Something to Look Forward To

Fictions

By: Fannie Flagg

Narrated by: Fannie Flagg

A tapestry of joyful and startling interconnected stories that celebrate how people from all across America cope with adversity and unexpected changes in a confusing 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 warmhearted, always surprising stories about people who are finding clever ways to deal with the curveballs life sometimes throws at us.

Velma in Kansas, a loving great-grandmother, struggles to bridge generational gaps with her family. We cheer for Helen, in Ithaca, New York, who takes an audacious course of action when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. In Bent Fork, Wyoming; in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; in Tucson, Arizona; and in towns and cities all across America, people figure out inventive ways to overcome obstacles to happiness. And in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Special Agent Frawley is studying the mysteries of being human from an original perspective.

With her imagination, humor, and great understanding of the human heart, Fannie Flagg holds a mirror up to the foibles, ingenuity, and imagination of people, inspiring us to laugh at the sometimes eccentric, sometimes brilliant ways people cope with, and ultimately prevail over, the challenges of modern life.

Critic reviews

“Fannie Flagg is a national treasure. There is no one like Fannie and there never will be. Her short story collection, Something to Look Forward To, is a high-octane literary road trip of small towns, with their most colorful characters and their juicy antics. Rascals, special agents, oddballs, weather girls, and missing relatives are just a few of the glorious guests at this covered-dish feast. It’s pure Fannie, which means it's the best there is!”—Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The View from Lake Como

“Something to Look Forward To is a book I looked forward to reading since I am a huge fan of Fannie Flagg’s writing. It’s a wonderful read . . . funny, sad, surprising, and intriguing. Fannie’s characters jump off the page and into your heart. She continues to delight and amaze.”—Carol Burnett, New York Times bestselling author of In Such Good Company

“Charming . . . In these homespun tales, Flagg channels her characters’ fear of change and offers a genuine sense of hope. The author’s fans will love this.”—Publishers Weekly

“Flagg’s first collection of stories after many popular novels features the sweet, quirky characters and whimsical predicaments she’s known for. . . . Gently humorous . . . Flagg’s comforting, nostalgic storytelling may be just the ticket.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Enjoyable . . . Some of the best stories include two women turning the tables on a carjacker; a mother who realizes she’s never liked her adult children; an older woman’s drastic plan to avoid bankruptcy; and a man who awakens to discover he’s been reincarnated as a grub worm. . . . Satisfying comfort food–like character studies.”—Library Journal

“Readers will be charmed. . . . Told with plenty of humor and heart, these homespun vignettes offer the quirky characters and feel-good situations that Flagg is known for; her fans will be pleased.”—Booklist


Praise for Fannie Flagg

“You are always aware that a star is at work. [Flagg] has that gift that certain people from the theater have, of never boring the audience. She keeps it simple, she keeps it bright, she keeps it moving right along—and, most of all, she keeps it beloved.”—The New York Times

“Flagg’s down-home wisdom, her affable humor and her long view of life offer a pleasant respite in nerve-jangling times.”—People

“What [Flagg] writes about, time and again, are the touching, terrifying, heartbreaking, hysterical, extraordinary, everyday things that make us human.”—Southern Living

A delightful peak at humankind

Written in typical fanny fashion. You fall in love with every rich character, and she gives us such a kind hearted and thoughtful view of each other and enjoyable

Fannie Flagg Delivers Another Wonder Book!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I read the first chapter. An alien from another planet comes to earth in the form of William Frawley, from "I Love Lucy"??
I needn't have worried. It's a wonderful book, with wonderful stories of wonderful characters. ♥️♥️♥️

good feeling read

excellent work as always, Fanny Flagg is a wonderful writer. I wish her continued success.

Sentimental

I liked each and every story. I especially loved the names of the characters: Ruth, Nancy, Cathy, etc. each storyline was magical in its own right. Middle America as told respectfully from the voice of experience.

Gives you hope

Fannie Flagg knows how to make you laugh and think deeply simultaneously. This book is spot on in pinpointing human behavior and showing us what needs to be done to make things better here on earth. I am looking for more Fannie Flagg books.