Helpful Score: 5
From the beginning of this book, I kept saying, "This is one strange book", but I trusted Mitch Albom to deliver and, of course, he did. When I was 80% finished, I thought, "OK, he really is going somewhere".
This is a book about the power time wields in our lives- not always for good. What an unusual way to go about telling the story! But that's Mitch--he always delivers a fantastic story, whether fiction or non. He is just a fabulous writer and the way he puts words together makes my heart soar!
Thanks again, Mitch!
This is a book about the power time wields in our lives- not always for good. What an unusual way to go about telling the story! But that's Mitch--he always delivers a fantastic story, whether fiction or non. He is just a fabulous writer and the way he puts words together makes my heart soar!
Thanks again, Mitch!
Helpful Score: 4
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-time-keeper.html
The Time Keeper is the fictionalized story of Father Time - who he was, how he came to be Father Time, and what he would change if he could. In the context of the story, of course, is the lesson for all of us. A lesson that can be summarized in the following quote from the book: "You marked the minutes .... But did you use them wisely? To be still? To cherish? To be grateful? To lift and be lifted?"
Essentially, the story goes that in a time long long ago, no one measured time. Then, one man figured out how and became obsessed with his measurements. The consequence of his obsession turned him into Father Time. However, now he has a chance to redeem himself if he can teach two individuals the lesson he learned too late.
The two individuals come from opposite ends of the spectrum - one feeling like he has no time and needs more and the other feeling like even one more moment of life is too much. They both take steps - drastic steps - to remedy their problem of too little or too much time. Do they learn in time? That is the crux of the book.
The lesson of the book is a useful one, but unfortunately the story seems so contrived and the lesson is too obvious. I could see where the story was going and was not at all surprised when it got there. The characters (Father Time, the old man, the young woman) are not compelling enough to draw me into the story.
So, while I love some of Mitch Albom's other books, I am disappointed by this one.
The Time Keeper is the fictionalized story of Father Time - who he was, how he came to be Father Time, and what he would change if he could. In the context of the story, of course, is the lesson for all of us. A lesson that can be summarized in the following quote from the book: "You marked the minutes .... But did you use them wisely? To be still? To cherish? To be grateful? To lift and be lifted?"
Essentially, the story goes that in a time long long ago, no one measured time. Then, one man figured out how and became obsessed with his measurements. The consequence of his obsession turned him into Father Time. However, now he has a chance to redeem himself if he can teach two individuals the lesson he learned too late.
The two individuals come from opposite ends of the spectrum - one feeling like he has no time and needs more and the other feeling like even one more moment of life is too much. They both take steps - drastic steps - to remedy their problem of too little or too much time. Do they learn in time? That is the crux of the book.
The lesson of the book is a useful one, but unfortunately the story seems so contrived and the lesson is too obvious. I could see where the story was going and was not at all surprised when it got there. The characters (Father Time, the old man, the young woman) are not compelling enough to draw me into the story.
So, while I love some of Mitch Albom's other books, I am disappointed by this one.
Helpful Score: 2
It's `a Mitch Albom book so, you know to remember this will be as smooth as good wine. It will be so simple running in the depths of deep waters where the soul will remain still and your mind will absorb the words. This is a quick read which speaks to the beginning of time and ends yesterday. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.
Helpful Score: 1
Another thought-provoking book by Mitch Albom. It truly makes you realize how precious time can be and how wisely you should use it. I sat and read it one sitting.
Since the dawn of time man has been measuring what we do and dont do. We are introduced to Dor and his family. Dor creates the first clock and pays dearly for being engrossed with measuring time instead of just living. God banishes Dor to a cave with no way out. There is where he hears the cries of those who ask for more or less time. Eventually he is released, gets reacquainted with humanity and finds a way to help some.
I find that all of Mitch Alboms books are clever, moving and thought provoking. I seem to always find at least one sentence that turns my way of thinking in a way I could not imagine. He never uses to big of words or metaphors that you have to stop and take time to understand. Alboms writing just flows into something so natural you feel you have heard before.
I do not know about anyone else but the fact that God punished Dor for creating a the first clock is a little scary. I mean if you think about it Dor was only doing what he was good at, what came natural to him. Would you not say that was why God created him with that skill? If that is so then why punish for a way of thinking that was given as a gift from God?
Even though there is things I do not understand about Gods reasoning. I still enjoyed the book and still love learning about myself and others by reading what Mitch Albom writes.
I find that all of Mitch Alboms books are clever, moving and thought provoking. I seem to always find at least one sentence that turns my way of thinking in a way I could not imagine. He never uses to big of words or metaphors that you have to stop and take time to understand. Alboms writing just flows into something so natural you feel you have heard before.
I do not know about anyone else but the fact that God punished Dor for creating a the first clock is a little scary. I mean if you think about it Dor was only doing what he was good at, what came natural to him. Would you not say that was why God created him with that skill? If that is so then why punish for a way of thinking that was given as a gift from God?
Even though there is things I do not understand about Gods reasoning. I still enjoyed the book and still love learning about myself and others by reading what Mitch Albom writes.
Of all Mitch Albom's books, this was my least favorite. It was a good story in the end, but a little too "out there" for me. It begins before time was invented with 3 childhood friends, one of whom grows to be the king building the tower of Babel. Intertwined in present day are an unhappy teenage girl and a rich old man dying of cancer. It does make you think and contemplate your views on time and your own life. It is worth the read, just doesn't quite live up to his previous books in my opinion.
If Father Time had a story to tell, this would be Mitch Albom's version of that story. Time is precious, and humanity has tainted God's precious gift of time. In this novel, it is said that God didn't intend for time to be measured by clocks or any other way - that life was designed to be enjoyed without worrying about time. However, Father Time is curious about how to measure time from sunset to sundown, and eventually is punished by God for tainting God's purpose for time. This is a fantasy fable used to remind the reader that time needs to cherished and used for those most precious in our lives. I have never read an Mitch Albom novel before - and I have heard his stories are wonderful - but this wasn't my kind of story. I stayed with the book because I really wanted to know the end of the story, but I didn't enjoy this one. I struggled with the idea that God would punish Father Time as I didn't see a reason for Father Time to be punished. I do enjoy fantasy fiction, but I had a hard time connecting with the fantasy in this book. Possibly because God was connected with the fantasy, and my mind had difficulty placing God in this kind of story (that's just me). I will definitely read another Mitch Albom novel in the future, but this one was not my favorite. It just wasn't for me. Many probably would enjoy it if they don't mind integrating God with fantasy fiction.
I give this a 2 1/2 for just okay. Book reminds me of the emails that people forward, with messages that are so meaningful that they must pass them on, but the sender forgets it upon hitting "send". Characters are cliché, or am I the only one tired of depressed, fragile, but smart teen girls? Treasure each day; summed up the book now you can enjoy your family and skip the time spent reading this book.
As always, Mitch Albom delivers. Sat down and read it in a few hours. Love all of his books.
As usual, Mitch Albom succeeds in an intertaining yet thought provoking read. This book will get the reader to thinking and possibly evaluating his/her own perspective on love, life and your surroundings.
I have read most of Mitch Albom's books, but this one will be one that I read again in about a year. Although not as good (IMHO) as "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" or "For One More Day", it certainly ranks up there in books that cause you to think.
It is also set up in a manner that makes it easy to read. I finished it in one sitting and could not put it down once I began reading it.
I have read most of Mitch Albom's books, but this one will be one that I read again in about a year. Although not as good (IMHO) as "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" or "For One More Day", it certainly ranks up there in books that cause you to think.
It is also set up in a manner that makes it easy to read. I finished it in one sitting and could not put it down once I began reading it.
I really liked this book. Mitch Albom has a special way of telling a story. Great characters.
The book was good in a few spots but it has taken me months to finish. Small book but very boring. I fell asleep at one point while siting in a comfy chair at the doctor's office. This was one of those books for me where I would have chose cleaning over reading.
This was a quick and okay read. The concept behind this was interesting. I enjoyed the story of how Father Time was created. The majority of the book follows two people: an old wealthy man with cancer who is trying to figure out how to be immortal and a young girl with a crush that's not returned who wants to die. Father Time is sent to the present time to help both them and himself.
This is a very straight-forward and easy read. There are a lot underlying messages about how society is structured around time and how much that has changed things. Additionally, there is a lot of discussion about how people view that time and what they do with it.
I personally thought the story was heavy handed, especially towards the end. When you find out why this old man and young girl are so important it was just too much. I actually rolled my eyes; I mean come on...you can't get much more predictable than that.
Overall this was an okay read. It's an easy and quick read but I didn't find the ideas explored here to be all that new or exciting. I did like the history of Father Time. The story ended up being a bit too heavy handed and predictable for me. In the end, for me, it was a fairly forgettable read.
This is a very straight-forward and easy read. There are a lot underlying messages about how society is structured around time and how much that has changed things. Additionally, there is a lot of discussion about how people view that time and what they do with it.
I personally thought the story was heavy handed, especially towards the end. When you find out why this old man and young girl are so important it was just too much. I actually rolled my eyes; I mean come on...you can't get much more predictable than that.
Overall this was an okay read. It's an easy and quick read but I didn't find the ideas explored here to be all that new or exciting. I did like the history of Father Time. The story ended up being a bit too heavy handed and predictable for me. In the end, for me, it was a fairly forgettable read.
A story of Father Time, Dor, who measured time; a girl who wants to hurry time; and an old wealthy man who wants to stop time. God puts them together, with a magical hourglass, for a purpose. Thought provoking and beautiful!
Nicely written, however I felt the story had been done already ("It's a Wonderful Life", "A Christmas Carol"...
Normally I enjoy the short reads from this author but I was so disappointed in this one. Yes, it's imaginative but far too simplistic. He could have written this story in a page or two. I hope he does better on his next novel.
** spoiler alert ** Dor (Father Time) loses his wife and tries to alter time to undo her passing. As purgatory, he is forced to live multiple lifetimes hearing the cries and pleas of people on Earth praying to have just a little more (or less) time. Dor descends back to Earth to share what he has learned through his lifetimes with Sarah and Victor, both of whom experience trials in their lives causing them to take measures to try to shorten (Sara) or prolong (Victor) their lives. By providing them with glimpses of how their actions might affect their futures and those of their loved ones, Dor teaches Sara and Victor that time is something that cant be bought or sold. And that the reason our days are numbered is to make each one precious Otherwise, with endless time, nothing is special with no loss or sacrifice; we cant appreciate what we have.
The story is reminiscent of the Christmas classic film Its a Wonderful Life. Though not a tear jerker, The Time Keeper is a simple and quick read and a great reminder for us all to stop and smell the roses once in a while.
The story is reminiscent of the Christmas classic film Its a Wonderful Life. Though not a tear jerker, The Time Keeper is a simple and quick read and a great reminder for us all to stop and smell the roses once in a while.
