Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family Kindle Edition

If you look only at the facts, Finding Chika is the story of a young Haitian girl, found in an orphanage, who slowly succumbs to a particularly malignant type of brain tumor over two years. This overarching narrative is so sad that it can be difficult for the reader to see that the book is not meant merely as a heart-renderer but is actually the counterpart to Albom’s first work, Tuesdays with Morrie.While Morrie Schwartz could impart lessons gained over a long life, here Albom is able to learn life lessons from the very young. The lessons are age old but they are rendered new by being powerfully lived, however briefly, by Chika Jeune.Her toughness in dealing with an incurable disease, her sense of the silliness of the things with which we occupy most of our time, her sense of wonder towards the world—these lessons may be common enough among children but it takes a particular heroism to live these out while gradually losing one’s life.In short, Albom recounts a tale of spiritual growth alongside the everyday account of taking Chika for one medical procedure after another. As the condition worsens, Albom reflects on having focused on his career and not wanted children while young and discovers that he, his wife and Chika form a unusual but real family; however unlikely it may be that two American fifty something adults unite with a girl from one of the poorest countries on earth afflicted with one of the rarer forms of brain tumors. Albom’s growth away from a self-centered universe and into a life lived for others is one of the elements that prevents Finding Chika from being continually depressing.If you are looking for a book with new found wisdom about life in the twenty first century then you are going to be disappointed. But if you want to go beyond a life of pursuit of material goods and read a story of genuine transcendence—a story where the values of faith, hope, love and family are truly lived out—then Finding Chika is a wonderful selection.

This is the most powerful, poignant and prayerful book that I have read in many, many years. I laughed and yes, I cried as I journeyed with Chika and her 'new family'. Absolutely heart warming and so very sad at the same time. It will tug at all of your senses and they will be awakened...each and every one of them...throughout this book.You will see Haiti after the earthquake of 2010 completely devastated; you will see the children dancing in a rainstorm and you will hear them singing gospel songs in English and Creole; you will taste the foods that Chika loved; you will smell the air after the earthquake that is full of smoke from the burning trash; and, you will feel the touch of the all encompassing love that flowed between her 'new' family.Wise beyond her years, Chika was brave, stubborn, resilient, cheerful and full of hope who loved to have fun. She went to the Orphanage in Haiti when she was 3 years of age and shortly after that she came to the US to live with the author and his wife, Ms. Janine.This is the story of Chika and her short (but most remarkable) time on this Earth. She was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gluoma) which is rare - about 300 cases in the US yearly. This affects mobility, as well as swallowing and the survival rate is zero after one has been diagnosed.The book is divided into seven areas and those are the lessons that the author learned. Excellent lessons that a small child taught the author. I loved the one titled 'What we Carry' as it had the quote from Chika 'your job is to carry me'...and more, so much more about her life and its lessons. And, there is humor interjected through the pages, as well. Loved it when she said 'that's my lip gloss' and 'Hmmph'A book which also covers spirituality and what truly matters when you know you are dying.. A quote from Proverbs is mentioned 'Surely there is a future and hope will not be cut off'.As Chika was so fond of singing 'The Sun will come out tomorrow', we should all rejoice in her short life and her innate ability to smile despite her sickness, to teach others valuable lessons and above all, live for today....there is no guarantee of a tomorrow.A truly magnificent book and one which I am sure I will read over and over again.Most highly recommended.. .I feel so privileged to have met Chika though the eyes of this author....

This book is amazing! The story is beautiful and also gut wrenching. I was a little worried that this would not hold my attention because I have heard so much of Chika's story from listening to and reading articles that Mitch has written. But not the case at all. It is fantastic! This book will pull you in from the first page.

I admire anyone who has the compassion to care for a child who is not their own biological child. Mitch Albom and his wife are two such people. I have never heard of inhaling a certain type of alcohol to treat a brain tumor. I am just amazed at the lengths they went through to find a cure for this little girl. I love how he and his wife tried to provide Chika with a happy childhood. I liked how Chika challenged Albom's sense of faith and made him cherish time more. This book makes me appreciate the good health and the life that I have.This book also makes me want to learn the Creole language. It is the language that is spoken in Haiti. I also want to try a pumpkin stew Albom describes in this book. This stew also contains potatoes, onions and beef. It sounds like a delicious meal. I enjoyed this book very much.

I have read every one of Mitch Albom's books since being forced to read Tuesdays with Morrie in high school for English class (thank you to my teacher for helping me discover Mitch Albom!). This was easily one of his most touching books. Yes, I realize this book just came out today, November 5th. However, I just finished reading it cover to cover after getting home and seeing it in my mailbox. Amazing story. Heartfelt. I don't cry easily, but this book brought tears to my eyes.

This is such a powerful, emotional story about a brave little girl and the making of a family. As always it's written so well and is easy to read. The author's voice is soft and calm as he recalls Chika's story. I own all his books and again, his storytelling didn't disappoint. A very sad story I'm sorry he had to write, but one I was pleased to hear nevertheless.

Heard Mitch talking about this book on a podcast and had already ordered it before the interview had ended.The best book I've read in a long time! I'm telling everyone I know to read it. I read it in a day and half.Although you'll need a tissue every other page, it's full of joy and hope.

Awesome author could not wait for his new book was delivered on day of release amazing book a must read ordered another for friend

A very difficult book to write for the author, but a lovely story . I will remember this book for a long time .

Bought this for my mother in law, she had heard about it on TV. She really enjoyed it.