felt like justice or redemption. Flagg is great at creating characters to care about, spinning a good story and also there’s always some good hearted humor sprinkled throughout.

There were repeated stories about a grandmother named Velma and her granddaughter Cathy. I really enjoyed those. Velma was my favorite character in the book with such a simple, but wonderful way of looking at life. Through these characters you can see the generation gap though and how times are changing. Velma tries to grapple with a world that is starting to seem so foreign as it changes rapidly.

My favorite story was the title one Something To Look Forward To. About a bunch of people who find they have been reincarnated as animals. A funny and creative story. The majority of this collection was realistic, but I enjoyed that sometimes it strayed from reality.

Overall I enjoyed this. Of course as is usual with short story collections there were some stories I liked more than others. This book really came together nicely at the end though. It honestly did what it says right on the cover! It gave me something to look forward to. It’s a book that shows the beauty of being human despite the struggles. That there is always hope and oftentimes humor to be found.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to say more about this novel that isn't already said in the blurb describing it. This is a collection of 30 short stories, many of them interconnected. The stories often have an unexpected twist but they almost all end on a positive note. My favorite was 83-year old Velma who lives in Cottonwood, Kansas, and is trying to connect with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter who live in California. She is always hopeful that they will come to visit her soon, although they always have a reason why it's not a good time for a visit. There are several chapters about Velma but I thought her appearance in "Something to Look Forward To" was clever and a very suitable final look at Velma. Overall, this is a fast and very enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Madison Dettlinger of Random House Marketing for the opportunity to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fannie Flagg's homespun tales are filled with humor, irony and common sense while plumbing the depths of human emotions and offering up conclusions that make the reader laugh out loud or cry in sorrow. As I read the stories I thought for awhile that they grew in seriousness and the book might come to a weighty close. But Flagg deftly alternates so that readers will arrive at some obvious conclusions about their fellow human beings, with satisfaction and an understanding of the author's message to us all. These are trying times, filled with concerns and worries about the world and how to preserve love, vanquish misunderstanding and hatred. Fannie Flagg's book of wonderful stories bolster hope and faith in our fellow travelers.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always loved Fannie Flagg so was very glad to find this at my local library. Even though I enjoyed it, I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't as inspiring (or funny) as her other books.
Some of these stories were sad, and one of them had a fair amount of profanity (Don't Mess with Texas) which is not Fannie's style at all!! However, it was hysterically funny, as was Darla Womble.
There were several stories that dealt with one person, Velma, and to me they were rather sad Even though Velma had a wonderful attitude, I felt sorry for her because she missed her family so.
If you like short stories and you like Fannie Flagg's writing you will probably like this one, but this is not my favorite of her books.

[Tanyajk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and quirky collection of short stories. Flagg maintains her ability to encapsulate small town coziness; however, delivered in short bursts of storytelling. It reminded me more of Elizabeth Strout’s writing - but with more humor.

Each story was engaging, and the one story that continues throughout left me emotional. There was an underlining of thought provoking questions about the life you lead and the life you think you are living. Once I got to the support group of animals, I had a new appreciation for each story. Needless to say, I loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.