Monday, November 9, 2015

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto


Thanks, Amy!  Several years ago, Amy, my youngest sister, urged me to read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, which tells the story of Morrie Schwartz, who was a college professor of the author.  I read it, and like many others, was incredibly touched by the book.  It is, I've learned recently, the bestselling memoir of all time.

Have you read any books by Mitch Albom?  If so, which ones did you enjoy the most?  I've read quite a few of them, including The Five People You Meet in HeavenFor One More Day, Have a Little Faith, and The First Phone Call from Heaven.  I reviewed Have a Little Faith and The First Phone Call from Heaven on this blog.  Obviously, I'm a fan of the author's work.  Books written by Mitch Albom take hold of my emotions, of my heart.  Naturally, I was eager to read an advance reader's edition of Mitch Albom's new novel, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, which will be released very soon, on November 10.


The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is the story of a very talented singer and guitarist.  The book begins by noting the death of the main character, Francisco de Asisi Pascual Presto, known as Frankie Presto, who was born in Spain in the city of Villareal in 1936.  The novel goes back and forth in time to tell the story of Frankie's life, and the lives he changed with his music and his six blue strings.  The story is told by various narrators, including real musicians and singers such as Darlene Love, Roger McGuinn (the Byrds), Paul Stanley (KISS), Tony Bennett, and Wynton Marsalis, and by the most essential and prevalent narrator, Music.  It's a bold way to present the story, using the voice of Music, but it works because Mitch Albom is such a talented and creative writer (I also learned that he's a talented, lifelong musician himself).


"All humans are musical.  Why else would the Lord give you a beating heart?"
"Here is what I know of love.  It changes the way you treat me.  I feel it in your hands.  Your fingers. Your compositions. The sudden rush of peppy phrases, major sevenths, melody lines that resolve neatly and sweetly, like a valentine tucked in an envelope."
~ The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Mitch Albom 

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto makes numerous wonderful statements about music (please note that the quotations above may change, as they are not from the final edition of the book).  Music is certainly one of life's great pleasures as far as I'm concerned.  The older I get, the more I appreciate (many different kinds of) music.  When I listen to music, I feel it deeply.

In addition to the music in this book, there's a wonderful love story, between Frankie and Aurora York, and there is more magic as well, sprinkled throughout the pages. And there are many "little touches" in this book that I enjoyed a great deal, such as a "cameo appearance" by Hank Williams (I adore his music). 

Like his other books, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto reminds us and inspires us to live with passion and purpose, and to love deeply.  Although it's fiction, there's some true history in this book, and many musicians and musical events, such as Woodstock, are depicted, in a realistic manner.  The author met with many of the musician "characters" in this book, and the result is an imaginative yet believable, thoroughly entertaining novel.  I LOVED this book!

Special thanks to Trish from TLC for including me on this tour.  For more reviews of this book, please visit the other stops on TLC's blog tour for The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto.  Thanks for reading!  Your comments are welcomed.

25 comments:

  1. Was Frankie Presto a real person? You've made this book sound so good!

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    1. Kathy, I enjoyed this book a great deal! I don't want to say too much about Frankie (but the book is fiction, after all).

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  2. So glad to see another post, I've been patiently waiting :)

    I haven't read any books by Albom, but after reading this I want to. I think I'll start with Tuesdays with Morrie .

    Have a great week Susan!

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    1. Vicki, I think you'd love Tuesdays with Morrie! Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. I loved Tuesdays With Morrie - so moving and unforgettable as well. I have tried 2 others by this author and although good, IMO, they did not compare to Morrie.

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  4. This sounds really good.

    The narration in the voices of real musicians as well as by "music" seems really neat and creative. I wonder if the author consulted the real people who are still alive?

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  5. For years I have seen his books in the big mall book stores here in Manila.maybe I will try one soon.

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  6. Lovely to see you back. You have been missed.

    I have a bit of a love/not quite like affair with Mitch Albom. The Five People You Meet In Heaven is one of my all time favourite books and I loved his One More Day but I couldn't get away with Tuesdays With Morrie and as for his The First Phone Call From Heaven - I was a bit disappointed to be honest.

    Looking forward to this latest offering. Instead of buying a copy though I think I'll reserve a copy at the library and if I enjoy it buy a copy then.

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  7. Hi Suko...sounds like this is a really good book. I haven't read anything by Mitch Albom yet, but this might be a good one to try.

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  8. welcome back Suko! good to read your reviews

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  9. The author is new to me - I enjoyed the post about all the books he has written and this review.

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  10. Welcome back, you have been missed. I have never read this author nor heard of this, will need to have a wee look out for some of these titles though. Thanks.

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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  11. What a nice review, it sounds like you really enjoyed it. I started to read Morrie, but I didn't care for it, so never finished it. But I am glad you enjoyed it..

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  12. I enjoyed your review Suko. I have this book on my 'To Read' list. I enjoyed 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven' and 'The First Phone Call From Heaven' and 'The Timekeeper'. Albom's writing style is unique and thought provoking. His new book sounds wonderful. I'm glad you loved it!

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  13. Also, thanks for posting giveaway contests on your sidebar!

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  14. That's really cool that the author got to meet with some of the musicians that make appearances in his book! I've loved other books by Mitch Album, and am really intrigued by this one.

    Thanks for being on the tour!

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  15. Hi Susan, I have not read Mitch Album yet, but I do have The Five People You Meet in Heaven sitting on my shelves. Glad you got to read and enjoy The Magical Strings of Frankie Presto. I love that quote about the beating heart. Like you say, music is one of life's greatest pleasures.
    This sounds like a really good book and like the author was very creative with the narrative. Fantastic review!

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  16. Naida, I think you'd really enjoy his work! Thanks for leaving a comment.

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  17. This sounds wonderful - I love books about music. The Five People You Meet is Heaven is a book I've had on my "to read" list for a long time. I really need to pick it up and read it for myself!

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  18. This is on my book shelves to be read, Suko. It will be nice to read an inspiring book right now.

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  19. Sounds like a great book. I've read a couple by Mitch Albom. His books do tug on the heartstrings.

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  20. This is one of those authors that I always hear great things about! I really need to give his books a try. This one sounds wonderful Suko- you made me instantly add it to my TBR list!

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  21. i have a collection of mitch albom's work including his latest 'the magic strings of frankie presto'. He is such a good writer who never fails to inspire his readers.

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