This turned out to be a pretty good book, although I believe it
could have been better. I don't deny that Albom is talented (though
I haven't read any of his previous works), but I think he lost
focus during certain portions of the story.
The general premise was excellent ... the first sentence instantly
drew me in ... but I felt the characters weren't fully developed.
Also, there were times, particularly in the middle of the book,
where I was downright bored. I felt that the visits to the elderly
friends of his mother were dragged out needlessly, and that Albom
should have added more variety (all of the individuals he
introduced the reader to, seemed like cardboard cutouts). I
understand that he was going for simplicity, but spicing things up
a little would have made a world of a difference.
I really appreciate the message of the book, and am annoyed by
reviewers who suggest that Albom's life was not difficult, and that
he shouldn't have been depressed. Those individuals obviously have
no understanding of depression or addictions. I applaud Albom for
his insight into human life and mental illness.