ooops… Before we begin, do not worry, there will not be any major spoilers in this post.
Finding Chika is the 9th book written by Mitch Albom, author of the popular “Tuesdays with Morrie”. This one, however, is different from the rest of his works. Quoting the book review of another author, Melissa Fay Greene:
“This is a story of such heart-wrenching beauty that you think it would take a Mitch Albom to compose it. But Albom is more than the author, for it was his own heart that was broken open by the surprising arrival and excruciating departure of a dazzling little Haitian girl named Chika — who became, in every way that matters, his and wife’s precious daughther — and it is his own life he seeks to patch back together in the telling.”
I guess that review gives one a glimpse of what the book will be about. As a collector of all of Mitch’s Albom’s works, just like what I did with his other books, I avoided checking out anything about Finding Chika prior to reading it. This is why the book caught me off-guard. I knew that it will be a good read. But what I was not prepared for was on how it will affect me even after I finished reading it. It left a mark.
As the cover discloses, the book is about a girl Chika. I have such a softspot for stories about children because I am a mother. I am proud to say that I learn so much from my kids. The simple way they think, respond and view life is something that fascinates me and keeps me grounded. In this book, readers will also learn a lot from Chika.
Finding Chika is one of those easy-reading novels because of the larger than usual font, short chapters and simple words. Despite that, it took me weeks to finish simply because I had to stop myself from crying too much. In a way, it deepened my involvement because taking breaks allowed me to absorb the chapters that I just read. It gave me moments of reflection.
I will not make this long because I might end up saying something that will ruin your whole experience of reading it. Finding Chika is an inspiring yet heartbreaking book. What makes it beautiful is that the innocence and strength of a child brought so much light for those around her. What makes it heartbreaking is that the story of her life here is real. It did happen. She experienced all of it and so did the author.
To end, let me just say this, Finding Chika is definitely one of Mitch Albom’s finest works. Take it from someone who read all his 8 books. It is definitely something special.
If you happen to read it, please do share on how you feel about it. I am interested to know the different perspectives of those who read it.
P.S.
If you got interested with Mitch Albom and would want to read one or two of his works, I will recommend Tuesdays with Morrie (a given) and Five People You Meet In Heaven, and of course Finding Chika. Happy reading!