Rating: 
Summary: Bad chicken soup for the soul
Review: After reading this book myself, I am convinced there can be only two explanations for its stellar reviews: either Mitch Albom's PR people paid someone off, or else no one actually read the book before reviewing it. I simply cannot believe that any reviewer of respectable reputation read this book and liked it.Beware, readers. The critics are lying. It is not uplifting or heartwarming; it's saccharine. It is not inspirational; it's preachy. Albom's characters are slaves to a contrived plot. The problem is, Albom is *trying* to be heartwarming, and he's *trying* to make us cry, and we can tell. The only thing worse than a manipulative tear-jerker is a would-be manipulative tear-jerker that can't even do it's job. The result is a book that reads only slightly better than a daytime soap opera. We see the wheels of the plot grinding, and we understand where Albom is trying to take his story, but he never gets there. Please don't ignore me or write me off as a heartless cynic, because I'm not. It isn't hard to tug on my heartstrings. I cry during commercials for Walt Disney World and AT&T. Half the books on my shelf have tear stains splashed across their pages. I'm an emotional, romantic person, and I really wanted to like this book. But I did not shed a single tear for Eddie, or any of the other poor characters trapped inside this novel, and that's because Albom never got me to care. This novel is bad chicken soup for the soul. Spare yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Not so great...
Review: I thought this book was boring. I didn't shed any tears or learn any life lessons. I hope that if I die I won't be greeted by a little blue man from the circus. Never the less, I don't reccomend it- to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty darn depressing!
Review: I finished this short easy read quickly. I immediately went on to something a bit more uplifting as I found this book VERY depressing.
Yes, each of the 5 people he meets explain their impact on his life or vice versa but the impact was always negative.
It seemed to be a book about a guy that hated his life (except for his wife), hated his job but never did anything about it. Something really awful happens on each of his birthdays (his father's death, his wife's car accident, etc.)
Then when he gets to heaven he finds out from his 5 people that he caused a man's heart attack, was responsible for a 5 year old burning to death, etc.
I don't care for this much negativity.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best in a long time
Review: We're all searching for answers, especially in today's world with the myriad problems we have, and this is all the more reason to experience "The Five People." No, Mitch Albom doesn't have all the answers (who does?) but he's made a valiant attempt to try and explain some things in this little book. The writing isn't literary (like McCrae's "Bark of the Dogwood" or "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings") but rather it is simple in approach. But lest the reader think this is a simple book, think again. Albom has given us a remarkable book that is part "It's a Wonderful Life" part "Christmas Carol." Inspirational and heart warming, this is the type of thing you'll want to give for a Christmas present or at least pass along to your friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting premise, thought-provoking, and sincere . . .
Review: Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" is one of those books that's easy to read and makes for a nice break from larger, more imposing novels. It possesses a brisk pace (about a 2-3 day read, though I read it in a day), and the writing style is simple and easy to get behind. This is really a book that almost anyone with a comprehension of the English language could read and enjoy. When some authors write in a simplistic, 'broken-down' style, I become infuriated (re: James Patterson), but with Albom, and with this book, it just seems to work. Even for those individuals who don't seem to find themselves to be religious, this is a book that, in reading, they'll get something out of. I believe there to be a Heaven, and hope that Albom has stumbled upon the true version in his book. The depicted Heaven seems like a perfect place, explaining to you your purpose in life, and the impact you made on five important people. I can't see anything more pristine than that. However, with all that said, the book is at times a bit over-the-top and a tad bit preachy. It's an enjoyable read, but don't expect too much out of it.
Rating:
Summary: Best Book I've Read in a While
Review: This is the best book that I've read in a while. I was afraid it would be a very spiritual book because of the title, but it really focused on the story and not so much on religion. The author really developed the characters well, and I felt like the ending was a surprise, although other people that I discussed the book with were did not find it as surprising as I did. This is a good story for an afternoon read. It only took me about 2 hours to finish it.
Rating: 
Summary: Lack of style compensated for by inspirational writing.
Review: I am a recent high school graduate and upon my departure one of my teachers gave me a copy of The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 short days (it's an easy read).
The book was insightful and very inspirational. It makes for a good "life's lessons" book. The book is based on the premise that "our lives are more important than we actually know." I did something with this book that I've never done, cried while reading. It teaches important lessons in life, love, loss, and sacrifice.
Albom's writing style is amazingly simple, I guess I'm too used to Shakespeare :)
The style isn't bad, it actually makes the book easy to read.
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING...................
Review: I have read so many books over the years and none have shook my very soul like this one. It reminds us all that nothing is coincidental...........everything happens for a purpose........like it or not. Life is not by chance......we are all part of one big plan.
Rating:
Summary: AN EYE OPENER
Review: Eddie is the head of maintenance for the local carnival "RUBY PIER". As he's out walking through the park he sees that a ride is in trouble. He tells one of the operators to help the people out. After the riders are safe, he tells the other worker to cut the cable. As the cable is being cut. Eddie sees a little girl under the car that is getting ready to fall. He tries to get the attention of the other worker, but can not. So he tries to help the little girl out of the way. In the process Eddie is hit by the falling cart. He dies. He feels little hands in his hands.
Eddie wakes up in a tea cup. He realizes that he is at the carnival of his youth. His first instinct is to grab for his cane. But he does not need it. He feels great.His back does not hurt or his leg.He can run. He hasn't been able to run since the war. Eddie meets five people along the way. Five people who made difference in his life.
When you die who do you think you will meet along the way? This book will make you stop & think about "HEAVEN".
Rating:
Summary: Not very profound, but OK nonethteless
Review: The idea itself is novel: meeting five people whose lives in some ways, whether you know it or not, were related to yours. The book is extremely easy to read (and I am saying this as someone whose first language is not English). At times, the author changes his style of writing to a high school teacher-like style; way too much clarification for the obvious. Not much of a challenge for the brain!
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