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Human Touch: A Story in Real Time
From internationally bestselling author Mitch Albom comes Human Touch, a fictional yet ripped-from-the-headlines story about how lives intersect in a small Michigan town amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Human Touch is a story being told in real time, to be published in weekly installments.
As the COVID-19 virus takes root in America, a once neighborly street corner of four families begins to fray. A tradition of Saturday gatherings unravels into mistrust and distance. Self-protection dominates over kindness. Only eight-year-old Little Moses seems immune to what is happening around him, and continues to spread his own brand of joy and comfort. As people in the neighborhood become sick and begin to self-isolate, he secretly visits them, offering hugs and longed-for physical contact. When his mother reveals a long-held secret about him—that his blood somehow protects him against all illness—Little Moses draws quick attention from several sources, both good and bad. And then he disappears.
A note from the author: “By making this story available for free to all, I’m hoping to inspire donations to my foundation, SAY Detroit—specifically for a project called ‘Detroit Beats COVID-19’ to help poor families and first responders fight the virus in my hometown of Detroit, which has become one of the nation's hot spots for the outbreak. To find out more, visit humantouchstory.com or saydetroit.org.”
©2020 Mitch Albom (P)2020
As the COVID-19 virus takes root in America, a once neighborly street corner of four families begins to fray. A tradition of Saturday gatherings unravels into mistrust and distance. Self-protection dominates over kindness. Only eight-year-old Little Moses seems immune to what is happening around him, and continues to spread his own brand of joy and comfort. As people in the neighborhood become sick and begin to self-isolate, he secretly visits them, offering hugs and longed-for physical contact. When his mother reveals a long-held secret about him—that his blood somehow protects him against all illness—Little Moses draws quick attention from several sources, both good and bad. And then he disappears.
A note from the author: “By making this story available for free to all, I’m hoping to inspire donations to my foundation, SAY Detroit—specifically for a project called ‘Detroit Beats COVID-19’ to help poor families and first responders fight the virus in my hometown of Detroit, which has become one of the nation's hot spots for the outbreak. To find out more, visit humantouchstory.com or saydetroit.org.”
©2020 Mitch Albom (P)2020
Audiobook
First published April 17, 2020
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About the author
Mitch Albom
106 books116k followersAuthor, screenwriter, philanthropist, journalist, and broadcaster Mitch Albom is an inspiration around the world. His fiction and non-fiction books — which include 8 #1 New York Times bestsellers — have collectively sold 42 million copies worldwide in 48 languages. TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, the bestselling memoir of all time, topped the list for four straight years and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. He has also written Emmy Award-winning TV films, stage plays, screenplays, a nationally syndicated newspaper column, and a musical. Through his work at the Detroit Free Press, he was inducted into both the National Sports Media Association and Michigan Sports halls of fame and was the recipient of the Red Smith Award for lifetime achievement.
Following his bestselling memoir FINDING CHIKA and HUMAN TOUCH, a web and audio weekly serial that raised funds for pandemic relief, he returned to fiction with the bestselling novels THE STRANGER IN THE LIFEBOAT and THE LITTLE LIAR. His much-anticipated new novel is a stunning love story about magical second chances called TWICE, which dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.
Albom spends the majority of his time in philanthropic work. In 2006, he founded the nonprofit SAY Detroit, which provides pathways to success for Detroiters in need through major health, housing and education initiatives. All profits from an original dessert shop and a gourmet popcorn line also help fund the nonprofit. He operates Have Faith Haiti, a home and school for impoverished children and orphans, in Port-au-Prince, which he visits monthly. He lives with his wife, Janine, in Michigan.
Following his bestselling memoir FINDING CHIKA and HUMAN TOUCH, a web and audio weekly serial that raised funds for pandemic relief, he returned to fiction with the bestselling novels THE STRANGER IN THE LIFEBOAT and THE LITTLE LIAR. His much-anticipated new novel is a stunning love story about magical second chances called TWICE, which dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.
Albom spends the majority of his time in philanthropic work. In 2006, he founded the nonprofit SAY Detroit, which provides pathways to success for Detroiters in need through major health, housing and education initiatives. All profits from an original dessert shop and a gourmet popcorn line also help fund the nonprofit. He operates Have Faith Haiti, a home and school for impoverished children and orphans, in Port-au-Prince, which he visits monthly. He lives with his wife, Janine, in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
March 25, 2021
توصیف شرایط کرونایی توی کتاب جذاب بود. ولی تلاشش برای مذهبینمایی و پیدا کردن راهکار معجزهگونه، اصلا واسم قابل تحمل نبود.
۰/۱/۵
۰/۱/۵
July 2, 2020
"Human Touch" follows the impact of the Covid-19 virus on four families and the community that they are a part of in a small town in suburban Michigan. Reflecting a world view in real time people globally can relate to.
“I am offering this new work to readers everywhere. It is my hope that the story will provide a welcome diversion in our suddenly shut-in world. Writing is my art form. It is the least I can give," Albom said.
Written and released in ‘real time’ weekly one section at a time is a fantastic experience for readers and listeners to vulnerably experience the story with characters as the author is able to create space for them to share their lives.
As a budding author myself this is a welcomed opportunity to enjoy the writing process with a highly respected author.
Keeping in mind how incredibly difficult this endeavor Mr. Albom is attempting truly is. I’m curious how people will critique the story without including this unprecedented effort for two causes: Raise money to help people AND give the world a moment to participate in storytelling in a new way.
For me, it matters less how perfect this turns out in real time publication. What’s more compelling for me is the bravery overlooking rejection and crap reviews from people who have no clue what being an author requires to get to print. Applauding Mr. Albom’s positive use of his platform for the purposes he’s focusing on. Thank you sir.
Albom's philanthropic efforts include running an orphanage in Haiti. One of the characters in "Human Touch" is based on an 8-year-old boy from a Haiti orphanage currently staying with Albom. This youngster is performing the voice of the main character 😁
Download for free at humantouchstory.com or audible where I’d downloaded my chapters. Please consider contributing what you can to help other humans during this crisis moment in time.
Be sure to check back weekly for the next part ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I am offering this new work to readers everywhere. It is my hope that the story will provide a welcome diversion in our suddenly shut-in world. Writing is my art form. It is the least I can give," Albom said.
Written and released in ‘real time’ weekly one section at a time is a fantastic experience for readers and listeners to vulnerably experience the story with characters as the author is able to create space for them to share their lives.
As a budding author myself this is a welcomed opportunity to enjoy the writing process with a highly respected author.
Keeping in mind how incredibly difficult this endeavor Mr. Albom is attempting truly is. I’m curious how people will critique the story without including this unprecedented effort for two causes: Raise money to help people AND give the world a moment to participate in storytelling in a new way.
For me, it matters less how perfect this turns out in real time publication. What’s more compelling for me is the bravery overlooking rejection and crap reviews from people who have no clue what being an author requires to get to print. Applauding Mr. Albom’s positive use of his platform for the purposes he’s focusing on. Thank you sir.
Albom's philanthropic efforts include running an orphanage in Haiti. One of the characters in "Human Touch" is based on an 8-year-old boy from a Haiti orphanage currently staying with Albom. This youngster is performing the voice of the main character 😁
Download for free at humantouchstory.com or audible where I’d downloaded my chapters. Please consider contributing what you can to help other humans during this crisis moment in time.
Be sure to check back weekly for the next part ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 14, 2020
کلیت داستان جالبه . روایتی از زندگی چهار خونواده با مدل زندگی امریکائی و وضعیتی که با اپیدمی کرونا براشون ایجاد میشه،هستش.
چون هنوز درگیر کرونا هستیم،خوندنش یخورده به ترسی ک کمرنگ شده بود،دامن میزنه.
چون هنوز درگیر کرونا هستیم،خوندنش یخورده به ترسی ک کمرنگ شده بود،دامن میزنه.
August 5, 2021
(یادمان باشد همه مان تشنه درآغوش کشیدن و لمس بشریم)
کتابی با حال و هوای همه گیری کرونایی.
یک رمان زیبا دوباره از میچ آلبوم در مورد داستان چهار خانواده که در همسایگی همدیگر زندگی میکنند و داستان همه گیری کرونا از چین.
شاید در صفحات اول ارتباط سخت باشه اما اواسط تا پایان و افشا شدن حقایق شوک برانگیز باشه.
کتابی با حال و هوای همه گیری کرونایی.
یک رمان زیبا دوباره از میچ آلبوم در مورد داستان چهار خانواده که در همسایگی همدیگر زندگی میکنند و داستان همه گیری کرونا از چین.
شاید در صفحات اول ارتباط سخت باشه اما اواسط تا پایان و افشا شدن حقایق شوک برانگیز باشه.
June 13, 2020
Mitch Albom has a gift for capturing the human spirit. His stories touch the heart and stir the soul. Human Touch does just that. A story we all can relate to because we all have lived some aspect of it. Human Touch brings to light the very best and very worst of humanity during the Covid 19 pandemic. The best is seen in signs/sharing of faith, the power of friendship and the resilience of family in the face of trials. Mitch captures the hate and racism that reared its ugly head during the pandemic and the fears that were the source of much anxiety. It is a powerful story of community as seen through the eyes of four neighbors living on opposite corners. Human Touch is a story of healing and redemption, reminding us of what matters most. Mitch does a great job with the narration and little Knox steals the show. I cannot recommend this one enough.
April 30, 2020
Wow this virus sucks
July 24, 2021
«حواست را جمع کن آوا. این مسئله خیلی مهم است. آب گرم. بیست ثانیه.»
«چرا باید این کار را بکنیم؟»
«چون یک بیماری آمده. شستن دست ها ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
میا می گوید : «من فکر می کردم قفل کردن در ها ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
آوا پاسخ می دهد: «من فکر می کردم سوپرمن ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
میا می گوید : «من فکر می کردم واندر وومن ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
آوا می گوید: «من فکر می کردم پلنگ سیاه ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
خب همانجور که دیدید بچههای آمریکایی زیاد فیلم می بینند ولی واقعا اوایل فکرش سخت بود که کرونا این همه وقت، همه را معطل کند. در یک جایی از داستان، مادربزرگ خاطراتش از زمان جنگ جهانی دوم رو برای نوه هاش تعریف می کنه که مردم چطور به خاطر احساس وظیفه، قوطی های حلبی رو از خیابون ها جمع می کردند تا تسلیحات نظامی مورد نیاز جنگ تامین بشه (البته مردم نمی دونستن که برای چی اونها رو جمع می کنن)، یا چطور از خریدن بیش از نیاز غذا، گوشت، لباس، شکر و... خودداری می کردند تا اونها برای سربازان فرستاده بشه. اما حالا و در زمان همه گیری، مردم فروشگاه ها رو غارت می کنند و به خصوص اثری از مواد شوینده و بهداشتی، باقی نمی گذارن. انگار فقط زنده موندن اونها اولویت داره.
حالا از اینها که بگذریم باید بگم خود کتاب چیز خاصی نداره. با این حال من به شکل عجیبی از خوندن داستان خسته نشدم و برام یک حس همذات پنداری جالبی داشت. فکر میکنم اولین داستان با محوریت کرونا باشه و احتمالا عمر داستان هم با اتمام همه گیری به پایان برسه چون تنها نکته جذاب داستان همین همذات پنداری است و نه شخصیت پردازی خاصی داره، نه حتی داستان پرکششی. همینکه نویسنده مدام و یک صفحه به یک صفحه، سراغ یکی از چهار خانواده ی داستان و افراد اون خونواده میره، نشونه فقر داستانه. در کل داستانی نیست که اگه نخونین چیزی از دست بدین ولی خوندنش اگه سرگرم کننده نباشه، آزاردهنده هم نیست. با توجه به اینها، برای استراحت بعد از یک کتاب سنگین، توصیه میشه.
1400/4/31
«چرا باید این کار را بکنیم؟»
«چون یک بیماری آمده. شستن دست ها ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
میا می گوید : «من فکر می کردم قفل کردن در ها ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
آوا پاسخ می دهد: «من فکر می کردم سوپرمن ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
میا می گوید : «من فکر می کردم واندر وومن ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
آوا می گوید: «من فکر می کردم پلنگ سیاه ما را امن نگه می دارد.»
خب همانجور که دیدید بچههای آمریکایی زیاد فیلم می بینند ولی واقعا اوایل فکرش سخت بود که کرونا این همه وقت، همه را معطل کند. در یک جایی از داستان، مادربزرگ خاطراتش از زمان جنگ جهانی دوم رو برای نوه هاش تعریف می کنه که مردم چطور به خاطر احساس وظیفه، قوطی های حلبی رو از خیابون ها جمع می کردند تا تسلیحات نظامی مورد نیاز جنگ تامین بشه (البته مردم نمی دونستن که برای چی اونها رو جمع می کنن)، یا چطور از خریدن بیش از نیاز غذا، گوشت، لباس، شکر و... خودداری می کردند تا اونها برای سربازان فرستاده بشه. اما حالا و در زمان همه گیری، مردم فروشگاه ها رو غارت می کنند و به خصوص اثری از مواد شوینده و بهداشتی، باقی نمی گذارن. انگار فقط زنده موندن اونها اولویت داره.
حالا از اینها که بگذریم باید بگم خود کتاب چیز خاصی نداره. با این حال من به شکل عجیبی از خوندن داستان خسته نشدم و برام یک حس همذات پنداری جالبی داشت. فکر میکنم اولین داستان با محوریت کرونا باشه و احتمالا عمر داستان هم با اتمام همه گیری به پایان برسه چون تنها نکته جذاب داستان همین همذات پنداری است و نه شخصیت پردازی خاصی داره، نه حتی داستان پرکششی. همینکه نویسنده مدام و یک صفحه به یک صفحه، سراغ یکی از چهار خانواده ی داستان و افراد اون خونواده میره، نشونه فقر داستانه. در کل داستانی نیست که اگه نخونین چیزی از دست بدین ولی خوندنش اگه سرگرم کننده نباشه، آزاردهنده هم نیست. با توجه به اینها، برای استراحت بعد از یک کتاب سنگین، توصیه میشه.
1400/4/31
December 13, 2024
بد نبود در کل
حال و هواش شبیه بقیه کتاب های میچ آلبوم بود و خب اونقدرها خوب نبود که بگم وای بهترین کتابش بود.
بنظرم پنج نفری که در بهشت ملاقات میکنید خیلی قشنگتر از این بود
حال و هواش شبیه بقیه کتاب های میچ آلبوم بود و خب اونقدرها خوب نبود که بگم وای بهترین کتابش بود.
بنظرم پنج نفری که در بهشت ملاقات میکنید خیلی قشنگتر از این بود
November 8, 2020
Sebuah kisah yg relevan dialami setiap orang di seluruh dunia saat ini dalam memerangi pandemi Covid-19. Realistis dan membuka mata kita tentang berbagai perjuangan yg setiap orang hadapi setiap hari. Dari kehilangan org yg dicintai, pekerjaan, rasisme, diskriminasi terhadap golongan tertentu dan ketakutan akan tertular virus Covid-19 .
Melalui buku ini kita diingatkan kembali bahwa cinta itu sendiri yang membuat dunia terus "hidup" meskipun saat ini kita tidak bisa bersama secara fisik. Kita tidak bisa mengubah masa lalu, tapi kita bisa belajar darinya. Pun tidak bisa memprediksi masa depan, tapi kita bisa berharap yang terbaik.
Kita tidak dapat menghapus kebencian masa lalu dan negativitas, namun kita dapat menjalani hidup kita hari ini dengan cinta dan kepositifan✨
*Terima kasih utk GPU.id yg sudah memfasilitasi ebook Mitch Albom satu ini*🙏😻
Melalui buku ini kita diingatkan kembali bahwa cinta itu sendiri yang membuat dunia terus "hidup" meskipun saat ini kita tidak bisa bersama secara fisik. Kita tidak bisa mengubah masa lalu, tapi kita bisa belajar darinya. Pun tidak bisa memprediksi masa depan, tapi kita bisa berharap yang terbaik.
Kita tidak dapat menghapus kebencian masa lalu dan negativitas, namun kita dapat menjalani hidup kita hari ini dengan cinta dan kepositifan✨
*Terima kasih utk GPU.id yg sudah memfasilitasi ebook Mitch Albom satu ini*🙏😻
January 21, 2021
اولین کتاب پساکورونایی بود که میخوندم. بعنوان کسی که بیست روز ماه رو داره کشیک اورژانس و تریاژ تنفسی میده، دلم میخواست اضطراب حاکم بر یک بیمارستان رو بیشتر نشون بده. وحشت یک پزشک از اینکه همه ی خانواده اش رو آلوده کنه و مسبب مرگشون بشه. ترسی که باعث میشه چندین ساعت جرئت نکنی ماسکتو برداری که آب بخوری یا اضطراب موقع لوله ی معده گذاشتن واسه کسی که توی بخش کورونا داره از سرفه خفه میشه.
ولی چیزی که میتونم با اطمینان بگم اینه که اگه مثل این کتابِ کمی تخیلی، روزی موسی کوچولویی با خون جادویی هم پیدا بشه، سرمِ حاصله، در ایران ممنوع خواهد شد :)
ولی چیزی که میتونم با اطمینان بگم اینه که اگه مثل این کتابِ کمی تخیلی، روزی موسی کوچولویی با خون جادویی هم پیدا بشه، سرمِ حاصله، در ایران ممنوع خواهد شد :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
I love Mitch 's non fiction work, even his sports writing. Which is saying a lot from a non sorts fan. But his fiction is always a bit out there for my tastes. I listened to this work and my favorite part was the voice of Moses. Can your favorite part of a book be the voice of one of the readers? It was a sweet story that touched on many of the experiences we are going through in real time. Thanks Mitch, for putting hope out into the world.
May 31, 2020
**I don’t review favorite authors**
September 2, 2020
Novella ini diberikan secara gratis oleh GPU, yang menerjemahkannya dari laman website Mitch Albom. Berkisah tentang 4 keluarga di masa awal pandemi Covid-19.
Keempat kelarga ini memiliki kebiasaan berkumpul dan makan bersama di akhir pekan. Namun karena adanya virus Corona, kebiasaan itu harus dihentikan. Kehidupan mereka mulai berjarak, bahkan saling mencurigai. Tapi seorang anak kecil, Little Moses, membawa keajaiban dengan sentuhannya.
Seorang tenaga medis menyaksikan banyaknya korban berjatuhan, dan di saat keluarganya yang tertimpa dia berani mengambil tindakan di luar nalar medis. Seorang pendeta yang ingin melakukan penebusan dosa melalui perbuatan baik. Rasisme yang mengemuka karena virus yang berasal dari dataran China, dan masih banyak lagi poin-poin peting yang dibahas secara padat.
Pada akhirnya kita masih bersama-sama menghadapi pandemi ini. Kita belum tahu kapan "peperangan" ini akan berkahir dan bagaimana akhirnya. Kisah sederhana ini, meskipun fiksi, memberi kita harapan bahwa akan ada solusi untuk pandemi ini.
Keempat kelarga ini memiliki kebiasaan berkumpul dan makan bersama di akhir pekan. Namun karena adanya virus Corona, kebiasaan itu harus dihentikan. Kehidupan mereka mulai berjarak, bahkan saling mencurigai. Tapi seorang anak kecil, Little Moses, membawa keajaiban dengan sentuhannya.
Seorang tenaga medis menyaksikan banyaknya korban berjatuhan, dan di saat keluarganya yang tertimpa dia berani mengambil tindakan di luar nalar medis. Seorang pendeta yang ingin melakukan penebusan dosa melalui perbuatan baik. Rasisme yang mengemuka karena virus yang berasal dari dataran China, dan masih banyak lagi poin-poin peting yang dibahas secara padat.
Pada akhirnya kita masih bersama-sama menghadapi pandemi ini. Kita belum tahu kapan "peperangan" ini akan berkahir dan bagaimana akhirnya. Kisah sederhana ini, meskipun fiksi, memberi kita harapan bahwa akan ada solusi untuk pandemi ini.
April 25, 2020
Human Touch by Mitch Album is a story for everyone...a story of what everyone in our world is going through right now on a daily basis as we battle with COVID-19. Each episode follows the next and unfolds in real time, at the pace of one episode per week. Realistic and eye-opening, listeners are immediately brought into the scene through the authentic dialogue, purposeful actions, and genuine interactions between the families in this small town. Although the story is set in Michigan, listeners across the world will easily relate to the characters, their situations, and the various struggles they face daily. From love, loss, and friendship to racism, discrimination, and fear, Human Touch is emotional, thought-provoking, and real. Before ending each episode on a semi-cliffhanger, Mitch Albom gives listeners much to contemplate over the next week about ourselves, each other, and the ever-changing world around us.
Without hesitation, I give 5 out of 5 stars to Human Touch by Mitch Albom. At around 30 minutes each, listeners will easily be able to find time to "tune-in" and complete an episode a week, even moreso because the series has been made available to all for free (hoping to also inspire people to donate to a project called "Detroit Beats COVID-19" which can be found at saydetroit dot org.) Along with the diverse thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes of the characters, I appreciate the wide range of cultures represented. Like all of Albom's work, his characters, messages, and lessons spread love and give hope to us in ways that are meaningful and memorable. I am a better person having read his books...his characters are inspiring and have contributed to the person I am today.
Even though we cannot be together physically right now, Human Touch reminds us that love makes the world go 'round. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. We cannot predict the future, but we can hope for the best. We cannot erase past negativity and hate, but we can live our lives today with love, positivity, and acceptance. ❤ We must remember...we have each other, we are not alone, and we are in this together. ❤
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
Without hesitation, I give 5 out of 5 stars to Human Touch by Mitch Albom. At around 30 minutes each, listeners will easily be able to find time to "tune-in" and complete an episode a week, even moreso because the series has been made available to all for free (hoping to also inspire people to donate to a project called "Detroit Beats COVID-19" which can be found at saydetroit dot org.) Along with the diverse thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes of the characters, I appreciate the wide range of cultures represented. Like all of Albom's work, his characters, messages, and lessons spread love and give hope to us in ways that are meaningful and memorable. I am a better person having read his books...his characters are inspiring and have contributed to the person I am today.
Even though we cannot be together physically right now, Human Touch reminds us that love makes the world go 'round. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. We cannot predict the future, but we can hope for the best. We cannot erase past negativity and hate, but we can live our lives today with love, positivity, and acceptance. ❤ We must remember...we have each other, we are not alone, and we are in this together. ❤
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
July 18, 2020
I am intrigued by this idea of releasing an audiobook in sections, but Mitch Albom is just the author to do it. There is always such a gentleness to his writing, an almost faith, that stands out with him.
He released this book free on Audible this past week during the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic as a means for donation to the state of Michigan and the battles they are facing.
So far, 5 episodes/sections have been released with a new one releasing each week henceforth (I believe on Fridays). They are only about 30 minutes long and quite easy to listen to. I look forward to continuing this mini series with Albom.
He released this book free on Audible this past week during the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic as a means for donation to the state of Michigan and the battles they are facing.
So far, 5 episodes/sections have been released with a new one releasing each week henceforth (I believe on Fridays). They are only about 30 minutes long and quite easy to listen to. I look forward to continuing this mini series with Albom.
July 24, 2021
به زحمت تونستم خودمو قانع کنم تا انتها کتاب رو بخونم. نه داستان کششی ایجاد میکرد. نه ترجمه حداقلی از ظرافت داشت. این یک ستاره هم صرفا بابت تشکر از توصیف و ثبت شرایط کرونایی در تاریخه. وگرنه واقعا حرفی برای گفتن نداره داستان.
December 13, 2021
Review of online novella
In a small Michigan town, four families live across the street from each other around one corner. In one house, Doctor Greg Myers and his wife, Aimee; in another, Sam and Cindy Lee with their housekeeper, Rosebaby and her eight-year-old son, Little Moses. Then there’s the local pastor, Winston Towns with his wife Lily, and their children Todd, and twins Devon and Didi. In the fourth house, Pete Ricketts, who owns the mill, lives with his wife, Charlene, and their teen-aged grandsons, Daniel and Buck.
Every Saturday, these families take turns gathering at one of the four homes where they enjoy a meal as they catch up on everyone’s news. There’s an easy camaraderie; all four families appreciate the shared friendships.
And then the world turns upside down with the arrival of the coronavirus.
=========
Originally presented as a serialized novella, one chapter each week posted on the author’s website, the unfolding story is one all readers are conversant with; it is the story each of them has lived. There’s the fear, the blaming, the bigotry and discrimination, the hatred. And, against that viciousness, there’s the friendship, the support, the tenacity, and the faith and the hope.
In this microcosm of this small community, each family has a different response to the pandemic and its effect on the community and on themselves. Readers discover the experiences each one faces and learn how it shapes each person as the pandemic continues its unrelenting spread.
There are no big surprises here; readers know exactly how the growing pandemic affected their communities. The characters . . . especially Little Moses . . . will resonate with readers; there’s a bit of a plot twist or two as the story plays out against the burgeoning pandemic.
It’s a compelling story of struggle and of redemption; a story that reminds us of the power the human contact. Readers will find much to contemplate in the uplifting message this memorable novella brings.
Highly recommended.
In a small Michigan town, four families live across the street from each other around one corner. In one house, Doctor Greg Myers and his wife, Aimee; in another, Sam and Cindy Lee with their housekeeper, Rosebaby and her eight-year-old son, Little Moses. Then there’s the local pastor, Winston Towns with his wife Lily, and their children Todd, and twins Devon and Didi. In the fourth house, Pete Ricketts, who owns the mill, lives with his wife, Charlene, and their teen-aged grandsons, Daniel and Buck.
Every Saturday, these families take turns gathering at one of the four homes where they enjoy a meal as they catch up on everyone’s news. There’s an easy camaraderie; all four families appreciate the shared friendships.
And then the world turns upside down with the arrival of the coronavirus.
=========
Originally presented as a serialized novella, one chapter each week posted on the author’s website, the unfolding story is one all readers are conversant with; it is the story each of them has lived. There’s the fear, the blaming, the bigotry and discrimination, the hatred. And, against that viciousness, there’s the friendship, the support, the tenacity, and the faith and the hope.
In this microcosm of this small community, each family has a different response to the pandemic and its effect on the community and on themselves. Readers discover the experiences each one faces and learn how it shapes each person as the pandemic continues its unrelenting spread.
There are no big surprises here; readers know exactly how the growing pandemic affected their communities. The characters . . . especially Little Moses . . . will resonate with readers; there’s a bit of a plot twist or two as the story plays out against the burgeoning pandemic.
It’s a compelling story of struggle and of redemption; a story that reminds us of the power the human contact. Readers will find much to contemplate in the uplifting message this memorable novella brings.
Highly recommended.
Read
June 1, 2020This story was posted on the author's website a chapter at a time. It follows four families during the COVID-19 crisis in real time. I love the concept and it addressed so many aspects of human nature. Although I like mysticism in some stories, I do wish he would have kept a couple of parts more factual.
July 4, 2020
A snapshot of everyday life (fictional though will probably resonate with many) from the perspective of several families in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. A real gem and source of encouragement, joy, and hope at this time.
August 1, 2020
Such an appropriate book for this year. Mr. Album brings this pandemic into the realm of reality with his characters, their responses to the epidemic, and believable circumstances (that would have been unbelievable a year ago).
May 30, 2020
I debated between a 3 and 4 star rating so let’s go with a 3.5. This was an interesting way to develop a story about the pandemic by writing it in the middle of the pandemic. So ready for all this to be over! I am glad the four corner families became stronger.
January 26, 2021
من صوتى اين كناب را گوش دادم.
با ترجمه بدِ خانم شهرزاد ضيايى.
با گويندگى افتضاح خانم مرجانه حسینزاده.
&&&&&&&&&&@@&@@@@
اما كتاب
عالى👍👍👍👍👍
مثل تمام كتابهاى " ميچ آلبوم" ❤️ديد متفاوت به زندگى، اينبار"كرونا"
با ترجمه بدِ خانم شهرزاد ضيايى.
با گويندگى افتضاح خانم مرجانه حسینزاده.
&&&&&&&&&&@@&@@@@
اما كتاب
عالى👍👍👍👍👍
مثل تمام كتابهاى " ميچ آلبوم" ❤️ديد متفاوت به زندگى، اينبار"كرونا"
July 13, 2020
Even though I appreciate MA much more as a journalist, i just can’t not read this Detroit writer. It’s exactly what you expect, so if you like Mitch Album’s novels, you will likely be happy with this. I am fascinated that he wrote it as a serial, releasing one a week during the actual stay at home time.
September 12, 2020
Rasanya seperti kembali di bulan Maret ketika Corona mulai datang. Semua takut, eh, sampe sekarang juga ding. Aktivitas yang dilakukan cuma terbatas muter2 di rumah. Hawa panas cuaca, ngga ada kerjaan, rasanya jadi kembali nempel di ingatan.
Tulis review kalo pas lowong nanti 🙃
Tulis review kalo pas lowong nanti 🙃
April 30, 2020
Relevant to the current times
Read
April 23, 2020Topical - interesting - relatable
August 19, 2022
خیلی کتاب جالبی بود و توصیه میکنم بخونید.
جالبه که بدونیم تقریبا همه جای دنیا یک تجربه ی مشترک و طرز فکر و رفتار مشترک در قبال این ویروس منحوس کرونا داشتند.
یادمه یکی از حرفایی که تو کشور ما زده می شد این بود که مرزهارو دیر بستیم و چینی ها وارد شدن و این ویروس رو منتقل کردن دقیقاااا یه جای این کتاب این جمله رو یکی میگه.
واقعا یه مقدار حس ترحم به چینی ها گرفتم. خیلی سخته به خاطر ملیتت و اونا چون از ظاهرشون مشخصه دیگران مقصر بدوننت برای اتفاق بدی مثل کرونا و باهات بد رفتاری کنن.
یا بخشی از کتاب از کشیش کلیسایی صحبت میکنه که بدون درنظر گرفتن قانون ممنوعیت تجمع، دعا در کلیسا برگزار میکنه و افرادی به کرونا مبتلا و کشته میشن...
خیلی خوبه اینا رو بخونیم شاید یه مقدار از این جوی که تو فضای مجازی داده میشه کم بشه و بدونیم والا ما تنها ملتی نیستیم که یه چیزهایی رو تجربه میکنیم
جالبه که بدونیم تقریبا همه جای دنیا یک تجربه ی مشترک و طرز فکر و رفتار مشترک در قبال این ویروس منحوس کرونا داشتند.
یادمه یکی از حرفایی که تو کشور ما زده می شد این بود که مرزهارو دیر بستیم و چینی ها وارد شدن و این ویروس رو منتقل کردن دقیقاااا یه جای این کتاب این جمله رو یکی میگه.
واقعا یه مقدار حس ترحم به چینی ها گرفتم. خیلی سخته به خاطر ملیتت و اونا چون از ظاهرشون مشخصه دیگران مقصر بدوننت برای اتفاق بدی مثل کرونا و باهات بد رفتاری کنن.
یا بخشی از کتاب از کشیش کلیسایی صحبت میکنه که بدون درنظر گرفتن قانون ممنوعیت تجمع، دعا در کلیسا برگزار میکنه و افرادی به کرونا مبتلا و کشته میشن...
خیلی خوبه اینا رو بخونیم شاید یه مقدار از این جوی که تو فضای مجازی داده میشه کم بشه و بدونیم والا ما تنها ملتی نیستیم که یه چیزهایی رو تجربه میکنیم
May 29, 2020
A fable for our times. It has been interesting to read in ‘real time’ as the events happen. Reminded me of the way Dickens’ novels were serialised. Beautiful illustrations brought the text to life. I hadn’t realised this was the last chapter and had wondered if events in Minneapolis would be reflected.
I looked forward to each instalment. ‘joy’ and ‘hope’.
I looked forward to each instalment. ‘joy’ and ‘hope’.
October 6, 2020
شاید کمی ملالآور حتی، داستانی که گمان میکنی، نویسنده خودش را مجبور کرده چون در پاندمی کرونا هستیم من هم باید چیزی بنویسم، داستانسرایی زورکی... وصل کردن جادو و بیماری و فرهنگ امریکایی و نژادپرستی و مذهب و خانواده یک آش شله قلمکار بی طعم ساخته
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