Although I am not a religious person, the essentially Christian message behind Mitch Albom’s “The Stranger in the Boat” didn’t really bother me. I think you have to take it for what it is (a little bit like Young’s “The Shack”, which is a wonderful novel) and move on. If such a theme bothers you, then I’d say steer clear.
Now that’s out of the way…
“The Stranger in the Boat” is a pleasant, easy read; and if I guessed what the denouement would be about half-way through, I don’t think that spoiled my enjoyment too much. Also – any religious predilections aside – I wouldn’t put anyone off from reading it.
Personally however, I will avoid the rest of Albom’s cannon (“Tuesdays with Norrie”, “The Five People You’re Likely to Meet in Heaven” etc.) because I suspect the messaging will be pretty much the same, and – for me at least – once is enough.
Ian Gouge - Writer 