Have a lot of faith in Mitch Albom's new book

Mitch Albom, author of “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” among others, released his latest book in September of 2009. The book, titled “Have a Little Faith,” was his sixth book to be published, and his fourth non-fiction.

The premise of the book is his time spent with his childhood rabbi, Albert L. Lewis, who, upon one of Albom’s trips home for a holiday service at his hometown synagogue, asked Albom to write his obituary when he died. At first Albom was taken aback by this and not sure why he was chosen. Throughout their meetings they discussed everything from life to faith to family and how all those are intertwined. At first Albom approached the meetings hesitantly but after the first few looked forward to them.

This story of Albom and Lewis’s journey to get to know each other is woven together with the story of Henry Covington. Though he had a very difficult and problematic life he ended up prospering, speaking in terms of faith. He is a perfect example of how someone can hit rock bottom and still lead a model life of faith.

Like many books only the author can explain it in few words and still do it justice. The following passage is an excerpt from the introduction of the book.

In the beginning, there was a question. It became a last request. "Will you do my eulogy?"

My favorite part of the book is when Albom would include one of Lewis’ mini-sermons. They cause me to really think on what is important in life. This was my favorite of the few he included and so I include it for your enjoyment.

“A soldier's little girl, whose father was being moved to a distant post, was sitting at the airport among her family's meager belongings. The girl was sleepy. She leaned against the packs and duffel bags. A lady came by, stopped, and patted her on the head. "Poor child," she said. "You haven't got a home."

The child looked up in surprise. "But we do have a home," she said. "We just don't have a house to put it in.’”

I will recommend this book to a person of any age, walk of life, faith, belief, or creed. For everyone who reads they may get something different out of it, but they will still get something out of it.

Tags: spartan spin