June Book Club we reviewed "Can't Wait to Get to
Heaven" by Fannie Flagg. This charming tale takes us to a small town of
Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where we follow the adventures of Elner
Shimfissle. She is an elderly woman who
is independent, practical and a constant and reliable friend for more people in
her small town than she or they realize. When she falls from her fig tree and
is knocked unconscious, taken to the hospital and declared dead her family and the
entire town is rocked and shaken by the news. Each evaluates how important this
woman was to them, and while this is taking place, Elner has a near death experience.
Waking at the hospital where they thought she was dead,
the impact of her life and coming back to life affects more than just her
family and friends. This delightful read is funny and full of thoughtful, spiritual
insight. It is a book that makes you think about life, your impact on others
and how death is a part of life. Not to
mention it has some delicious food described in the book that comes complete with
the recipes in the back.
Many of our Book Club attendees loved how true to form
the characters were to people from the small town life they had experienced all
around the US. The story is engaging and refreshing to read in our world that
sometimes feels very crazy, jaded and disconnected. The hopeful view and
practical wisdom of the spunky Elner and the tale woven around her life makes
for a pleasant, lovely read.
