Five People You Meet in Heaven, The

Mitch Albom, author of Tuesday's With Morrie, brings his wisdom and distinctive perspective to his latest novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. The book is short, stirring, and poignant. And I am giving it my highest grade for one simple reason: Not only did I enjoy it, but I also gave it to my sister, who rarely reads for pleasure, and she didn't put it down until she finished the whole thing. There can be no better recommendation, in my opinion.

Albom's heartfelt and encouraging tale manages to be enlightening, without being overly religious or preachy. His unique take on the joys and tragedies that make up every person's life are both refreshing and imaginative. The story revolves around Eddie, an 83-year-old man. It focuses on his death, his life, and the meaning of both.

A thorough illustration of the interconnectedness of every person and every life, this book is a true original. Along with the utterly gratifying nature of the book (the opportunity to go to heaven and have all the important questions of your life answered - what's a more perfect goal?), it was the enlightening element of the character's story that really grabbed me.

Without hitting them over the head with it, Albom dares his readers to believe that every life has value - every choice we make, every breath, every minute. He challenges readers to discover their own value - and to see the value in those around them.

Albom enables his character to relive the essential moments of his life - and to finally witness the truth, the meaning, in all he has done and seen. Although the five people that Eddie meets in heaven are unexpected, the importance of each, and the lessons they illustrate are amazing. With the benefit of their guidance, Eddie (and through him, the reader) is able to take more from his life - and from his death - than he could ever have anticipated. It was a hopeful, highly enjoyable read, and I can recommend it wholeheartedly.