Book Review: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Pages: 240

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: September 4, 2012

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "In Mitch Albom's newest work of fiction, the inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time. He returns to our world--now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began--and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so. Told in Albom's signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it and how precious it truly is."

This fictional tale about Father Time is one that will definitely make readers think.  Albom creates an interesting take on Father Time.  His name is Dor and he's obsessed with the passage of time.  As time goes by, he gets upset that his wife is dying. He went to the Tower of Babel and begged the Gods for help.  Because of this, they punished him by giving him the job of "Father Time." Readers can't help but feel badly for him as he must deal with all the people who wish for more time.  Then he is granted time on Earth during a mission where he must help two people by teaching them what life is all about and not squandering time.  First is a young girl named Sarah Lemon, who is depressed and has suicidal thoughts and the other is an older business name named Victor Delamonte who is dying of cancer.  Mitch Albom's latest "fable-like" tale, The Time Keeper, focuses on the importance of time and will leave readers with a lot to think about.

One thing I like about Albom is his writing style. It's very unique and quote-able.  I found myself quickly flying through the pages in one sitting as Albom's trademark quick style and diction are easily readable.  One small warning: parts of the story were boldface, which, I must admit, was distracting at first, but once I became acclimated, it ended up adding to the meaning.

The Time Keeper is perfect for a quick read if you are looking for one that holds a lot of meaning and is thought provoking.  It will no doubt leave you thinking about how you spend your time.  That's another aspect of Albom's writing that I like...it makes you think, reflect, and apply it to your own life.

Do I think that this was as moving as Tuesdays with Morrie? No. But it was moving nonetheless.  I like how Albom intertwined the two seemingly different characters, Sarah and Victor.  There's something here for everyone in The Time Keeper.  Sarah is a young impressionable teen dealing with self-esteem issues and she's downright sad. There's also Victor, a cancer patient and successful businessman, nearing the end of his life .  It covers the gamut, which makes it easily relatable to a wide variety of readers.

If you are looking for a fable-like tale that makes you think about your own life and is a quick read, The Time Keeper is one to pick up this fall. I also think it would make for a good book to give someone as a holiday gift.  As I said before, I don't think it is as powerful as Tuesdays with Morrie, but I do think it will inspire many readers to reflect upon their own habits and how they spend their time.  It truly makes you think....Are we spending the time we have wisely? After all, it's all we've got, right?