Finding Chika
A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family
By: Mitch Albom
About This Book
Chika Jeune was born three days before the devastating earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. She spent her infancy in extreme poverty, and when her mother died giving birth to a baby brother, Chika was brought to the Have Faith Haiti Orphanage that Mitch and his wife, Janine operate. Chika's arrival made a quick impression. Brave and self-assured, even as a three-year-old, she delighted the other kids and teachers. But at age five, Chika was suddenly diagnosed with a terminal disease that no doctor in Haiti could help with. Mitch and Janine took Chika to America, hoping that treatment there would enable her to go back home. Instead, Chika became a permanent part of their lives, as they embarked on a two-year, around-the-world journey to find a cure. As Chika's boundless optimism and humour taught Mitch the joys of caring for a child, he learnt that a relationship built on love, no matter what blows it takes, can never be lost. This is Mitch Albom at his most poignant, powerful and personal. 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.
AI Overview
Book Overview: "Finding Chika" by Mitch Albom
Plot Summary: "Finding Chika" is a heart-wrenching memoir by Mitch Albom that tells the story of his relationship with a young Haitian orphan named Medjerda "Chika" Jeune. The book begins with Chika's arrival at the Have Faith Haiti Orphanage, which Albom and his wife, Janine, run in Port-au-Prince. Chika's life is marked by difficulty from the beginning, including her birth three days before the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti and her mother's death in childbirth. Chika is brought to the orphanage after her mother's death, and Albom meets her during one of his regular visits.
As Chika's health begins to deteriorate, she is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Despite the grim prognosis, Albom and Janine are determined to find a cure for Chika. They take her to Germany for treatment, where she uses a wheelchair and undergoes various medical interventions. The book chronicles the couple's desperate search for a cure and their emotional journey as they watch Chika's condition worsen.
The narrative is structured in a unique way, with chapters titled 'Us,' 'You,' and 'Me.' The 'Us' chapters feature Albom imagining Chika in the room with him while he writes the book, sharing conversations with her. The 'You' chapters consist of Albom's memories with Chika, and the 'Me' chapters are his personal thoughts and reflections. The book also explores themes of grief, love, and the meaning of family.
Key Themes:
- Grief and Loss: The book delves deeply into the couple's grief as they watch Chika's health decline. It highlights the shared and solitary aspects of their grief.
- Love and Family: The story emphasizes the lessons Chika taught Albom about what it means to be a family, despite the challenges they faced.
- Resilience: Chika's unwavering spirit and her ability to find joy even in the midst of suffering serve as a testament to human resilience.
- Faith and Spirituality: Albom grapples with his faith as he struggles to understand why a loving God would allow a child to suffer so much.
Critical Reception: "Finding Chika" has received widespread critical acclaim for its heartfelt and intimate portrayal of a family's journey through unimaginable hardship. Reviewers have praised the book for its emotional depth and the way it captures the complexities of human relationships.
- Audaysciously Review: Describes the book as a "moving memoir" that explores the complexities of family and grief.
- Blinkist Summary: Calls it a "heart-wrenching memoir" that tells the story of a young girl's journey with a rare brain tumor.
- Goodreads Review: Highlights the book's personal and intimate nature, noting that it is Albom's most personal story yet.
- Ed Murray Review: Praises the book for its heartfelt storytelling and the impact Chika had on the lives of the Alboms.
Overall, "Finding Chika" is a powerful and moving memoir that explores the depths of human love, grief, and resilience.