The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Five People You Meet In Heaven is a 2003 novel by Mitch Albom. It follows the life and death of a ride mechanic named Eddie who is killed in an amusement park accident and sent to heaven, where he encounters five people who had a significant impact on him while he was alive. It was published by Hyperion and remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for 95 weeks.

I think I expected too much after having this recommended by so many people (and loving Tuesdays with Morrie). I was disappointed.

My friends gave me the perfect book as a birthday gift. A very moving and thought-provoking story about the people we meet in life and the stories we create. A beautiful tale about the narratives we set not just in our lives but in the lives of others who we love but also others who we only have chance encounters with. Emotional towards the end. Easy read, can recommend to anyone. Such simple language, yet such compelling stories.

Rating: 3.5/5

Simple and straightforward prose doesn’t lessen the impact this book has as a contemplative read towards a man’s life in heaven, what he lived for, why he lived in the first place, and to an extent, our lives as well.

It’s a thought-provoking read with many life lessons discussed per chapter, ranging from interconnected lives between strangers, what we give and gain in sacrifice, and how we cherish the memories of those who we love before their passing. Felt lots of emotions throughout.

I do think some of the lessons feel a bit “in your face” and could’ve used more subtlety in its delivery and how I find some chapters a little lacking in the “lesson” department compared to others, but nevertheless, this is a read that will take you on a journey of acceptance, self-reflection, and self-discovery. Genuinely a book that heals, comforts, and warms the soul.

Read this again w/ Will. Finished it alone because he (I think) lost interest. Was my fave book for so long and it was still great, but maybe more for the nostalgia than the content.