The Five People You Meet In Heaven

Mitch Albom first came to national attention with his short non-fiction book Tuesdays With Morrie. Albom transformed almost overnight from your above-average ordinary sports writer to popular writer. His second effort was a work of fiction (inspired by the life of his uncle), The Five People You Meet In Heaven.


In this book the reader follows Eddie, an 83-year-old man who works maintenance at a boardwalk carnival. He dies in a seemingly heroic fashion, attempting to save the life of a young girl about to be crushed by a broken ride. Eddie then wakes up to find himself in a strange place, which ends up to be heaven, but with a catch. Before he can take his place in heaven, he has to meet five people whose lives were somehow connected with his. Throughout the book, he meets these five people and learns five distinct lessons. As readers, we learn more about Eddie's life and background and discover what occurs after his death in the "real world."

I have a suspicion that all of Albom's books read like a Hallmark channel movie - somewhat emotional, inspiring, and very inoffensive. I first read Tuesdays With Morrie, which I enjoyed, and I looked forward to this book. I knew to expect something simple and easy to digest, which is both good and bad. It's pleasant enough to read, but there's nothing overly deep here. To quote Wikipedia's entry on Mitch Albom: "'Tuesdays With Morrie'' is regularly taught in high schools and universities around the world, and is also taught in some primary schools in Asia, due to its very simple writing." 


Yes, that's right. Primary school students in Asia read Albom's work. It's still well-written, but it's not pulitzer prize material or anything like that. Instead, Albom shares stories that are accessible and poignant for a great diversity of readers. That's something few writers can accomplish.


I enjoyed the book, and I think anyone could read this and like it. I'll forget it soon, though, and it packs noticeably less punch than Albom's first book. It's a nice easy read.


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


34 books, 131 days...at this rate I'll read 95 books