The First Phone Call From Heaven: A Novel

Written by Mitch Albom

Narrated by Mitch Albom

The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief—and a page-turner that will touch your soul—Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.

Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom's writing, and those who haven't yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Little, Brown (Hachette UK) Audio
• Release date: Nov 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781405531078

Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction, which have collectively sold more than forty million copies in forty-seven languages worldwide. He has written seven number-one New York Times bestsellers – including Tuesdays with Morrie, the bestselling memoir of all time, which topped the list for four straight years – award-winning TV films, stage plays, screenplays, a nationally syndicated newspaper column, and a musical. Through his work at the Detroit Free Press, he was inducted into both the National Sports Media Association and Michigan Sports halls of fame and is the recipient of the 2010 Red Smith Award for lifetime achievement. After bestselling memoir Finding Chika and “Human Touch,” the weekly serial written and published online in real-time to raise funds for pandemic relief, his latest work is a return to fiction with The Stranger in the Lifeboat (Harper, November 2021). He founded and oversees SAY Detroit, a consortium of nine different charitable operations in his hometown, including a nonprofit dessert shop and food product line to fund programs for Detroit’s most underserved citizens. He also operates an orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, which he visits monthly. He lives with his wife, Janine, in Michigan. Learn more at www.mitchalbom.com, www.saydetroit.org, and www.havefaithaiti.org.

Reviews for The First Phone Call From Heaven

[castlelass · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Residents of Coldwater, a town on Lake Michigan, start receiving phone calls from deceased loved ones. Is this proof of the afterlife or an elaborate hoax? It is part spiritual musing, part history of the telephone (Alexander Graham Bell appears regularly), and part mystery.

The setup and the first half of the book are well-structured. Albom highlights the main characters, those who have received calls, and their back stories. He brings his background as a journalist to bear in creating realistic media interviews and reactions. The second half is rather scattered and, to me, not as effective. There are a few surprises toward the end. It is intended, I think, to provide opportunities to contemplate faith, miracles, and life after death.

[dara85 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The people of Coldwater, Michigan are receiving phone calls from those who have passed on. Sully Harding, who lost his own wife in a terrible accident, is out to prove that this an elaborate hoax.

[angelalam-300700 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book for those who believe and who don't believe in Heaven.

I was telling my husband the concept was a lot like the book I wrote while on vacation in San Diego a few years ago. He said it's okay that this one was published first because it will open doors for lesser known writers to follow on the same trend.

I guess I need to think more marketing and sales and less concept and originality.

Either way, it's definitely a book that will make you laugh and cry!

[nancy_lipetri · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Again Albom reminds me why he's one of my favorite authors. Believers and non-believers and anyone in between, especially if you've lost a loved one and experienced a "sign," won't be able to put this story down. Cleverly interwoven with the historical invention of the telephone and today's mind-blowing technology, the story covers all angles of thought and deepest feeling. A fun read that gets my top hanky rating.

[neale_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another good story from Mitch. The story weaves a few threads together with a twist at the end. With our pre-occupation with our phones this story seem even more relevant. Worth a read.

[streamsong_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sully missed his wife’s funeral. He was imprisoned for crashing a Navy plane with a small amount of alcohol in his blood. The plane crash wasn’t his fault; neither was his wife’s death – she was killed in a car crash rushing to the site of the crashed plane. Oddly enough, the air traffic controller was also killed in the same car crash and the control tower recordings were destroyed.On the day Sully was released from prison, people in his small hometown started receiving telephone calls from heaven. They were definitely the voices of the departed. How could it be anything but a hoax? Yet, the departed answered questions and even let their voices be recorded.Sully is skeptical and vows to get to the bottom of the mystery.It’s a complicated plot with a surprise ending. Sentimental, impossible but oh if only!

[vavaviolet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've read a lot of books over the years, but this one will always have a special place in my heart. My dad passed away when I was 19, and I've always regretted the fact that I didn't get the chance to tell him how much I love him before he died. This book explores the question - what would you say/do if you were given a chance to speak to a deceased loved one? The ending will surprise you, and perhaps, even give you goosebumps.

[lvstrongpuff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great book by Mitch Albom. I loved the whole story. I thought several times throughout it about my own life and if I would want a call from Heaven. I thought the ending was nicely done. It was a very good twist to me.

[marquis784-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The day that Sullivan “Sully” Harding is released from prison, some people in Coldwater, Michigan began to get phone calls from heaven. The news reported that Sully had been responsible for the death of his wife, Giselle. She was the love of his life and mother to their young son. It was a last minute decision to cover for a sick co-worker and a chance to see his wife that made Sully agree to fly that day. Unfortunately, he knew the rules against drinking before flying a plane when he risked everything that day. He didn’t realize that his mistake would cause his wife’s death. There were a lot of rumors when Sully went to prison for causing the accident which killed his wife. When he is released from prison he returns to his hometown, Coldwater, where his parents have been caring for his son, Jules. That very day people start getting phone calls from heaven. Once word about the phone calls from heaven get around, Coldwater is never the same again.It doesn’t take long for the small town of Coldwater to become crowded with visitors who want to be apart of the miracle. The quiet town changes as the many guests and residents divide into groups who believe and those who feel the whole story is a scam. Sully was determined to uncover the mystery of the phone calls. “He would attack this phony heaven thing. Expose it as the fraud it had to be. He may have been imprisoned, he may have been disgraced, he may have been scraping by in a new lousy life, but he still had his brain. He still knew the difference between the truth and a lie. He would do for his son-and for others dealing with real loss-what had never been done for him. Get to the bottom of the story.”“It was the day the world received its first phone call from heaven. What happened next depends on how much you believe.”

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mitch Albom writes thought provoking books about life, death, faith and sprituality. This one did not disappoint. It will have you thinking about life after death and heaven. What do you believe?

[pageturner3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book. Give this book a try!

[lissabeth21 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Everything you could hope it would be. Well done, again, Mr. Albom. Another tale that will stay with me for a long, long time.

[authormarion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Some days you simply need a feel good story. A story that will restore your faith in the universe. And that is the key to The First Phone Call From Heaven – Faith. An unexpected phone call is received by Tess Rafferty who happens to live in the small town of Coldwater, Michigan. It is from her deceased mother; and the call’s message brings much comfort to Tess. Shortly thereafter, a select few other residents of the town receive calls of their own from a deceased relative, friend, or business associate. Are these calls real? Can they be real? Is there truly a hot-line to heaven? As news of the calls spreads, the local police as well as all denominations of the local clergy find themselves thrust into the center of world-wide attention. On the other side of this miracle is Sullivan Harding. His story is one of despair and he tries to shield his young son from believing that his deceased mother will call him on a toy phone. Sullivan sets out to prove that this entire scenario is a hoax. But with the town becoming overrun with believers, news reporters, and protesters he has a tough time.This story is enchanting, humorous, serious, and believable. The characters are finely drawn and soon become old friends. Overall an easy read and an uplifting one. The story itself will have you second guessing the verity of the phone calls but the ending will have you believing that those on the ‘other side’ are listening, if not communicating. Mitch Albom fans are sure to love this story as will readers of Nicholas Sparks. I finished it in two days.

[krystlelow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first book I read from Mitch Albom had been For One More Day, and since then, I have been a fan. The only reason why I took this long to finish it was because as it so happens, I had been a bit occupied. I had also been meaning to get this book when it launched, but unfortunately My purse was tight. So at the given opportunity (a book fair), I jumped in and immediately bought it.

I think that anyone who reads this will no doubt think of a deceased that they'd have liked to receive a call from. It was very interesting, the way he put the two perspectives together (the believers & non-believers) and make them go well with the story without making one sound more 'worthy' than the other. I dunno. There's just a way that Mitch writes to make things work.

I understand Sully's take on the fiasco, yet I sympathized and understood the 'chosen ones' position as well.

As it is with Mitch's books, it either teaches you a lesson or leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy with renewed resolution.
I really liked how this story closed, as it gave room for contemplation. Also, I thought that the last line of the book was a brilliant closure.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was my third Mitch Albom book. I enjoy his writing. This is a small town in Michigan where 8 people are receiving phone calls from people who have passed away. Is it real or a hoax? I believe your loved ones are looking down on you and approach you sometimes in your dreams. But calling you on the phone...not so much. It's interesting to see who people react. I liked the little Alexander Graham Bell information thrown in. It's an enjoyable book and is a pretty fast read. I recommend it.

[jerseygirl21-977813 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed it like his other books and can see it being a movie, I would watch.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars

Mitch Albom can always be relied on for a moving, thought-provoking book. "The First Phone Call From Heaven" wasn't my favourite of his, but it was still an enjoyable read. My only criticism was that there were too many characters and so the book chopped and changed, making it difficult to follow at times. However, I did love the ending.

[carmenmilligan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Summary:
The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out.

An allegory about the power of belief—and a page-turner that will touch your soul—Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.

My take: 3 stars
I hesitate to call this Christian fiction, because, strictly speaking, it is not; however, I think it mostly fits the bill.

I disagree with the summary that it is an allegory of the power of belief. When the first phone call is received, it is met with elation by the recipient. What is the proof? The voice on the other end is unmistakable. How can it be a hoax? There is even a conversation, albeit it brief and a bit fragmented. But the voice. It has to be.

As the phone calls continue, received by eight people from different backgrounds, walks of life, and faith situations, the blessing turns into something else.

"Instead of feeling reconnected with her only son, she felt his loss as palpably as she did when the news of his death arrived. An unexpected phone call here or there? A clipped conversation? A phenomenon that might disappear as quickly as it came? The awful part would still not change. Robbie was never coming home." p136

I think Albom is a good writer, and his books have always resonated with me. However, this one fell a bit flat. While I found the characters to be well-flushed, I found some of the situations a bit contrived, sophomoric, or just plain unrealistic. For example, the fact that Doreen and the police chief had been divorced 6 years, and she still felt emotions surrounding him so intensely.

In the end, I was satisfied with the ending, but would recommend his other books before this one.

[dream24-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had seen this book on a lot of people's list and thought I would give it a try.

I rather enjoyed this book, so much so that I eagerly gobbled it up and wanted to find out whether or not the phone calls are real or not.

Now there's a certain amount of religious undertones here, which doesn't bother me that much but did get a little tedious after a while.

I like how some historical moments and tidbits were incorporated into the story. Like the first phone call Alexander Graham Bell made and what he said. That was pretty neat.

Regardless of you are a skeptic or not of life beyond what we know, the phone calls certainly were inspirational and stirred a lot of interest. Especially those who have lost a loved one and are constantly looking for signs from above. It's interesting how the entire story played out, it went from a few simple phone calls to a whirlwind of social media circus. I liked reading each characters stories and how the phone calls changed their lives through it all and afterwards.

The climax was a little meh though. So like everything was orchestrated by the funeral director, who was actually the dad of the airport technician that caused Sully to crash and lose his wife, as a way to demonstrate his remorse for everything his son did... like ok... and the whole undercover agents surrounding the property not long after Sully leaves after a confrontation was like what the?! like couldn't the agents of acted sooner or like what's with the mysterious timing? a little too far fetched and bit of a let down

Overall, it was an interesting and quick read.

[jwood652 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wouldn't you love to get a phone call from a loved one from heaven? Mitch Albom creates a tale about some people in a small town that mysteriously begin getting these calls. Many questions are eventually aswered. How? Why? Why them? Can these calls be induced to happen? Why in this particular town? These and others will be answered through Mitch Albom's unique storytelling. It is a fun read that may even make you think a bit.

[starblue66 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love the way with all of Albom's book when I pick them up I struggle to put it down till it is finished then like an old friend I still have to revisit it again. This book had me hooked sat on the side lines waiting listening almost taking part. My emotions heightened and working overtime wondering , "you know its feasible".No I am not giving much away because that is the beauty of his books I recommend them gladly the only author I recommend to all my friends because I know for some reason everyone can take something from his books.

[passionforbooks_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This isn't the first book I've read by this author but it might be my last. I found this story very hard to get into. I probably would never have chosen this book to read but my neighbor thought I'd enjoy it since she and her sister did. She was wrong.I wish I could give it more than three stars but I just can't do it. The book started off slow and it never picked up.

[carmenere_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Actually, this book was more than I thought it would be. Yes, it pits those who believe in a place called Heaven with those who don't but it's actually a good mystery as well. When deceased people begin to call residents of a small town in northern Michigan it at first seems like a miracle. Some folks are very receptive to it while others consider it a nightmare. As with all newsworthy moments, people start to swarm into this quiet little town and news media is there to cover every minute of it. Either people are easily drawn to the story because they unquestionably believe it to be true or they are skeptical and ready to disprove it.Albom juxtaposed this story with Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone and it works quite well.A quick read and Albom has many quotable lines worth remembering no matter what your belief. Interesting book club discussions may ensue from this read.Edit | More

[tajuddinabd-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As usual, Mitch never failed to amaze me...

[libgirl69 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story interspersed with the story of the telephone and Alexander Graham Bell. Really nicely put together. Not too sure of the ending but it all seemed to work out.

[grumpydan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Imagine you can reived calls from Heaven. What would your reaction be? What would the world’s reaction be? This is what happens in the latest book by Mitch Albom. People in one small town start getting these phone calls from their loved ones who are all deceased. Is it real or is it a hoax? An interesting concept and this story will be enjoyed by the author’s fans, but I found it to be just okay. The writing wasn’t his best nor is the message or characters all that interesting. But I did like the little bits about the Alexandra Graham Bell and the incention of the telephone he added.

[kimmyd76 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book on Audible. The author's voice was quite easy to listen to and I found this book easy to listen to for hours.I quite enjoyed this book and I really liked the tidbits on Alexander Graham Bell that added to the story. I am not religious but I do believe in God. I think I heard this book mentioned on Dr Phil which peaked my interest to read it. This is the first book I read by Mitch Albom but will not be my last!

[ei214 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply... I loved this book. A great story which didn't disappoint. I have read several books by Mitch Albom. His writing style is easy. His stories draw you in because they hit common nerve in all if us. Afterlife, death, dying - something that scares us, fascinates us, a subject we have been trying to find answers and understand. And miracles. Do miracles happen? And can they change our lives? Mitch's books are touching and thought provoking. I read this book in one day - couldn't put it down!

[pife43-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As the parent of a young man who died too young, I took interest in this book immediately. Just like the characters in the story, we who have lost and have dealt with unexpected grief for a prolonged time, we tend to perk up when there is any suggestion as to the well being of our loved ones. The initial excitement and anticipation gave way all too soon to, not so much anticipation as more of a rubber-necking attention to the story, just to see how the author was going to get himself out of the mess he made. How do you provide a satisfactory ending to a book that suggests that normal people are receiving phone calls from heaven, without disillusioning the readers, creating a fairytale that is unsustainable, or becoming a story of a sick and twisted criminal and a whole lot of needlessly hurt people. None of the above would seem to be a path for Mitch Albom.
Well, the ending is as good as it may be possible, I guess, but one with less of a blessing than I had hoped for.
The book is a good read, especially for those of us in the above discussed category. Its pretty much a must read, much as The Shack or The Five People You Meet In Heaven, for those who take their current AND future lives seriously, but dont find religion to be sufficient in filling that need.
I highly recommend this book/. Thank you, Mr. Albom, for presenting this issue.
I would not really give it 5 stars, but will in this case, simply to raise the overall rankings to above 4, where it should be.

[momsterbookworm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book has a bit of a shock and awe element to it. I believe that it is the intention of the author to present something so out-of-this-world, that the reader is directed, if not forced, to examine his/her fundamental faith-based belief. It might even be said that it presents a "what would you do if it happened to you" premise. Then again, that's what Mitch Albom does best. I give it 3.5 stars only because I liked some of his other books better and thus, rate them higher.