Title: The Five People You Meet in Heaven Author: Mitch Albom Published by: Hyperion Published on: 2003 Pages: 208
All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven is, one can say, Mitch Albom's magnum opus: it earned its spot on the New York Times Best Seller and stayed there for 95 weeks. That's approximately 2 years, mate. While these days I don't place much trust in these Best Seller lists, it was quite a big deal back then. Other than Paulo Coelho, Mitch Albom was my man. Their writings were inspiring, and though they might not have the most original plot, it was as if their stories breathed. When it comes to Mitch, he has a way with word that makes even the simplest one feel alive.
Meet Eddie, an 83-year-old mechanic working at an amusement park called Ruby Pier. Eddie was a World War II veteran with a permanent limp and a certified bitter old man, too, ever since the death of his wife, Marguerite, due to brain cancer. Add that to the fact that he had to work at his father's old job -- the man who used to abuse him and he loathed with his entire being, it was no wonder he turned out as he was.
On his 83rd birthday, one of the rides suddenly malfunctioned. Eddie, along with other mechanics in Ruby Pier, tried to save the passengers by fixing the source cable. As it turned out though, while all the passengers could be saved, the ride itself suddenly took a free fall from the rail and was about to fall on a little girl standing exactly on its way. Nobody noticed it, except Eddie. He screamed, but everyone was too focused on the passengers. At the last moment, he tried to save the girl by pushing her out of the way. The next thing he felt was an exploding impact on himself and a blinding light.
Eddie woke up on the other side.
As mentioned at the beginning of the story, and most explicityly told by its title, our story began on the death of our main character. But what did Mitch Albom wanted to say through Eddie's death? Five people whom Eddie met on the afterlife were waiting to tell him just what; five people who would explain what the meaning of his life had been and prepare him for the eternal life to come.
EGGLYSIS
Come to think of it, The Five People You Meet in Heaven is the first inpirational book I've ever read. It got me hooked. To this day, my impression falters nor changes not. Each person Eddie met had a story to tell, each a missing puzzle to what his life had been; his rise and fall, his achievements and disappointment, his pride and regret. Most importantly, his love. There are lessons on self-acceptance, on opening up to love, on forgiving yourself. Because while forgiving others is hard enough, forgiving yourself is even harder. And that's what Eddie had to unlearn.
If you're looking for a heartwarming story, or simply wish to be reminded of how precious life is amidst all the struggles, this is it.
Overall, The Five People You Meet in Heaven...
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