for one more day

Stole this book from the bride during a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach. It was short, only 197 pages, and the only thing at hand. Written by Mitch Albom, sportswriter, ESPN analyst and author of Tuesdays with Morrie. Published in 2006, this is Albom's second work of fiction. In 2007 this book was used to create a movie of the same title, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jeff Daniels and Michael Imperioli.
This is a story about middle aged man, isolated by the choices made in his life and shame over the results of those choices. Charles Benetto, "Chick" for short, is an ex-major league baseball player, an unfulfilled career has pulled his family about the country and more significantly away from his mother's birthday party, the day before she dies. Guilt from this choice drives Chick into an 8 year alcoholic tailspin, losing his marriage and contact with his daughter. The final straw comes when learning that his daughter has gotten married without inviting her father. This drives Benetto into suicidal desperation, he drives drunkenly to his hometown, and gets into a near fatal car accident. Due to injuries from the accident he has lifelike visions of his dead mother. In their talks and travels about town, Chick learns that his mother withstood major hardships from her then husband, explaining many behaviours that as a boy he did not understand. The mother makes clear that her love is everlasting and omni-present. Charles is then rescued by paramedics, and his experience gives him the energy to rededicate his life to children and his estranged daughter.
On a scale of 1-10, "for one more day" gets a 7. The story is very well written and believable, I actually found myself looking for player statics of Benetto on Google. For a short weekend traipse of sentimentality, give it a try.