Mitch Albom's second novel is a poignant story of a child's bond with his mother explored eight years after her death, writes Juhi Roddam.
"Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be there forever?" What if such a thing is possible, if you could meet that person, and make up for the past? Mitch Albom delves into this possibility in his second novel, For One More Day.
Album tells the tale of Charley Benetto, a broken man, who, after losing his job and his family, decides to commit suicide. On a whim, he decides to visit his old hometown; one last journey before leaving the world.
However, as he enters his parents' house he makes an alarming discovery – his mother, who died eight years ago, is in the house and welcomes him warmly.
The novel could be called a ghost story, but it doesn't read like the average science fiction book. It is more about relationships and making amends for past deeds, things that all of us have longed to do with deceased loved ones.
Stunned at first, Charley immediately starts reliving the past with his mother. With her support, encouragement and guidance, he attempts to put the pieces of his life back together.
Albom has poignantly expressed emotions such as love, depression, loyalty and faith in this short and simple novel. It moves you, and makes you ask the ever-depressing question, 'What if...'.
In keeping with the slight fantasy theme of The Five People You Meet in Heaven – Albom's first novel – the author has created another novel just as wonderful, if not a little indulgent. If you enjoyed his previous novel, then you will enjoy this one too. In all, For One More Day is a touching tale of the bond between a mother and a child, and of what could have been.
Author of the week: Mitch Albom
Background
Mitch Albom is an international best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician. His books have collectively sold over 26 million copies worldwide. They have also been made into Emmy Award-winning television movies.
Albom was born on May 23, 1958 in Passaic, New Jersey. He grew up wanting to be a cartoonist before finding his calling in music. He taught himself to play the piano, and played in several bands throughout his teenage years.
He earned a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, followed by an MBA from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business.
In 1995, Albom got in touch with Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor who was dying of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His visits with Schwartz eventually led to his best-selling book Tuesdays with Morrie, which brought him international acclaim. The book spent four years on the New York Times Bestseller list and is now the most successful memoir ever published.
His first novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, is the most successful US hardcover first adult novel ever.
His latest novel, For One More Day, debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Albom currently hosts a daily talk show on a local radio station and appears regularly on ESPN Sports Reporters and SportsCentre.
