"The Time Keeper" by Mitch Albom delves into the complex relationship between time and hope. The story follows a character who becomes the first human to measure time, which leads to the consequences of people becoming obsessed with it. Through this narrative, Albom explores how the relentless pursuit of time impacts the human experience, emphasizing that time's value diminishes when hope is absent.

The quote, "And without hope, time is a punishment," encapsulates a central theme of the book. It suggests that time can feel burdensome and torturous when one lacks the optimism and aspiration that hope provides. Ultimately, the narrative encourages readers to reflect on how hope transforms our perception of time, allowing us to find meaning and purpose within it, rather than suffering under its weight.