The Five People You meet in Heavenby Mitch Albom
I had seen the made for TV movie when it aired a couple of years ago so when I found the book at the second-hand store I figured it would be an easy story with a feel good ending for those times when I just want to veg.
This is the story of Eddie, who dies in an amusement park accident. He meets five different people who have had some impact on his life, whether he knew the person or not, and they each teach him one lesson he needs to know in order to understand why his life was what it was. Eddie has always felt that his life was a waste because he never accomplished anything meaningful. He was haunted by regrets and bitterness. At the end Eddie is shown that no life is without meaning; we each serve a valuable purpose. Heaven is, initially about finding out what your purpose was.
Theology aside, this was a short, pleasant read. The characters felt real and the feelings were accurate. The book is fluff and sentiment but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. It's a feel good story with an encouraging ending. The themes are connectedness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and enduring love. It's not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
4 comments:
Thanks for the review. I enjoyed this book but I read it so long ago, I had forgotten a lot. I have Albom book to read someday.
Yes, fluff is certainly what the Doctor ordered (sometimes, anyway). This is one that I would love to re-read. I loved reading Eddie's experiences and seeing his change throughout the novel as he meets those five people and realizes the impact he's had on their lives. I've got chills thinking about it. :)
Oh, and I hope you don't mind that I've added you to my blogroll...
Framed-I had avoided Albom before because I had heard he was sappy. I'm glad I put aside that prejudice. Now I have a new author to enjoy.
Trish-Thanks for letting me know. Now I can add you to my blogroll too.
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