If you’re looking for light, fun, clean summer reading material, check out Standing In The Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. The link is in my sidebar under “What I’m Reading”.
Fannie Flagg is one of my favorite authors for “fluff fiction” as I like to call it, and Standing In The Rainbow did not disappoint. Ms. Flagg has a knack for developing quirky, lovable characters and she just plain knows how to spin a story.
This story was particularly interesting to me, and here’s why. Let me give you an excerpt and see if you think the same thing I thought when I first read it.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, as more and more electric lines were strung down county roads to farmhouses, the long, lonely days of isolated farmwives living far away from their nearest neighbors were suddenly filled with warm and friendly voices. They were the voices of other women coming into their homes via the radio. As early as 1924, women all over the Midwest known as “radio homemakers” began broadcasting, supplying the wives with new recipes, tips for raising children, household hints, gardening advice, local news, and entertainment, but most important, a daily visit from a good friend.
The second I read that I almost gasped in surprise and delight. The very first blog! Did you think that too? What a riot. It just goes to show, there’s nothing new in the world.
The book goes on to tell the story of one such “radio homemaker”, Neighbor Dorothy. It depicts small town life in middle America beginning in the 1946 and following the characters to the present. It’s a very fun read, perfect for lounging at the beach (or the lake). Let me know if you decide to give it a try!
20 Responses
I love that book! I also like the newer one with the same characters, “Can’t Wait to get to Heaven.” Fanny Flagg is the best!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I read this book! I borrowed it from Emily a few years ago. It’s a fun one!
I actually just gave away a Fannie Flagg book on my blog last week. She is a great author and I want to read many more of her books.
OH I CAN’T WAIT! Thank you!
Isn’t that something?! Ha! Sounds like a good book! 🙂
Sounds like a great read – I’ll have to look for it!
I’m glad you guys are having a wonderful vaca!
How cool is that?! You’ve piqued my interest! I might pick it up.
Barb also recommended this author, so it’s in my to read list. *sigh* the one that grows by the day.
Sounds like a great book. The one I started reading at the beach never held my attention for long, so I’ll try this one for our trip in September.
Hey, did you see that we have adoption news? Yay!
Thanks for the recommendation. I will add to my list! Love a vacation where I can read.
That book was great. I love me the Fannie Flagg. Remember when she was a regular on Match Game, or are you too young for that show? Anyway, good recommendation.
I didn’t know about these “early bloggers” – how fabulous! Sounds like a great book – love your reviewing.
I am currently reading this book on your recommendation. It’s just the most lovely thing I’ve read in years. Thank you!