Alfie has just been brought into the casino security interrogation room by Detective LaPorta, after winning $2 Million from a suspicious round of bets. Not fearing the questions, as most do, Alfie surprises LaPorta by handing him a composition book filled with the story of his alibi. Though cynical that this will lead anywhere, LaPorta asks Alfie to read to him from this book, since he has to wait anyway until the Bahamian officers arrive to formally arrest Alfie. As Alfie begins his unusual story, revealing that he can do things in his life “twice,” (but ONLY twice, no matter what), we learn how even when you get a redo, it doesn’t magically make everything better.
I’m still trying to decide how I feel about this book. On one hand, it is typical Mitch Albom – out of the box, imaginative, philosophical. On the other hand, parts of the story feel too unrealistic, even a bit confusing. We see Alfie making mistake after mistake, relying on his ability to hit “Twice” (instant replay) and be able to sort of try again. But we also see him never learning to tolerate the bad things life inevitably brings. Some changes he makes are helpful to others, but ultimately, he hurts himself the most.
It does serve as a commentary on love and life and the benefit of acceptance of who we are, our limitations, and our relationships as they unfold. Nothing is ever perfect, no matter how many times we think a redo will change that. We have to adjust to what life brings us. We don’t actually get a redo – and if we did, it may not necessarily serve us as well as we imagine.
I will be very curious to hear what others think of this book. I’m utterly on the fence!
kindread spirits 