When Everything’s Gone Awry, Would You Change Your Life For One More Day?

For someone who’s personal history hasn’t been so good, Mitch Albom’s For One More Day will usher you into a realm of hope, healing, and once-in-a-lifetime second chances. 

Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels

Imagine this: your life hasn’t been a great one and everything’s been a blur. You look back at the events and seasons you’ve lived through, yet all you see is a bleak, dark orb blocking your view of joy and peace. You look at the present and realize, you have no one to go home to and nothing to look forward to. You’re reeking of alcohol,  drowning in regret, and grieving of broken relationships. What’s left in the life you so bitterly scorn? You end up gasping for hope. So, when a number of people and circumstances put you in a bad light, you decide that you’ve had enough. Intentionally you drive drunk and jump off a water tower, determined to end your life. 

Just when you’re ready to face death, surprisingly, you wake up and are greeted by a familiar face from your past. It is a defining moment—and a miraculous day–but not without some plot twist you’ve never thought possible.

For One More Day tells the story of Chick Benetto, who decides to take his life, thinking he’s had enough disappointments. The last straw? It’s when his very own daughter excludes him from her wedding. With utter resentments bleeding from the inside, he goes to his hometown in California and decides to kill himself by jumping off a water tower he used to climb as a kid. To his surprise, he survives the fall and is greeted by the image of his long-dead mother, Posey. Despite being struck by wonderment, not to mention, disbelief, Chick is grateful to spend “one more day” with his mum in the town that witnessed his childhood. A place that set the significant stages of his life, which later went through some twists and turns. 

As the story progresses, Chick goes to his childhood home and reminisces about the important events that happened in his life. He later discovers about his mother’s sacrifices and other family secrets he never knew before. The book explores familiar themes of family, love, and ultimately, forgiveness–and Albom’s craft for words effectively delivers all these to the heart of his audience. 

Albom is known for heavily emotional stories, and this one is no different—except there’s a little bit of fantastical touch, with Chick having the bizarre chance to talk to his already-dead mother. For One More Day successfully tells a story from both sides—that of a broken son who felt abandoned by his mother, and a distant mother who was willing to do everything for her child. Not only that, it also paints a picture of hope that serves as a guidepost for the readers who may feel like their life is already too far gone to change for the better.

Mitch Albom’s other works include Tuesdays With Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Timekeeper, and more.

Enjoyed this book review? Check out our other book reviews and author spotlights! If you're a writer looking for a professional editor, we can help! Send your manuscript to themanuscripteditor.com for a free 800-word sample. Let us help you bring your book to life!