Well, I got a reply from Mitch - it was short and sweet:
Hi Anton,
Thanks so much for your kind words.
I am glad they were able to acknowledge the email. I have responded to say thank you for replying.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Book 20 - Have a Little Faith - Mitch Albom
Well, another book from Mitch out of the way. I think I have read them all, now. This one also did not fail to disappoint. It was a great read, and one that has caused me to think deeply about my life, my faith and my legacy.
There were so many great features of this book, though the one that stands out for me was when he asks his Rabi about happiness, and what really does it mean to be truly happy. The reply that he got was simply "to be grateful, when you are grateful, you are happy". Love it. How simple, but how true.
Now, again, as with my last blog, I am going to use the blurb from Mitch's web site, to tell the story of the book, but before I do that, here is a message that I sent Mitch, to say hi, and to say thank you ...
Hi Mitch,
I am an Aussie who picked up one of your books in a second hand shop in Perth (Tuesdays with Morrie). I read it in a day, as I have all of your other books, which I purchased as soon as I had read the first one. I have loved all your books, and I just wanted to say thank you for all of the stories, for the challenges, for the stimulation and for the tears.
You are an amazing author, and you have some great stories to tell. Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best.
PS, I just finished reading Have a Little Faith, and like the others, it was a great read. It has prompted me to spend more time with my parish priest and to discuss the finer points of the teachings of my faith.
Thanks again. Love your work.
I hope to receive a reply.
Here is the blurb about the book:
Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.
Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.
As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.
In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.
Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.
4.75 out of 5 again, just go and read it.
I will let you know if Mitch replies.
See you soon.
Jimmy A
There were so many great features of this book, though the one that stands out for me was when he asks his Rabi about happiness, and what really does it mean to be truly happy. The reply that he got was simply "to be grateful, when you are grateful, you are happy". Love it. How simple, but how true.
Now, again, as with my last blog, I am going to use the blurb from Mitch's web site, to tell the story of the book, but before I do that, here is a message that I sent Mitch, to say hi, and to say thank you ...
Hi Mitch,
I am an Aussie who picked up one of your books in a second hand shop in Perth (Tuesdays with Morrie). I read it in a day, as I have all of your other books, which I purchased as soon as I had read the first one. I have loved all your books, and I just wanted to say thank you for all of the stories, for the challenges, for the stimulation and for the tears.
You are an amazing author, and you have some great stories to tell. Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best.
PS, I just finished reading Have a Little Faith, and like the others, it was a great read. It has prompted me to spend more time with my parish priest and to discuss the finer points of the teachings of my faith.
Thanks again. Love your work.
I hope to receive a reply.
Here is the blurb about the book:
Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.
Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.
As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.
In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.
Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.
4.75 out of 5 again, just go and read it.
I will let you know if Mitch replies.
See you soon.
Jimmy A
Book 19 - For One More Day - Mitch Albom
Another book from my favourite author of all time, and a man that is continuing to have a profound impact on my life. He is the man, and I have a platonic man crush on him. He rocks.
This really is a great read, and the key message from the book is that "every adult male should love and cherish their mother more" (me included).
Now, when I started these blogs, I said I would never use the blurb from the web to describe the book, and I would do it in my own words, but on this occasion, I have decided to do that, as when I was doing a search for more information on Mitch Albom, I found the attached blurb at http://mitchalbom.com/books/node/3873:
This really is a great read, and the key message from the book is that "every adult male should love and cherish their mother more" (me included).
Now, when I started these blogs, I said I would never use the blurb from the web to describe the book, and I would do it in my own words, but on this occasion, I have decided to do that, as when I was doing a search for more information on Mitch Albom, I found the attached blurb at http://mitchalbom.com/books/node/3873:
For One More Day is the story of a mother and a son, and a relationship that covers a lifetime and beyond. It explores the question: What would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one?
As a child, Charley “Chick” Benetto was told by his father, “You can be a mama’s boy or a daddy’s boy, but you can’t be both.” So he chooses his father, only to see the man disappear when Charley is on the verge of adolescence.
Decades later, Charley is a broken man. His life has been crumbled by alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits bottom after discovering his only daughter has shut him out of her wedding. And he decides to take his own life.
He makes a midnight ride to his small hometown, with plans to do himself in. But upon failing even to do that, he staggers back to his old house, only to make an astonishing discovery. His mother -- who died eight years earlier -- is still living there, and welcomes him home as if nothing ever happened.
Albom has said his relationship with his own mother was largely behind the story of the book, and that several incidents in “For One More Day” are actual events from his childhood.
I think the real reason that I am taking the easy way out on this blog, is that I found the official Mitch Albom web site, and instead of doing more work on this blog, in my words, I am going to spend that time contacting Mitch and let him know that his books are just amazing, and that he has had a major impact on my life. I can safely say that I am a changed man from reading his books, and if doing this blog has done nothing else, it has introduced me to his works, which I am thankful for.
4.75 out of 5 for this one, not as good as several of his other books, but way better than most on the book shelves.
Life is a funny thing. I actually bought Tuesdays with Morrie (his first best seller) at a second hand book store in Perth. I went in there one day to buy a book, I was in a hurry, I picked that book up and started reading. I could not put it down. I read it in a day, as I have his other books. The last one that I just read, Have a Little Faith actually took me two days, so I was a little slow on that one. Watch this space for a blog about that one.
Book 18 - The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison
Well, book 18 done, and I have got three to four books that I have read and that I have not done the blog for yet. I am actually nearly half way there.
This book really is quite a moving read. What is quite strange to me is that I never ever really cursed or attacked Warren Fellows (the author and the subject of the book) in my mind or from a moral perspective. See, the book is about his journey through the Thailand prison system after being caught with drugs the same country.
Yes, he was a drug trafficker. Yes, many people would have suffered due to the drugs that he sold. Yes, maybe I should be more morally judgemental on Warren and, like many of the other (somewhat pathetic) critical assessments of his book, attack him and vilify him for selling drugs.
I have questioned myself over this very sensitive issue, and wonder if I am not normal, or I am too understanding, or if I maybe am too soft, to be able to look past the fact that he was a drug dealer and did time for his crime. Strangely enough, and on further reflection, I am quite comfortable with the fact that I just enjoyed the book, at most times I felt sorry for his suffering, and thought that maybe he paid for his crime, well and truly (and maybe many times over).
Then, I wonder if it is because I have never been touched by drugs. I have no-one in my family that is addicted to drugs, and it has never been a part of my life. I have never been around it, I always said no to the idiots that took drugs, and my life has been one of predominantly clean living. I wonder if the people that write the sort of blogs, as shown below, about this book, are from drug affected families, or the like, or are reformed addicts themselves, and are venting their own anger at a book and at a system that they are a part of. Look, I don't know that to be the case, but have a read of just this one, below, from http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews33486.html:
I have been to Thailand 10 times in 12 years and have only ever found the Thai people friendly and kind. Why? Because I have never done anything illegal. I have just read the book THE DAMAGE DONE 12 YEARS IN A BANGKOK JAIL by Warren Fellows and why yes the conditions in Thailand jails in 1978 were horrific and disturbing I still find it difficult to feel that this man deserves the praise he is given by many. People have seemed to have over looked that he was guilty and knew the consequences of ...
Or, is it jealousy ... is it that Warren has got a story to tell, and that he is able to share his story candidly, get some exposure for it, and this makes people a little envious. Who knows, and really, who cares. Enough about Warren Fellows, and onto the book review.
In many ways, and on many levels, you would not be a very compassionate human being if you did not at some point feel some sympathy for the position Warren Fellows found himself in. He experienced the worst of life, what he saw in some of those prisons can only be described as grotesque, gruesome and even sick. He saw death, he saw suffering, he saw insanity, and he was brutality. Actually, in jail, he became a drug addict himself, obviously something that I wouldn't condone, but in the circumstances could understand. Thailand prisons appear to be horrible places.
Look, if you get a chance, have a read of the book, it is quite a good read, I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed reading about how the human spirit can overcome even the most trying circumstances. There was a point in the book where Warren asks God "when will you stop this, how much more do you want me to see" (or something similar). The old proverb, we are never sent more than we can handle, comes to mind, so I can only presume that Warren Fellows is viewed by our creator as someone with broad shoulders. It was not actually Warren's story that you will be touched mostly by, as you read the book, it is the story of his close friend, who Warren implicated in this whole affair and who's shoulders weren't broad enough to carry the load ...
In summary, the book is about a 4.25 out of 5, very good, without being great.
Let me say that I would never condone anything illegal, I would never take or sell drugs, and I really do deplore people that do. I have kids that I hope will stay away from that scene. Warren Fellows paid for his crimes. I hope he lives a long and happy life after what he has had to endure.
This book really is quite a moving read. What is quite strange to me is that I never ever really cursed or attacked Warren Fellows (the author and the subject of the book) in my mind or from a moral perspective. See, the book is about his journey through the Thailand prison system after being caught with drugs the same country.
Yes, he was a drug trafficker. Yes, many people would have suffered due to the drugs that he sold. Yes, maybe I should be more morally judgemental on Warren and, like many of the other (somewhat pathetic) critical assessments of his book, attack him and vilify him for selling drugs.
I have questioned myself over this very sensitive issue, and wonder if I am not normal, or I am too understanding, or if I maybe am too soft, to be able to look past the fact that he was a drug dealer and did time for his crime. Strangely enough, and on further reflection, I am quite comfortable with the fact that I just enjoyed the book, at most times I felt sorry for his suffering, and thought that maybe he paid for his crime, well and truly (and maybe many times over).
Then, I wonder if it is because I have never been touched by drugs. I have no-one in my family that is addicted to drugs, and it has never been a part of my life. I have never been around it, I always said no to the idiots that took drugs, and my life has been one of predominantly clean living. I wonder if the people that write the sort of blogs, as shown below, about this book, are from drug affected families, or the like, or are reformed addicts themselves, and are venting their own anger at a book and at a system that they are a part of. Look, I don't know that to be the case, but have a read of just this one, below, from http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews33486.html:
I have been to Thailand 10 times in 12 years and have only ever found the Thai people friendly and kind. Why? Because I have never done anything illegal. I have just read the book THE DAMAGE DONE 12 YEARS IN A BANGKOK JAIL by Warren Fellows and why yes the conditions in Thailand jails in 1978 were horrific and disturbing I still find it difficult to feel that this man deserves the praise he is given by many. People have seemed to have over looked that he was guilty and knew the consequences of ...
Or, is it jealousy ... is it that Warren has got a story to tell, and that he is able to share his story candidly, get some exposure for it, and this makes people a little envious. Who knows, and really, who cares. Enough about Warren Fellows, and onto the book review.
In many ways, and on many levels, you would not be a very compassionate human being if you did not at some point feel some sympathy for the position Warren Fellows found himself in. He experienced the worst of life, what he saw in some of those prisons can only be described as grotesque, gruesome and even sick. He saw death, he saw suffering, he saw insanity, and he was brutality. Actually, in jail, he became a drug addict himself, obviously something that I wouldn't condone, but in the circumstances could understand. Thailand prisons appear to be horrible places.
Look, if you get a chance, have a read of the book, it is quite a good read, I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed reading about how the human spirit can overcome even the most trying circumstances. There was a point in the book where Warren asks God "when will you stop this, how much more do you want me to see" (or something similar). The old proverb, we are never sent more than we can handle, comes to mind, so I can only presume that Warren Fellows is viewed by our creator as someone with broad shoulders. It was not actually Warren's story that you will be touched mostly by, as you read the book, it is the story of his close friend, who Warren implicated in this whole affair and who's shoulders weren't broad enough to carry the load ...
In summary, the book is about a 4.25 out of 5, very good, without being great.
Let me say that I would never condone anything illegal, I would never take or sell drugs, and I really do deplore people that do. I have kids that I hope will stay away from that scene. Warren Fellows paid for his crimes. I hope he lives a long and happy life after what he has had to endure.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Book 17 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
Look, do not go another day without reading this book. It is just fantastic. I loved it. It was amazing, and now it is the best book that I have read. I loved it. Mitch Albom is my favourite author, by far, and I think I might have a slight man crush on him (in a platonic way, of course).
This book is about his uncle, who dies, and meets five people as he enters into Heaven. I am not going to spoil the story for you, by telling you about it, suffice to say that the five people are special people from his life, and each one is there to give his uncle a key message about the life that he lead on earth.
See, Mitch's uncle was a maintenance man at a theme park, and he worked there well past his retirement years. He died doing a great deed, though he never ever really accepted the value that he added to the world during the course of his life - that was until he met five people on his way to heaven.
Look, I asked my wife to read this book, and she was not as taken by it as I was, but I just loved it. I read it in a day, and I cried on the plane, as I was reading it. Loved it.
I have since read another Mitch book, and have got another on the list, too.
Watch this space, or go to www.antonguinea.com.au for motivational products.
5 out of 5 for this book.
This book is about his uncle, who dies, and meets five people as he enters into Heaven. I am not going to spoil the story for you, by telling you about it, suffice to say that the five people are special people from his life, and each one is there to give his uncle a key message about the life that he lead on earth.
See, Mitch's uncle was a maintenance man at a theme park, and he worked there well past his retirement years. He died doing a great deed, though he never ever really accepted the value that he added to the world during the course of his life - that was until he met five people on his way to heaven.
Look, I asked my wife to read this book, and she was not as taken by it as I was, but I just loved it. I read it in a day, and I cried on the plane, as I was reading it. Loved it.
I have since read another Mitch book, and have got another on the list, too.
Watch this space, or go to www.antonguinea.com.au for motivational products.
5 out of 5 for this book.
Book 16 - The Accidental Zillionaire - Demistifying Paul Allen
Laura Rich really did a good job of this book. It was extremely well researched and very factual, albeit a little bland (given all of the detail included about Paul Allen's business dealings through the middle part of the book).
Paul Allen was actually the co-founder of Microsoft - yep, with Bill Gates. I have never heard of him, and I certainly didn't know Bill had a business partner in the early days. Paul was actually the 'geek' of the operation, from all reports, and he was into the technical side of the business. Bill was the business man, and drove the business forward.
Microsoft started in the mid 1970s, and eight years later, after a cancer scare, Paul decided to finish up with Microsoft. He had, though, prior to that, obtained a 35% share of the business. Now, there is no need to explain to you how much money that would equate to. Paul Allen is one of the richest people in the world, and he has just been living off the profits of a company he started, and then left, over 25 years ago. No wonder they call him an accidental zillionaire.
He seems to be the real nerd, still. He dresses poorly, and apparently has no social skills. Maybe he doesn't need them, with all that moolah. And, he spends like crazy - millions here, billions there, all on business ventures, most of which have not been successful, apparently. But, in saying that, he could make several hundred million on an investment, and that is not successful (at least compared to Microsoft). There you go.
Other key points from the book:
One thing he seems to do well, is to create loyal employees. He has had the same people rotate through his businesses for many years, apparently. He likes mixing in influential circles, as you would, and he is a fan of Jimi Hendrix - loves his music, apparently.
Anyway, it would be good to have just 1% of his money - you would never have to work again. Good on him. Kudos to Paul Allen, I reckon - go son!!
Overall, not a great book, but interesting. 3.5 out of 5.
Paul Allen was actually the co-founder of Microsoft - yep, with Bill Gates. I have never heard of him, and I certainly didn't know Bill had a business partner in the early days. Paul was actually the 'geek' of the operation, from all reports, and he was into the technical side of the business. Bill was the business man, and drove the business forward.
Microsoft started in the mid 1970s, and eight years later, after a cancer scare, Paul decided to finish up with Microsoft. He had, though, prior to that, obtained a 35% share of the business. Now, there is no need to explain to you how much money that would equate to. Paul Allen is one of the richest people in the world, and he has just been living off the profits of a company he started, and then left, over 25 years ago. No wonder they call him an accidental zillionaire.
He seems to be the real nerd, still. He dresses poorly, and apparently has no social skills. Maybe he doesn't need them, with all that moolah. And, he spends like crazy - millions here, billions there, all on business ventures, most of which have not been successful, apparently. But, in saying that, he could make several hundred million on an investment, and that is not successful (at least compared to Microsoft). There you go.
Other key points from the book:
- Him and his people would not support the book
- He is still followed around for investing advice, even though he is not considered a successful investor
- He has invested in everything from movies to cable companies
- His vision is a cable world (I think we might be moving past that now - wonder if he has)
One thing he seems to do well, is to create loyal employees. He has had the same people rotate through his businesses for many years, apparently. He likes mixing in influential circles, as you would, and he is a fan of Jimi Hendrix - loves his music, apparently.
Anyway, it would be good to have just 1% of his money - you would never have to work again. Good on him. Kudos to Paul Allen, I reckon - go son!!
Overall, not a great book, but interesting. 3.5 out of 5.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Book 15 - Father Joe
This was quite a good read. The start and the end were really well put together, though like some of the other reading that I have done for this blog, I think the padding in the middle was somewhat superfluous, and somewhat of a struggle, but it was all worth it, as the book had an amazing ending, and a great conclusion.
Onto the content ... Joseph Warrillow, aka Father Joe is a monk who has devoted his life to his religion. He lives in a monastery, with other monks, who also have a life long devotion to their religion. Tony Hendra, as author, explains in essence, the role that Father Joe has played in his life, especially during tough times, which for Tony, there have been many.
Tony was taken to Father Joe as a 14 year old, by the husband of the married woman that Tony was having an 'affair' with (he started young, apparently). The affair was not too 'sexual', as the pair was busted by the husband, before it got too out of hand. But, it was off to the monastery, for a meeting with Father Joe. Tony was obviously terrified on the way, but the meeting was the first of many that the two were to have over the next 40 or so years.
Tony was not chastised, as he was prepared for, by Father Joe, who took a very soft approach to the situation. He was very calming, very understanding and very friendly. He called Tony 'Dear', from that point forward. The meeting had such a profound impact on the young Tony that he decided to become a monk himself. He worked and studied hard towards that endeavour, that was, until he hit university and discovered girls and alcohol. Sounds familiar ...
So, onto and through a working life in the media business, with many visits back to see Father Joe along the way, Tony marries (twice), fathers several kids and manages quite a successful career. Tony is actually a very educated, very academic and very intelligent individual (evidenced by all of the big words - most of which I did not understand - that he used in the book). His grasp of the English language is amazing, though I need to say that some of the words and some of the intense vocabulary was not actually required and was a little over the top. That is just my call, and once again, I need to say that I might not be hugely qualified to critique a best selling book. Once again, though, my blog, my call, I guess.
So, coming to the end of the book, and really, to the end of the life of Father Joe, the ending is somewhat unexpected. Inevitably, Father Joe passes on, which is sad and which is in a quite inhumane way. Mind you, he beat cancer twice before it got him, and affected his looks and his eyes. He loved Tony with a father like love until the day he died.
I won't spoil the ending of the book for you, though I will say that it is very sad, and very unique. Very impressive really, and it does demonstrate the importance that some lives have on others.
Overall, a 4 out of 5. A good read, and very enjoyable. Feel good at times.
Onto the content ... Joseph Warrillow, aka Father Joe is a monk who has devoted his life to his religion. He lives in a monastery, with other monks, who also have a life long devotion to their religion. Tony Hendra, as author, explains in essence, the role that Father Joe has played in his life, especially during tough times, which for Tony, there have been many.
Tony was taken to Father Joe as a 14 year old, by the husband of the married woman that Tony was having an 'affair' with (he started young, apparently). The affair was not too 'sexual', as the pair was busted by the husband, before it got too out of hand. But, it was off to the monastery, for a meeting with Father Joe. Tony was obviously terrified on the way, but the meeting was the first of many that the two were to have over the next 40 or so years.
Tony was not chastised, as he was prepared for, by Father Joe, who took a very soft approach to the situation. He was very calming, very understanding and very friendly. He called Tony 'Dear', from that point forward. The meeting had such a profound impact on the young Tony that he decided to become a monk himself. He worked and studied hard towards that endeavour, that was, until he hit university and discovered girls and alcohol. Sounds familiar ...
So, onto and through a working life in the media business, with many visits back to see Father Joe along the way, Tony marries (twice), fathers several kids and manages quite a successful career. Tony is actually a very educated, very academic and very intelligent individual (evidenced by all of the big words - most of which I did not understand - that he used in the book). His grasp of the English language is amazing, though I need to say that some of the words and some of the intense vocabulary was not actually required and was a little over the top. That is just my call, and once again, I need to say that I might not be hugely qualified to critique a best selling book. Once again, though, my blog, my call, I guess.
So, coming to the end of the book, and really, to the end of the life of Father Joe, the ending is somewhat unexpected. Inevitably, Father Joe passes on, which is sad and which is in a quite inhumane way. Mind you, he beat cancer twice before it got him, and affected his looks and his eyes. He loved Tony with a father like love until the day he died.
I won't spoil the ending of the book for you, though I will say that it is very sad, and very unique. Very impressive really, and it does demonstrate the importance that some lives have on others.
Overall, a 4 out of 5. A good read, and very enjoyable. Feel good at times.
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