It’s finally November and if you’re like me, all you can think about is how close all the holidays are coming up. It’s the best time of the year, and there’s nothing better than curling up with a heartwarming book. Mitch Albom’s books are the best way to achieve that comforting feeling. Mitch Albom is an American author who has sold 40 million copies of his books collectively worldwide. His presence gives you the feeling that he is truly a kind, genuine guy which is that same heartwarming feeling you get when you finish one of his books.
While many of his books revolve around life, death, and spirituality, they all seem to have the same ongoing theme of hope. Where there is still life, there is hope. No matter how many times I read or reread a Mitch Albom book I am always left feeling different. It renews a piece of hope and belief in me, in times I need it the most. That’s why I felt the need to share with you lovely readers three of my favorite Mitch Albom books. I hope they too, will bring you the sense of peace and understanding that they bring me.
1. The Stranger in the Life Boat
The Stranger in the Lifeboat is Mitch Albom’s most recent book, published this month on the second. It tells the story of nine people floating on a raft stuck at sea after an explosion on the ship they were staying in. Three days later, they rescue a man from the waves and pull him onto the raft. Shocked that he is still alive after three days, they thank the lord they found him for which the man replies, “I am the Lord.” The novel simultaneously tells the story and begs the question of what would you do if you came face to face with the Lord. It touches on the rich, the poor, the loss of faith, and above all, keeping the faith.
I picked this book, as in time for the holidays not only because it is Albom’s most recent book published, but because the holidays overall are about remembering what you have and being grateful for those around you. The Stranger in the Lifeboat touches obviously on the faith aspect as well but reinforces the idea to take things one day at a time.
2. The Time Keeper
The Time Keeper tells the story of Father Time, the first man to measure time. Years ago he was punished for trying to measure God’s gift and was banished and forced to listen to the voices of humans wishing for more time. Centuries later, Father Time is freed and given a chance to make up for measuring time. He must teach two people the true meaning of time. Throughout this novel, Father Time must help a teenage girl who wants to give up on her life and a rich businessman who wants to live forever.
I picked The Time Keeper as a good read for the holiday season because it discusses the idea of time and how we choose to spend it. The holidays are our time of the year to make time for those we love and share our time with them. This book really makes you think about how precious the time we have every day is and how we should always be aware of it, not just during the holiday season.
3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Last, but not least is my personal favorite Mitch Albom book. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is the story of Eddie who dies trying to save a little girl from a falling cart at an amusement park. Eddie wakes up in the afterlife, where he finds heaven is not what he expected it to be. Heaven is a place where your life is explained to you by five people who were in it. Each of them changed your path in life forever. As the story goes on you learn about Eddie’s life as he meets each person. It all leads to the ending, with Eddie wondering whether or not he was able to save the little girl.
I picked this Mitch Albom book as my last for the holiday season because it is as inspiring and heartwarming as a book can get. It is filled with the heartwrenching and painful moments of life but also the amazing and happy ones. It talks about our life here on Earth and how we affect more people than we think. With the holiday season here, it is powerful to remember how our actions impact so many more people than we realize.
Overall, I hope you will give one of these Mitch Albom books a chance. His books have the power to make you feel something incredible as these chilly days come marching in alongside the holidays. If you are looking for more cozy recommendations check them out here. Thanks for reading!