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The Gift
Step into the magical world of Cecelia Ahern.
If you could wish for one gift this Christmas, what would it be?
Everyday Lou Suffern battled with the clock. He always had two places to be at the same time. He always had two things to do at once. When asleep he dreamed. In between dreams, he ran through the events of the day while making plans for the next. When at home with his wife and family, his mind was always someplace else.
On his way into work one early winter morning, Lou meets Gabe, a homeless man sitting outside the office building. Intrigued by him and on discovering that he could also be very useful to have around, Lou gets Gabe a job in the post room.
But soon Lou begins to regret helping Gabe. His very presence unsettles Lou and how does Gabe appear to be in two places at the same time?
As Christmas draws closer, Lou starts to understand the value of time. He sees what is truly important in life yet at the same time he learns the harshest lesson of all.
This is a story about people who not unlike parcels, hide secrets.They cover themselves in layers until the right person unwraps them and discovers what’s inside. Sometimes you have to be unravelled in order to find out who you really are. For Lou Suffern, that took time.
If you could wish for one gift this Christmas, what would it be?
Everyday Lou Suffern battled with the clock. He always had two places to be at the same time. He always had two things to do at once. When asleep he dreamed. In between dreams, he ran through the events of the day while making plans for the next. When at home with his wife and family, his mind was always someplace else.
On his way into work one early winter morning, Lou meets Gabe, a homeless man sitting outside the office building. Intrigued by him and on discovering that he could also be very useful to have around, Lou gets Gabe a job in the post room.
But soon Lou begins to regret helping Gabe. His very presence unsettles Lou and how does Gabe appear to be in two places at the same time?
As Christmas draws closer, Lou starts to understand the value of time. He sees what is truly important in life yet at the same time he learns the harshest lesson of all.
This is a story about people who not unlike parcels, hide secrets.They cover themselves in layers until the right person unwraps them and discovers what’s inside. Sometimes you have to be unravelled in order to find out who you really are. For Lou Suffern, that took time.
305 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
964 people are currently reading
14366 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Ahern
98 books19.4k followersCecelia Ahern was born and grew up in Dublin. She is now published in nearly fifty countries, and has sold over twenty-five million copies of her novels worldwide. Two of her books have been adapted as films and she has created several TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,146 reviews
October 23, 2020
The Gift by Cecelia Ahern is a 2008 Harper Collins publication.
Not your typical holiday story…
The story is centered around Lou Suffern, a workaholic who never spends quality time with his family, and whose multi-tasking leaves much to be desired. Immediately, the reader understands that Lou is not a warm person, and I personally took an instant dislike to him.
But, one day, although completely out of character for Lou, he buys a homeless man named Gabe a cup of coffee, which eventually leads him to help Gabe get a job in the Mailroom. The more he is around Gabe, the more noticeable it is that Gabe has this uncanny ability to get from one place to another in record time.
What Lou doesn’t catch onto immediately, is that Gabe is about to gift him his special talent for being in two places at once. The gift is one we have secretly wished for a time or two, I'm sure- but as it turns out the gift ends up having an unexpected effect on Lou…
This story is a bit different from the usual holiday stories I encounter. There is a magical, supernatural element to it, but that whimsical tone also masks a definite somber tone that took me completely by surprise.
There are some familiar holiday tropes mapped out here, but the author weaves a clever and creative story around them, and tops it off with a surprise twist that caught me off guard.
The message, however, is pointed and universal, no matter what time of year, or what circumstances we are living in. For that reason, I'm glad I read the book!! 🎄
3.5 stars
Not your typical holiday story…
The story is centered around Lou Suffern, a workaholic who never spends quality time with his family, and whose multi-tasking leaves much to be desired. Immediately, the reader understands that Lou is not a warm person, and I personally took an instant dislike to him.
But, one day, although completely out of character for Lou, he buys a homeless man named Gabe a cup of coffee, which eventually leads him to help Gabe get a job in the Mailroom. The more he is around Gabe, the more noticeable it is that Gabe has this uncanny ability to get from one place to another in record time.
What Lou doesn’t catch onto immediately, is that Gabe is about to gift him his special talent for being in two places at once. The gift is one we have secretly wished for a time or two, I'm sure- but as it turns out the gift ends up having an unexpected effect on Lou…
This story is a bit different from the usual holiday stories I encounter. There is a magical, supernatural element to it, but that whimsical tone also masks a definite somber tone that took me completely by surprise.
There are some familiar holiday tropes mapped out here, but the author weaves a clever and creative story around them, and tops it off with a surprise twist that caught me off guard.
The message, however, is pointed and universal, no matter what time of year, or what circumstances we are living in. For that reason, I'm glad I read the book!! 🎄
3.5 stars
February 19, 2012
Cecelia Ahern is a very clever, creative writer. I really admire her work. It's pretty awesome. When you look at her covers, you don't expect much (At least that's how it was with me). You expect just another romantic comedy with all the gooey, cheesy, lovey-dovey romantic parts. Trust me, that is FAR from the case.
Her books are wonderful. They deal with serious issues and serious problems. Real-life, every day shit. She also throws in a little bit of magic and intrigue. Her books have this creepy, eerie effect that I love. And most importantly they are not stupidly and hopelessly romantic in any way. *Insert cheers and applause here*
About this novel. The ending was very sad. It's a moralistic kind of novel, and I liked that about it. I especially loved the final paragraph. It was very.. Shaking. I didn't really hate Lou, like I thought I would when I heard about the book and all. I actually pitied him. He lost track of his life and was living for nothing.. He didn't experience true joy or happiness and lived for his work. He hurt himself and the people around him on a daily basis. It was really unfortunate. But, he got a second chance. He got "the gift of time". He got a chance to make things right before he was gone for good. And I think everyone would want that. But, unfortunately we can't really have that most of the time. And the point of this book, I think, is to rattle us and make us aware of that. That time is slipping away, and that we won't get a second chance to make it right, we won't get extra time.. We need to make things right.. now. We need to be happy and live for a reason and not just watch our lives waste away. No matter how young or old.
I don't have much to say except that Cecelia is a very clever writer. And she writes meaningful things, not stupid, sappy, pointless, romantic crap.
Her books are wonderful. They deal with serious issues and serious problems. Real-life, every day shit. She also throws in a little bit of magic and intrigue. Her books have this creepy, eerie effect that I love. And most importantly they are not stupidly and hopelessly romantic in any way. *Insert cheers and applause here*
About this novel. The ending was very sad. It's a moralistic kind of novel, and I liked that about it. I especially loved the final paragraph. It was very.. Shaking. I didn't really hate Lou, like I thought I would when I heard about the book and all. I actually pitied him. He lost track of his life and was living for nothing.. He didn't experience true joy or happiness and lived for his work. He hurt himself and the people around him on a daily basis. It was really unfortunate. But, he got a second chance. He got "the gift of time". He got a chance to make things right before he was gone for good. And I think everyone would want that. But, unfortunately we can't really have that most of the time. And the point of this book, I think, is to rattle us and make us aware of that. That time is slipping away, and that we won't get a second chance to make it right, we won't get extra time.. We need to make things right.. now. We need to be happy and live for a reason and not just watch our lives waste away. No matter how young or old.
I don't have much to say except that Cecelia is a very clever writer. And she writes meaningful things, not stupid, sappy, pointless, romantic crap.
January 4, 2020
5 STARS! Perfect for Christmas.
My first book by Cecelia and I LOVED it.
I was gonna post this on the night of 25th, right when I finished the book (literally eating it up in one setting), but the internet is flimsy here right now due to political reasons.
So I'll say it now:
Merry Christmas and happy new year 🖤✨
RTC.
My first book by Cecelia and I LOVED it.
A lesson finds the common denominator and links us all together, like a chain. At the end of that chain dangles a clock, and on the face of the clock registers the passing of time. We see it and we hear it, the hushed tick-tock, but often we don’t feel it. Each second makes its mark on every single person’s life—comes and then goes, quietly disappearing without fanfare, evaporating into air like steam from a piping hot Christmas pudding. Enough time leaves us warm; when our time is gone, it leaves us cold.
Time is more precious than gold, more precious than diamonds, more precious than oil or any valuable treasures. It is time of which we do not have enough; it is time that causes the war within our hearts, and so we must spend it wisely.
Time cannot be packaged and ribboned and left under trees for Christmas morning.
Time can’t be given. But it can be shared.
I was gonna post this on the night of 25th, right when I finished the book (literally eating it up in one setting), but the internet is flimsy here right now due to political reasons.
So I'll say it now:
Merry Christmas and happy new year 🖤✨
RTC.
December 6, 2018
I actually received this book as a gift last Xmas, but, it isn't the sort of book that I'd go and purchase myself, so I suppose I've been putting it off. I have seen Cecelia Ahern's works in the bookshops, but never, until now, read one of her works.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It certainly wasn't amazing or anything, but it is evident that Ahern is a wonderfully creative writer, and instead of some cheesy romance like I was expecting, there were some real life issues in her story, which can cause one to stop and think.
I loathed Lou, the main character throughout most of the book. I thought he was a pretentious bastard, quite frankly. It was rather evident from the beginning that Lou only considered his own happiness important. But as the book reads on Lou is taught some valuable lessons, and nearing the end of the book I actually came to like Lou a little bit.
This book certainly wasn't perfect but it was an interesting christmassy read, and I may even pick up another book from this author in the future.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It certainly wasn't amazing or anything, but it is evident that Ahern is a wonderfully creative writer, and instead of some cheesy romance like I was expecting, there were some real life issues in her story, which can cause one to stop and think.
I loathed Lou, the main character throughout most of the book. I thought he was a pretentious bastard, quite frankly. It was rather evident from the beginning that Lou only considered his own happiness important. But as the book reads on Lou is taught some valuable lessons, and nearing the end of the book I actually came to like Lou a little bit.
This book certainly wasn't perfect but it was an interesting christmassy read, and I may even pick up another book from this author in the future.
January 29, 2015
The Gift – Cecelia Ahern
Admittedly, I, like so many others before me, seem to associate Cecelia Ahern with lovely, girly books, especially with the gorgeous covers her books always have. This is far from the case. Her books are incredibly touching, the writing is clever and this book in particular is a fabulous example of how her books can be moralistic with a magical touch.
The Gift centres on the story of Lou Suffern, as told through the eyes of someone else. Lou is your stereotypical over-working business man; he constantly needs to be in two places at once, strives to always be bigger and better, and relieves himself with his womanising ways. As a result, his family take a backseat and suffer, all the while standing by him waiting for things to change. And things may just change once Lou meets Gabe, the mysterious homeless man who sits outside his office building…
“One thing of great importance can affect a small number of people. Equally so, a thing of little importance can affect a multitude. Either way, a happening big or small can affect an entire string of people.”
Ahern is a wonderfully gifted writer with a writing style that is easy and enjoyable to follow through her magical tales. I found myself submerged in her story telling straight from the opening chapter. During the beginning of the book, she describes the warmth and calmness of Christmas with beautiful imagery, and manages to get you to feel that warmth inside as you read along. Although this book is set at Christmas time, it’s not exactly Christmas themed, though that didn’t stop me feeling the Christmas spirit as I read the first three paragraphs.
The interesting thing about this book is that the protagonist is not necessarily likeable and can be difficult to empathize with, yet we, as a reader, find ourselves willing him to succeed in improving himself. Personally, I continued to dislike Lou throughout the full book, and yet I found myself completely invested in him, and found I was rooting for him for his family’s sake rather than his.
“A lesson finds the common denominator and links us all together, like a chain. At the end of that chain dangles a clock, and on the face of the clock registers the passing of time. We see it and we hear it, the hushed tick-tock, but often we don’t feel it. Each second makes its mark on every single person’s life comes and then goes, quietly disappearing without fanfare, evaporating into air like steam from a piping hot Christmas pudding. Enough time leaves us warm; when our time is gone, it leaves us cold.”This is a magical tale, a wonderful Christmas read, and although far-fetched, it definitely gets the intended message across - there is nothing more valuable than time. Time can’t be borrowed and returned, you can’t buy it back. Once your time is spent, there’s no grabbing it back, and for that reason, we need to value it more than anything. The issues addressed in the book are real life issues, and all of the characters were so realistic and believable. It was enough to bring a tear to my eye in closing chapter. I’m just a big softie!
So if you’re looking for a touching Christmas read when the time comes along this year, I highly recommend this book, and if you’ve already read it, I’d love to know what you thought of the ending? :)
“Time can’t be given. But it can be shared.”
September 20, 2015
This book is for you if:
you are in the mood for a good old Christmas-ly cry
you feel introspective and open to reflect on the sense of life
you want to reconnect with family values
you want something that will remind you what are the important things in life
This book is NOT for you if:
you need something easy-breezy with no drama
you DO NOT want to cry
you're looking for more of a happily ever after novel
you are looking for a girl-meets-boy novel
I enjoyed this book, it reduced me into tears, I was on a plane and had to contain myself not to sob loudly in front of everybody.
Ahern initial description of the quiet street on Christmas morning was sublime.
Overall, a sad book with plenty of moral... but one of the good ones
you are in the mood for a good old Christmas-ly cry
you feel introspective and open to reflect on the sense of life
you want to reconnect with family values
you want something that will remind you what are the important things in life
This book is NOT for you if:
you need something easy-breezy with no drama
you DO NOT want to cry
you're looking for more of a happily ever after novel
you are looking for a girl-meets-boy novel
I enjoyed this book, it reduced me into tears, I was on a plane and had to contain myself not to sob loudly in front of everybody.
Ahern initial description of the quiet street on Christmas morning was sublime.
Overall, a sad book with plenty of moral... but one of the good ones
December 20, 2016
Cecelia Ahern's The Gift is a lovely addition to holiday fiction. It leaves readers with a beautiful message about how precious and impactful the gift of time is. Not just time on this earth, but the time you purposefully set aside for those who give your life quality and purpose. Nurture those relationships before you lose them. The Gift is worth the read. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
"Time is more precious than gold, more precious than diamonds, more precious than oil or any valuable treasures. It is time that we do not have enough of; it is time that causes the war within our hearts, and so we must spend it wisely."
My favorite quote:
"Time is more precious than gold, more precious than diamonds, more precious than oil or any valuable treasures. It is time that we do not have enough of; it is time that causes the war within our hearts, and so we must spend it wisely."
July 15, 2022
And you think you have all the time in the world, but you haven't, none of us do.
Cecelia Ahern creates very cute and cozy worlds with series messages, and as serious as they are, my heart always feels lighter for reading them.
Five stars.
Cecelia Ahern creates very cute and cozy worlds with series messages, and as serious as they are, my heart always feels lighter for reading them.
Five stars.
October 14, 2011
I wanted something easy to read on public transport and this certainly ticked that box. I finished it before even adding it to my 'currently reading' on this site!
The protagonist is fallible, something I always think makes a book interesting, and all the characters are somewhat believable, but it was very hard to find anything warm or likeable in them. The people and the settings made me feel uncomfortable somehow. Perhaps they was supposed to.
I suppose it's easy to be cynical about the character of Gabe in his mysterious guardian angel role, and I understand the whole point of this story is to emulate a type of Scrooge story in the city; a man who goes through an experience that forces him to see the world differently and prompts him to want to turn over a new-leaf. You have to introduce an element of magic and suspend disbelief to achieve that, that's fine. It's even set at Christmas time! It only narrowly avoids the cheesiness of a Hollywood Christmas movie by its ending, but by that point, I actually wanted to see the new leaf pan out and the characters to live happily ever after.
I felt Gabe was under developed and could have thrown in a couple of jokes just to make him more likable.
The concept that the whole story is being narrated between some barely connected characters based in a police station was distracting and did not work, to my mind.
This book left a bad taste in my mouth mostly because of the tone of the author. She patronisingly lectures about the lessons we ought to have learned on this insightful journey she has been so good to lead us through (!). I don't believe the message that time is precious and you should appreciate your loved ones was something most people needed to be told by an over privileged chick lit author.
I've neither read or watched PS. I Love You so I have no prior expectations except that I assumed since it had been so phenomenally successful, the writing of the author must be good. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but perhaps if I'm basing my judgement on my perception of the success of another book, I ought to have read that one instead.
The protagonist is fallible, something I always think makes a book interesting, and all the characters are somewhat believable, but it was very hard to find anything warm or likeable in them. The people and the settings made me feel uncomfortable somehow. Perhaps they was supposed to.
I suppose it's easy to be cynical about the character of Gabe in his mysterious guardian angel role, and I understand the whole point of this story is to emulate a type of Scrooge story in the city; a man who goes through an experience that forces him to see the world differently and prompts him to want to turn over a new-leaf. You have to introduce an element of magic and suspend disbelief to achieve that, that's fine. It's even set at Christmas time! It only narrowly avoids the cheesiness of a Hollywood Christmas movie by its ending, but by that point, I actually wanted to see the new leaf pan out and the characters to live happily ever after.
I felt Gabe was under developed and could have thrown in a couple of jokes just to make him more likable.
The concept that the whole story is being narrated between some barely connected characters based in a police station was distracting and did not work, to my mind.
This book left a bad taste in my mouth mostly because of the tone of the author. She patronisingly lectures about the lessons we ought to have learned on this insightful journey she has been so good to lead us through (!). I don't believe the message that time is precious and you should appreciate your loved ones was something most people needed to be told by an over privileged chick lit author.
I've neither read or watched PS. I Love You so I have no prior expectations except that I assumed since it had been so phenomenally successful, the writing of the author must be good. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but perhaps if I'm basing my judgement on my perception of the success of another book, I ought to have read that one instead.
June 2, 2018
I found that book today on a bookself and it reminded me of some great time I had during reading it...
Lou is the main character, who is an arrogant and busy 24/7 man. He is not happy with his life, he always wants more, he tries to do more, but actually he forgets what he already has.... especially his family: his wife Ruth and their two young children. Especially his one year old son is crying when he approaches, not recognizing any familiarity with his father.
Life goes on, until one day, before Christmas, he meets Gabe, a homeless man - the good ghost from the tale - that changes his cosmos completely....
A heartbroken page-turner that reminds us that people in our life need to come first - BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST we need to be patient and careful whatever we do!
Lou is the main character, who is an arrogant and busy 24/7 man. He is not happy with his life, he always wants more, he tries to do more, but actually he forgets what he already has.... especially his family: his wife Ruth and their two young children. Especially his one year old son is crying when he approaches, not recognizing any familiarity with his father.
Life goes on, until one day, before Christmas, he meets Gabe, a homeless man - the good ghost from the tale - that changes his cosmos completely....
A heartbroken page-turner that reminds us that people in our life need to come first - BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST we need to be patient and careful whatever we do!
June 28, 2016
Τα βιβλία της Ahern είναι ελπιδοφόρα βιβλία. Είναι βιβλία που μέσα τους κρύβουν μαθήματα ζωής και αλήθειες πασπαλισμένες με δόσεις φαντασίας και μαγείας. Είναι βιβλία που άλλοτε είναι χαρούμενα, άλλοτε νοσταλγικά, άλλοτε θλιμμένα.
Αυτό το βιβλίο είναι όλα αυτά που ανάφερα πιο πάνω.
Η Ahern σε αυτό το βιβλίο μας γνωρίζει τον Λου. Έναν άντρα που δουλεύει 30 ώρες το 24ωρο, που θέλει να πάει όσο πιο μπροστά γίνεται. Που έχει χάσει λίγο-πολύ την μπάλα. Ξενύχτια, συσκέψεις, ραντεβού (τόσο επαγγελματικά όσο και προσωπικά), γρήγορα αυτοκίνητα, ονειρεμένο σπίτι, μια γυναίκα, 2 παιδιά και μια οικογένεια οι οποίοι, βλέπουμε, ότι είναι στην τελευταία θέση στην ζωή του.
Αλαζόνας, εγωκεντρικός, επίμονος, εγωιστής και γενικά άνθρωπος που δεν εκτιμάει ούτε σέβεται τίποτα και κανέναν πέρα από την δουλειά του.
Διαβάζοντας αυτό τον απαίσιο χαρακτήρα απόρησα το ότι είχε και οικογένεια. Πως ένα τέτοιο άτομο κατάφερε και ερωτεύτηκε, παντρεύτηκε και έκανε δύο παιδιά. Η κατάσταση στο σπίτι του είναι τόσο τεταμένη που ούτε ο 1μιση χρονών γιος του δεν φαίνεται να τον αναγνωρίζει.
Μέχρι που ένα πρωί γνωρίζει τον Γκέιμπ.... και σαν από θαύμα η ζωή του αρχίζει και παίρνει διαφορετική ρότα.
Οι τελευταίες σελίδες διαβάστηκαν ανάμεσα με αναφιλητά και χαρτομάντηλα... και ίσως μια σπιθαμής συμπάθειας για τον Λου.
Αυτό το βιβλίο είναι όλα αυτά που ανάφερα πιο πάνω.
Η Ahern σε αυτό το βιβλίο μας γνωρίζει τον Λου. Έναν άντρα που δουλεύει 30 ώρες το 24ωρο, που θέλει να πάει όσο πιο μπροστά γίνεται. Που έχει χάσει λίγο-πολύ την μπάλα. Ξενύχτια, συσκέψεις, ραντεβού (τόσο επαγγελματικά όσο και προσωπικά), γρήγορα αυτοκίνητα, ονειρεμένο σπίτι, μια γυναίκα, 2 παιδιά και μια οικογένεια οι οποίοι, βλέπουμε, ότι είναι στην τελευταία θέση στην ζωή του.
Αλαζόνας, εγωκεντρικός, επίμονος, εγωιστής και γενικά άνθρωπος που δεν εκτιμάει ούτε σέβεται τίποτα και κανέναν πέρα από την δουλειά του.
Διαβάζοντας αυτό τον απαίσιο χαρακτήρα απόρησα το ότι είχε και οικογένεια. Πως ένα τέτοιο άτομο κατάφερε και ερωτεύτηκε, παντρεύτηκε και έκανε δύο παιδιά. Η κατάσταση στο σπίτι του είναι τόσο τεταμένη που ούτε ο 1μιση χρονών γιος του δεν φαίνεται να τον αναγνωρίζει.
Μέχρι που ένα πρωί γνωρίζει τον Γκέιμπ.... και σαν από θαύμα η ζωή του αρχίζει και παίρνει διαφορετική ρότα.
Οι τελευταίες σελίδες διαβάστηκαν ανάμεσα με αναφιλητά και χαρτομάντηλα... και ίσως μια σπιθαμής συμπάθειας για τον Λου.
September 1, 2023
*Appreciation*
This is a story of Lou Suffern who is a businessman who has a beautiful wife and two young children. He seems to be flitting from one place to the other and always wishing he could split himself in half as he never seems to switch off not even at home. This tale also comes with a message which Lou fails to take onboard.
Outside his building he sees a homeless man called Gabe. Something about him makes Lou stop and chat to him. Then he offers Gabe a job in the post room.
Unbeknownst to Lou is that decision would change his life as he knew it and time will soon become precious as he receives a huge wake up call all the while feeling anxious about Gabe. What will he learn? What values will he be left with?
A heartfelt tale which makes you think how much we take time for granted and forget that it is a gift.
This is a story of Lou Suffern who is a businessman who has a beautiful wife and two young children. He seems to be flitting from one place to the other and always wishing he could split himself in half as he never seems to switch off not even at home. This tale also comes with a message which Lou fails to take onboard.
Outside his building he sees a homeless man called Gabe. Something about him makes Lou stop and chat to him. Then he offers Gabe a job in the post room.
Unbeknownst to Lou is that decision would change his life as he knew it and time will soon become precious as he receives a huge wake up call all the while feeling anxious about Gabe. What will he learn? What values will he be left with?
A heartfelt tale which makes you think how much we take time for granted and forget that it is a gift.
March 15, 2018
Cuento de navidad, con su mensaje moral, muy al estilo de la autora, lo cual salva al relato de ser descartado por completo.
Nos encontramos con Lou Suffern, una especie de Don Draper (Mad Men en TV), que vive por y para el trabajo, dejando sus obligaciones familiares de lado, …… hasta que un día encuentra a un vagabundo por la calle, y tras una breve charla decide ofrecerle un puesto de trabajo en su empresa.
Lo que sigue es más o menos como os podéis imaginar. Gabe, el vagabundo, le hará comprender lo equivocado de sus prioridades, y cómo debe valorar el tiempo en detrimento de la codicia, para disfrutar de la vida y hacer felices a aquellos que le quieren.
Se deja leer, porque la autora sabe aderezar la novela con sus elementos habituales. Poco más se puede decir a su favor.
Nos encontramos con Lou Suffern, una especie de Don Draper (Mad Men en TV), que vive por y para el trabajo, dejando sus obligaciones familiares de lado, …… hasta que un día encuentra a un vagabundo por la calle, y tras una breve charla decide ofrecerle un puesto de trabajo en su empresa.
Lo que sigue es más o menos como os podéis imaginar. Gabe, el vagabundo, le hará comprender lo equivocado de sus prioridades, y cómo debe valorar el tiempo en detrimento de la codicia, para disfrutar de la vida y hacer felices a aquellos que le quieren.
Se deja leer, porque la autora sabe aderezar la novela con sus elementos habituales. Poco más se puede decir a su favor.
July 19, 2013
After reading Cecelia Ahern's novels 'Book of Tomorrow' and 'P.S I Love You', I was looking forward to reading another. Her books are so easy to read and leave you feeling really uplifted and The Gift definitely does that.
I was a little dubious about reading a Christmas novel in July but towards the end I really got into the festive spirit! An utterly fantastic book that gives out a fabulous message about the gift of time which really made me think as I turned each page. The descriptive writing about the festive season made me feel like it was Christmas and I have to admit, I felt a little sad to peel back my curtain and see the sunshine outside!
I am very busy during the day but once I started reading I couldn't put it down.I was putting off chores to read 'just one more chapter' ! It keeps you engrossed from the onset, just wanting to know what was going to happen next. It may be a bit far-fetched but when you have finished the book you do really see things in life a bit differently because we are all guilty of 'being too busy' ! I highly recommend this book !
I was a little dubious about reading a Christmas novel in July but towards the end I really got into the festive spirit! An utterly fantastic book that gives out a fabulous message about the gift of time which really made me think as I turned each page. The descriptive writing about the festive season made me feel like it was Christmas and I have to admit, I felt a little sad to peel back my curtain and see the sunshine outside!
I am very busy during the day but once I started reading I couldn't put it down.I was putting off chores to read 'just one more chapter' ! It keeps you engrossed from the onset, just wanting to know what was going to happen next. It may be a bit far-fetched but when you have finished the book you do really see things in life a bit differently because we are all guilty of 'being too busy' ! I highly recommend this book !
January 5, 2022
Un hombre no debería anteponer jamás los negocios a la familia.
Este libro lo elegimos para la lectura conjunta de Navidad. La autora me encanta por otros libros y, siendo que estaba ambientado en Navidad, debía leer esta novela.
Lou, un exitoso hombre de negocios, tiene muy claras sus prioridades: trabajo, más trabajo y después tomar unas copas dejando de lado a su familia. Un frío día de diciembre se topará con un vagabundo a las puertas del edificio donde trabaja y le ofrecerá un trabajo que cambiará por completo su vida en tan poco tiempo. Gabe, el vagabundo, le hará entender que sus prioridades no son acertadas y tratará de hacerle cambiar de opinión sobre lo importante de la vida.
Me ha recordado un poco a Canción de Navidad por el personaje principal, pero hubiera dado lo mismo que estuviera narrado en otra época del año porque la Navidad no tiene casi peso en la historia salvo al final. Durante toda la lectura he tenido una sensación de tristeza por la historia, frustración con el personaje principal e incluso aversión. Lou me ha parecido codicioso, sin ningún tipo de empatía, centrado únicamente en su objetivo y da igual quién se ponga por delante que lo pisoteará. Difícil empatizar con él, la verdad.
La historia como digo no está mal, esperaba bastante más siendo de Cecelia, sus dos anteriores novelas que había leído me habían enamorado y ésta no ha llegado a ese nivel. Me ha gustado el mensaje de la historia, pero se me ha hecho un poquitín largo y dar vueltas a lo mismo cuándo podría haber sido más directa y haber puesto más Navidad, ese era el propósito de esta lectura al fin y al cabo.
El final me ha gustado, quizá la mejor parte de la historia, pero aún así me ha dejado una sensación de que no he terminado de conectar ni con la historia, ni con los personajes.
El tiempo no se puede regalar. Pero se puede compartir.
Este libro lo elegimos para la lectura conjunta de Navidad. La autora me encanta por otros libros y, siendo que estaba ambientado en Navidad, debía leer esta novela.
Lou, un exitoso hombre de negocios, tiene muy claras sus prioridades: trabajo, más trabajo y después tomar unas copas dejando de lado a su familia. Un frío día de diciembre se topará con un vagabundo a las puertas del edificio donde trabaja y le ofrecerá un trabajo que cambiará por completo su vida en tan poco tiempo. Gabe, el vagabundo, le hará entender que sus prioridades no son acertadas y tratará de hacerle cambiar de opinión sobre lo importante de la vida.
Me ha recordado un poco a Canción de Navidad por el personaje principal, pero hubiera dado lo mismo que estuviera narrado en otra época del año porque la Navidad no tiene casi peso en la historia salvo al final. Durante toda la lectura he tenido una sensación de tristeza por la historia, frustración con el personaje principal e incluso aversión. Lou me ha parecido codicioso, sin ningún tipo de empatía, centrado únicamente en su objetivo y da igual quién se ponga por delante que lo pisoteará. Difícil empatizar con él, la verdad.
La historia como digo no está mal, esperaba bastante más siendo de Cecelia, sus dos anteriores novelas que había leído me habían enamorado y ésta no ha llegado a ese nivel. Me ha gustado el mensaje de la historia, pero se me ha hecho un poquitín largo y dar vueltas a lo mismo cuándo podría haber sido más directa y haber puesto más Navidad, ese era el propósito de esta lectura al fin y al cabo.
El final me ha gustado, quizá la mejor parte de la historia, pero aún así me ha dejado una sensación de que no he terminado de conectar ni con la historia, ni con los personajes.
El tiempo no se puede regalar. Pero se puede compartir.
August 25, 2010
Post-listen review:
Cute baby reaching for an ornament? check
Turkey chucked at someone? check
(Those first two were impressively accomplished in the first track.)
Overworked family man who would be happy if he could only focus on said family instead of work? check.
Homeless man who is really an angel? check.
The lesson that time with loved ones is more precious than packaged goods, success, status or financial gain? check.
A miracle that makes the man realize his mistakes before it is too late? check.
Ghosts? Well not a check but the use of a clone instead to accomplish essentially the same goal as A Christmas Carol.
The imparting of life's wisdom upon the turkey chucker? check.
The sickening feeling that we have read this story and it was much better when Mr. Charles Dickens wrote it? Check and double check.
A side note to the wife in this story: If your husband has an affair with the nanny, leave him before he has time for an angel to visit him cause he really isn't a nice person.
Pre-listen guess:
I think this is going to be hard to take. I am not that big on Christmas stories but apparently this is one. It feels out of season since it is August, but hey maybe it will be something to listen to in December.
Cute baby reaching for an ornament? check
Turkey chucked at someone? check
(Those first two were impressively accomplished in the first track.)
Overworked family man who would be happy if he could only focus on said family instead of work? check.
Homeless man who is really an angel? check.
The lesson that time with loved ones is more precious than packaged goods, success, status or financial gain? check.
A miracle that makes the man realize his mistakes before it is too late? check.
Ghosts? Well not a check but the use of a clone instead to accomplish essentially the same goal as A Christmas Carol.
The imparting of life's wisdom upon the turkey chucker? check.
The sickening feeling that we have read this story and it was much better when Mr. Charles Dickens wrote it? Check and double check.
A side note to the wife in this story: If your husband has an affair with the nanny, leave him before he has time for an angel to visit him cause he really isn't a nice person.
Pre-listen guess:
I think this is going to be hard to take. I am not that big on Christmas stories but apparently this is one. It feels out of season since it is August, but hey maybe it will be something to listen to in December.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2009
On the back of this book it says "An instant holiday classic" so you think you'll be in for a nice and cozy type of read. Heck no! I mean I would say 95% of the book is great but as soon as you realize how it's going to end you're like "WTF?" I stayed up late finishing it b/c I kept thinking there is no way it's going to end like I think it is but it did. Yes, the overall message is great but the outcome of this particular story is not something you want on your mind as you're trying to fall asleep. I was hoping I didn't dream about it and luckily I didn't. I normally love Cecelia Ahern's books but her newer books just aren't as good as her first couple. I hope she isn't losing her "magic".
December 28, 2015
This book guys, THIS BOOK hit me right in the feels! It deserves one thousand stars not only five!
This book was everything I wanted and I didn't even know. It was the perfect holiday Christmassy read but at the same time not cheesy with the happily ever after effect but very helpful to understand that time with the loved ones is the only gift anyone ever have in life!
This book was everything I wanted and I didn't even know. It was the perfect holiday Christmassy read but at the same time not cheesy with the happily ever after effect but very helpful to understand that time with the loved ones is the only gift anyone ever have in life!
December 21, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
THANKS FOR MAKING ME CRY, CECELIA!
Damn. This book was not what I expected at all. It's not a happy-go-lucky, fluffy, romantic Christmas book. It's almost the opposite. It's basically heartbreaking. Throughout the entire book I couldn't stand main character Lou and the choices he made at first, but at the same time I was hoping he would change. For the sake of his wife, his children, his parents and his brother and sister. And when I started liking him near the end of the book, well, that's when everything went wrong.
I was pretty sure this was going to be a story about him realizing how wrong he was, then making a 180 and changing his life drastically. That did happen, sort of, and at the same time it didn't. Honestly, I don't know what to think of the ending. I guess it's making sure the author's message comes across clearly, but at the same time I felt it was kind of unnecessary.
Plus, there's still some unanswered questions. Who's Raphie's daughter? Is it Ruth? But Lou would've surely recognized his own father-in-law if he was. What happened to Jessica's husband? I get it, Turkey Boy and his family weren't important, but it kind of bothered me that his story was left out in the open as well.
I absolutely love Cecilia and her writing, and this was a great book. It made me cry in the middle of the night (when I was finishing it) and it kind of left me contemplating my own choices and the way I treat my family and friends. So, once again: well done miss Ahern.
THANKS FOR MAKING ME CRY, CECELIA!
Damn. This book was not what I expected at all. It's not a happy-go-lucky, fluffy, romantic Christmas book. It's almost the opposite. It's basically heartbreaking. Throughout the entire book I couldn't stand main character Lou and the choices he made at first, but at the same time I was hoping he would change. For the sake of his wife, his children, his parents and his brother and sister. And when I started liking him near the end of the book, well, that's when everything went wrong.
I was pretty sure this was going to be a story about him realizing how wrong he was, then making a 180 and changing his life drastically. That did happen, sort of, and at the same time it didn't. Honestly, I don't know what to think of the ending. I guess it's making sure the author's message comes across clearly, but at the same time I felt it was kind of unnecessary.
Plus, there's still some unanswered questions. Who's Raphie's daughter? Is it Ruth? But Lou would've surely recognized his own father-in-law if he was. What happened to Jessica's husband? I get it, Turkey Boy and his family weren't important, but it kind of bothered me that his story was left out in the open as well.
I absolutely love Cecilia and her writing, and this was a great book. It made me cry in the middle of the night (when I was finishing it) and it kind of left me contemplating my own choices and the way I treat my family and friends. So, once again: well done miss Ahern.
March 5, 2017
Actual rating 3.50-3.75 stars
This book was so much better than I had anticipated. I have read one other book by Cecelia Ahern just a couple of months ago and I was pretty disappointed. So when starting this book I was expecting the same kind of outcome. But I was pleasantly surprised.
This book was pretty well written.
I loved the beginning how it starts off on one story that I thought the book was about but ends up being taking you down a whole different route.
I really hated Lou in the beginning I thought he was a selfish self-centered jerk but mid story I actually came to like him a bit and at the end of the book was absolutely balling behind his story line.
The Gift really makes you take a look at your priorities and think about what's really important. Making something of yourself at the cost of everyone around you or trying to be there and cherish the people you love.
Miss Ahern wrote about today's everyday person living in a modern world where careers are so very important and spun it into a magical story that I had no idea that it was headed in the direction it did.
I'm so glad I gave this author another try. I am definitely looking forward to more of her books.
This book was so much better than I had anticipated. I have read one other book by Cecelia Ahern just a couple of months ago and I was pretty disappointed. So when starting this book I was expecting the same kind of outcome. But I was pleasantly surprised.
This book was pretty well written.
I loved the beginning how it starts off on one story that I thought the book was about but ends up being taking you down a whole different route.
I really hated Lou in the beginning I thought he was a selfish self-centered jerk but mid story I actually came to like him a bit and at the end of the book was absolutely balling behind his story line.
The Gift really makes you take a look at your priorities and think about what's really important. Making something of yourself at the cost of everyone around you or trying to be there and cherish the people you love.
Miss Ahern wrote about today's everyday person living in a modern world where careers are so very important and spun it into a magical story that I had no idea that it was headed in the direction it did.
I'm so glad I gave this author another try. I am definitely looking forward to more of her books.
December 17, 2020
I know that Cecelia Ahern is a pretty popular author but what made me interested in her works is that her brother in-law is Westlife's Nicky Bryne! The book's message that love cannot only be spelled as L-O-V-E but it can also be spelled as T-I-M-E. This is because we wont bother giving them our time if we don't love them. Time is precious and unlike money it cannot be taken back so, let us all use it to create wonderful memories that would definitely last a lifetime.
November 1, 2021
Uffff... Ha sido uno de esos libros de Cecelia que se me atragantan, en parte porque durante gran parte de la lectura no entendía del todo lo que estaba pasando. También porque se repite demasiado la moraleja. Y porque me ha costado empatizar con cualquiera de los personajes. En resumen, no me ha gustado.
September 26, 2014
Am cumpărat această carte în momentul în care a apărut în librării, însă din diverse motive, m-am apucat tot de altele şi am reuşit să o citesc în vacanţa intersemestrială. Din motive de timp, sau mai exact lipsa lui, scriu doar acum despre ea.
În ziua de Crăciun, sergentul Raphael O’Reilly şi Jessica Rabbit sunt de serviciu. La secţie este adus un adolescent, care aruncase un curcan îngheţat prin fereastra tatălui său, aproape rănind-o pe sora lui vitregă, pe motiv că tatăl său anulase cina cu el şi mama sa pentru a sta cu noua lui familie. Raphael crede că tânărului rebel i-ar trebui o lecţie, aşa că hotărăşte să-i povestească o întâmplare din care el a învăţat multe. Lou Suffern este un om de afaceri mereu ocupat. Pentru el, cel mai important este să fie promovat la serviciu, ignorându-şi astfel soţia şi copiii. Niciodată nu este atent la ce se întâmplă în jurul lui, fiind preocupat numai de afacerile sale. Însă într-o dimineaţă îi oferă o cafea unui om al străzilor, pe nume Gabe. Mai târziu în acea zi, reuşeşte să îi facă acestuia rost şi de un loc de muncă, în acelaşi loc unde era angajat şi el. Gabe pare să reuşească să fie în două locuri în acelaşi timp şi se implică în viaţa personală a lui Lou. În apropierea Crăciunului, Gabe îi oferă un cadou minunat lui Lou, un cadou cu adevărat magic. Lou va învăţa cât de preţios este timpul şi va încerca să recâştige dragostea şi încrederea familiei.
Ceea ce mi-a plăcut la această carte, aparent cu happy-ending, a fost sfârşitul total neaşteptat, întorsătura de situaţie din ultimele câteva zeci de pagini, care au făcut din Cadoul o adevărată lecţie de viaţă.
În ziua de Crăciun, sergentul Raphael O’Reilly şi Jessica Rabbit sunt de serviciu. La secţie este adus un adolescent, care aruncase un curcan îngheţat prin fereastra tatălui său, aproape rănind-o pe sora lui vitregă, pe motiv că tatăl său anulase cina cu el şi mama sa pentru a sta cu noua lui familie. Raphael crede că tânărului rebel i-ar trebui o lecţie, aşa că hotărăşte să-i povestească o întâmplare din care el a învăţat multe. Lou Suffern este un om de afaceri mereu ocupat. Pentru el, cel mai important este să fie promovat la serviciu, ignorându-şi astfel soţia şi copiii. Niciodată nu este atent la ce se întâmplă în jurul lui, fiind preocupat numai de afacerile sale. Însă într-o dimineaţă îi oferă o cafea unui om al străzilor, pe nume Gabe. Mai târziu în acea zi, reuşeşte să îi facă acestuia rost şi de un loc de muncă, în acelaşi loc unde era angajat şi el. Gabe pare să reuşească să fie în două locuri în acelaşi timp şi se implică în viaţa personală a lui Lou. În apropierea Crăciunului, Gabe îi oferă un cadou minunat lui Lou, un cadou cu adevărat magic. Lou va învăţa cât de preţios este timpul şi va încerca să recâştige dragostea şi încrederea familiei.
Ceea ce mi-a plăcut la această carte, aparent cu happy-ending, a fost sfârşitul total neaşteptat, întorsătura de situaţie din ultimele câteva zeci de pagini, care au făcut din Cadoul o adevărată lecţie de viaţă.
February 20, 2016
Boooring.
December 28, 2015
"Time is more precious than gold, more precious than diamonds, more precious than oil or any valuable treasures. It is time that we do not have enough of; it is time that causes the war within our hearts, and so we must spend it wisely.
Time cannot be packaged and ribboned and left under trees for Christmas morning.
Time can't be given. But it can be shared."
Yet again another beautifully crafted novel by my favorite author Cecelia Ahern!
The Gift follows the story or should I say stories of a very "busy" man named Lou Suffern, Gabe, Raphie & The Turkey Boy in the most unexpected time of the year. I love how the story intertwines with another story in this book, it's like a story within a story. The way the author wrote this novel just blew me away, I mean the whole plot of the story is not new to me I read a couple of books that has the same thing going on but the way she wrote this made a very huge difference from the other stories that I have read. The author didn't have to try hard to make her novel realistic because it just is. There were times that I thought some events in this book was very unrealistic but she handled it very well, you would understand why she did that. The plot twist made me cry and realize a lot of things. I didn't expect that to happen, it is indeed one heck of a roller coaster ride of feels!
This book just made me realize a lot of things, it has shown me the true value of time, family and all the things that surrounds you. We have to give importance to those that is a part of our lives, we shouldn't take them for granted.You have to give yourself to someone in order for you to know who you really are, as a gift perhaps. Sometimes you have to unravel things to get to the core.
I really really really enjoyed this book! It was definitely perfect for the holiday season, you can feel the Christmas vibe in this book! I hope you can give this book a try!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL OF YOU TO READ AT LEAST ONE OF CECELIA AHERN'S NOVELS. I PROMISE YOU, IT MIGHT CHANGE YOUR LIVES :)
Time cannot be packaged and ribboned and left under trees for Christmas morning.
Time can't be given. But it can be shared."
Yet again another beautifully crafted novel by my favorite author Cecelia Ahern!
The Gift follows the story or should I say stories of a very "busy" man named Lou Suffern, Gabe, Raphie & The Turkey Boy in the most unexpected time of the year. I love how the story intertwines with another story in this book, it's like a story within a story. The way the author wrote this novel just blew me away, I mean the whole plot of the story is not new to me I read a couple of books that has the same thing going on but the way she wrote this made a very huge difference from the other stories that I have read. The author didn't have to try hard to make her novel realistic because it just is. There were times that I thought some events in this book was very unrealistic but she handled it very well, you would understand why she did that. The plot twist made me cry and realize a lot of things. I didn't expect that to happen, it is indeed one heck of a roller coaster ride of feels!
This book just made me realize a lot of things, it has shown me the true value of time, family and all the things that surrounds you. We have to give importance to those that is a part of our lives, we shouldn't take them for granted.You have to give yourself to someone in order for you to know who you really are, as a gift perhaps. Sometimes you have to unravel things to get to the core.
I really really really enjoyed this book! It was definitely perfect for the holiday season, you can feel the Christmas vibe in this book! I hope you can give this book a try!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL OF YOU TO READ AT LEAST ONE OF CECELIA AHERN'S NOVELS. I PROMISE YOU, IT MIGHT CHANGE YOUR LIVES :)
October 27, 2016
You know those books that leave you stripped bare emotionally? That have you sat, weeping, questioning every choice you have made or are about to make?
This is one of those books.
Lou is a very successful man, he has a fantastic job, in line for a huge promotion, he has a beautiful wife and two wonderful children, and every day he ruins it, by choosing the unimportant things in life over the important ones, Gabe, a lovely homeless man, enters his life and helps him, Lou doesn't understand or even appreciate everything Gabe does for him, and he doesn't listen...if only he would listen.
It's not a happy Christmas book, its not about much more than a man and his poor choices, and being given a little time to figure out his priorities, it was beautiful and painful and funny, and will make you reflect on your own choices...
Read it and let it impact you too ♡ goodnight goodreads, I've some priorities to sort out..
This is one of those books.
Lou is a very successful man, he has a fantastic job, in line for a huge promotion, he has a beautiful wife and two wonderful children, and every day he ruins it, by choosing the unimportant things in life over the important ones, Gabe, a lovely homeless man, enters his life and helps him, Lou doesn't understand or even appreciate everything Gabe does for him, and he doesn't listen...if only he would listen.
It's not a happy Christmas book, its not about much more than a man and his poor choices, and being given a little time to figure out his priorities, it was beautiful and painful and funny, and will make you reflect on your own choices...
Read it and let it impact you too ♡ goodnight goodreads, I've some priorities to sort out..
December 22, 2017
I was just disappointed with this book, I thought it was going to be a nice happy read but I just hated the main character and I just couldn't wait for the book be over. I don't think I've ever felt so much hatred towards a character but his personality and actions really ruined the book for me and I just didn't care whether or not he would end up choosing his family because they clearly didn't deserve him.
Read more on my blog at: https://bookgeek2015.wordpress.com/
Read more on my blog at: https://bookgeek2015.wordpress.com/
June 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this sweet holiday tale by Ahern. About a man who gives a homeless guy a job and nothing is exactly as it seems.
December 24, 2015
This book is pure magic, just what I needed
August 23, 2011
What do you get when you combine George Bailey, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Don Draper?
You get Lou Suffern.
Lou's the main character in this Christmas-novel-with-a-timeless-message by Irish author Cecelia Ahern, whose books I tend to enjoy. (See my review of There's No Place Like Here.) I'm usually not a Christmas book reader, but I was in the mood for such a novel this past week. When I saw this on display at the library, I grabbed it because Ahern's novels tend to be light reads (guilty pleasures, a little piece of literary chocolate at midnight) and I hadn't realized she'd written a Christmas story.
If you've never read Cecelia Ahern, her stories are almost in a genre all to themselves; they're light reads, but with an element of the modern day and the fairy tale. Picture BlackBerries next to a magic wand. If you like Sarah Addison Allen, chances are you'll like Cecelia Ahern.
From Publishers Weekly: Lou Suffern is a busy man, and his family’s growing weary of constantly taking the backseat to his career. On a whim, he offers Gabe, a homeless man he meets outside his office, a low-level job, and the uncharacteristically kind gesture plays out in a very unexpected way when Lou learns that Gabe has the power to be in two places at once. As the holidays draw nearer, Gabe tries to make Lou realize the importance of his family, but slow-to-change Lou might not come around to Gabe’s way of thinking until it’s too late.
It's a somewhat predictable premise, and while there are some unexpected moments in The Gift, this one didn't seem as magical to me as Cecelia Ahern's other novels. I didn't fully connect with Lou nor have much sympathy for him, and there were several elements of the plot that didn't quite seem to fit. There's a secondary storyline happening at the same time (a policeman is telling Lou's story to a juvenile delinquent in an attempt to get him to see the error of his ways). I kept thinking there was some way they were all connected ... but other than a shared epiphany of "we all have the same amount of time on this Earth and none of us ever know when that time will end," there really isn't a connection between these characters, which makes for a bit of a disjointed story.
As I said, I went into this one looking for a bit of a lighter read than usual and that's what The Gift is. Sometimes that's OK. Although this one wasn't quite for me, I still think Cecelia Ahern has a literary gift.
You get Lou Suffern.
Lou's the main character in this Christmas-novel-with-a-timeless-message by Irish author Cecelia Ahern, whose books I tend to enjoy. (See my review of There's No Place Like Here.) I'm usually not a Christmas book reader, but I was in the mood for such a novel this past week. When I saw this on display at the library, I grabbed it because Ahern's novels tend to be light reads (guilty pleasures, a little piece of literary chocolate at midnight) and I hadn't realized she'd written a Christmas story.
If you've never read Cecelia Ahern, her stories are almost in a genre all to themselves; they're light reads, but with an element of the modern day and the fairy tale. Picture BlackBerries next to a magic wand. If you like Sarah Addison Allen, chances are you'll like Cecelia Ahern.
From Publishers Weekly: Lou Suffern is a busy man, and his family’s growing weary of constantly taking the backseat to his career. On a whim, he offers Gabe, a homeless man he meets outside his office, a low-level job, and the uncharacteristically kind gesture plays out in a very unexpected way when Lou learns that Gabe has the power to be in two places at once. As the holidays draw nearer, Gabe tries to make Lou realize the importance of his family, but slow-to-change Lou might not come around to Gabe’s way of thinking until it’s too late.
It's a somewhat predictable premise, and while there are some unexpected moments in The Gift, this one didn't seem as magical to me as Cecelia Ahern's other novels. I didn't fully connect with Lou nor have much sympathy for him, and there were several elements of the plot that didn't quite seem to fit. There's a secondary storyline happening at the same time (a policeman is telling Lou's story to a juvenile delinquent in an attempt to get him to see the error of his ways). I kept thinking there was some way they were all connected ... but other than a shared epiphany of "we all have the same amount of time on this Earth and none of us ever know when that time will end," there really isn't a connection between these characters, which makes for a bit of a disjointed story.
As I said, I went into this one looking for a bit of a lighter read than usual and that's what The Gift is. Sometimes that's OK. Although this one wasn't quite for me, I still think Cecelia Ahern has a literary gift.
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