The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto in Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge

Jun 01, 2025 Melissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I've had this book for 10 years and finally got around to reading it. I'm glad I did, as it was a good story. I've always liked Mitch Albom's storytelling skills and this is another example of what he can do.

The story reminds me of a mix between Forrest Gump, Mr. Holland's Opus, Coco, and Daisy Jones and the Six. Keep in mind this book was written prior to the latter two. It's interesting and well-told, going back and forth in time to paint a full picture of Frankie's life. Music is the narrato ...more

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Dec 27, 2016 Astrid Lim rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, inspirational, dysfunctional-family, puzzle

Wowww a very nice read at the end of the year- inspirational and self reflective, with a lot of thought provoking moments. I also love how Mitch Albom successfully weaved fantasy and history into some mesmerizing alternative realities. After some weak writings, I can definitely pronounce that my favorite author is back in the game!

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Nov 09, 2024 Larissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I LOVED this book! I didn’t start it thinking I would love it as the story is narrated by “music”. Yes it sounds weird and seemed weird at first, but it worked and everything else in the story is so well done. The story by the masterful Albom is part love story to music and a true love story, part family drama, part mystery, and even intertwines real life people and real events into this fictional book which makes for some entertaining reading (the author shares in his book acknowledgments that ...more

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May 02, 2017 Debbie rated it it was amazing

Music (personified, like Death in The Book Thief) appears at Frankie Presto's funeral to narrate his amazing life. Frankie, abandoned shortly after his birth, is found and taken in by the owner of a sardine factory. His new father recognizes the musical talent in him and convinces a blind guitarist to teach Frankie. Frankie's musical skills blossom, but all too soon a civil war tears his family apart and he is on his way to America, all alone, with only a guitar and six extraordinary strings.

Hi ...more

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Mar 05, 2016 Connie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Mitch Albom is an amazing storyteller. I would imagine a musician would understand and enjoy this book even more than I did.

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Jun 23, 2016 Rachel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction

"Everyone joins a band in this life. And what you play always affects someone. Sometimes, it affects the world."

Beautiful! Music is the narrator.... yes Music! Enough said, right? Music tells the story of Frankie's life while at his Frankie's funeral, and we get a few testimonials of all the famous people at the funeral like Darlene Love, Tony Bennett, Roger McGuinn and more. The story is beautiful overall, and but the references to music and musicians throughout the story is a true love letter. ...more

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Jun 24, 2016 Angie rated it it was amazing

I LOVED this book! Such a wonderful narrator. Such a cool style of storytelling, with the "interviews" sprinkled throughout the life history. I loved all the musical terms woven into the story! Great characters, strong emotion, plenty of history, intrigue and suspense. Loved every bit of it!! ...more

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