Oprah Presents “One More Day” on ABC

Rarely is a movie as good as a book. In fact, I typically do not watch movies that are made from books for that very reason.

Mitch Albom is one of my favorite authors. I’m sure many of you have either read or heard about several of his books, including “Tuesdays With Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” Most of his well-known writings are based on the idea of life and death, which may scare some people off.

Oprah Winfrey has turned his latest book, “One More Day,” into a TV movie which debuts on Sunday, December 9th on ABC. I was fortunate enough to see an advanced copy of this movie and want to share my thoughts with you in hopes that you will feel compelled to tune in on Sunday. It airs on ABC from 9 - 11 p.m. EST.

For those who haven’t read the book, the main character, Chick Benetto (played by Michael Imperioli), is a former baseball player who turned to alcohol. One evening he returns to his hometown and in a moment of desperation decides to end his life. The title of the book comes from a magical moment where he is granted one more day with his mother (played by Ellen Burstyn). She had previously passed away and it was one of the things that led to his emotional state. Most of the movie revolves around the secrets his mother uncovers for him about their lives. As for how it all turns out, you’ll have to tune in.

This may be the first time I’ve ever said this, but I liked the movie better than the book. Albom has a unique way of using sentimentality in his writing and somehow they found a way to bring it across the screen as well.

Written by Emily, who is a married working mother of a very energetic 5 year old son. They reside in Southern Indiana (a little too close to the Kentucky border). Someday she’d like to visit Intercourse, PA and have her picture taken with the welcome sign. She writes at her personal blog, Fenicle and loves free samples and trying new things!