For One More Day

Tuesdays with Morrie made many of us cry, as likely did The Five People You Meet in Heaven. As for For One More Day, Mitch Albom's most recent novel, we may often find ourselves almost crying. Everything about For One More Day is really great, almost as good as Albom's previous best sellers. Nonetheless, Albom presents readers with another beautifully written story that will touch all who read it.

For One More Day tells a sad tale of a man and his mother. Once, Charley Benetto's father told him, 'You can be a mama's boy or you can be a daddy's boy, but you can't be both.' Charley chose to be a daddy's boy. However, at 11, when his father leaves the family, Charley becomes lost not knowing whose boy he's supposed to be. With only his mother, who tries to stay strong raising the family alone, Charley becomes 'her boy.' Yet, deep inside, Charley finds himself still yearning for his father. And starting at age 11, Charley unknowingly begins to build his resentment.

Charley's mom bravely takes care of the family, trying her hardest to make them happy. But for some reason, Charley remains unsatisfied with all her efforts. Instead, he is embarrassed by her and resents his incomplete family. However, decades later when his mother dies, Charley snaps.

Charley's resentment turns to regret, which he drowns in alcohol. He ends up losing everything, even following in the footsteps of his father and leaving his own family. And then one day, Charley decides he's had enough and tries to commit suicide.

Somehow, Charley finds himself in his old home-with his mother. His mother treats Charley just the same, as if nothing had changed. A million questions thus come into his mind. Didn't his mother die? How was she here? Did Charley die? How was he here?

He finds himself with the opportunity of one more day to right the wrongs and find answers to his lifelong questions.

For One More Day proves to be a touching story about second chances. Mitch Albom's previous two books may have set the bar too high, but his newest book does not quite come close. For those who like poignant stories, but don't like to cry, you will love this book.