The First Phone Call from Heaven

A Novel

By: Mitch Albom

Narrated by: Mitch Albom

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief - and a page-turner that will touch your soul - Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.

Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom's writing, and those who haven't yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time.

©2013 ASOP, Inc. (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"The author narrates the ensuing confusion and controversy, as well as the varying viewpoints of those who believe in the messages from the dead and those who don't. Albom portrays each individual's reaction with genuine compassion. Amid the excitement and bewilderment, he's still able to keep Harding's voice familiar and deferential. Albom uses a soothing, quiet voice--fitting and purposeful--for each phone call from the unknown. Sound effects such as a phone ringing, a doorbell, and a sudden knocking sound are all effective in achieving such a thought-provoking and inspiring story." ( AudioFile)

So good

This was such a good wholesome book! It’s erivht on par with all of Mitch Albom’s genre and I loved it

Thoughtful, inciteful and easy to listen to

Mitch Albom has a good speaking voice. It was easy to listen to him. This story is. Another example that hope reigns in our hearts. It also is a reminder that we take the people we hold most dear to our heart "for granted ".

Very good story

Makes me wonder what is beyond, guess we will find out in due time. Hope not too soon but in the right time

Well done. faith evoking and honest

There was a bit of confusion with the audible flashbacks but it kept good pace. Excellent for those new to faith and penance

The first phone call from heaven

I enjoy this book could not stop listening to it .Mitch Albon did a great job reading it.

Awesome read!

Loved it. Spell binding. Interesting and heart touching. Recommending to all my friends.

So encouraging

I have so enjoyed this Authors writing that I eagerly purchased this book, choosing to hear it read to me. Perhaps because of the title, and what I imagined the contents to be, I wanted to hear the writers emotions and intonations carried through his voice. It was an excellent choice. As for the story, it kept my interest from the first words read through the final, and I write this review with a smile of satisfaction, and a plan to give this book as a gift to several others.

When you miss someone ...

Would you listen to The First Phone Call from Heaven again? Why?

Yes. I was caught up by the story, but spent thoughts on how this would be wrapped up. A second pass would just to enjoy the story and characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The First Phone Call from Heaven?

Too easy to spoil the climax, but the wind down of the story was special.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoyed his early stories, this is a winner.

Please let my phone ring

No soul is ever truly gone. Having suddenly lost my son last Christmas Day it was comforting I believe!

Loved it

Loved the premise of the story. Enjoyed the twists and turns, that there was not a straight path to the end. Also liked that it did not discredit people's belief in heaven or not.

Mitch Albom does a wonderful job reading his own stories. I have listened to other authors who should have left the reading to someone else better qualified.