Mitch Albom and Frankie Presto come to Rochester Hills Bookstore

Book signings with Mitch

While a force of movie-goers were gearing up for a line waiting experience at local theaters, December 17 had many others already in line to get their purchase of The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto signed by its author.

Mitch Albom signed books for over two hours at the Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble Bookstore - photo by Michael Dwyer

Mitch Albom signed books for over two hours at the Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble Bookstore – photo by Michael Dwyer

Mitch Albom was a busy man at the end of 2015 – The Community Edge caught up with him at the Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble Bookstore – signing copies of his latest book.

Store policy does not allow the release of how many books were sold. However, Mitch was on site for over two hours, meeting fans and signing books. The front of the line formed at noon (signing began at 2:00 p.m.) and Barnes & Noble staff said it was a “well attended event.”

Live Albom

Albom came to Detroit in 1985 where he became a nationally acclaimed sports journalist at the Detroit Free Press. Currently, he hosts The Mitch Albom Show heard locally on WJR-760 AM, weekdays from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.; and Mitch has become a well-known Detroit media personality. Newspapers, radio, and television keep Mitch busy, but not too busy to be a bestselling author as well.

His book, Tuesdays with Morrie (1997), is a chronicle of his last days spent with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, a man dying from ALS. The book’s success allowed Mitch to move away from sports journalism and begin his career publishing books.

The Five People You Meet in Haven (2003) was his first novel. Other novels include The Time Keeper (2012) and The First Phone Call From Heaven (2013).

In November, Mitch Albom’s latest novel, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto (2015) arrived in bookstores. For two months, Mitch has been signing books around the country, and locally here in Southeast Michigan.

The First Five People You Meet in Line

People started lining up at 12 noon for the 2 p.m. book signing - photo by Michael Dwyer

People started lining up at noon for the 2 p.m. book signing – photo by Michael Dwyer

They arrived two hours early and four of them found chairs for the wait. Some had already starting reading the book. “It’s good,” the first person in line said as her eyes bounced quickly back to the page.

The fifth person in line was standing – a Rochester Hills woman – not seeming to mind at all. “I have been coming to Mitch Albom’s book signings since Fab Five (1993). I also attended his fundraiser at the Fox Theater,” said Jennifer DeBucce, “His books on Detroit and faith have brought me back to both. No other author has had this kind of impact on me. He is a truly kind and inspirational person. I am happy he found his blue strings.”

The Magic Lines of Mitch Albom

Radio talk host and author, Mitch Albom, delivers a witty synopsis of his new book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto - photo by Michael Dwyer

Radio talk host and author, Mitch Albom, delivers a witty synopsis of his new book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto – photo by Michael Dwyer

Mitch addressed the crowd – maybe a hundred people – with a brief synopsis of the book. He reveals who Frankie Presto is and what those magic strings can do. Kindly, he asked those waiting to allow older people, those with children, or anyone who may have difficulty with standing for a long time to come up first. He also vowed to sign every book purchased, even if shoppers had to leave the book at the store – inscription on a sticky note – to pick it up later. He stayed until they were all done.

Grabbing food to go from the Barnes & Noble Café, Mitch headed off to broadcast his radio program live, from the location of his evening book signing (I wonder if he had to ice his signing arm?).

Have a Little Gift Card?

Mitch Albom's new book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, is now available - photo courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers

Mitch Albom’s new book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, is now available – photo courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers

That holiday gift card you received in your Christmas stocking may be just the way to get your hands on The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto. Music lovers – you will be once you read the book – may also purchase the companion CD, which features songs from the book.

Find out more about Mitch Albom at his website: www.MitchAlbom.com

Purchase the CD and all his BOOKS at: www.BarnesandNoble.com

Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble Bookstore
2800 South Rochester Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
248-853-9855
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

About Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at michael@rochestermedia.com.

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