Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

A Novel

By: Fannie Flagg

Narrated by: Fannie Flagg

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Combining southern warmth with unabashed emotion and side-splitting hilarity, Fannie Flagg takes readers 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, whom Elner has known since he was a boy, 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 Flag (P)2006 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Enjoyable!

Fannie Flagg has created a warm,wonderful and hilarious look into small town America and the people who live there. I fell in love with the characters who are just what you would think them to be. Fannie does a great job of narriating her book drawing us into the story from the first paragraph. I enjoyed every page of this delightful novel and will want to read it again!

trainread

I don't thk there were any surprises in this tale. quick train read. no thking required

My favorite "listen" of the year

If you could sum up Can't Wait to Get to Heaven in three words, what would they be?

funny, heart-warming, thought provoking

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tottshe was almost too familiar...

Which scene was your favorite?

The announcing of Elnor's death and each person's reflections on her life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Exceptional narration by the author (as we know is not always the case!)

A Feel-Good Story of Purpose

What made the experience of listening to Can't Wait to Get to Heaven the most enjoyable?

Another feel-good story from Fannie Flagg. This book was a true comfort for me as my grandmother passed just two weeks ago. The author does a great job reminding us that there is a wonderful life beyond this world; a life of reunion, joy and eternity. Once again, the small-town charm and simple characters provide a nostalgic peace and a longing for simpler times. The story centers mainly around one character, Elner Shimfissle, a quirky old lady who touches many lives without knowing. This story represents the butterfly effect and reminds us that we all have a purpose and the smallest things we do can change the fate of many.

I truly love the Elmwood Springs stories by Fannie Flagg. I recommend them for everyone!

If you could take any character from Can't Wait to Get to Heaven out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Aunt Elner, you never know what she is going to say and how she could become an important person in your life.

A Thought-provoking listen

This book was a fun listen. It is a very down-home, southern story that will make you think about why we are here and what's really important in life. The most important theme in this book is that life is a gift and we are to use it how we wish. This simple thought had me coming back to it over and over, days after I listened to it. I recommend it.

A Great Read for Anyone!

This is one of my all time favorite books! Has a wonderful, down to earth, yet, plot twisting story, the perfect narrator, Ms. Flagg herself, and it will uplift anyone! A little bit of country, comedy, and light reflection! A must read!

Heartwarming

Loved Fannie Flagg. Makes me want to be a better person. One touches many lives.

So funny!!

I absolutely love Elner Schimfissel and her crazy group of friends and relatives (past and present!)
Fannie Flagg has such a way with creating unforgettable and lovable characters. This was the first book of Ms. Flagg’s that I read, although I had seen the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” long before I realized that she was the author. Since then, I have read almost every book that she has written, but this one remains my favorite!
Thanks you, Fannie Flagg, for giving me hours of reading and listening enjoyment through your books!!

Beautiful Characters

The author has created and brought to life through her narration, beautiful people who touch your heart and make you smile!

A Delightful Bit of Whimsy

If you like Southern Writing, Fanny Flagg takes the cake. Her characters are alive with humor, tenderness, and down to earth morality. I loved this book for its positive spin on life as we grow older and face The End. It’s pure escapism and it makes you feel terrific.