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Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family Paperback – Deckle Edge, May 18, 2021

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 7,629 ratings

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"Mitch Albom has done it again with this moving memoir of love and loss. You can’t help but fall for Chika. A page-turner that will no doubt become a classic.” --Mary Karr, author of The Liars’ Club and The Art of Memoir

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tuesdays With Morrie comes Mitch Albom’s most personal story to date: an intimate and heartwarming memoir about what it means to be a family and the young Haitian orphan whose short life would forever change his heart. 

Chika Jeune was born three days before the devastating earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. She spent her infancy in a landscape of extreme poverty, and when her mother died giving birth to a baby brother, Chika was brought to The Have Faith Haiti Orphanage that Albom operates in Port Au Prince.

With no children of their own, the forty-plus children who live, play, and go to school at the orphanage have become family to Mitch and his wife, Janine. Chika’s arrival makes a quick impression. Brave and self-assured, even as a three-year-old, she delights the other kids and teachers. But at age five, Chika is suddenly diagnosed with something a doctor there says, “No one in Haiti can help you with.”

Mitch and Janine bring Chika to Detroit, hopeful that American medical care can soon return her to her homeland. Instead, Chika becomes a permanent part of their household, and their lives, as they embark on a two-year, around-the-world journey to find a cure. As Chika’s boundless optimism and humor teach Mitch the joys of caring for a child, he learns that a relationship built on love, no matter what blows it takes, can never be lost.

Told in hindsight, and through illuminating conversations with Chika herself, this is Albom at his most poignant and vulnerable. Finding Chika is a celebration of a girl, her adoptive guardians, and the incredible bond they formed—a devastatingly beautiful portrait of what it means to be a family, regardless of how it is made.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Albom conveys the heartbreak of watching her suffer (Chika endured surgeries, and lost teeth and hair), while capturing Chika’s sweet spirit and youthful resilience. He speaks candidly about being too career-focused and putting off having kids until it was too late, and shares how Chika allowed him and his wife to experience the glory of parenthood decades into their marriage. Albom addresses Chika directly: “You never have to worry about us forgetting you... we’d lose every memory we ever had before we would let go of yours.” Both painfully sad and beautiful, this is an absolute tearjerker. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The takeaway from this simple, moving memoir is that love has no boundaries and should not be hindered by ethnicity, religion, education, or money.A highly expressive, tender story about how “families are like pieces of art, they can be made from many materials. — Kirkus Reviews

“This is a story of such heart-wrenching beauty that you think it would take a Mitch Albom to compose it. But Albom is more than the author, for it was his own heart that was broken open by the surprising arrival and excruciating departure of a dazzling little Haitian girl named Chika—who became, in every way that matters, his and his wife’s precious daughter — and it is his own life he seeks to patch back together in the telling.” — Melissa Fay Greene, two-time Nation a l Book Award finalist and author of There Is No Me Without You

“Mitch Albom has done it again with this moving memoir of love and loss. You can’t help but fall for Chika. A page-turner that will no doubt become a classic.” — Mary Karr, author of The Liars’ Club and The Art of Memoir

Albom’s memoir is a lens into his grief but also a celebration of Chika’s spirit and lessons gleaned from their time together as a family. The heartbreaking but uplifting story is a testament to the bravery and resilience of children and the power of love. — Library Journal

About the Author

Mitch Albom is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction, which have collectively sold more than forty-one million copies in forty-seven languages worldwide. He has written eight number-one New York Times bestsellers—including Tuesdays with Morrie, the bestselling memoir of all time—award-winning television 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 is the recipient of the 2010 Red Smith Award for lifetime achievement. Albom founded and oversees SAY Detroit, a consortium of nine different charitable operations in his hometown, along with a nonprofit dessert shop and food product line to fund programs for Detroit’s most underserved citizens. Since 2010, he has operated the Have Faith Haiti orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, which he visits monthly. He lives with his wife, Janine, in Michigan.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (May 18, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062952404
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062952400
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.58 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 7,629 ratings

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Mitch Albom
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Author, screenwriter, philanthropist, journalist, and broadcaster, Mitch Albom has written 8 number-one NY Times bestsellers — including Tuesdays with Morrie. His books have sold more than 40M copies in 48 languages worldwide. He has also written award-winning TV films, stage plays, screenplays and a musical. He appeared for more than 20 years on ESPN, and was a fixture on The Sports Reporters. Through his column 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, an online serial that raised nearly 1 mllion dollars for pandemic relief, he returned to fiction with The Stranger in the Lifeboat. His new novel, set during the Holocaust, is The Little Liar.

Albom now devotes most of his time to philanthropic work through SAY Detroit and Have Faith Haiti, among many other initiatives.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
7,629 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe the story as heartwarming, fulfilling, and inspiring. Many find the emotional content moving and honest. The writing quality is praised as well-written and easy to understand. The storyline is described as beautiful and dedicated to a young girl. Overall, customers appreciate the author's ability to write from his heart.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

192 customers mention "Readability"192 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book and find it enjoyable. They describe it as an essential read for fans of Mitch Albom. The memoir is well-written and organized, with inspiring stories about love and faith.

"A beautiful, heartwarming, sad but fulfilling story of a life lived in full for too short a time. A book about love." Read more

"...Well worth the time to read this surprising gem of a book" Read more

"...Finding Chika is yet another of Mitch Albom’s impressive, heartrending work...." Read more

"All of his books are enjoyable! Ease of writing and makes you feel good when you read his books! Bravo Mitch!" Read more

138 customers mention "Heartwarming story"138 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heartwarming story. They find it fulfilling, entertaining, and uplifting. The book is described as a true testament to the hearts of the author and his wife, as they tried to save a wonderful little girl's life. Readers fall in love with Chika, a brave, stubborn, and resilient young girl.

"A beautiful, heartwarming, sad but fulfilling story of a life lived in full for too short a time. A book about love." Read more

"...was there with him and his wife as they tried to save this wonderful little girl's life...." Read more

"Heartbreaking, yet inspirational at the same time, is the best way that I can sum this book up...." Read more

"...is an emotional, moving story of love and loss. Chika Jeune was born three days after Haiti’s devastating earthquake of 2010...." Read more

99 customers mention "Heartbreaking story"80 positive19 negative

Customers find the story emotional and poignant. They appreciate the author's honesty and insight into life and relationships. The book touches their hearts with its honest portrayal of hope, faith, love, and loss.

"A beautiful, heartwarming, sad but fulfilling story of a life lived in full for too short a time. A book about love." Read more

"...He truly opened his heart and described his love, caring, and grief in this story...." Read more

"Heartbreaking, yet inspirational at the same time, is the best way that I can sum this book up...." Read more

"...is an emotional, moving story of love and loss. Chika Jeune was born three days after Haiti’s devastating earthquake of 2010...." Read more

89 customers mention "Heartwarming"89 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and inspiring. They appreciate the author's ability to describe true-to-life emotions and convey his love for life. The story provides a deeper understanding of life, love, faith, and great life lessons during trying times. While sad, it brings both joy and beauty to the story, making it touching.

"A beautiful, heartwarming, sad but fulfilling story of a life lived in full for too short a time. A book about love." Read more

"...He truly opened his heart and described his love, caring, and grief in this story...." Read more

"...Finding Chika is yet another of Mitch Albom’s impressive, heartrending work...." Read more

"...Absolutely heart warming and so very sad at the same time...." Read more

85 customers mention "Writing quality"85 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written and engaging, with an easy flow that makes them feel good. Readers appreciate the author's ability to write from the heart. The perspective he uses engages them from the start, making it a book they can't put down.

"...He has a God given ability to write from his heart and he has certainly done that with this book...." Read more

"All of his books are enjoyable! Ease of writing and makes you feel good when you read his books! Bravo Mitch!" Read more

"...It is so well written. I would recommend to all adults who understand you don’t have to give birth to a child to know the love of a child...." Read more

"...I love the perspective he writes the book in -- from Chika encouraging him to write the story. I loved it." Read more

28 customers mention "Storyline"28 positive0 negative

Customers are moved by the story of a young girl. They find the book's message about love and dedication moving. Readers describe the girl as amazing and brave.

"...It is also sad. It is about the deep and unconditional love of a precious little girl...." Read more

"...lessons gained over a long life, here Albom is able to learn life lessons from the very young...." Read more

"...If you haven't read this, you are missing a true story of a precious little girl, and the many people touched by her, and an expose of a married..." Read more

"...book to write, for someone who lived with and loved such an incredible little girl...." Read more

17 customers mention "Pacing"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They say it draws them in from the first page and tugs at their heartstrings. The story is described as intense and a great journey with ups and downs.

"...A story of love and loss that is very moving. So thankful I read this!" Read more

"A real rollercoaster ride with ups and downs and navigating the turns and straightaway...." Read more

"Read the book in a day,very touching. Draws you in and reminds you that you can find family when you least expect it." Read more

"...I have read every book he wrote and everyone has been a great journey and a joy to soak in...." Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it entertaining and heartfelt. The story is described as joyful and hopeful.

"...of the Albom household with her bravery, self-assurance and wonderful sense of humor...." Read more

"...And, there is humor interjected through the pages, as well. Loved it when she said 'that's my lip gloss' and 'Hmmph'..." Read more

"...A joyous child with a beautiful precocious unbreakable spirit so generously shared with us. Thank you Mr. Mitch and Chika!..." Read more

"...This one was about a child was a heart tugged. There were many funny parts too. I enjoy reading his books. Can't wait for his next one." Read more

Recommended reading, Mitch Albom, "Finding Chika".
5 out of 5 stars
Recommended reading, Mitch Albom, "Finding Chika".
HEARTFELT READ -- A biography like no other. How is it that we fall in love with a person whom we had never met before? Chika has captured the reader's heart and soul in this true story of a brave little girl that had gone to Heaven way to soon.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    A beautiful, heartwarming, sad but fulfilling story of a life lived in full for too short a time. A book about love.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    Mitch Albom is my favorite journalist. Our small town Michigan newspaper often runs his stories. He has a God given ability to write from his heart and he has certainly done that with this book. He truly opened his heart and described his love, caring, and grief in this story. I feel as if I was there with him and his wife as they tried to save this wonderful little girl's life. Chika was blessed to have both of them in her life and they were blessed to have Chika in their life. He and his wife run an orphanage in Haiti and right now, I am sure their hearts are heavy with worry about the children and staff there. They are truly people who are making a difference in our world. I highly recommend this book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    Heartbreaking, yet inspirational at the same time, is the best way that I can sum this book up. Well worth the time to read this surprising gem of a book
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023
    “What we carry defines who we are
    And the effort we make is our legacy”
    Mitch Albom

    Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family by Mitch Albom
    is an emotional, moving story of love and loss.

    Chika Jeune was born three days after Haiti’s devastating earthquake of 2010. Her extremely poor family was dealt another tragedy when Chika’s mother died giving birth to another child. Chika, three, was brought to the Have Faith Haiti Orphanage that Albom operates in Port Au Prince.

    When Chika was five years old, she developed a weakness in one leg and a droopy eyelid that was later diagnosed as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, DIPG, which had already advanced to grade 4. There was no help for her in Haiti. Janine and Mitch Albom, in their late fifties and with no children of their own, brought Chika to their home in Michigan, hoping to find a cure for the little girl. They took her to C. S. MOTT Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they performed surgery on Chika’s brain. They were able to remove only ten percent of the invading tissue because the mass involved too much of the brain. The mass was somewhat diminished by radiation, but subsequent treatments were ineffective. Twice they took her to Cologne, Germany, but the treatment received wasn’t a lasting one. In the meantime, the little girl became a cherished member of the Albom household with her bravery, self-assurance and wonderful sense of humor.

    Finding Chika is yet another of Mitch Albom’s impressive, heartrending work. He tells his story in hindsight, and through imagined conversations with Chika herself. The memoir shows how dedication and love can bring unimagined blessings. This would be a good audio book—it was sometimes hard to read through tears.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
    Not my kind of book
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    All of his books are enjoyable! Ease of writing and makes you feel good when you read his books! Bravo Mitch!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2019
    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....
    61 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    This is a beautiful story of “family”, love, heartbreak, and faith. You never want to put it down, even though you know how it will end. It is heartwarming and uplifting while sad and heartbreaking. It is so well written. I would recommend to all adults who understand you don’t have to give birth to a child to know the love of a child. Beautiful and touching.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Susan Clark
    5.0 out of 5 stars So touching and raw
    Reviewed in Canada on May 2, 2024
    This story is so touching and will make you very emotional. He runs an orphanage in Haiti and brought one of the children to his home for medical care. If you believe in spirits, this is for you! Highly recommend! His other books are all amazing as well.
  • Luka
    5.0 out of 5 stars Simply beautiful.
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 29, 2021
    Another best seller by Mitch Albom. Moving beautiful story.
  • Poro
    4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful story on how adoption can change your life
    Reviewed in Poland on April 29, 2022
    I’m fan of Mitch albom’s books and this one didn’t disappoint me. Very touching story of how little child can change a person’s view at the world.

    Book itself gets 5 out of 5 in overall
    But I believe It deserves 4/5 compared to other of his writings. I think other books were even more emotionally in depth and poetical in a way.
  • Ravi
    5.0 out of 5 stars They didn't lost the child,they were given one
    Reviewed in India on March 14, 2022
    👺👺 Book Review 👺👺
    Title "Finding Chika"
    Author Mitch Albom @mitchalbom

    This is a book straight from Authors heart.This is a story of a little girl called Chika who lived through the worst earthquake Haiti had ever witnessed & waltzed into the life of Mitch & his wife.

    Although she lived only 7 years she filled of everyone around them with joy during that time.

    Hers was no ordinary life.Mitch & his wife run an Orphanage in Haiti where they met this girl.

    For this childless couple this girl was a precious gift.

    They cherished their time with her while doing everything they could to save this child.

    Even after she is long gone it is her spirit that goads Mitch to complete this book.

    Verdict 🧐

    A book that leaves you moved beyond words.😇

    Sweet,warm book that will leave u in tears.😭

    A book that reinforces love & family & doing whatever to keep it together.👍

    Takeaway😇

    "We did not lose a child.We were given one"
  • Sue of Croydon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book…just beautiful.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2022
    There was nothing I didn’t like about this book.
    It is an absolutely beautiful, well-written human story. Never mawkish, but brings tears to the eyes because of the emotional honesty, the sadness, the love that is conveyed.

    Of course, reading it, you are wishing this lovely child had not died; but that is the whole point…it exists because she did die. Her illness was not survivable.

    This book changes you, if you allow it to, as I have found with so much of this author’s writing.