Finding Chika
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Best-selling author Mitch Albom returns to nonfiction for the first time in more than a decade in this poignant memoir that celebrates Chika, a young Haitian orphan whose short life would forever change his heart. Performed by Mitch Albom with Chika’s voice featured throughout.
Chika Jeune was born three days before the devastating earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. She spent her infancy in a landscape of extreme poverty, and when her mother died giving birth to a baby brother, Chika was brought to The Have Faith Haiti Orphanage that Albom operates in Port Au Prince.
With no children of their own, the 40-plus children who live, play, and go to school at the orphanage have become family to Mitch and his wife, Janine. Chika’s arrival makes a quick impression. Brave and self-assured, even as a three-year-old, she delights the other kids and teachers. But at age five, Chika is suddenly diagnosed with something a doctor there says “no one in Haiti can help you with.”
Mitch and Janine bring Chika to Detroit, hopeful that American medical care can soon return her to her homeland. Instead, Chika becomes a permanent part of their household, and their lives, as they embark on a two-year, around-the-world journey to find a cure. As Chika’s boundless optimism and humor teach Mitch the joys of caring for a child, he learns that a relationship built on love, no matter what blows it takes, can never be lost.
Told in hindsight, and through illuminating conversations with Chika herself, this is Albom at his most poignant and vulnerable. Finding Chika is a celebration of a girl, her adoptive guardians, and the incredible bond they formed - a devastatingly beautiful portrait of what it means to be a family, regardless of how it is made.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom opens up about his personal life again with Finding Chika, a memoir that’s both tragic and heartwarming. After Chika—one of the kids at the Haitian orphanage that Albom runs with his wife—was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor, the couple brought the young girl to America to live with them. Albom narrates the true story, sharing the joy of being a first-time parent and the pain of watching a child suffer. Audio clips of Chika are included in the audiobook, making this already deeply affecting story even more emotional. It’s clear that Chika stole Albom’s heart—and the hearts of everyone who came into contact with her, including ours.
Customer Reviews
A beautiful book.
I listen to audiobooks on my daily walks. I love Mitch Albom’s books, so when I saw this one, I thought I would give it a listen. After starting this audiobook, I looked forward to doing my walk every day so I could listen to more of this very moving story. Chika’s actual voice is included throughout this audiobook and it made it so very special. You cannot help but fall in love with this amazing little girl. I honestly don’t know how Mitch Albom was able to narrate this incredibly personal book, but he was just wonderful in sharing such a personal part of his and his wife’s journey that they were so blessed to share for too short a time with Chika. This book really shines a bright light on what’s truly important in life. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is simply beautiful.
Delightful
Absolutely wonderful. I loved the life audio clips of Chika; such a touching tribute to a beautiful soul.