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)

i love this author.

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

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.

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.

Mitch Albom does it again

Absolutely amazing. Had me from page one, and leaves me examining my own life even days after finishing the book. Mitch albom is one of the greatest writers of this generation

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.

Best Time Spent is With This Book!

I am crazy about this story and about the author too! So well written that I felt a part of the story, I felt like a participant.

A Magical Journey!

What a fantastic idea of "Music" telling the life and magical Journey of Frankie Pesto!

A masterpiece!

I just finished listening to the wonderful story. I have read three other Albom stories but this truly spoke to me. A must "listen" if you like books that come full circle.

i love this book

ספר נהדר לא כמו ימי שלישי עם מורי אבל מיץ אלבום הוא אחד הסופרים הכי טובים שיש ספר מומלץ למי שחווה פרידה