Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

A Novel

By: Fannie Flagg

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Combining southern warmth with unabashed emotion and side-splitting hilarity, Fannie Flagg takes listeners back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where the most unlikely and surprising experiences of a high-spirited octogenarian inspire a town to ponder the age-old question: Why are we here?

Life is the strangest thing. One minute, Mrs. Elner Shimfissle is up in her tree, picking figs, and the next thing she knows, she is off on an adventure she never dreamed of, running into people she never in a million years expected to meet. Meanwhile, back home, Elner’s nervous, high-strung niece Norma faints and winds up in bed with a cold rag on her head; Elner’s neighbor Verbena rushes immediately to the Bible; her truck driver friend, Luther Griggs, runs his 18-wheeler into a ditch - and the entire town is thrown for a loop and left wondering, “What is life all about, anyway?”

Except for Tot Whooten, who owns Tot’s Tell It Like It Is Beauty Shop. Her main concern is that the end of the world might come before she can collect her social security.

In this comedy-mystery, those near and dear to Elner discover something wonderful: Heaven is actually right here, right now, with people you love, neighbors you help, friendships you keep. Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven is proof once more that Fannie Flagg “was put on this earth to write” (Southern Living), spinning tales as sweet and refreshing as iced tea on a summer day, with a little extra kick thrown in.

©2006 Fannie Flagg (P)2006 Books on Tape

I love Fannie Flagg

If you are a Fannie Flagg fan you will love this
story. You should really listen to Redbird Christmas and Standing in the Rainbow first as this one ends one of her characters. The people are so elegantly described you feel as if you know them and you become a part of this little town of quirky folks.

Whimisical but down-to-earth

First, I think the narrator was great! After all the story is set in Missouri, not the South. Even so Campbell catches both the rhythm of Flagg's prose and essence of the characters speech.

The story is not as sugar-coated as it might seem on the surface though it certainly lacks the bite of "Fried Green Tomatos" The character of Eliner is someone you wish you knew.

I am not really a fan of mythical small towns but I enjoy Elmwood Springs because although Flagg moved her story north the town is southern through and through. This is glimpsed not only in the dialogue, but in the food and other aspects of daily life.

I have lived near Flagg's hometown of Birmingham, Alabama for nearly 30 years and I enjoy the local tidbits that constantly crop up. My favorite in this book is Carraway Hospital. Also, as ER physician, I think she captures some of the contemporary stresses of medicine. These touches raise the book above a mere "It's a Wonderful Life" fairytale.

Adorable

This was a fantastic book to listen too! The narrators voice was so pleasant and the plot was fantastic as usual(much like all of Fannie Flagg's books). The reader may feel more "in the loop" if they are able to read the book that precedes this one (Standing in the Rainbow) but is not necessary to enjoy this delightful book.

You will not be disappointed if you choose to purchase this audiobook. This was one of those books that I did not want to end and I wanted to keep going about the characters lives! I would definitely recommend this title for a moving and yet lighthearted book! Just fantastic!

Superb...As Always

I always enjoy a good book, read by a great narrator. I also always enjoy Fannie Flagg. This book just makes you feel good. Entertaining, funny. I read it in hardcover first, then listened just to be able to hear the voice inflection. Again, just a really good listen.

Cant wait to get to Heaven

loved it as I do all Fanny Flagg books, hated for it to end had to listen slowly

Love this book!

A delightful story of family, friends and small town life. Enjoy the twists and turns that will bring a laugh.

A very heartwarming story

This version of Can't Wait.....
would have been much better if it had been read by the author.

Interesting

Just when I thought I had it figured out, it would change ! Loved the characters especially spunky Eleanor ! Captivated my attention ! Love that they shared the recipes at the end.

Just Listen and Smile

It is just very, very nice. Presented well. A plausible tale in a pleasant middle American small town. The characters are strong and beautifully portrayed.
Down to earth with a touch of "I'm Not So Sure".
Hospitals , ambulance chasers combined with a smart lovable old gal. It's comfortable as well as being very humorous. Left me happy I'd done it

Good story over all

The book started a little slow but turned in to a very good story. It left you with a number of things to think about