I know that Fannie Flagg's works may not be to everyone's taste.

Some people might think her writing style is too simple and lacking in sophistication, perhaps a bit too homey for their liking.

However, that's not the case for me at all. I truly relished reading "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven."

My spouse and I had previously listened to "Standing in the Rainbow" (which is also an Elmwood Springs Novel), and we were really hoping to get "Can't Wait" in audio book format as well.

But, unfortunately, it wasn't available in that form. So, as an alternative, we ended up reading it aloud to each other, which was actually a lot of fun.

"Can't Wait" managed to evoke a whole gamut of emotions within us.

There were moments that made us feel good, happy, and filled with laughter.

There were also times when it brought tears to our eyes, made us feel sad, or left us with a so-so feeling.

And yes, there were even a few instances where we felt a hint of hate.

As I mentioned earlier, Fannie Flagg's writing may not appeal to everyone.

But for me, I'm really looking forward to the next installment in the series.

I can't wait to see what new adventures and emotions she has in store for us.

This is the third book in the Elmwood Springs series, and it was a re-read for me.

I loved reading it just as much as I did the first time. The characters are truly superb. They are so well-developed that I find myself missing them a great deal. For me, this is a sure sign of an amazing book.

Here are two of my favorite quotes.

The first one is about "Those Political Correctors". It goes like this: "I’m so sick and tired of all the whining and bellyaching about stuff that happened in the past, and God help you if you happen to be a white person, you can’t say a thing without somebody jumping down your throat calling you a racist. Everybody’s so damn sensitive anymore, you have to tiptoe around everything. Those Political Correctors are lurking in every corner just waiting to pounce…. Next they’ll be making us sing, ‘I’m dreaming of a multicolored Christmas.’ I tell you, I’m scared to open my mouth anymore and voice an honest opinion."

The second quote is about "Marriage". It says: “Marriage. Isn’t it great? Each time you fall back in love with your wife, it gets better.” These quotes really add depth and interest to the story.

Just when I was vividly reminded of how deeply I relished reading Fannie Flagg’s books, to my great delight, my library book club selected Can't Wait to Get to Heaven as our very first choice for 2014. What an absolute gem of a read it turned out to be!

Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven serves as a gentle reminder that one doesn't have to possess great wealth or fame to be cherished and valued within their community. It doesn't necessitate the intellectual prowess of an Einstein, the vast fortune of a Rockefeller, or the psychoanalytical acumen of Freud to have a profound impact on those around you. Sometimes, a simple friendly wave is all it takes to transform someone's day; the comforting familiarity of seeing someone in their accustomed place gives a sense of peace and reassurance that all is well with the world.

Elner Shimfissel is but a humble and unassuming countrywoman. She has her own unique set of values that serve her admirably in her community. She has a deep affection for ginger cats and names each new one Sonny, in a touching way to keep the memory of her very first Sonny alive. She is privy to secrets and knows which closet hides the skeletons. She also has a penchant for asking thought-provoking questions, and if you've ever pondered the age-old conundrum of “Which came first, the chicken or the egg,” this book will surely provide you with an answer!

Have you ever found yourself wondering what Heaven might look like? Will it be a place filled with white-robed angels floating on fluffy clouds, or will it be the beloved family and friends who preceded you, eagerly waiting to welcome you? Well, Elner gets a sneak peek! She is unfortunately attacked by a swarm of wasps while up a ladder picking figs, and despite the valiant efforts of the doctors, she seemingly doesn't survive. Or does she? While her family and friends begin to mourn her loss, Elner embarks on a remarkable journey of visiting.

Caution: This book is filled with good old-fashioned humour that has the power to cause spontaneous eruptions of smiles, giggles, and laughter in public. It's guaranteed to make those around you curious and wonder what on earth you are up to!

Fannie Flagg has an extraordinary ability to paint vivid word pictures of people and places, which allows the reader to be completely immersed right inside the story. I simply love it!

Buddy Read is a great way to enhance the reading experience.

It involves two or more people coming together to read a book simultaneously and discuss it as they go along.

This collaborative approach allows for different perspectives and interpretations to emerge, adding depth and richness to the reading process.

Buddy Read can also help to improve comprehension and retention, as the act of discussing the text with others forces readers to think more deeply about what they have read.

Moreover, it can be a fun and social activity, providing an opportunity to connect with others who share a love of reading.

Whether you are reading a classic novel, a work of non-fiction, or a children's book, Buddy Read can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

So why not give it a try and see how it can transform your reading?