The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a bestseller by Mitch Albom is a novel that if you haven't had a chance to read, you definitely should.
It is a short novel (I'd estimate 50,000 words) and it's an engaging story from start to finish. The lessons learned by Eddie, an amusement park maintenance worker who believes his life was a waste, I think will resonate with just about everyone.
I would break it down to five main themes:
1. Everyone is connected. What you do affects people, in ways you may not realize.
2. Sacrifice, it's something to aspire to.
3. Forgiveness: one must be able to forgive yourself and especially others.
4. Lost Love is still love.
5. Everyone has value and no life is a waste.
Sounds like common sense, but do you really believe those statements? And if you do believe them, do you know someone who doesn't?
It is one of the novels I have taught to seniors where I teach. Almost 90% indicate after reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven, that they really enjoyed it and, better yet, got something out of it.
If you're interested, here is the study guide I use: Study Guide Packet: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
There is a movie version available on DVD (Starring Jon Voight), and it is a good view after reading the novel. The content and order of the novel is ordered better and adds depth a film cannot. As in many instances, while the movie is good, the book is far better.
You have talked about this book many times in the past. I think this weekend, during my shopping-Saturday event, I'll pick up this book.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to put that on my list of books to read. I have heard good things about it from others too. Just wanted to let you know that I blogged about you and Flank Hawk today.
ReplyDeleteSandy and Angie, you won't regret picking it up and giving Albom's book a read. (Angie, I saw the post and already commented. Thanks!)
ReplyDeleteThis is one I totally missed. Did you happen to watch the movie? (I missed that too...lol.)
ReplyDeleteJ.Kaye,
ReplyDeleteYes, I've seen the movie too. It was a made for TV movie, not one that hit the theaters.