Not my first by this author so I knew what to expect but this one seemed to be a bit too whimsical at first and started to border on the silly (for my taste that is). But then just as I started muttering under my breath about having to give up soon if it kept on like that something wonderful and very funny happened. Then of course I was hooked and raced through to the end. So, not the best book she has written, but a pleasant way to pass a Sunday afternoon.

I got these books on Audible read by the author which is quite nice to listen to, but then realized they were the Abridged version. WTF?! Why would anyone abridge a book?! Why would the author agree to that? For shame! Seriously, they wrote the full version that way for a reason. The book, even abridged was great! I love the fantastical story about these wonder down home imperfect people in this Missouri town. Difficult relatives and trips to heaven, what more could you ask for?

This begins on a note of hilarity & I thoroughly enjoyed the first 100 pages.I feel that Flagg is at her best when she is in effect channeling her stories. This is where she fully embodies the essence of them- which is that it really unfolds as a "Wisdom " book. She teaches us that it's the simple things in life that are true. The rest of the book just trodded along, lost pace and unfortunately lost its direction. I couldn't sustain interest or engagement. The plot points became weakened. I coul...

I bought this book on impulse at Borders, before it closed (boo hoo), because it was very cheap. I loved "Fried Green Tomatoes" and Candid Camera so I was ready to enjoy this novel by Fannie Flagg. I made a couple false starts as I began to read. I was somewhat distracted by a busy life and the featured small town quirkiness just didn't grab my attention at first. Then, my dear friend, Lillian, passed away at age 90. For years, I spent most Saturday lunches with Lillian. Suddenly, that privilege...

Heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny! A delightful look at how each person's influence can bigger than they'd ever dream and mean more to people than they'd ever know, just by being themselves. We also get a little glimpse at a version of Heaven you've probably never dreamed of, and southern charm that abounds throughout the novel. Let us all be an influence for good, like Elner Shimfissle... :) Recommended by a co-worker, and so glad I followed up on it and actually read it!

A funny and engaging story of the old South where neighbors really knew each other and really cared. And with quite a bit of spiritual insight as well. Good feelings come from reading it.

Laugh out loud funny, this book describes how any single person can greatly influence the lives of their neighbors. Elner Shimfissle is blessed with an inquiring mind and a large loving heart. In her eighties, or possibly nineties, she decides to make fig jam for her friends and falls out of the tree when attacked by wasps while picking figs. She doesn't know her age because she was born at home, the only record is in the family bible and her sister, Ida, buried that years ago so no one would kn...

This book seemed a bit iffy to me when the premise is the main character dying, going to heaven, and coming back to life became apparent. However, it wasn’t a “true” story like some other heavenly tour books that have recently been popular. What I enjoyed so much was the characters and their relationships with a healthy dose of humor that made it a worthwhile read for me.

this is the story of an elderly lady who has a near death experience and the people in her life both those she has known for years and those she meets in the hospital setting whose life she touches, this is a funny book, lots of great characters, fanny flagg also wrote fried green tomatoes, i watched the movie and wasn't that impressed but maybe I would like the book better, some of the characters in this story are also in welcome to the world baby girl.

Elenor is the townsfolk matriarch. She's been there for everyone in one form or fashion. She's pleasant to be around and never passes judgment on anyone. She's a woman many instantly fall in love with. No one knows her actual age, especially Elenor. She's imagined to be between 70-80 years of age. She seems eccentric but is a well rounded, fun loving woman. Her niece, Norma, worries so much about her but Elenor can take care of herself but at the same time, she's hardheaded. Norma told her not t...

My mom got this from the State library Talking Books. I immediately checked out the reviews & thought this was something she would love. Imagine my surprise when she announced Monday she did not like this book at all & wanted to send it back. It was too hard to understand. Huh??? I slipped the cartridge into the digital reader &, of course, it was too hard to understand: the reader sounded like a chipmunk. I slowed it down to "normal," then went one notch lower. This book snagged me good.EDITED

The author takes the reader back to Elmwood Springs , Missouri; where local resident Elner. Shimfissle has unbelievable experiences. Elner an older lady climbs up into a fig tree to pick the fruit and has a little accident. The towns people assume the worst.It’s mystery and comedy at it’s best with laugh out loud moments

This may not be everyone's cup of tea but it certainly was mine (and I don't like tea). This novel deals with death in the most hilarious fashion and at the same time may inspire you to look at your life and the people around you. You might be surprised to learn that a simple word or action had deep meaning to another and your love and friendship may be missed more than you know when you depart. So what's after this life? It's probably not what Elner experienced and yet, in some way, it may be.

I have so far read two books from this writer and this is her third. The firs was Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, by far one of my favorite books to date. Although this new book takes place later on in time, the characters of this book are somewhat linked to the characters of the previous book "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl". It is a great book to read if life has hung you out to dry and the last thing you need is more drama. This book is a spoonful of honey when your life/throa...

This is part of a trilogy about the citizens of Elmwood Springs, Missouri. I've unabashedly adored all three of them, and I'm sad that I don't live there and know these people. My love is not blind. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven was about as silly a book as you'll ever come across, but I don't care. Elner Shinfissle (a name that would enrage me in a book that I didn't like) is a sweet, elderly midwestern lady who has basically touched the lives of everyone she's ever met. She appreciates all the b...