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, Adult, Literary Fiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

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]

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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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Julia Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit as delightful as I had hoped.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Dottie Legatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that span decades and are somewhat connected. Fannie Flagg writes refreshingly sweet stories, and these short tales are no exception. She delves into the human condition and puts a positive spin on this ever changing and sometimes crazy world that we live in. I enjoyed reading this collection, and like the title says, hopefully we have something to look forward to!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House for this delightful arc.

[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.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and simple read with unusual beginning and ending chapters. I thought all the stories would intertwine, but much of the book could stand alone. It was lighthearted entertainment with some sweet human insight. I was given an ARC by NetGalley

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories that are classic Fannie Flagg. Normal every day good people and the small miracles of life in small simple towns in the Midwest. I don’t normally enjoy short stories but Fannie Flagg has a way of opening your eyes to the little joys in life and these stories captured her ability to do that perfectly. Very sweet, like a warm hug from your grandma.

[Connie Valkema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute funny endearing short stories by a master storyteller.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Fannie Flagg. I was lucky to receive an advance copy. It comes out August 25. This was a book of many short, endearing stories about different people and times. Some of the characters showed up again in different stories. I highly recommend this book. Makes you feel good.

[Diane OLeary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful collection of short stories by Fannie Flagg is filled with humor, charm and wisdom. I swear FF's books help lower my blood pressure. I really enjoyed all of these stories but I hope FF will provide us with a funny and poignant novel soon.

[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.

[Gary Branson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining. Some stories better than others.

[Leisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨I usually avoid short stories because they tend to leave me wanting more, but when I saw that Fannie Flagg was releasing a collection, I knew I would read it as soon as I could get my hands on it. I’m so glad I did because this was such a happy read at a moment when I really needed it.

✨In true Fannie Flagg style, this collection is filled with lovably endearing characters, refreshingly hopeful views of a long life, homespun wisdom and warmhearted humor. She writes about what makes us human and the everyday moments that turn out to be not so trivial after all. These are life lessons cloaked in humor and wrapped with empathy.

✨I definitely enjoyed this quick, cheerful read, and I recommend it for anyone who needs a little pick me up.

[Sarah Obsesses over Books & Cookies · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet collection of short stories by a beloved author. I enjoyed them all and loved some more. If you’re a fan of hers pick this up when it’s published. A little dose of humanity does the heart good.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something to Look Forward To by Fannie Flagg feels like a patchwork quilt of small-town Americana stitched with moments of joy, a sprinkle of heartbreak, and a whole lot of “wait, what just happened?” Thirty short stories hopscotch across the U.S., dipping into the lives of quirky characters who try to make sense of the chaos life throws at them. It’s classic Flagg in many ways, but chopped into bite-sized pieces that sometimes land sweet and sometimes fall flat on their face.

Let’s start with the good stuff because there is plenty. Velma Ruth Vanderhoff, the Kansas grandma who pops up again and again, is an absolute treasure. She’s the kind of character who makes you want to call your own grandma and say “tell me your stories.” Helen from Ithaca, New York, who gives her cheating ex a well-deserved reality check, is another highlight. These moments carry the kind of warm-hearted, sassy punch Flagg does best.

But here’s the catch. The short story format means you barely get to know some characters before their tale is done. It’s like being invited to a party and just getting your coat hung up before someone yanks you outside. The connections between stories are thin enough to make you wonder if you accidentally grabbed a random collection instead of a novel. If you’re a full-length story person, this might leave you hanging.

Now, about those awkward attempts at gender-neutral representation scattered throughout. It often feels less like genuine empathy and more like someone was determined to make a point, but forgot to give the characters real depth or humanity. Instead of feeling inclusive, some portrayals come off stiff and one-note, lacking the warmth and fairness the book usually delivers. The California characters in particular get painted with broad strokes that come off more like a late-night political rant than nuanced people. That kind of caricature killed the vibe more than it helped.

Then there’s the alien framing device, where a faraway observer studies humanity. Sounds cool on paper but ends up feeling like a clunky afterthought that doesn’t really add much. It slowed the flow and made me wonder if I accidentally switched genres.

Still, when Flagg’s on, she is on. Her gift for capturing everyday struggles, quirks, and triumphs shines through. The humor and heart are here. Even if the stories sometimes feel like a tease, the moments that stick hit hard.

So here’s the deal. If you’re a Flagg fan craving a quick and mostly sweet read, you’ll find things to love here. If you want the rich, full-bodied character development she’s known for, you might be better off with one of her novels. The Velma stories alone are worth the price of admission.

I’m giving Something to Look Forward To 3.5 stars. It’s a cozy, if uneven, reminder that life is messy, funny, and sometimes just weird enough to make you laugh.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. While I wish the representation had been handled with more care and depth, I still found plenty of warmth and humor shining through in many of the stories.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a free advance digital review copy provided by the publisher.

I’m not generally a reader of short stories, but I’ve read all of Fannie Flagg’s books, so I wanted to read this collection of 30 stories. These stories are set all over the country—though mostly the midwest and south—and at various times.

The message is that the simple elements of life are what matter, and that we should focus more on the beauty around us and less on material things and alienating ourselves from each other due to differences that don’t really matter. That’s great, and often the stories are sweet and touching, but sometimes the message isn’t well served by its setup. For example, one of the early stories seems to have the message that a woman who pursues a professional career will end up alone and lonely. In other stories, 87-year-old Velma’s simple farm life in Kansas, where all is bucolic splendor and neighborliness, is contrasted with that of her ludicrously stereotyped California granddaughter and great-granddaughter. Fox News couldn’t do a better job slamming California “wokeness” than Fannie Flagg does here. She’s entitled to paint characters however she likes, of course, but I was rolling my eyes at the one-dimensional California characters. The stories are bookended by a framing device of a superior faraway galactic civilization observing and analyzing earth. These two chapters seemed clunky and not really necessary.

Though this isn’t comparable to Fannie Flagg’s other books, it’s worth reading for the appeal of some characters and their stories.