The First Phone Call from Heaven is yet another beautifully told tale from the incomparable Mitch Albom. I have been a reader of his work since reading Tuesdays With Morrie years ago and I love his writing. Mitch Albom works magic with words and always leaves you questioning life and what it means to you or should mean to you.
What would you do or think if you received a phone call from a person who has already passed on. Well it happens in the little town of Coldwater near Lake Michigan but only to a chosen few of the townsfolk. Of course people are skeptical but to those it’s happening to it is a miracle. The phone calls tell of the beauty and peace of heaven and encourages telling others so they too would know what awaits them someday. The big question is whether or not these phone calls are real or a hoax and one man is determined to find out.
There are several characters portrayed in the book but my favorite was Sully who is the non believer that these calls are actually coming from heaven. Sully has recently been released from jail and is trying to raise his young son after the death of his wife. Naturally these calls have his boy hopeful that his mama will call. Sully knows it can’t be possible and he hates seeing his son disappointed and hurting. He knows there has to be some explanation. People don’t receive phone calls or messages from the dead … or do they?
As usual Mitch Albom’s novel left me questioning how I would feel about this happening. Of course you would want to say all those things you didn’t get a chance to and tell your loved one once again that you love them. Ultimately this happening in this small town brought people closer to their beliefs and God once again – it got them going to church and praying again. That alone makes it all worth while … hoax or not…
I listened to audio of The First Phone Call from Heaven narrated by Mitch Albom himself and he does a fantastic job with perfect tone and emotion. The First Phone Call from Heaven comes highly recommend as do all of his books. He is one of my favorite authors and this newest book of his just topped my list of favorites for the year!
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Source: Review copy was provided by the publisher but audiobook is from my personal library. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.
Sounds wonderful. Will def be reading it. I have enjoyed his other books.
Pat, it was a wonderful book. I too have enjoyed his other books and it was great on audio with him narrating it.
Darlene, I’m currently reading this book and am also on the tour. Your opening paragraph is excellent. I was reluctant to read your entire review closely, but there are no spoilers here–wonderful job!
Susan, I try very hard not to post spoilers. I’ll be watching for your thoughts on the book. I so enjoyed it!
It’s been years since I read his books, but this sounds charming…. and even more appealing since he narrates it himself.
JoAnn, it’s a great audio and he is a really good narrator. He has a good voice for narration. I fell in love with his books after reading Tuesdays With Morrie and try to read all of his now.
I love it when an author does a great job narrating his (or her) own book – it gives it that extra special “something” for me.
Thanks for being a part of the tour! I’m featuring your review on TLC’s Facebook page today.
Heather, I feel the same about author’s narrating their own books. I think they can add a special element to their own book that another narrator couldn’t.
I’ve read a few of his….always quick, but thought-provoking reads. I’ll get to this one when I can. Thanks for the review.
Kim, I agree. Mitch Albom’s books always do make you think about life in general.
I understand exactly what you mean. I love Mitch Albom and he always makes me sit back and think. His books slow me down and remember the important things.