Can't Wait to Get to Heaven: A Novel
22 journalers for this copy...
From dust jacket:
Combining southern warmth with unabashed emotion and side-splitting hilarity, Fannie Flagg takes readers back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where the most unlikely and surprising experiences of a high-spirited octogenarian inspire a town to ponder the age-old question: Why are we here?
Life is the strangest thing. One minute, Mrs. Elner Shimfissle is up in her tree, picking figs, and the next thing she knows she is off on an adventure she never dreamed of, running into people she never in a million years expected to meet....
Combining southern warmth with unabashed emotion and side-splitting hilarity, Fannie Flagg takes readers back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where the most unlikely and surprising experiences of a high-spirited octogenarian inspire a town to ponder the age-old question: Why are we here?
Life is the strangest thing. One minute, Mrs. Elner Shimfissle is up in her tree, picking figs, and the next thing she knows she is off on an adventure she never dreamed of, running into people she never in a million years expected to meet....
I'm well into this book and loving every minute of it! As always, Fannie Flagg has quirky, likable characters and unexpected surprises. I'm going to start a bookray as soon as I finish reading it. (And yes, I'll keep reading this book even if I haven't finished it when I pick up my reserved Harry Potter!)
OK, here's the bookray as promised. With the generous donation of a second copy of the book from debnance and a coupon from Borders, I've now divided the list of those of you who have expressed an interest into THREE lists, so none of you should have to wait... and wait... and wait... If you would like to join this bookray, please send a PM (private message) to mssaver and I will add you to the list.
UPDATE: I've been informed that I can't give the same BCID # to more than one book. I've kept all three lists here, but the two that are currently still traveling have new BCID #s.
ORDER FOR CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN (A)
starbrightxx - Ohio <-----IT STALLED HERE
nynjagrrl - Wisconsin
Mamikaem - Missouri
QueenMummy - New Jersey
collectorkerri - Illinois
jumpingin - Canada
kayjay33 - Canada
loveamystery - Canada
MAB29 - Canada
givebookstokids - Wisconsin <-----ON ITS WAY HERE
MarysGirl - New York
Poobah1 - Minnesota
ORDER FOR CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN (B)
debnance - Texas
CongestedChi - Texas
Caridad - Florida
FancyHorse - Alabama
Becbec202 - California
dabercro - Utah
tolchuck - Utah <-----Book B's journey is complete
NEW ADDITION: INTERNATIONAL BRANCH (C)
Bookcloud - UK <-----Skipped for now
madmadge - UK
dodau - UK
Cross-patch - UK
Jive-Monster - UK
j4neyo - UK
Inver - UK
yorkshire-lass - UK
samulli - Germany
Shelly-Sparkles - Australia <-----IT'S HERE...HOORAH!
As a member, you will receive the book from the person listed before you. When you receive the book, please make a journal entry at BookCrossing stating that you’ve received it. Please read it as soon as you can (don't rush; just be reasonable about the length of time). After you read the book, please journal again at BookCrossing with your comments.
When it you've finished reading the book, please PM the next person on the list to request the mailing address. If you haven't had a reply after a week and two PM's, please move on to the next person on the list. I can add a loop back for anyone who misses out due to vacations, etc., but let's keep the book moving reasonably quickly.
If you have any questions, please send a PM to me at mssaver.
Enjoy!
UPDATE: I've been informed that I can't give the same BCID # to more than one book. I've kept all three lists here, but the two that are currently still traveling have new BCID #s.
ORDER FOR CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN (A)
starbrightxx - Ohio <-----IT STALLED HERE
nynjagrrl - Wisconsin
Mamikaem - Missouri
QueenMummy - New Jersey
collectorkerri - Illinois
jumpingin - Canada
kayjay33 - Canada
loveamystery - Canada
MAB29 - Canada
givebookstokids - Wisconsin <-----ON ITS WAY HERE
MarysGirl - New York
Poobah1 - Minnesota
ORDER FOR CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN (B)
debnance - Texas
CongestedChi - Texas
Caridad - Florida
FancyHorse - Alabama
Becbec202 - California
dabercro - Utah
tolchuck - Utah <-----Book B's journey is complete
NEW ADDITION: INTERNATIONAL BRANCH (C)
Bookcloud - UK <-----Skipped for now
madmadge - UK
dodau - UK
Cross-patch - UK
Jive-Monster - UK
j4neyo - UK
Inver - UK
yorkshire-lass - UK
samulli - Germany
Shelly-Sparkles - Australia <-----IT'S HERE...HOORAH!
As a member, you will receive the book from the person listed before you. When you receive the book, please make a journal entry at BookCrossing stating that you’ve received it. Please read it as soon as you can (don't rush; just be reasonable about the length of time). After you read the book, please journal again at BookCrossing with your comments.
When it you've finished reading the book, please PM the next person on the list to request the mailing address. If you haven't had a reply after a week and two PM's, please move on to the next person on the list. I can add a loop back for anyone who misses out due to vacations, etc., but let's keep the book moving reasonably quickly.
If you have any questions, please send a PM to me at mssaver.
Enjoy!
Book B. Who can help but love Fannie Flagg?
I'll send it off to the first ray-ee next week.
I'll send it off to the first ray-ee next week.
Book A sent off to starbrightxx on Friday.
USPS Delivery Confirmation Number 0306 0320 0003 2231 3507
USPS Delivery Confirmation Number 0306 0320 0003 2231 3507
You know Fannie Flagg. Nobody reads Fannie Flagg and lives in the South without saying, “I know that guy. I know that lady.” Wacky Southern characters with a powerful love for life. I’m happy I read this book before I mailed it off.
And I will mail off Book B to Longview, Texas on Monday.
And I will mail off Book B to Longview, Texas on Monday.
Journal Entry 7 by debnance at Postal Release in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Texas USA on Sunday, July 29, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (7/30/2007 UTC) at Postal Release in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Texas USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Off to Longview....
Off to Longview....
Journal Entry 8 by debnance at Postal Release in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Texas USA on Sunday, July 29, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (7/30/2007 UTC) at Postal Release in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Texas USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Off to Longview....
Off to Longview....
Arrived safely in Longview today! I am really look forward to reading it!!
Arrived today! Thank you for including me in this ring. Will read and pass on as soon as possible.
Thank you too for the lovely bookmark - it's so pretty!
Thank you too for the lovely bookmark - it's so pretty!
I received this book a lot sooner than I had originally expected and I still have a couple of books ahead of it. I will probably go ahead and send this book along unread to keep from holding on to it for too long. I will pm the next in my list for an address. Thanks for the opportunity to participate :)
Received in the mail today (it's my birthday)! Leaving for NY so I will take it with me.
I didn't enjoy reading this book as much as I thought I would. It's amusing but a little unbelievable (well, quite a lot unbelievable actually) and I got a bit confused by all the jumping from one character to another. Amusing characters though if you can keep track of them all. Thank you mssaver for including me in your ring.
I'm PMing the next in line in my list and hope he/she enjoys it.
I'm PMing the next in line in my list and hope he/she enjoys it.
I really enjoyed reading this book! Lots of fun and kept me eating more cake than I should.
PMed Fancy Horse and received a response so I can get it in the mail to her.
Thanks, MsSaver, for sharing!
PMed Fancy Horse and received a response so I can get it in the mail to her.
Thanks, MsSaver, for sharing!
Journal Entry 15 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Monday, September 17, 2007
Arrived today, next to be read and I'm looking forward to it
Finally made it to the PO and sent it on to Fancyhorse. I found the story very life affirming - here and in the next stage. Fancy Horse, I hope you enjoy it too! Thanks again, MsSaver!
Journal Entry 17 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Saturday, September 22, 2007
It seems the journal entries on this have got a little muddled. I can confirm the book is here in Bristol with me and I finished reading it last night. I love all this lady's books and this was no exception. I will om the next person noe and get an address to send it on
I just received book B of these multiple rings in the mail, either September 21 or 22 (we were out of town). It appears that mssaver assigned the same BCID to at least two, and possible three copies of the same book (?). This one appears to be an almost new hardback in very good condition. I'm sure I will enjoy reading it. Thanks for including me.
A very enjoyable book, full of goodness, kindness, and gentle humor. A new take on a "near-death, out-of-body" experience, a beloved senior citizen is thought to be dead. The news affects her family and community in unexpected ways, as they reflect on how her life has touched them. The mystery of the pistol in the laundry basket is explained in a totally unexpected way!
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I sentthis book on to Becbec202 on Monday, Oct. 15.
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I sentthis book on to Becbec202 on Monday, Oct. 15.
Journal Entry 20 by 
Cross-patch
from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Monday, October 22, 2007
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Monday, October 22, 2007
Book C. Thank you, it's here. It looks like we're suffering from delays caused by the postal strike because it took 11 days to come. I'm worrying because I sent 2 books at the same time that haven't been journalled yet.
Received this from Fancyhorse Oct. 24, give a day or two. Hope to set aside some special time for this book. Thank you mssaver for your multiple strands.
Journal Entry 22 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Book C - Update.
I am reading Can't Wait to Get to Heaven now, and it is living up to expectation all right. I'll pm the next reader today so that I can post it on in the next few days.
I am reading Can't Wait to Get to Heaven now, and it is living up to expectation all right. I'll pm the next reader today so that I can post it on in the next few days.
Journal Entry 23 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, November 15, 2007
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wonderful, just wonderful. I was concerned when I realised the subject matter - death! Not exactly perfect when you're grieving. But, the characters lift your spirit and it's going to stay lifted!
Thank you mssaver and dodau for sharing and sending. I am waiting for the next address but shall post as soon as it arrives.
Thank you mssaver and dodau for sharing and sending. I am waiting for the next address but shall post as soon as it arrives.
Journal Entry 24 by Jive-Monster from -- Somewhere in Derbyshire🤷♂️, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Sunday, December 2, 2007
Received in the post on Thursday. Sorry for the delay in journalling. It's next on my list to be read.
Journal Entry 25 by Jive-Monster from -- Somewhere in Derbyshire🤷♂️, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Sunday, December 9, 2007
Book C
If I'd have seen this book in a bookshop I wouldn't have given it a second look - the cover just wasn't appealing to me. However, because I'd signed up for a bookring for it (and loved Fried Green Tomatoes - the film) I was definitely going to read it. And how pleased am I that I did!
I just loved this book from start to finish. Elner is just delightful (just how I want to be in old age). There were chuckles coming from whatever room I was reading in (and it was actually quite embarassing in the staff canteen).
Thank you mssaver for starting this ring. I'm now going in search of Fried Green Tomatoes and anything else that Fannie Flagg has written.
BTW - has anyone tried any of the recipes yet?
Have PM'd j4neyo for her address, will get in the mail asap.
ETA: My new favourite book of 2007
If I'd have seen this book in a bookshop I wouldn't have given it a second look - the cover just wasn't appealing to me. However, because I'd signed up for a bookring for it (and loved Fried Green Tomatoes - the film) I was definitely going to read it. And how pleased am I that I did!
I just loved this book from start to finish. Elner is just delightful (just how I want to be in old age). There were chuckles coming from whatever room I was reading in (and it was actually quite embarassing in the staff canteen).
Thank you mssaver for starting this ring. I'm now going in search of Fried Green Tomatoes and anything else that Fannie Flagg has written.
BTW - has anyone tried any of the recipes yet?
Have PM'd j4neyo for her address, will get in the mail asap.
ETA: My new favourite book of 2007
Finally got around to getting another copy and sending it to nynjagrrrl, since apparently starbrightxx has no intention of sending it on
I laughed out loud reading this book. I especially liked the way the author combined the mundane details (sister's hair) with the more sublime philosophy, almost in the same paragraph. I would really like to go and sit and watch the sunset with Elner.
on it's way to dabercro
on it's way to dabercro
Received safely in the post. Many thanks to Jive-Monster for sending it on and also for the Christmas card!
What a great book! I just got it in the mail the other day and have already finished it. I plan to read other books by the same author. Elner is a cute character who seems to really enjoy life. It was fun getting to know the quirky people in this small town. The hair salon scenes reminded me a little of Steel Magnolias.
Received in the mail on Christmas Eve. I've been looking forward to reading this book. I will start reading within the next few days after I finish the book I'm currently reading.
Book B---This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. A really quick and fun read. I have read many books on the afterlife and near death experiences. This book looked at it in a humorous and light (no pun intended) way. Yet, it still makes you think of what we are here for and how we should live our lives without feeling like we are being preached to. I would like to read more books by this author.
I have pm'd the next participant and I'm waiting for her address.
I have pm'd the next participant and I'm waiting for her address.
Received in mail with another of Flagg's books and a very pretty bookmark. Will get to this as soon as I can!
Book B--discovered the next person on the ray lives in the same town as I do. What a small world. We will be meeting today to pass the book. I am excited to be meeting another BC'r!
Met 'dabercro' for lunch and received book along with a beautiful bookmark. What a pleasure to meet another BC'er and to find we live just a few blocks from each other. Had a wonderful visit over lunch. It truly is a small world, filled with fun surprises and kind, delightful, insightful people. I plan to start reading this book tonight.
Thanx to everyone for moving the book along so well and a special thank you to dabercro for suggesting we meet. As I am the last on the list, I will be putting this book into my permanent collection.
Thanx to everyone for moving the book along so well and a special thank you to dabercro for suggesting we meet. As I am the last on the list, I will be putting this book into my permanent collection.
I loved this book! I loved the wonderful characters, the funny moments, the main character, Elner Jane, the town's family feel and the overall happy aspect of it all. This was the perfect book for me to read at this time and I will be buying a copy for myself as soon as possible. I will send this on as soon as I can get to the PO!
The book was mailed this afternoon (1-23) to collectorkerri.
The book was mailed this afternoon (1-23) to collectorkerri.
Received today with Fried Green Tomatoes, another Fannie Flagg book (which I've already read). Will read ASAP.
Enjoyed reading this book - as with all books by Fannie Flagg. However I think you need to have read Standing in the Rainbow (one of my all time favourite books) to make sense of the characters.
Journal Entry 38 by j4neyo at Controlled Release in -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Sunday, February 10, 2008
Released 16 yrs ago (2/7/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release in -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Posted to Inver
Posted to Inver
BOOK C
Actually arrived yesterday, but internet wouldn't connect. Adding to the pile of bookrings 'tbr'. Will get to it as soon as I can.
22/2/08 Started reading and enjoying it.
Actually arrived yesterday, but internet wouldn't connect. Adding to the pile of bookrings 'tbr'. Will get to it as soon as I can.
22/2/08 Started reading and enjoying it.
Another fun read from Fannie Flagg. I really enjoyed reading about the residents of Elmwood Springs again--can't get over those names: Elner Shimfissle, Tot Whooten, etc.
Sent copy A to jumpingin today. Enjoy your Canadian tour, little book!
Sent copy A to jumpingin today. Enjoy your Canadian tour, little book!
BOOK C
What a great read. I thorougly enjoyed the whole back. Wonderful characters and the names were a hoot. Amusing in parts and touching in others. It all came to a nice conclusion. Thank you so much for allowing me to take part int his ring. I have now signed up to read another of hers, Fried Green Tomatoes is on offer in the Bookring forum. Now awaiting the address for the next in line to read it.
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Posting to yorkshire-lass today 5/3/08....enjoy.
What a great read. I thorougly enjoyed the whole back. Wonderful characters and the names were a hoot. Amusing in parts and touching in others. It all came to a nice conclusion. Thank you so much for allowing me to take part int his ring. I have now signed up to read another of hers, Fried Green Tomatoes is on offer in the Bookring forum. Now awaiting the address for the next in line to read it.
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Posting to yorkshire-lass today 5/3/08....enjoy.
Book C
Received today,thanks Inver,it was well timed as I finished my last book yesterday. I will start it today and after reading all the other journal entries I'm looking forward to it.
Received today,thanks Inver,it was well timed as I finished my last book yesterday. I will start it today and after reading all the other journal entries I'm looking forward to it.
Received Copy A today. I'm just about finished my current book and this will be next.
BOOK C
What a wonderful book,I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it! I still smile when I think of Elner,if everyone was like her the world would be a happier place. Thanks massaver for all the trouble you went to in organising these rings,very much appreciated.
I will get this in the mail to samulli tomorrow,I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.
What a wonderful book,I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it! I still smile when I think of Elner,if everyone was like her the world would be a happier place. Thanks massaver for all the trouble you went to in organising these rings,very much appreciated.
I will get this in the mail to samulli tomorrow,I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.
Received this today. Will start reading right away.
As expected it didn't take me long to read this book. And also as expected I loved it like I do all Fannie Flagg's books I have read so far. It is not highbrow literature (and thank Raymond for that), but reading her books always makes me feel happy - and what more can you expect from a story?
It was nice to get back to Elmwood Springs and see how everybody was doing. Elner, as always, was a hoot and a shining example of how people should be living their lifes: full of joy and fun and appreciation for all the good things.
I didn't care too much for the scenes up in heaven (mostly because I don't believe in any kind of afterlife), but the idea that God is called Raymond and is a kind of bumbling, clueless old man is definitely hilarious. Apart from those few overly sugary scenes, though, I loved the rest of the book. It is kind of cute, how every good character has something nice happening to them and all the bad ones get their comeuppance in one way or another. Overly simplistic and naive? Yes, but safisfying nevertheless.
And I'll try out a few of those recipes, because they just sound delicious. If there's caramel cake in heaven, I'd go there any day. :-)
It was nice to get back to Elmwood Springs and see how everybody was doing. Elner, as always, was a hoot and a shining example of how people should be living their lifes: full of joy and fun and appreciation for all the good things.
I didn't care too much for the scenes up in heaven (mostly because I don't believe in any kind of afterlife), but the idea that God is called Raymond and is a kind of bumbling, clueless old man is definitely hilarious. Apart from those few overly sugary scenes, though, I loved the rest of the book. It is kind of cute, how every good character has something nice happening to them and all the bad ones get their comeuppance in one way or another. Overly simplistic and naive? Yes, but safisfying nevertheless.
And I'll try out a few of those recipes, because they just sound delicious. If there's caramel cake in heaven, I'd go there any day. :-)
I've got another address, so the book will go on the long journey to Australia now. I hope to make it to the post office today or tomorrow at the latest.
Thank again, mssaver, for giving me a chance to read it.
Thank again, mssaver, for giving me a chance to read it.
Copy A
I really enjoyed this book! I've already recommended it to one person and I'm going to buy a copy for someone else. It was a fun, "feel-good" read that wasn't too sweet. Elner is my role model.
I sent this copy to kayjay33 yesterday. As usual with our wacky postal system, it was cheaper to send it by express mail than regular mail and since kayjay33 lives fairly close to me, it should travel quickly.
I really enjoyed this book! I've already recommended it to one person and I'm going to buy a copy for someone else. It was a fun, "feel-good" read that wasn't too sweet. Elner is my role model.
I sent this copy to kayjay33 yesterday. As usual with our wacky postal system, it was cheaper to send it by express mail than regular mail and since kayjay33 lives fairly close to me, it should travel quickly.
Book A
This book arrived here very quickly. Perfect timing as I was just looking around for something new to read. I have greatly enjoyed all the Fannie Flagg books that I have read and anticipate that this one will live up to my expectations.
I agree, Jumpingin , that postal rates are getting much to costly but I do love to read all the journal entries in a well travelled book.
This book arrived here very quickly. Perfect timing as I was just looking around for something new to read. I have greatly enjoyed all the Fannie Flagg books that I have read and anticipate that this one will live up to my expectations.
I agree, Jumpingin , that postal rates are getting much to costly but I do love to read all the journal entries in a well travelled book.
I didn't like this book as much as most of the Fannie Flagg's that I have read. I guess the whole Heaven scene wasn't what I was expecting. But the depiction of a small town is the same everywhere. News travels fast and bad news even more quickly.
I just came back from mailing the book off to the next reader Loveamystery in Vancouver.
I just came back from mailing the book off to the next reader Loveamystery in Vancouver.
Journal Entry 51 by Shelly-Sparkles from Toogoolawah, Queensland Australia on Thursday, June 5, 2008
Received in the mail today - am very much looking forward to reading this book.
