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The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto cover art

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Written by: Mitch Albom
Narrated by: Mitch Albom, Paul Stanley, George Guidall
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Publisher's Summary

Mitch Albom creates his most unforgettable fictional character - Frankie Presto, the greatest guitarist ever to walk the Earth - in this magical novel about the bands we join in life and the power of talent to change our lives.

It's an epic story of the greatest guitar player ever to live and the six lives he changed with his magical blue strings.

In Albom's most sweeping 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 that 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 Forrest 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.

The complete list of narrators includes: Mitch Albom, Roger McGuinn, Ingrid Michaelson, John Pizzarelli, Paul Stanley, George Guidall, Mike Hodge, Robin Miles, Christian Baskous, Tony Chiroldes, Kevin O'Neil, Adriana Sananes, Ken Brown, and Sarab Kamoo.

©2015 ASOP, Inc. (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

What the critics say

"The narrative ensemble, which includes the author, is an inspired choice for this production. Their collective talents prove equal to a story with an extensive cast and a magical blend of realism and fantasy.... The fortunate listener who can briefly suspend disbelief will be rewarded with one of this season's true audio gems." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

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Interesting look at artist life

This book was a pretty easy listen. I loved the Meastro. The way the narrator did his voice made the whole book worth the listen for me. The book showed a touching story of how music can impact people's lives. It had a lot of sad parts that were pretty heart wrenching. The love story between the two main characters was frustrating at times. But, on the whole a nice listen. #Audible1

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Fantastic Listen

It was so believable that I actually Googled Frankie Presto to see if he was a real person.
Thank you for sharing your amazing gift. I wish one day I could share my story with you about this book.

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Magical strings beautiful

Loved this journey as I enjoy the journey of all his books. The lessons are heart warming

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You will not be disappointed

Once again Mitch Albom captivated my heart, mind and has touched another piece of my soul I didn't know was there. I can not recommended his books enough, I love every single one and they have followed me for many years of my life. Everyone joins a band in their life.. and sometimes that can even be through books.

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beautigul dtory

i found it hard initially but it grew into this beautiful book of music and love. The knowledge of music and it's progression through Frankie's life. very good read

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