I have never read any work by Fannie Flag before. However, I have friends who are fond of her books. So, when I came across this particular one at Costco, I decided to buy it. It turned out to be a great choice and seemed quite appropriate for the occasion.

We drove to my parents' home in Idaho for Thanksgiving. This gave me approximately 4 good hours of reading time each way, excluding the time I spent with my eyes closed.

My parents are in their 80's, just like the main character in the book, Elner. The exact year of Elner's birth was unknown as her sister had buried the family bible years ago to hide the year of her own birth. The book delves into various aspects of life, such as life and death, relationships, and what life truly means. Elner's life had a profound impact on many people, and I really took a liking to her. She didn't care about what others thought of her and always had an open mind towards people and the world. Elner was a charming person, and Fannie Flag's description of heaven and God was enjoyable to read.

When I finished the book, it was a bit like attending a funeral, hearing inspiring stories about the person, and then reflecting on what people might say at your own funeral, and finally making a silent promise to live a better life.

Lettura piacevole e divertente ☺️

Reading can be an extremely pleasant and enjoyable experience. It allows us to escape into different worlds, explore new ideas, and gain knowledge.

When we pick up a good book, we are transported to a place where our imagination can run wild. We can follow the adventures of the characters, feel their emotions, and learn from their experiences.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an informative non-fiction book, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Reading can also be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

So, take some time out of your busy schedule to pick up a book and let the magic of reading take you away. You might just discover a new favorite author or a new passion for learning.

Happy reading!

Author Fannie Flagg is truly a remarkable storyteller.

Her characters are not like those you would find anywhere else. They leap off the page, full of life, with their charming southern manners and rather unusual personalities.

In this novel, we meet Elner Shimfissle, a character whose name alone tells a story. Even as her friends are mourning her passing, Elner finds herself in heaven. It's as if she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime. And Elner, being the person she is, embraces this new experience with her whole being.

Fannie Flagg's writing is filled with humor, and through her words, she gives her readers a wonderful glimpse of heaven and its inhabitants. What's amazing is the simplicity and goodness that shine through.

Wouldn't it be great if we all could have an Elner in our lives or strive to be like her? This novel is a pure joy from the very first page to the last. It leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart and a smile on your face.

Just before I give the book away, I reread it.

It's truly a remarkable piece of literature. It's a silly, quirky, and extremely fun southern read that immediately grabs your attention from the very first page.

The story is filled with unique characters and their charming idiosyncrasies that bring the southern setting to life in the most vivid way. The author's writing style is engaging and full of humor, making it a joy to read.

As I reread it, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics and clever dialogues. It's a book that you can pick up and lose yourself in, forgetting about the outside world for a while.

Whether you're a fan of southern literature or just looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

If you're seeking a truly cozy book to snuggle up with on the sofa,

a book that has the power to make you both laugh and cry, and even laugh-cry,

one that can transport you into a world where every possibility exists,

then look no further, for this is the perfect book for you.

Fannie Flagg is an incredibly talented author who has the remarkable ability to make you feel right at home.

All of her characters are so vivid and engaging that they will quickly become your dearest friends.

I will forever hold dear Elner and Norma and Macky and Tot, and all of the wonderful people I encountered on this literary journey.

With their endearing human follies and unique colors, they have truly enriched my reading experience.

<3

At the beginning of this book, I had the thought,

"OK, this is quite cute. It's kind of like Fredrik Backman's works but set in Missouri."

However, after finishing it, my perspective changed.

My new thought is "Maybe it's a little too cute, and it does resemble Fredrik Backman's style, but it lacks the true and genuine emotion that his books possess."

I listened to the audiobook through Audible.

Ordinarily, I'm not a big fan of Cassandra Campbell's narration.

Nevertheless, in this case, she did an excellent job with it.

Her performance added an extra layer of charm to the story, making it more engaging and enjoyable to listen to.

Despite my initial reservations about the cuteness factor and the lack of deep emotion, the audiobook experience, thanks to Cassandra Campbell's narration, was still a worthwhile one.

It made me reflect on how different elements, such as the narration in an audiobook, can influence our perception and enjoyment of a story.

When the supply of available audiobooks is limited, this is the kind of thing I come up with. It's truly not something I would have chosen if I had had a much wider selection. Fortunately, my guess about what kind of book it would be turned out to be rather accurate.

Thank goodness for competent book designers who assist us in picking books by their covers. That being said, I would recommend this book to someone else who wasn't much like me. The ideal reader for this book should not mind the lack of a complex plot. They should have somewhat naive ideas about the world and carry deep nostalgia for the American past. Moreover, they should appreciate solid style, creative details, and some charming characters. I matched on the last part, which kept me engaged when I might otherwise have abandoned this book fairly early on.

This book is sweet and focuses on kindness. Interestingly, and this might tell you something significant about the story, it is the kind of book that includes recipes in the back such as corn bread (made with bacon drippings), green bean casserole, and deviled eggs. I hope this reference to the end of the book doesn't count as a spoiler.

As always, the characters in her books are cute and fun, which immediately draw the readers in.

But what makes her books truly special is the message that lies behind the storyline. It's not just about the entertainment value; there's a deeper meaning that makes you think and reflect.

I have been a fan of her works for a long time, and I always enjoy reading her books. Each one is like a little adventure that takes me to a different world and introduces me to new characters and ideas.

The way she weaves the story and the characters together is truly remarkable, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Whether you're looking for a light read or something that will make you think, her books are definitely worth checking out.

I really enjoyed this book. It holds a special place among my collection of books as it is one of my absolute favorite Fannie Flagg books.

Fannie Flagg has a unique way of captivating readers with her engaging stories and well-developed characters. This particular book is no exception.

The plot is filled with interesting twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The characters are so vividly described that you feel as if you know them personally.

Flagg's writing style is also very accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story. Whether you're a fan of her work or new to her books, this one is definitely worth reading.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and heartwarming read. It's a book that you'll want to read again and again.

Flagg is truly a source of无尽的amusement for me.

Every time I interact with Flagg, there is an immediate sense of hilarity that fills the air.

His unique personality and the way he presents himself are just so irresistibly funny.

Whether it's the things he says or the actions he takes, Flagg has an uncanny ability to bring a smile to my face and make me burst out laughing.

I can't help but look forward to our encounters, knowing that I'm in for a good dose of laughter and entertainment.

Flagg's humor is like a bright light in my day,驱散 all the阴霾 and making everything seem a whole lot better.

I'm truly grateful to have such a funny and charming person in my life.

I read this book, and then listened to the audio for the second half, as it was chosen by one of my book clubs. I was extremely disappointed, just like the person who picked it. I had adored "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café," and she had loved another of Flagg's books. However, this one fell far short of our expectations. I was already prejudiced against it before I began, due to the title. While heaven is a pleasant concept, I don't believe in it and was concerned about excessive discussion of it. But ultimately, what made me dislike this book was the absurd portrayal of heaven. It is run by the embodiments of the central character Elner Shimfissle's former neighbors, Dorothy and Raymond. Those divine creators have nothing remotely profound to say, and the scenes that occur in heaven are tedious due to their inanity. The characters are amusing, folksy, and charming, and they were the only things that made this book tolerable. Additionally, there is a nice message about how many people are influenced by one person's life.

Overall, this book was a letdown for me, despite some redeeming qualities in the characters and the message. I had hoped for more depth and substance, especially given my previous enjoyment of Flagg's work.

Fannie Flagg has bestowed upon us an exquisitely wonderful and delightfully witty book titled Elner Shimfissle.

Elner, unfortunately, has a rather harrowing experience when she is attacked by a swarm of wasps and falls from a fig tree. Lying unconscious on the ground, she is discovered by a neighbor who promptly calls the ambulance. Elner is then rushed to the hospital.

While in the hospital, she has an otherworldly afterlife experience and finds herself in heaven. However, much to her surprise, she is not permitted to remain there and is sent back to the mortal world.

Oh, but so much has occurred in the meantime! A funeral had been meticulously planned, and everyone in the town was under the impression that Elner had passed away. Then, when the news spreads like wildfire that she is, in fact, not dead, chaos ensues and everything is topsy-turvy for a while.

Her niece, who has always struggled to handle anything upsetting, finally steps in to save the day.

I was completely captivated by this book and simply could not put it down for long. I found myself laughing out loud in some parts, getting a bit teary-eyed in others, and thoroughly, thoroughly loving every single page. I have no doubt that you will feel the same way.