Book Review: The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Five People You Meet in Heaven     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Mitch Albom
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Religious Fiction
Hyperion, Sept 2003, $19.95, 196

Eddie had worked for years at maintenance at Ruby Pier Amusement Park insuring the rides were safe for patrons. Though he did his job meticulously and everyone kind of knew Eddie, adults never took him seriously. Children seem to like him but even Eddie when he became an octogenarian reflecting back on his life felt he achieved zero. Eddie recently died trying to save a little girl.

Eddie regains consciousness in heaven. Five people, one at a time, shows him the positive impact of his life on others. Though in terms of major impact, his deeds may seem small, Eddie begins to understand the essence of God’s gift of life to mankind. Humanity consists of a vast series of interconnecting networks that mesh the lives of everyone. No matter how minute, that iota of caring impacts people even those outside your sphere and Eddie clearly cared.

This is a strong modern day parable that reminds readers that everyone counts even Eleanor Rigby. Using a seemingly nonentity to bring his message across, Mitch Albom paints a simply stupendous story that no person is left behind as we live as an interconnected and overlapping links on this planet. Everybody has plenty to offer and should be encouraged to do so.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner