The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

A Novel

By: Mitch Albom

Narrated by: Mitch Albom, Paul Stanley, George Guidall, Mike Hodge, Robin Miles, Christian Baskous, Tony Chiroldes, Kevin O'Neill, Adriana Sananes, John Pizzarelli, Roger McGuinn, Ingrid Michaelson

From the beloved author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven comes his most critically acclaimed novel yet—a stunningly original tale of love: love between a man and a woman, between an artist and his mentor, and between a musician and his God-given talent.

Narrated by the voice of Music itself, the story follows Frankie Presto, a war orphan born in a burning church, through his extraordinary journey around the world. Raised by a blind guitar teacher in Spain and gifted with a talent to change people’s lives—using six mysterious blue strings—Frankie navigates the musical landscape of the twentieth century, from the 1950s jazz scene to the Grand Ole Opry to Elvis mania and Woodstock, all the while searching for his childhood love.

As he becomes a famous star, he loses his way, until tragedy steals his ability to play the guitar that had so defined him. Overwhelmed by his loss, Frankie disappears for decades, reemerging late in life for one spectacular yet mystifying farewell.

Part love story, part magical mystery, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is Mitch Albom at his finest, a Forrest Gump-like epic about one man’s journey to discover what truly matters and the power of talent to change our lives.

Truly magical in so many ways!

There is nothing that I did not love about this book. The story completely overtook my imagination and allowed me to travel through countries and between continents alongside Frankie. I laughed, I cried, I was completely invested.

Magic strings review

This was a fabulous read! A truly magical journey reminiscent of Forrest Gump. Wonderful selection for book club or for a long car journey on Audible.

i love this author.

i love this author. i have read all of his books, except one. and it is on my list!

What a fantastic achievement! I was very impressed

The skill Mitch Album has to weave a story is amazing! Such a gift. I particularly enjoyed how he connects the famous music industry names into the story and his re-reading of historical events. In many ways it has a feeling of "Forrest Gump". I look forward to reading and listening to Mitch Album's other books.

Magically Written & Magically Preformed

Would you consider the audio edition of The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto to be better than the print version?

The text version of the book is wonderful. However, the audio book brought the written story to life in such a magical way. The three narrators made the words dance off the page with each note read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto?

In addition to the ending climax of the book, the most memorable moments are the lively blue strings on Frankie's guitar. Great and powerful symbolism.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Even though the hard copy of the book, "The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto" has powerful characters in each chapter, the audio book version allows the three narrators bring it to a whole new level of entertainment.

If you could take any character from The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Which character would I invite to dinner? The right answer would be Frankie Presto, however, that is the easy answer. Frankie became who he was through all the people he met along the path of his life. So, I would say everyone...and yes, Frankie Presto. But he must bring his guitar. ;-)

Any additional comments?

A wonderful novel which you would greatly enjoy.