The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

A Novel

By: Mitch Albom

Narrated by: Mitch Albom, Paul Stanley, George Guidall

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mitch Albom creates his most unforgettable fictional character - Frankie Presto, the greatest guitarist ever to walk the Earth - in this magical novel about the bands we join in life and the power of talent to change our lives.

It's an epic story of the greatest guitar player ever to live and the six lives he changed with his magical blue strings.

In Albom's most sweeping novel yet, the voice of Music narrates the tale of its most beloved disciple, young Frankie Presto, a war orphan raised by a blind music teacher in a small Spanish town. At nine years old, Frankie is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings.

But Frankie's talent is touched by the gods, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the 20th century, from classical to jazz to rock and roll, with his stunning talent affecting numerous stars along the way, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Carole King, Wynton Marsalis, and even KISS.

Frankie becomes a pop star himself. He makes records. He is adored. But his gift is also his burden, as he realizes that through his music he can actually affect people's futures - with one string turning blue whenever a life is altered.

At the height of his popularity, Frankie Presto vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later does he reappear - just before his spectacular death - to change one last life.

With its Forrest Gump-like romp through the music world, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a classic in the making. A lifelong musician himself, Mitch Albom delivers a remarkable novel infused with the message that "everyone joins a band in this life", and those connections change us all.

The complete list of narrators includes: Mitch Albom, Roger McGuinn, Ingrid Michaelson, John Pizzarelli, Paul Stanley, George Guidall, Mike Hodge, Robin Miles, Christian Baskous, Tony Chiroldes, Kevin O'Neil, Adriana Sananes, Ken Brown, and Sarab Kamoo.

©2015 ASOP, Inc. (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

"The narrative ensemble, which includes the author, is an inspired choice for this production. Their collective talents prove equal to a story with an extensive cast and a magical blend of realism and fantasy.... The fortunate listener who can briefly suspend disbelief will be rewarded with one of this season's true audio gems." (AudioFile)

Fiction interwoven with REAL people, places,events

Would you listen to The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto again? Why?

I just finished the book " The magic strings of Frankie Presto" by Mitch Albom. I think musicians would really enjoy it. Every chapter begins with a little music lesson on a musical theory term and how it relates to his life at the moment in the book. Oh and it was a full cast of characters which I loved as I listened. He included real music artists in the book and wove them into "Frankie's" life, they each told a little story on how "Frankie" affected their life in a positive way, it was very cool the way Mitch Albom did it. Then at the end he explained how HE knew each of those artists and what was real with their parts of the story. He even talked about the real places that he's been to and people he met there that he wrote about for Frankie's life. Frankie is fictional but I love how Mitch weaved real events, places and people in and out of Frankie's life. When I talk, make comments and laugh as the story unfolds and cry out loud, it's a really good story. :)

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

I liked the full cast of characters! that was awesome!!

You have to listen to it, don't read it!

Would you listen to The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto again? Why?

Yes, I absolutely LOVED the performances.

What did you like best about this story?

All the character's stories.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

I can't pick just one...so good.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

My name is Talent, come sit here and let me tell you a story...

Lovely story and fantastic narrators

Where does The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 10! I ordered this book for my book club. Every one else in the club had the paperback but I am an audio book fan and chose the audible version instead & I am so glad I did. The readers really brought the characters to life. I laughed with Frankie and I cried . I had to listen to the last chapter twice and I cried again,.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really love Frankie's music teacher. I know he was a gruff old man but inside he was full of passion for music and I really felt that in his teaching of Frankie.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was really moved when Frankie met Jango. It is a defining moment for him and I think if they had not connected Frankie'd life would have turned out differently. This was his first major connection to the music world.

Any additional comments?

While I am sure the written version of this book is also excellent I highly recommend the audio version as the way to experience this novel. You will become connected to the characters and join their journey on a different level.

Wow!

I listen to many audible books. This one has been the best that I've listened to in the last 10 years! I quickly came to care about all of the characters and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Having the actual musicians read their parts was fantastic! I highly recommend this book! I'm going to listen to it again right now. :-)

Amazing

Would you listen to The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto again? Why?

Yes. Because I miss Frankie.

What other book might you compare The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto to and why?

Cannot think of anything like it.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Frankie, whose story was mostly told through the POV of Music.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Too many, although this is a favorite quote: “All humans are musical. Why else would the Lord give you a beating heart?”

Any additional comments?

Oh. My. Word. Every so often I'm blessed to read a book that makes me wish I'd written it. This is one of those books. It was also one of those books that I rushed to finish because I had to know how it ended. And than I was left bereft, as if I'd lost a close friend. I want to read more. I want it to last a little longer.

I listened to the novel on audio, and the cast is amazing. They really brought the characters to life.. And the narrator of Music (Albom) stamped those portions of the story on my heart.

I know. This is sort of a sappy review. I can't help it. I loved the story that much.

The Magic Strings

I loved this book just like I've loved everything else I've read that he's written. There's a lot of jumping around in time so when listening make sure you are aware of when in time you are. Besides that sit back and enjoy this book, it's incredible and worth the read or listen.

Cliche tripe

No apparent ability on the part of the author to build a narrative. A bunch of events connected by gimmicks, supported by 1-dimensional characters. Moments that might feel real are burdened by a lack of character building. I kept expecting to get into the meat of the book, but gave up halfway through. I don’t think the author has ever heard of sub-text, nor does he seem to understand his own characters. Feels like a first attempt at a novel by someone in high school.

Mitch at his best

One of the best audio books I have listened to. It touches your very soul

Great book!...

I love good stories and I love good music... this book is the best of both worlds!

Not a fan

A friend who loves relationship stories recommended Frankie P. I found it interesting to a point but way too many coincidences. I usually enjoy historical fiction or non fiction. I quit reading about four hours into Frankie.