Heaven

Ever wonder what heaven would be like? Fannie Flagg's latest book Can't Wait to get to Heaven takes a stab at describing what it would be like. Elner Shimfissle is the matriarch of Elmwood Springs, Missouri. People in the town seek her our for advice and good conversation. So when word gets out that Elner has died, due to being stung by a nest full of wasps causing her to fall off the ladder she was using to pick figs with, the town feels lost. The population of Elmwood Springs begins the process of saying goodbye to a dear friend. Elner does indeed go to heaven and while she is sharing some cake with her old friend she is told that she needs to go back. Disappointed Elner comes back to life. Needless to say there is a lot of confusion over this, as well as some near heartattacks by the doctor and family members who were standing around her when this happened.

Fannie Flagg, who is also the author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (which was also developed into a movie), describes heaven as being more than just a white light. It is the place you call home. The streets and houses look the same and all of your friends who have passed on before you are there to greet you.

Ms Flagg's Elmwood Springs could be any small town. What makes it different are the cast of characters that live there. I enjoyed this book. Having grown up in a small town I can relate to how things are done. If you are in the mood to spend an easy easy spring day with the folks of Elmwood Springs, stop by your local library and pick up a copy of this book.