A Fun Read

Books can often be a pick-me-up when we are down. That was the case with my latest reading selection suggested by a colleague at the State Library of Kansas. The book Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven (RC 62789), by Fannie Flagg had me laughing out loud – at work even. In her usual fashion, Fannie Flagg captures the spirit and voice of ordinary people. The latest in the Elmwood Springs series, octogenarian Elner Shimfissle falls off a ladder while gathering figs from the tree in her front yard. Elner ends up headed to the hospital and is pronounced DOA due to anaphylactic shock from multiple wasp stings.

News of her falling, having been taken to Kansas City by ambulance and ultimate death is quickly passed along to family and friends as is common practice in this small Missouri town. The townspeople begin gathering to share their grief, to reminisce and plan for the sendoff. Meanwhile, Elner begins her adventure as she leaves the hospital bed and walks down a long brightly lit hallway. At the end of the hall is a doorway. Upon opening it, she is greeted at the reception desk by her deceased sister (because you should be welcomed by a familiar face) and escorted to a house in a town similar to Elmwood Springs where she meets Dorothy and Raymond (sometimes referred to as the Supreme Being – but prefers simply Raymond).

Just when the reader is wondering how this pivotal character could expire mid-way through the story, Flagg invokes the Mark Twain adage – rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Elner's family and friends that had started the grieving process make adjustments to this exciting news and begin to reflect on past and current relationships.

The voices of the varied characters within this small town remind me a bit of those in the Mitford Series (by Jan Karon). Having grown up in rural Missouri, I think I might have even met or be related to a few. Elner is a gem. In her 80 plus years (no one knows her real age because her sister buried the family bible after their father died) Elner has touched many lives and showed them hope when none could be found. This book is a great gentle read that will bring a smile to your face, if not outright belly laughs, throughout. It is the third in the series. Now I have to go back and play catch up to get to know my friends in Elmwood Springs a little better.

Does include some mild language.