Summer Reading-The All-Girl Filling Stations Last Reunion

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The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion


What would you do if one day you found out everything you know about your life is wrong?

That's the basis for the Fannie Flagg novel The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion. This is the third read from my summer reading list. It's also written by the same author who wrote Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, which was later made into the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. I've not read the book or seen the movie, but I've heard good things. Also the movie stars one of my favorite actresses, Kathy Bates.

Anywho, Sookie Poole has just found out a secret about her life. I won't give it away because it would possibly spoil the book. However, this secret is HUGE and it effects her life in ways she never imagined. Half of the book is told every other chapter from Sookie's point of view. There are some good chuckle moments as you see Sookie try to understand this new information about her life and how to move forward living in a very small town where everyone knows everyone and its hard to keep secrets. With a few quirky friends, a domineering southern mother, and birds that won't cooperate Sookie struggles with the new normal of her life.

The other half of the book begins in 1909 and continues until after WWII. Within the first few chapters you see the connected between the past and the present, but it takes the bulk of the book for the two time periods to collide and come together. While it is evident to the reader the connection between these time periods, it is interesting to watch each unfold. There's also a good plot twist I didn't see coming.

I liked and enjoyed this book. It definitely fits my criteria for a good book. It had interesting characters, a good story line/plot, and a solid ending. I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars on Goodreads, but it was good nonetheless. The author's writing style was clear and concise. It has a Steele Magnolia feel to it, without the tragic death. One good thing is, it made me want to read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.  It's always a good sign when a book leads me to another book.

Of course there were a few things that I would say weren't exactly perfect.I have found very few books are completely perfect. None of them were big enough issues to say they are a negative for the book. Just my own odd ball things I notice sometimes.

Overall I would recommend this book for a nice lighthearted read.  

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