gabrieljingco's review against another edition
4.0
I know that Cecelia Ahern is a pretty popular author but what made me interested in her works is that her brother in-law is Westlife's Nicky Bryne! The book's message that love cannot only be spelled as L-O-V-E but it can also be spelled as T-I-M-E. This is because we wont bother giving them our time if we don't love them. Time is precious and unlike money it cannot be taken back so, let us all use it to create wonderful memories that would definitely last a lifetime.
tamayatz's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the beginning but the end was too sad for me so I ended up not really liking the book.
floristica's review against another edition
4.0
The thing about Ahern's writings that I like the most is that she managed to write emotional stories without being sappy. The Gift itself is not an exception.
I did not have any expectation when I started reading this novel. I just read. And found myself immersed in the story. I found myself being enchanted with the words and the characters. Oh yes, Ahern is one crafty writer, slowly pulling you in into her story.
What I love most about The Gift is the totally unexpected ending. Albeit tragic, there is no other way to end the story perfectly. Ahern is teaching her readers a very important lesson here so pay attention.
I did not have any expectation when I started reading this novel. I just read. And found myself immersed in the story. I found myself being enchanted with the words and the characters. Oh yes, Ahern is one crafty writer, slowly pulling you in into her story.
What I love most about The Gift is the totally unexpected ending. Albeit tragic, there is no other way to end the story perfectly. Ahern is teaching her readers a very important lesson here so pay attention.
thelauramay's review against another edition
2.0
I, now realising that the author wrote PS I Love You (I've seen the film only--philistine!), wish I could have liked this book more. Because apparently I'm pretentious like that. I guess I just couldn't relate to the characters, to the emotions she described, to the things the characters were going through. I found the narrative jumpy at times, particularly near the beginning, where very different scenes are set with no protagonist in sight. I also found her epilogue in particular very condescending. Nonetheless, I'm very impressed at the girl's ability to write--as if you write an international best-seller at 21 years old, how crazy is that! I'm part curious and part envious that she could write so passionately about love at that age. Okay, so this is getting off track.
In short (she said, too late), it's sort of a modern version of Dickens' Christmas Carol.
In short (she said, too late), it's sort of a modern version of Dickens' Christmas Carol.
accio_sandy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
jenlywan's review against another edition
3.0
The book starts off by telling the tale of someone throwing a frozen turkey into a house and getting caught. The 'turkey boy' however, was not the main protagonist of the story and neither was the policeman who was questioning him. The man we have in the story is one who is successful, and yet too busy for his perfect family. It kinda touches a nerve in me since I am always 'busy' as well and tend to neglect my family. So, one day, this busy man meets a homeless guy and gives him a job.
And in return, Mr Homeless Man gave him something which freaks him out at first, but solved his problems with juggling his time between his family and work life. The pill which Mr Homeless Man gave him was what he thought would solve his headache but strangely enough, it 'clones' him, enabling him to be able to be at two places at one time, something he always wished for. Without revealing any further spoilers, the so called miracle pills gave our protagonist an opportunity to rediscover ... the joys of being with his family - wife and kids - and how much they actually mean to him.
And when he finally discovers that, would it be too late? And is this 'gift' from the man he pulled from thr streets a blessing or curse?
Comment: Quite enjoyable read, although it started to get a bit boring towards the end. Too descriptive when it comes to the chapters when he was spending time with his family. Personally, I would prefer a lil bit more mystery to capture the reader.
And in return, Mr Homeless Man gave him something which freaks him out at first, but solved his problems with juggling his time between his family and work life. The pill which Mr Homeless Man gave him was what he thought would solve his headache but strangely enough, it 'clones' him, enabling him to be able to be at two places at one time, something he always wished for. Without revealing any further spoilers, the so called miracle pills gave our protagonist an opportunity to rediscover ... the joys of being with his family - wife and kids - and how much they actually mean to him.
And when he finally discovers that, would it be too late? And is this 'gift' from the man he pulled from thr streets a blessing or curse?
Comment: Quite enjoyable read, although it started to get a bit boring towards the end. Too descriptive when it comes to the chapters when he was spending time with his family. Personally, I would prefer a lil bit more mystery to capture the reader.
janelabro's review against another edition
4.0
A great story on how to value and manage time especially with your loved ones. A must-read. :)
shivthroughthelookingglass's review against another edition
3.0
This was perhaps the most 'strange' of all of the books I've read by Cecelia. It was mysterious and I honestly wasn't sure on completing it whether or not I had enjoyed, but I was compelled to complete the whole story.