this book was super well-written. all the different time-lines and stories fit so seamlessly together, it was really fun to read! the stories are engaging and heartwarming, sad and funny but always hopeful. it took me a while to read but that felt just right because of the many years that pass within the pages. ruth and idgie have a place in my heart now. i love their relationship and i love the life they built for themselves. while i wanted more of them, there was place for interpretation and imagination. some parts of this book are a bit difficult; you just notice it's a bit outdated today since it was obviously written in the 80s and you couldn't publish something like it today- but that's not a very interesting thing to criticise. it's also the opposite of own-voices - and instead of criticising that i'll just buy a few more own-voices books!! i enjoyed it, that's what matters. and i'm also so proud of myself for reading my mum's all time favourite book.