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Summary: A NEW ENTRY IN THE LITERATURE OF HEAVEN & HELL
Review: First of all, I must make mention of how impressed I am by Mitch Albom's first foray into fiction. I did not expect what I found in this book. All too many short novellas seem to be flooding the market of late--disguised (and priced) as full novels. They tend to be pasty, feel-good schlock. The vast majority of readers seem satisfied with this dreadful staus quo. For those of us who seek more The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a pleasant surprise.Albom is a born storyteller. Being a native of Southeastern Michigan, I have known this for years. I grew up reading Mitch's excellent columns in The Detroit Free Press (though I still prefer my hometown paper--The Ann Arbor News). Mitch's great storytelling ability is on full display in The Five People You Meet in Heaven. In this book Albom proves that he can rise above the ranks of the mere storytellers. The thing that shocked me about this book was how well written it is. Mitch catches the language, tone and heart of this story in beautifully spare prose. We can forgive him if he sometimes veers toward the sentimental. His story, centered on one man's viewing of his life from the perspective of heaven, is necessarily nostalgic and emotional. As a story I find The Five People You Meet in Heaven compelling. Yet, I do think God lingers too much in the background. I believe in and know a personal God. Albom's God is way too aloof for my taste. His version of heaven perfectly expresses the love of one's neighbor but leaves out the part about loving God with all of one's heart, mind, soul, and strength. Without this perfect love, humanity will always fall and fail at loving one another. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is an impressive fictional debut for a very talented writer. The story is gripping even if it is found lacking in other ways. I give it my recommendation. If you end up liking this book I also highly recommend The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. If you are more adventurous still, other great books in the Literature of Heaven and Hell are: The Bible (I prefer the English Standard Version), The Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer's Odyssey (trans. Robert Fagles), The Aeneid by Virgil (trans Robert Fitzgerald), and Dante's Divine Comedy (trans. John Ciardi). Dive in!
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Summary: Good concept fails to pay off.
Review: When I read the description on the inside of the front cover, I was intrigued. After all, none of us really know what Heaven is like. Is it full of clouds? Do we become angels? Albom presents the idea that we meet five people (connected one way or another to our lives) who help us understand why certain things came to be. Albom puts a fresh spin on familiar territory, but the book becomes too jumpy at times, sometimes leaving the reader with a feeling that pages are missing. A kind-hearted work that is too slow. Recommended for those who have more patience than I do.
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Summary: Makes you think!
Review: This was an overall enjoyable book to read. It makes you realize that no matter how insignificant your life may seem, you do matter! I think it was interesting to see what the author believes heaven will be like. Quick, enjoyable read!
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Summary: Heavenly.....
Review: In this rich little novel, you meet Eddie on his 83rd birthday just before he is about to die. His life is like many others, maybe yours...where he questions "what's it all been about?" Eddie soon finds out when he awakens in his familiar amusement park in the teacup ride only to discover that he is dead and he is meeting with the side show freak that he vaguely remembers from childhood. He informs Eddie that he meets with five people to help him answer his questions about the life he has lived and to learn what he needs to know to move on. At first Eddie is confused, but as he moves from this piece of the afterlife to the next things become clearer and clearer and Eddie realizes that the smallest events can make the biggest difference. Mitch Albom has created a loveable and heartbreaking character in Eddie. We watch as he begins his life with enthusiasm and suppleness of body as a child and young man then witness the gradual deterioration of his body through age and lifes disappointments. You can't help but see yourself in this character because it is the human experience. Life as Eddie finds out is a grand plan without mistakes, without coincidences and that we are connected to our fellow man in a spider web like way that can reach back before we were even born. There is redemption, there is peace and there is a purpose. A very touching and insightful book.
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Summary: A Little Slow
Review: Reading this book was similar to watching a slow movie that had a decent enough ending to make it worth your money and time.
There was nothing flagrantly bad about this book but not one I would recommend. Upon any mystery element to the story, the author was too quick to offer up a perfect explaination leaving you nothing to really look forward to later on. I think the problem was that the book was too short and the one mystery in the book that lingers does not have a powerful enough answer to have made the wait worthwhile.
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Summary: A Feel Good Holiday Quick Read.
Review: Although a good story and a peek into what someone else thinks heaven might be, I found The Traveler's Gift a better more compelling story. They follow the same sort of story lines.
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Summary: After a Loss
Review: My mom passed away less then 3 months ago and it left me with questions about how she was. This book put me at ease and helped a lot with the grieving process. It was awesomely written and kept my interest til the end. I read it in one day. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has lost someone close and to those who take life for granted.
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Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This book is so well written. I read it in one day and find myself thinking about it all the time. It is definitely one of the best books I've read in a long time. I recommend it to everyone, any age.
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Summary: Something to think about...
Review: This story was highly enjoyable, but more so, it was thought provoking. It makes one realize that even what we may view as an ordinary life, might have an extraordinary impact on the lives of others. Very well done and its brevity was a plus. A quick read for a busy Mom.
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Summary: Enlightning
Review: Thought provoking and powerful. This is a wonderful book to read.
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