for one more day by Mitch Albom

Paperback 2006, 197 pages
March 29, 2011
South Amboy, NJ

Anne read this book in preparation for a discussion she would lead, so I picked it up also.

The protagonist Chick was about to commit suicide but had an accident instead. In his dazed state, he saw his dead mother for about a day. During the time, he re-evaluated his life and learned a few things about himself. He survived the accident, and reconnected with his daughter (her not inviting him to her wedding was one trigger for his suicide). Chick died a few years later, and the story was narrated by his daughter.

Since the story is fiction, involves ghosts, visions, and someone hurt in an accident, the plot doesn't hang together, nor does it need to. Still, I think the author could do a better job of writing coherent scenarios.

Based on this book, I don't understand why Albom is so popular. Perhaps there are so few books that tugs on the audience's heartstrings, so anything close to doing it is regarded as great writing? The writing style certainly helps, it's relaxed and easy reading. I did enjoy some passages, but then I tear up reading dinner menus and phone books.