Elmwood Springs #3

Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

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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 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, runs his eighteen-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 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.

384 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1,2006

This edition

Format
384 pages, Audio CD
Published
January 1, 2006 by Books on Tape
ISBN
9781415930687
ASIN
1415930686
Language
English

About the author

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Fannie Flagg began writing and producing television specials at age nineteen and went on to distinguish herself as an actress and writer in television, films, and the theater. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (which was produced by Universal Pictures as "Fried Green Tomatoes"), Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!, Standing in the Rainbow, and A Redbird Christmas.

Flagg's film script for "Fried Green Tomatoes" was nominated for both the Academy Award and the Writers Guild of America Award and won the highly regarded Scripters Award. She lives in California and Alabama.

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
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28(28%)
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35(35%)
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0(0%)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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There are two ways to live your life.


One is as though nothing is a miracle.


The other is as though everything is a miracle.


- Albert Einstein


This is a sweet and quirky contemplation on the meaning of life. It presents various situations and conversations that offer insights into the human experience.


For example, there's the story of Dwayne Jr. and his request for Christmas from his partner. She asks for a vasectomy and even offers to pay for it, but he spends the money on an off-road vehicle instead. This shows the different priorities and choices people make.


Norma's actions are also interesting. When Linda Warren adopts a little Chinese girl, Norma shows her support by wearing a sweatshirt with the girl's picture on it and a caption that says "Someone Wonderful Calls Me Grandma." She seems to be a caring and involved person.


The conversations between the characters also add to the charm of the piece. The exchange between the paralegal and the person asking if she's a candy striper is humorous. And the discussion about the cat that lived to be twenty-five years old leads to some interesting speculation about the afterlife.


However, there are also some negative aspects. The way the doctor refers to his female patients as "bitches" is inappropriate and shows a lack of respect. This irritates the nurse, who believes that a good nurse should not notice gender and should treat all patients with kindness and respect.


Overall, this article offers a mix of lighthearted and serious moments that make us think about life, relationships, and the way we treat others.

July 14,2025
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Bueno... me ha gustado.

However, considering that I came with the expectations of having read and reread "Fried Green Tomatoes", it has seemed a bit short to me.

It is a sweet and meaningful novel (perhaps with too much meaning), entertaining to read, but that has left me a bit indifferent at the end.

Maybe it's because my expectations were too high, or maybe it's because the story didn't fully engage me.

Nonetheless, it has its merits. The writing is smooth and the characters are well-developed.

The message it conveys about friendship and the importance of living life to the fullest is a valuable one.

Overall, it's a decent read, but not one that will stay with me for a long time.
July 14,2025
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This is a cozy book.

It's one of those books that wraps you up like a hug.

The crazy characters, in which you can see yourself - I'm exactly like Norma, with the same levels of absurd anxiety and reading about her I realize how crazy I am too
July 14,2025
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I have a deep affection for Fannie Flagg. Her works always manage to captivate me with their engaging characters, compelling storylines, and the overall wonderful feel they offer while reading. This particular book is no exception. It is truly a typical example of her brilliant writing style.


What makes this book even more appealing is that it is the third in a series. However, I have not had the opportunity to read the first two installments, and yet, I found that it didn't matter at all. I was able to fully immerse myself in the story and understand the characters without any prior knowledge of the other books. This is definitely a plus for the book, as it allows new readers like me to jump right in and enjoy the narrative without feeling lost or confused.


Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read. Whether you are a fan of Fannie Flagg or not, this book is sure to delight and entertain you. So, don't hesitate to pick it up and embark on this literary journey.
July 14,2025
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I had a smile on my face for the entire 365 pages of this charming book.

It is indeed funny, yet not the kind that makes you laugh out loud (LOL). Instead, it has a more serious undertone that delves into questioning the meaning of life.

Mrs. Elner Shimfissle is a highly intelligent elderly woman. Her views on life and the world might seem a bit eccentric at times, but one thing is for sure - Elner is deeply curious about the age-old question: “Why are we here?”

This book, which was written in 2006, turned out (for me) to be a completely ‘feel good’ story in 2020.

Apart from the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”, this is my first Fannie Flagg book, and I couldn't be more pleased. I'll definitely be reading more from her very soon.

For those foodies out there, there are some delicious-sounding recipes at the end of the book. To name a few, there's Mrs. McWilliams’ Corn Bread, Irene Goodnights’s Green Bean Funeral Casserole, and Aunt Elner’s Pecan Pie.

Enjoy!
July 14,2025
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I have a new heroine, and she is the elderly protagonist Elner in this book.

She appeared in the 2 previous Elmwood Springs books, and I already adored her character. However, in this book, we get to know her so much better.

Her spirit, her commonsense wisdom, and her zest for life were truly an inspiration to me.

Although she may have been in her later years, she stayed young at heart.

She loved and influenced countless people with her goodwill and her true "love thy neighbor" personality.

She is a precious lady, and I am extremely glad that I got to know her.

Fannie Flagg is indeed a master storyteller.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who loves a heartwarming and inspiring story.

It will touch your soul and make you believe in the power of love and kindness.

So, don't miss out on this wonderful book and get to know Elner, the amazing heroine.

July 14,2025
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I bought this book on impulse at Borders, before it closed (boo hoo). It was very cheap, and I loved "Fried Green Tomatoes" and Candid Camera, so I was eager to enjoy this novel by Fannie Flagg.

However, I made a couple of false starts when I began to read. My busy life was somewhat distracting, and the featured small town quirkiness didn't initially grab my attention.

Then, my dear friend Lillian passed away at age 90. For years, I spent most Saturday lunches with her. Suddenly, that privilege was gone. I picked up this novel, hoping to occupy my restless brain for a while.

Little did I know that Aunt Elner Shimfissle would capture my heart and help me through the initial stages of grief with her zest for life and humorous outlook. The only similarities between Aunt Elner and my friend Lillian might have been the number of people they touched and their habit of taking people at face value.

Aunt Elner saw the best in everyone she encountered and didn't fuss over the petty details that so often drag us down. She had questions about everything but didn't worry about whether the answers fit with her own view of reality. She helped people without thought of personal gain or gratitude. She accepted everyone, flaws and all.

Fannie Flagg has written a book of comfort for those of us who wonder and worry about the meaning of it all. Her characters are ordinary people who share my own dismay at the state of the world and its occupants. She addresses the horror and confusion of a country that suddenly realizes its self-perception may not be shared by the rest of the world.

Aunt Elner's quiet, simple life, or more significantly, her passing, is an engaging illustration of the butterfly effect. The quickening winds sweep the lucky reader up on a delightful journey.
July 14,2025
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I didn't realize when I picked this up that it is the third (and last) of a series.

However, it certainly stands on its own.

Aunt Elner Shimthistle is extremely confident. Despite being in her 80s, she firmly believes that she can still do everything she has always done.

For example, she loves climbing her fig tree to pick the fruit.

Her niece and nephew-in-law have taken on the role of her guardian angels.

The niece, Norma, is not as patient with her aunt as her husband.

Her husband stops in for coffee with Aunt Elner every day before going to work.

The story is full of interesting characters and brings many chuckles.

It is a pleasant listen.

Nonetheless, I felt that the loose ends of the story were tied up through an odd epilogue.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, but that epilogue left a bit of a strange taste in my mouth.

Despite this, I would still recommend it to others who enjoy light-hearted and character-driven stories.
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