The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom (2003)

"Everyone has an idea of heaven, as do most religions, and they should all be respected. The version represented here is only a guess, a wish, in some ways, that.....- people who felt unimportant here on earth- realize, finally, how much they mattered and how they were loved." - Mitch Albom

Traditionally, I start book reviews with a quote from the story itself, but for this one, I felt part of Mitch Albom's dedication (to his Uncle Edward Beitchman) was perfect, personal, and set the tone for the adventure you will embark on when reading this book. Also, there are so many amazing quotes that I have highlighted throughout, (its my most highlighted and corner page folded book I own) that I fear I would never have gotten to write this review trying to choose just one of the many. 

Pertaining to what is mentioned in the quote, people should not shy away from this book simply because the word 'heaven' is in the title, (and all that people may associate with that word). This isn't a religious book; its not here to convert you.  I believe it is here to comfort you. To remind us all, we have a purpose in life, a connection, even if our life doesn't seem like its being lived out on a grand scale.

The book opens up letting you know we are beginning at the end of our protagonist Eddie's life. Through a clever way of intricate storytelling, each time we move along with Eddie to one of his Five people we go into Eddie's past and learn more about his life journey, and the impact his life is making on other lives. On the surface, yes, Eddie's life seems pretty bland; work, serving in a war, getting married, no kids, working maintenance at a seaside amusement park. But as we should be reminded, nothing is ever as it seems and there is always another side of the story. 

When I first read this book, (out of at least 10 times) I assumed the Five had to represent specific things, like Number One represented a second chance at Life, Person Number 2 represented Sacrifice, Number 3 was Forgiveness, and Number 4 was Love. Which, they absolutely do touch on, respectively, with their personal story that is connected with Eddie. 

However, when we come to meet who Number 5 is, not only does the author bring the story around full circle, (symbolically like one of the Ferris Wheels that Eddie keeps safe through out his work life) but it throws out my oh so simple theory that each person had to represent one lesson.  In a whole, the book has many repetitive lessons to learn from and be inspired by, but the main message here is how unbelievably much we are all connected to one another. And not just to the people we know and chose in life, but strangers too. Lives even before we are born make an impact on who we are, and, that this life we are living right now, will be and is, making an impact on someone in the future. 

I read  A LOT, and this is one book that I find the unfolding of a story completely flawless and with so many intricate layers, you would think there was a weak chink, or a hiccup of sorts. No, Mitch Albom is truly a breathtaking storyteller, his vision of humanity resonates into your soul. I have read three of his other books, (Tuesdays with Morrie, For One More Day, and the long anticipated sequel to this one, The Next Person You Will Meet in Heaven) and he never leaves you disappointed. 

I strongly suggest gifting this book to anyone and everyone. It is a book for all to read, even if you are not a big book reader, it profoundly touches on each of us. About our own life, our choices, our soul. It moves like a folktale with a lesson we all need to learn and be reminded of. 

This book will leave you feeling loved. 

May I also suggest this book to someone who has thought of, or attempted suicide. I believe this could help. I also think it would be a wonderful addition for your Book Club, if you haven't already had it.  It could be a great conversation starter and would easily get everyone talking and sharing. So in closing, a quote from the book:

"...that each affects the other and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one."

mitchalbom.com