I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

While not as prolific as some modern authors, Fannie Flagg has managed to attract readers to her well-written novels for several decades. Best known for Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, her books tell compelling stories in a gentle, whimsical manner, with a touch of humor.

As we are introduced to middle-aged Maggie, she is meticuously planning her suicide. She has decided on a method she believes will be the easiest on her friends and has compiled a detailed list of things to do before departing this life. Included on her list are items like giving away her money and personal items, making sure her bills are paid, and even leaving the refrigerator clean. She carefully constructs a good-bye note. Then when everything is ready, she receives a call which causes her to postpone the event.

Maggie, a former Miss Alabama, has worked most of her life as a real estate agent in her beloved Birmingham. For the most part she enjoyed a successful career, but the death of the firm's founder, and a downturn in the economy makes the future of the business uncertain.

After the death of her parents, Maggie's co-workers become her family. The firm's owner, Hazel, though short in stature is a whirlwind of enthusiasm and energy, and a constant encouragment to her staff. Brenda, although troubled with confidence issues and an eating disorder, has skills that complement Maggie's personality and they make a competent pair.

Events keep causing Maggie to put her suicide on hold. She becomes immersed in the research of the past owners of a Birmingham landmark mansion, and when she and Brenda discover a skeleton in the family's closet (literally), they have a mystery to solve.

Although the book deals with some serious issues, Flagg writes in such a light-hearted manner, readers don't become bogged down in depression and despair. Maggie's determined suicide preparations actually become tinged with humor, something not seen since that gig with Painless the dentist in the Mash movie!

Fannie Flagg's forte is her character development. You will love the people she creates in I Still Dream About You, even the villians! For the few hours it takes to read this exquisite novel, you will be thoroughly entertained. A good book and a cup of hot chocolate: what more could you want to start the New Year!