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My Book Reviews

Seen a book at a store but don't know if it's any good? Check Krystlesreads! I review all the books I've read. If you know of a book I should read/review, do let me know! (You'll also get a mention in said review ;) )

*WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS, WHICH I WILL HIGHLIGHT OFF* 

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Firstly, let me just say: what's a Mitch Albom book if it doesn't make you cry, eh? And I can proudly say that I now own ALL of Mitch Albom's books! *throws confetti*

Ahem. Ok, now for the review.

Let me just say that I applaud Mitch for the depth of the subject in which he writes about. All his books tackle different topics, and he tells it as if he's a master of them. Because come on, if someone like me who isn't too familiar with music, composers, chords and whatnot, tell me you did not look up at least one of the pieces mentioned in this book. I dare you.

The story begins and is told by Music, at Frankie's funeral. Actual artistes also give their 'rendition' of how they knew Frankie Presto, compiling the story of his life. Since the beginning, you can't help feeling sorry for Frankie. He has to overcome obstacles all his life, and just when things seem to be looking up, something happens that turns him into ruins again. And all that since he was a baby, mind. All he seemed to know was heartache and pain, and yet, he was hopeful. However, as he grew up, he grew less and less optimistic. I think that very clearly explains how different a kid and an adult's perspectives are.

I admired his persistence to find Aurora. I admired her for staying with him too, despite everything. At first, I couldn't stand that she kept disappearing when she's had enough of him, yet appear again a few years later, only to do the same thing numerous times. I was frustrated that she still came back so many times.
But then I realized: she must have loved him that much. She left for a few years, hoping that he'd get his shit together before coming back to him. So I must applaud her for even coming back, after all he had put her through.

The most beautiful part, in my opinion, is at the end when everything comes together. All the missing pieces are put in place, and it ends on such a beautiful but sad note.

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November 16, 2017 No comments
The Five People You Meet In Heaven The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like all his other books, I love this one. And yes, I am aware that I got into this one rather late, considering this was one of his earlier books. Mitch has the ability to, I feel, make the reader feel contented and assured by the end of his books. Whether you laughed or cried, at the end of everything, you will feel like you're not alone, and that better days are up ahead.
In this, Eddie, who feels like his life was worthless and boring, dies and goes to heaven. But before he steps foot in actual heaven, he meets 5 people that will teach him something about life.
The message I like most in this story is that although you may feel that your life is worthless, you have had in fact affected someone's lives along the way; even if you never knew it. Good or bad regardless, your actions will unconsciously affect someone in their life. It makes you look back at your life and how you're going about at it, which is another trait of Mitch's books.
You may not relate specifically to the story, but the lessons are general. Everyone can relate to them.
The only thing that I felt didn't really leave an impression was the reason given for the estranged relationship between Eddie and his father. I felt that if you've been bitter about your dad for so many years, an event or two won't change that judgement. Well, at least in my opinion.


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July 19, 2016 No comments
Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I could give this book 100 stars, I would. I actually feel ashamed that I have only just picked up this book to read. But then again, perhaps there was a reason for the timing.

I could've finished this in one sitting or 2 days at most, but I had been a bit occupied, and I was trying to drag out finishing this story because I was waiting for a book I ordered to arrive. I've finished this book, and my ordered book has yet to arrive. Anywho...

As I mentioned, I usually take my time reading a book. But this one demanded to be read. I enjoyed learning all the lessons in the first 11 'lessons', but on the 12th one, things started hitting home for me. I cried, I laughed. Then I laughed through my tears.

Just reading this book makes me (and others, I'm sure) feel like I know Morrie personally, which makes it all the more harder to finish it. I highly recommend this book to everyone. And I mean everyone.

October 27, 2015 No comments
The First Phone Call from HeavenThe First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book I read from Mitch Albom had been For One More Day, and since then, I have been a fan. The only reason why I took this long to finish it was because as it so happens, I had been a bit occupied. I had also been meaning to get this book when it launched, but unfortunately My purse was tight. So at the given opportunity (a book fair), I jumped in and immediately bought it.

I think that anyone who reads this will no doubt think of a deceased that they'd have liked to receive a call from. It was very interesting, the way he put the two perspectives together (the believers & non-believers) and make them go well with the story without making one sound more 'worthy' than the other. I dunno. There's just a way that Mitch writes to make things work.

I understand Sully's take on the fiasco, yet I sympathized and understood the 'chosen ones' position as well.

As it is with Mitch's books, it either teaches you a lesson or leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy with renewed resolution.
I really liked how this story closed, as it gave room for contemplation. Also, I thought that the last line of the book was a brilliant closure.

October 26, 2015 No comments
The Time KeeperThe Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is common for me to feel attached to a book after I've finished it. It is also rather common for a book to make me cry. It is a bit common for a book to make me rethink my choices and path of life, but it is very rare for a book to affect me so much that I change my thought process completely.

I relate to Sarah Lemon. I think quite a few of us would be able to. Perhaps some would relate to VIctor instead. I'm not sure if Victor's story affected you as much as Sarah's story did to me, but either way, it is a lesson to learn.

As is common with Mitch Albom's books, I was left in tears towards the end. I won't go so much into detail here, but I will explain in my blog later.

The bottom line is, if you're not already a fan of Mitch Albom, I suggest you pick up one of his books. Now. Mitch is a brilliant storyteller and his books always has some brilliant lesson layered in it. His books also have the ability to touch your heart in a special way.

So 5 stars for this. Definitely a brilliant read!

May 16, 2015 No comments

For One More Day
For One More Day by Mitch Albom

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I LOVED IT.

I loved the little twist in the end, I loved how the story was written, I loved how it unfolded.
I loved how it made you think twice of your actions after reading it, and probably make you appreciate the people in your life more.

It is very simply written, but carries an amazing message. Like Charley, there is someone I deeply cared about who died without me having a chance to say goodbye. The second last chapter touched my heart deeply and throughout reading that chapter, I had my ballet teacher, Mr Gino, in my mind. I couldn't help thinking of all the things I would say to him if I had One More Day. I felt like going to my mum's room, at 5.30 in the morning, just to hug her and thank her for all that she's done for me; not like I haven't told her before, though.

I felt like just telling everyone what they mean to me after reading this book. This is a book that touches you deeply, and leaves a lasting impact in your life.
Well, at least I think so.

If I ever come across other books from Mitch, I'm definitely buying them.



May 30, 2013 No comments
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