Alfie Logan received a remarkable gift when he was eight years old on the day that his mother died. He was supposed to have been sitting at her bedside, but instead he ran off to play. Horrified by what had happened, he wished very hard that he could go back and do that day over. To his surprise, he got the chance.

Before his mother died the second time --- because death comes when it does --- she explained that some in their family have this “gift.” But he must understand: If you use the gift to go back and try again, you must live with what happens the second time, so act wisely. And be especially careful when it comes to love.

"TWICE is a book that comes around once in a lifetime. It will touch your heart in ways that only a story from Mitch Albom can. It is heartbreaking, heartwarming, charming and wise, plus so much more."

Naturally, as a kid (or simply as a curious human being), Alfie can’t resist playing with his power --- testing its limits, if you will. So he uses it to undo embarrassing situations; retract stupid remarks, which he seems prone to make all too often; or, if he feels daring, take a huge risk, like running to the edge of a cliff and yelling “Twice” the moment he jumps. Who can blame him, really? Wouldn’t you? However, despite the benefits, his gift comes with consequences. Sometimes, the results are worse the second time around. And like it or not, you’re stuck with them.

Alfie had only two friends when his mother and father were missionaries living in Kenya: Gianna, a vibrant girl he never forgot, and Lallu, a sweet elephant. After his mother died, Alfie and his father moved back to the US. Of course, Gianna remained in Africa with her family. Many years passed before she and Alfie were reunited by mere coincidence. A reunion with Lallu would come later.

Alfie’s love story with Gianna is recounted in chapters of a composition book that Alfie wrote to his “Boss,” who plays prominently in the story. It is being read by Detective Vincent LaPorta of the Nassau, Bahamas, with Alfie sitting by. The policeman believes that he has caught Alfie cheating the local casino out of millions at roulette. Now he simply has to prove it. The better scenario, though, would be to get his suspect to confess. But Alfie points to the book and insists that the answers are all in there. Even the “cheating” will be explained. His entire life is painstakingly recorded on those pages --- the good and the bad. To undo an action, he had to know where to start.

Sometimes Alfie unwound weeks, months and even years. He has lived a long time to get to where he is now. And he’s aware that the end is near. He’s dying, and he knows when and how. Even if he had the power to change it, he’s not sure he would. He’s tired, and for all the good that his gift has done, it also has taken what he wanted most. But at least he learned from his mistakes.

He also learned this: “I want, and you want, and God does what God wants.”

TWICE is a book that comes around once in a lifetime. It will touch your heart in ways that only a story from Mitch Albom can. It is heartbreaking, heartwarming, charming and wise, plus so much more. Albom is an unparalleled storyteller. No one can come even close to the man’s talent. He reaches down to the depths of human emotions and then digs far deeper. Whatever you do, don’t miss this gem.