Search - Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

A feel good book makes you laugh out loud at times.

If you have read any of Ms. Flagg's books, you will know she writes about quirky people and two of her previous books took place in Elmwood Springs and this one continues the thread. You might say it is sort of a sequel to "Standing in the Rainbow" and "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl."

I really enjoyed this book. Here we have Elner, a widow who is determined to remain independent and free as long as she can despite her niece-in-law thinking she needs to be in a care facility. Elner has a wonderful, generous if kind of odd spirit. She decides to pick some figs for a friend and when she climbs her ladder, accidentally hitting a wasp nest, well, she comes tumbling down and is stung by the angry wasps. She is rushed to the hospital but is pronounced dead.
Next we have Elner going to Heaven and seeing her sister and old friends but most of all, she does not feel any pains like her knee which was sore lots of times. The town is notified of her death and wheels are set in motion for her funeral. But something happens and things are turned upside down.

Ms. Flagg writes a delightful story and her style makes you feel like you are there. I easily got caught up and found myself having read the book in two days. Highly recommended for those who love a good old fashioned story with a few twists and some odd characters thrown in for some laughs! I certainly hope she writes some more about Elner, Dorothy and the town of Elmwood Springs.

This is such a good story about an town full of people that could be anyones neighbor. It had me laughing and crying throughout the book.

Enjoyed this story a great deal. It really makes you think about how your life touches others and you may not be aware of it. The cast of characters was fun as were the recipes at the end.

Have you read other Fannie Flagg books? They are a pleasure & draw the reader into a mid-Western town, in this case, brimming w/a variety of people, jobs, habits, etc. The main character, an elderly, very independent woman is well known to all as a friendly, helpful person, ready to help any & everyone.
You'll meet her neighbors, her niece, the woman reporter at the local newspaper office and many others along the way. Everything has happened for a reason in the elderly woman's life but she feels it is time to be in the bliss of heaven. The humanity and humor make this novel one you will remember!

A book about how an elderly woman who knows the meaning of unconditional love effects the lives of those she knows. Loved this book.