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Something to Look Forward To , Fannie Flagg’s new story collection, spotlights Americans throughout the country who overcome life’s curveballs. Below, the author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe names six books that have had a big impact on her.

‘Heidi’ by Johanna Spyri (1881)

How could I not list my very first book? I was lucky enough to have a father who read Heidi to me. Here I was, a child of maybe 4 or 5, living in a small apartment in Birmingham, Ala. But every night I was transported all the way across the world to the beautiful Swiss Alps . Thank you, Dad. You really started something: my love of stories. Buy it he

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