Book Review: Twice by Mitch Albom

 

★★★★☆

This subtitle immediately caught my attention: "What if you got everything to do in life twice?"

I've read quite a few books about second chances, so I had a pretty good idea of where this story was going. But I'm a fan of Mitch Albom, and I know his books are never just about the plot. He has a way of taking a familiar idea and making you see it from a different perspective.

Twice follows Alfie Logan, who is born with a rare gift: he gets to relive every moment of his life exactly once and choose differently if he wants to. As Alfie grows older, he uses this gift through different seasons of his life—his relationships, successes, failures, and regrets. But he soon realizes that changing a decision doesn't always lead to an easier or happier outcome. The story spans decades and follows the life shaped by both first choices and second ones.

What kept me reading was wondering whether another chance could really make him happy. As I read, I couldn't help asking myself the same question: If I had the same gift, what would I do differently?

What stayed with me most was how the book challenged the idea that one changed decision could fix everything. We often think, If only I had said this, or If only I had chosen differently, life would have turned out better. Twice reminds us that every choice, even the ones we think are better, comes with its own consequences.

One thing I always appreciate about Mitch Albom is his writing. It's simple, easy to read, and never tries too hard, yet it still leaves you thinking after you've closed the book.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of magical realism, or if you've ever found yourself wondering "what if," I think you'll enjoy this one.

Trigger Warnings: 

Infidelity and adultery, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, death and grief, and medical and mental distress.