The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop

A Novel

By: Fannie Flagg

Narrated by: Fannie Flagg

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A heartwarming novel about secrets of youth rediscovered, hometown memories, and the magical moments in ordinary lives, from the beloved author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

“A gift, a blessing and a triumph . . . celebrates the bonds of family and friends—and the possibilities of recovery and renewal.”—The Free Lance–Star

Bud Threadgoode grew up in the bustling little railroad town of Whistle Stop with his mother, Ruth, church-going and proper, and his Aunt Idgie, the fun-loving hell-raiser. Together they ran the town’s popular Whistle Stop Cafe, known far and wide for its fun and famous fried green tomatoes. And as Bud often said of his childhood to his daughter Ruthie, “How lucky can you get?”

But sadly, as the railroad yards shut down and Whistle Stop became a ghost town, nothing was left but boarded-up buildings and memories of a happier time.

Then one day, Bud decides to take one last trip, just to see what has become of his beloved Whistle Stop. In so doing, he discovers new friends, as well as surprises about Idgie’s life, about Ninny Threadgoode and other beloved Fannie Flagg characters, and about the town itself. He also sets off a series of events, both touching and inspiring, which change his life and the lives of his daughter and many others. Could these events all be just coincidences? Or something else? And can you really go home again?

Critic reviews

“The story blossoms in vintage Flagg style—folksy and feel-good. An abundance of Southern charm will delight both readers eager to journey back to beloved Whistle Stop and also those wanting to visit for the very first time.”—Shelf Awareness

“Who can resist a visit to Whistle Stop and all her inhabitants, past and present? No one!”—Library Journal

“Reading this novel is like entering a second childhood.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Flagg’s memorable cast returns to Whistle Stop, Ala., made famous in Fried Green Tomatoes, in this heartfelt saga. . . . Flagg’s multitude of fans will enjoy reminiscing and learning more secrets from her well-known protagonists.”—Publishers Weekly

“Spellbinding storytelling, deftly drawn characters and an unerring ear for credible dialogue . . . The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop represents a gift, a blessing and a triumph. . . . It showcases Flagg’s ability to write a sweet but never saccharine, comical but never cruel, profound but never pompous narrative; it celebrates the bonds of family and friends—and the possibilities of recovery and renewal.”—Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star

“A charming and heart-warming story”—The Palm Beach Post

“The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop is a captivating novel with characters and relationships to be savored, as well as ample servings of hope and inspiration. These are venerable storytelling qualities which surely are needed now more than ever. . . . The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop should garner an even wider fan-base for Flagg, a well-deserved outcome for an exceptional writer.”—New York Journal of Books

If You Love Fried Green Tomatoes.....

If You Loved Fried Green Tomatoes, You Must prepare yourself for another treat! This book answers your questions about all of the wonderful characters you met and fell in love with at Whistlestop. But it goes way beyond that..it brings back the joys and sorrows of small close community living..where neighbors and friends are truly part of your extended family. I Loved this book and I know You will too.

Much Better than Her Last Book

I enjoyed this latest book by Fannie Flagg. It was so much better than her last book
":The Whole Towns Talking" which I couldn't even finish.
There are some really colorful and endearing Characters in Whistle Stop Alabama.
Two things I did not enjoy was the disjointed jumping back and forth willy nilly of chapters
from 1930" to 1970" then back to the 40's and on to the 90"s then back to the 30's etc.
The Other thing I didn't appreciate was the swearing and language .It was quite unnecessary and
and detracted from the quality of the story. Despite these reservations it was a good read.
My Favorite Fannie Flagg story remains "The Redbird Christmas"

LOVE IY

Fannie Flagg never disappoints! I have loved every one of her books and this was no exception. Now I have to re-read Fried Green Tomatoes!

Sweet ending

I loved fried green tomatoes as a teen. It was so intriguing and lovable. This book is a perfect ending g to that wonderful story. Full circle ending.

I LOVED this book!

I wanted a happy, feel good listen and this fit the bill. I laughed out loud over and over! Once you get to know the characters, you’ll fall in love with them all! The beginning is a bit slow, but trust me, you’ll love the plot very soon!