Daisy Fay and the Miracle Mann (1981) tells the story of 11-year-old Daisy and her experiences with schoolmates, her mother, and the eccentric miracle man. Though mostly humorous the novel has some serious moments. But Daisy Fay will give you plenty of chuckles along the way. It was Fannie Flagg’s first novel. Enjoy!
Patricia Neal (1944 - ) was born in Birmingham Alabama. When she began acting, she couldn’t use her own name since it was being used by another well known actress (Check out that Patricia Neal in The Homecoming: A Christmas Story on YouTube). So, Patricia adopted the stage name of Fannie Flagg. Miss Flagg had roles on various scripted shows and movies including; Grease, The New Dick Van Dyke show, Wonder Woman, Love American Stye, Love Boat, Candid Camera, and Harper Valley PTA. However, Fannie Flagg was best known for appearing on gameshows, primarily Match Game in the 1970s where the host would ask questions like, “Randall’s hearing is so good, he can hear the next-door neighbor ____.” The contestant and 6 celebrity panelists would write down their answers and then see how many of the celebrity’s answers matched the contestant’s. It was a fun game show to watch as you’d try to think of a good answer. (My guess is ‘Sneeze’)
As a writer, Fannie was a writer for the original Candid Camera show. In 1978, she won first place for a short story at a writer’s conference. That story was developed into this book though it had a different title. Her best-known work, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, was made into a successful movie and nominated for two Oscars. Miss Fannie also gives a wonderful reading performance of that audiobook which is available on audible. Despite having dyslexia, Fanny Flagg wrote 10 novels and one cookbook. Good for her!
“Remember, if people talk behind your back, it only means you are two steps ahead.” Fanny Flagg.
