Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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This is definitely not a book I would have picked up myself.

It was drawn out of the book bucket for bookclub.

I was truly surprised when I found that I really enjoyed it.

Aunt Elner is such a hoot. She is full of life and enthusiasm, and her love for learning is truly inspiring.

I hope that when I'm in my old age, I can still be as excited to learn new things as she is.

The story of Shimfissle is engaging and heartwarming, and it made me think about the importance of family, friendship, and following your dreams.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.
July 14,2025
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I firmly believe that it is invariably fascinating to peruse a book or watch a movie and witness someone's perception of what Heaven could potentially resemble. In this particular novel, the protagonist passes away and ascends to Heaven. She has the opportunity to have conversations with God and Jesus prior to making her way back to earth.

I devoured the majority of this book during the flight to my Grandma Helen's funeral. Perhaps that is precisely the reason why I selected this one to read. Grandma Helen's funeral and the time spent with family was truly invaluable. This book left me with a sense of longing for more. In the past, I have thoroughly relished this author and her unique sense of humor. However, on one hand, the book wasn't overly hilarious, and on the other hand, the description of Heaven was merely mediocre.

Nonetheless, it still managed to hold my attention throughout, and I found myself engaged in the story despite its shortcomings. I look forward to seeing what else this author has in store for her readers in the future.
July 14,2025
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This is not the first work I have read by this author, so I had an idea of what to anticipate. However, initially, this particular one seemed a touch too fanciful and was on the verge of bordering on the absurd (at least according to my personal taste).

I began muttering under my breath, thinking that if it continued in that vein, I would have to abandon it soon. But then, just as I was about to give up hope, something truly wonderful and extremely humorous occurred.

Of course, from that moment on, I was completely hooked and devoured the rest of the book in a frenzy. So, while it may not be the absolute best book she has ever written, it did provide a pleasant means of passing a Sunday afternoon.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read that had its moments of charm and entertainment.
July 14,2025
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To była przeurocza książka.

The time spent with it I consider as well-spent. From the very first sentences, one feels a warmth in the heart, and this state lasts until the very end... and even after the last page, the smell of "heavenly caramel wafer of Neighbor Dorothy" (the recipe can also be found in the book - this one and others) lingers in the air.

Aunt Elner is probably one of the kindest, most charming and wonderful main characters I have had the pleasure to encounter. I hope there are such people, that they exist and walk this world, enriching it with constant enthusiasm. This honest old lady with a great sense of humor and love for life made me start to look at life differently. I don't know if this state will last long, but for now it lasts and thank God!

Fannie Flagg is not without reason a beloved author of novels. She is a woman with an incredibly light pen, who has the ability to write about important matters in a "tasty" way. Optimism and the unquenchable sun jumps out of almost every sentence, and of course a great sense of humor, a joke that really amuses, and that's an art.

How I loved the whole chaos of Elmwood Springs in Missouri! Thank you to the author for taking me there for a while... and for taking me to heaven for a while too. Maybe not everything appealed to me, because I consider the "heavenly" part to be the weakest, as I had the impression that Fannie Flagg flew with a light banality, but that still doesn't change the fact that it's a touching and beautiful book. The people described there are truly good - well, maybe with one exception, but you'll have to find out for yourselves.

One thing is certain: I would like to be like Elner. Oh, how I would like to be like that!

7/10 VERY GOOD, beautiful, charming, nice, sweet, cheerful, touching story.

GRAB IT! "I can't wait... when I finally go to heaven" - isn't the title itself already enough of an incentive?

I RECOMMEND it to improve your humor, for sadder days, for moments of reflection, so that everyone can find Aunt Elner within themselves. Let's live beautifully, dear ones, and let's really live, because life won't wait.
July 14,2025
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Considered chick lit, this light and easy read proved to be precisely what I required to peruse at this specific juncture.

It was like a breath of fresh air that gently blew away the stress and tiredness.

The chapter titled "Learning the Ropes" was an absolute gem. It had me laughing out loud uncontrollably.

The author's use of humor was spot-on, and it brought a much-needed comic relief to my otherwise busy life.

Not only that, but within the pages, there were also words of wisdom that made me stop and think.

These nuggets of knowledge added depth to the story and made it more than just a simple read.

And let's not forget the "warm fuzzies" that this book gave me.

The characters and their relationships were so heartwarming that it left me with a feeling of contentment.

Overall, this book had everything I could ask for and more.

It was a delightful escape that I would highly recommend to anyone in need of a little pick-me-up.

July 14,2025
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I just re-read this book for the book club.

It's truly amazing how much I had forgotten since the last time I read it.

Nonetheless, it remains a really good book.

We had a very lively discussion about the various aspects of the book.

What's more, we also got to enjoy the delicious caramel cake that one of our book club members made from the recipe provided in the back of the book.

It was not only funny but also extremely delicious.

Honestly, what more could you possibly ask for from a book club meeting?

The combination of a great book, an engaging discussion, and a scrumptious treat made it a truly memorable occasion.

I can't wait for our next book club gathering.
July 14,2025
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Surprisingly for me, I didn't have an immediate liking for this novel as I had difficulties in appreciating the somewhat supernatural aspects of the story. It also seemed to me that there was a bit of a lack of content in the plot. However, I am still charmed by her way of telling stories, the human relationships and life. Reading Fannie Flagg is like reuniting with a friend.


My review: https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...


Fannie Flagg's writing style has its own unique charm. Although this particular novel had some elements that I wasn't entirely fond of, such as the supernatural bits which I found a bit hard to engage with. And the plot felt a bit thin at times. But despite these drawbacks, her ability to bring out the essence of human relationships and the details of life is truly remarkable. It's as if she is painting a vivid picture in front of our eyes. Every time I pick up one of her books, it's like having a warm conversation with an old friend. She makes me feel connected to the characters and their lives.

July 14,2025
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There is a sweet story about an elderly woman named Elner. One day, Elner passes away and finds herself in heaven. The beauty and peace of heaven are overwhelming to her. She spends some time there, experiencing the wonders and joys that it has to offer.


However, to her great surprise, one day Elner wakes up again. She is back in the familiar surroundings of her own home. At first, she is confused and doesn't quite understand what has happened. But as she looks around and takes in the details of her life, she realizes that she has been given a second chance.


Elner is filled with a sense of gratitude and decides to make the most of this new opportunity. She reaches out to her loved ones, sharing her experiences in heaven and the newfound appreciation she has for life. Her story brings hope and inspiration to those around her, and she continues to live her life with a newfound zest and purpose.

July 14,2025
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You immediately fell in love with aunt Elner right from the beginning.

Her charm and kindness were simply irresistible. When I heard the news that she had passed away, my heart was filled with sadness.

I was truly touched by her loss. However, I took comfort in the fact that it was only temporary.

I firmly believed that she would find her way back in some form.

The story of aunt Elner was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down.

I loved every moment of reading it and it left a lasting impression on me.

The author did an amazing job of bringing aunt Elner to life and making her a character that readers could easily connect with.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story filled with love, loss, and hope.

It is a book that will touch your heart and make you believe in the power of love and the possibility of second chances.
July 14,2025
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This begins on a note of hilarity

and 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.

However, 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 couldn't wait for it to end, reading quickly because it was fairly predictable at that point.

It's a shame that what started so promisingly didn't maintain its momentum.

The first part had me hooked, with its charming characters and engaging storyline.

But as the book progressed, it seemed to lose its way.

The author might have benefited from a tighter edit or a more focused plot.

Despite this, I still appreciate Flagg's writing style and her ability to create a vivid world.

Perhaps her next book will recapture the magic of the first 100 pages.
July 14,2025
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The author takes the reader on a captivating journey back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri. In this charming town, local resident Elner Shimfissle has a series of unbelievable experiences that will leave you both entertained and intrigued.

Elner, an older lady with a penchant for adventure, decides to climb up into a fig tree to pick the delicious fruit. However, things don't quite go as planned, and she has a little accident.

The townspeople, being their typical selves, immediately assume the worst. Their wild imaginations run rampant, creating a hilarious and somewhat mysterious situation.

It's a perfect blend of mystery and comedy at its best, filled with laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you engaged from start to finish. As you follow Elner's misadventures, you'll find yourself rooting for her and enjoying every moment of this delightful story.
July 14,2025
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Combining the warmth of the South with unbridled emotion and uproarious hilarity, Fannie Flagg transports readers back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri. Here, the most improbable and astonishing experiences of a vivacious octogenarian prompt the town to contemplate the age-old query: Why are we here?

Life is truly the most peculiar thing. One moment, Mrs. Elner Shimfissle is up in her tree, plucking figs, and the next, she embarks on an adventure she never could have imagined, encountering people she never in a million years anticipated meeting. Meanwhile, back at home, Elner's nervous, high-strung niece Norma faints and ends up in bed with a cold rag on her head. Elner's neighbor Verbena immediately dashes to the Bible. Her truck driver friend, Luther Griggs, crashes his eighteen-wheeler into a ditch, and the entire town is left in a tizzy, wondering: What is life all about, anyway? Except for Tot Whooten, who owns Tot's Tell It Like It Is Beauty Shop. Her main worry is that the end of the world might arrive before she can collect her social security.

In this captivating comedy-mystery, those close to Elner uncover something truly wonderful: Heaven is actually right here, right now, with the people you love, the neighbors you assist, and the friendships you maintain. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven is yet another testament to the fact that Fannie Flagg was born to write (Southern Living), weaving tales as sweet and rejuvenating as iced tea on a summer's day, with an added touch of zest.
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