Name: THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO
ISBN: 9780062436443

MITCH ALBOM

TARGET EDITION

THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO

Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom creates his most unforgettable fictional character—Frankie Presto, the greatest guitarist to ever walk the earth—in this magical novel about the bands we join in life and the power of talent to change our lives. In his most stunning novel yet, the voice of Music narrates the tale of its most beloved disciple, young Frankie Presto, a war orphan raised by a blind music teacher in a small Spanish town. At nine years old, Frankie is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings. But Frankie’s talent is touched by the gods, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the 20th century, from classical to jazz to rock and roll, with his stunning talent affecting numerous stars along the way, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Carole King, Wynton Marsalis and even KISS. Frankie becomes a pop star himself. He makes records. He is adored. But his gift is also his burden, as he realizes, through his music, he can actually affect people’s futures—with one string turning blue whenever a life is altered. At the height of his popularity, Frankie Presto vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later, does he reappear—just before his spectacular death—to change one last life. With its Forest Gump-like romp through the music world, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a classic in the making. A lifelong musician himself, Mitch Albom delivers a remarkable novel, infused with the message that “everyone joins a band in this life” and those connections change us all.

A Novel

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Joana Mae

Despite a reading slump, the novel's satisfying ending and its unique narration by the spirit of music ultimately led to a deep appreciation for the story, which explores themes of music and seizing the day.

At nine years old, Frankie Presto is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings. But Frankie's talent is unique, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the twentieth century, from classical to jazz to rock and roll, with his stunning talent affecting numerous stars along the way, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Carole King and even KISS. Frankie becomes a pop star himself. He makes records. He is adored. But his gift is also his burden, as he realises, through his music, he can actually affect people's futures -- with one string turning blue whenever a life is altered. At the height of his popularity, Frankie Presto vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later does he reappear, to change one last life . . .

Beautiful story and very easy, light read! 

Alicia Evans

Emma Jacqueline

A 3.5 rounded down because I took some issues with the novel's final twist. It was a beautiful story told with such a unique point of view (Music as narrator reminded me so much of Death narrating The Book Thief), even if I thought at times the removed narrator made Frankie and Aurora a bit inaccessible as characters. That did add to Frankie's legendary status though and I absolutely loved all the real life musician interludes. All in all, it gives what it promises: an ultimately uplifting Forrest Gump-like journey through modern music history.

THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO TARGET EDITION

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