Finding Chika is a heart-wrenching memoir written by Mitch Albom, a renowned American author, and journalist. The book was published in 2019 and tells the story of Mitch’s journey to adopt a young Haitian orphan named Chika, who he met during a trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The book is not only a story of love and loss but also a testament to the power of human resilience and the strength of the human spirit.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: A Trip to Haiti
In this chapter, Mitch describes his first trip to Haiti, where he met Chika, a young girl who lived in an orphanage run by his friend, Pierre. Mitch was immediately drawn to Chika’s intelligence, humor, and resilience. He was also struck by the poverty and devastation that surrounded her, and he knew that he wanted to help her in some way.
Chapter 2: The Bond Between Mitch and Chika
In this chapter, Mitch describes the bond that he formed with Chika over the course of several trips to Haiti. He was struck by her determination to learn and her desire to better herself, despite the many obstacles that she faced. He also describes the love that he felt for her, and the sense of responsibility that he felt towards her.
Chapter 3: The Adoption Process
In this chapter, Mitch describes the long and arduous process of adopting Chika. He had to navigate the complex bureaucracy of the Haitian government, as well as the legal and logistical challenges of bringing a child from Haiti to the United States. He was also faced with the challenge of convincing his wife, Janine, that they should adopt Chika, despite the many obstacles that they would face.
Chapter 4: The Arrival of Chika in America
In this chapter, Mitch describes the day that Chika arrived in America. He was struck by the contrast between the poverty and chaos of Haiti and the order and prosperity of America. He was also struck by the sense of hope and possibility that he felt, knowing that Chika was finally safe and secure in their home.
Chapter 5: Life with Chika
In this chapter, Mitch describes the challenges and joys of life with Chika. He was struck by her intelligence and curiosity, as well as her sense of humor and her love of music. He was also struck by the sense of responsibility that he felt towards her, and the many sacrifices that he had to make in order to provide for her needs.
Chapter 6: The Fight Against Cancer
In this chapter, Mitch describes the devastating diagnosis of cancer that Chika received, and the many challenges that they faced in trying to find the best treatment for her. He was struck by the courage and resilience that Chika displayed in the face of her illness, as well as the sense of community that emerged around her, as friends and strangers came together to support her.
Chapter 7: The Loss of Chika
In this chapter, Mitch describes the heartbreaking loss of Chika, and the sense of grief and despair that he and Janine felt in the aftermath of her death. He was struck by the sense of hope and possibility that he felt, knowing that Chika’s legacy would live on through the many people who had been touched by her life.
Conclusion
Finding Chika is a powerful and moving memoir that tells the story of one man’s journey to adopt a young Haitian orphan. The book is not only a story of love and loss but also a testament to the power of human resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Through his story, Mitch Albom reminds us of the importance of community, the power of hope, and the enduring strength of the human heart.
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