I love a novel that leaves me “book drunk.” You know what I mean. You are sort of staggered by it, and you can’t immediately start reading another novel because the other one won’t leave you alone yet. Those don’t come along very often, but I sure love it when they do.

Then there is the novel that has the reader thinking about herself even more than about the characters. It’s a different kind of reaction, but I love it too. The novel Twice by Mitch Albom fell into that category for me.

I was introduced to Albom, as is true of so many, through the wonderful memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie. I’ve enjoyed several of his novels since then. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto and The Little Liar both earned 5 from me, which in my rating system means: “Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.”

Now back to Twice which was the November selection for the book club I’m in. It is general market fiction. Here’s a little from the blurb:

When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse.

I loved this story (I gave it 4.5). I especially loved the ending because it caught me by surprise, squeezed my heart, and made me tear up. The story made me think a lot about my own life, too. What would I change, given the option?

There are mistakes in my life that I wish I could undo. At least I think I would like to undo them. But then I consider what undoing them would alter in the days/months/years that followed. I would be a different person. If I hadn’t chosen to do X, perhaps I wouldn’t have known Y. There are painful experiences in my past that drove me deeper into the arms of Christ and His grace. If I could change what caused those painful experiences would I have still learned the same lessons? I don’t know.

I love second chances. I’ve written quite a few second chance stories myself. Twice is the ultimate second chance story. I recommend it.

What was the last novel you read that had you examining your own life? And/or what is the last novel you read that left you “book drunk?” I would love to know.

~robin