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The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel
by Mitch Albom

Published: 2015-11-10
Hardcover : 497 pages
8 members reading this now
81 clubs reading this now
11 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 10 of 12 members

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 ...

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Introduction

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.

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

What are the effects of having The Spirit of Music narrate the novel? How does it shade the story?
The narrator suggests that “everyone joins a band in this life,” likening family or other social groups to being in a band. In what ways is this true? How might it be helpful to think of life and relationships this way?
Throughout the novel, we get glimpses of Frankie’s story from people --- both real and imagined --- who knew Frankie through his music. What does this array of voices and characters add to the novel? How do they add to our understanding of Frankie?
by dsheahan (see profile) 06/07/22

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Member Reviews

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by Marci H. (see profile) 07/06/23

 
by Linda G. (see profile) 04/16/23

 
by Erin A. (see profile) 09/30/22

 
by Denise S. (see profile) 06/07/22

 
by Heather W. (see profile) 02/08/22

 
by Joni W. (see profile) 08/12/20

 
by Janice P. (see profile) 12/05/19

 
  "When The Magic Strings Go Out Of Tune"by javier f. (see profile) 02/18/19

...you get a silly book with a ridiculous ending. If it wasn't our book club's selection for this month I never would have finished it. I read "Tuesdays with Morrie" years ago and I thought it was very... (read more)

 
by Nancy A. (see profile) 12/18/18

 
  "The magic strings of Frankie Presto "by Sue W. (see profile) 10/23/18

Well written, couldn’t put it down. Happy sad romantic all in one.

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