Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Heft summary
Brief summary
Heft is a captivating novel by Liz Moore that delves into the lives of two unlikely characters, an obese former academic and a lonely teenager, as they form an unexpected connection that brings hope and redemption.
Topics
Table of Contents
Heft
Summary of key ideas
The Unlikely Bond
In Heft by Liz Moore, we are introduced to Arthur Opp, a reclusive former professor who struggles with obesity and agoraphobia. He has not left his Brooklyn home in years, his only contact with the outside world being a housekeeper and occasional phone calls. Despite his isolation, Arthur's life is marked by a deep sense of longing and nostalgia, particularly for his former student, Charlene. For her part, Charlene is a single mother who has been keeping a secret from Arthur for years - that she has a son named Kel.
Living in Yonkers, Kel is a high school student and a talented baseball player. However, his life is far from perfect. His father is in jail, and his mother struggles to make ends meet. Moreover, Kel is ostracized at school due to his lower socioeconomic status. In an effort to shield Kel from his own problems and the harsh realities of life, Charlene has kept Arthur's existence a secret from him, leading Kel to believe that his mother has a drinking problem and is estranged from her former professor.
An Unlikely Reunion
Everything changes when Charlene reaches out to Arthur, asking him to help Kel get into a prestigious private school. Arthur, who has been living in a self-imposed exile, suddenly finds himself drawn to the idea of reuniting with Charlene and meeting Kel. Meanwhile, Kel, who is unaware of Arthur's existence, is confused and skeptical about the sudden interest his mother is showing in his education.
As the story unfolds, we witness the characters' struggles with their pasts and their attempts to forge new connections. Arthur, who has been living with regret and longing, is forced to confront his fears and re-enter the world. Kel, who has been carrying the weight of his family's problems on his young shoulders, begins to question his assumptions and prejudices. And Charlene, who has been trying to protect her son while keeping her own secrets, must face the consequences of her choices.
Unexpected Bonds and Healing
Despite the odds, a bond begins to form between Arthur and Kel. Arthur becomes a mentor to Kel, helping him with his studies and offering guidance about life. In return, Kel's youthful energy and honesty start to break down the walls Arthur has built around himself. The two form an unlikely friendship, each finding in the other something they didn't know they were missing.
Meanwhile, Charlene grapples with her own past and the consequences of her choices. She must confront her fears and find the courage to be honest with Kel about his true heritage. As the novel progresses, we see the characters' lives intertwine in unexpected ways, leading to profound moments of healing and growth.
Acceptance and Moving Forward
In the end, Heft is a story about acceptance and moving forward. Arthur, Kel, and Charlene all come to terms with their pasts and begin to embrace their futures. Arthur learns to let go of his regrets and fear, Kel learns to accept his mother and Arthur, and Charlene learns to be honest with herself and her son.
The novel ends with a sense of hope and possibility. Despite the challenges they face, the characters are able to find connection and support in each other. Through their unlikely bond, they discover that it's never too late to start over and that healing can come from the most unexpected places.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Heft about?
Heft by Liz Moore is a poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into the lives of two unlikely individuals brought together by circumstance. It explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the power of human relationships. Through rich character development and intricate storytelling, Moore captivates readers and leaves them reflecting on the complexities of life.
Heft Review
Heft by Liz Moore (2012) tells the story of two individuals connected by loneliness and the longing for connection. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers a unique perspective on human relationships and the impact of isolation, delving into the characters' emotional depth.
- Explores unconventional connections between people from different walks of life, creating a rich tapestry of intertwined lives.
- Keeps readers engaged through its heartfelt storytelling and unexpected twists, ensuring a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who should read Heft?
Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with complex and relatable protagonists
Those interested in exploring themes of loneliness, redemption, and the power of human connection
People who appreciate insightful and empathetic portrayals of individuals dealing with personal challenges
Categories with Heft
Book summaries like Heft
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Heft FAQs
What is the main message of Heft?
The main message of Heft revolves around unlikely connections and the power of human relationships.
How long does it take to read Heft?
Reading Heft takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just minutes.
Is Heft a good book? Is it worth reading?
Heft is a heartwarming story that highlights the importance of compassion and second chances.
Who is the author of Heft?
The author of Heft is Liz Moore.
What to read after Heft?
If you're wondering what to read next after Heft, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau