The Five People You Meet in Heaven

By: Mitch Albom

Narrated by: Mitch Albom

Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Eddie is a grizzled war veteran who feels trapped in a meaningless life of fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. His days are a dull routine of work, loneliness, and regret.

Then, on his 83rd birthday, Eddie dies in a tragic accident, trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever.

One by one, Eddie's five people illuminate the unseen connections of his earthly life. As the story builds to its stunning conclusion, Eddie desperately seeks redemption in the still-unknown last act of his life: Was it a heroic success or a devastating failure? The answer, which comes from the most unlikely of sources, is as inspirational as a glimpse of heaven itself.

In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom gives us an astoundingly original story that will change everything you�ve ever thought about the afterlife � and the meaning of our lives here on earth. With a timeless tale, appealing to all, this is a book that readers of fine fiction will treasure.

©2003 Mitch Albom, Inc. All rights reserved (P)2003 Hyperion

Critic reviews

"Mitch Albom lifts us to a new level. You'll find here echoes of the classics � The Odyssey, for one � and that puts Albom's book in the best of company." (Frank McCourt)
"This is the fable you will devour when you fall in love. This is the tale you will keep by your side when you are lost. This is the story you will turn to again and again, because it possesses the rare magic to let you see yourself and the world anew. This book is a gift to the soul." (Amy Tan)

Enjoyable

Very enjoyable story and the narrator did a great job. I didnt know what to expect but I was drawn in as the story progressed

I liked “Tuesdays with Morrie” better

I’m familiar with some of Albom’s work, which is why I picked this one up. I’ve watched him on “The Sports Reporters,” and I’ve previously read “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Thus, I know he writes fairly touching books with deep and important messages.

I really enjoyed “Tuesdays,” so I figured I’d like this one just as much. In the end, I can’t exactly say that was the case. Though I thought it was okay, it just didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as “Tuesdays” did. With this one being a fictional piece, I thought it would’ve had even stronger characters and a really compelling plot.

Sure, there were some good lessons and takeaways, but they just didn’t quite hit me like those from “Tuesdays.” Though it’s definitely not a bad book, it’s also not one I’d likely revisit. I would revisit “Tuesdays,” however — I really liked that one. Hopefully, there will be more ones like it from Albom in the future.

-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head”

A book that teaches and inspires

I love that the book was magnificent in taking the reader from stirring emotions to calming emotions and back again all while teaching a healthy dose of practical and life affirming messages. Thank You!

A book everyone should read

This was a wonderful book. The story line is very moving and a great reminder of how we touch other people's lives without knowing it. I highly recommend this book!

very enlightening

great story with meaning. voices are well done storyline hooks you and keeps you interested. the end was a surprise very much enjoyed.

Wanted to like

I wanted to like this book as the title had so many opportunities…..unfortunately the characters were strange and there was really no five lessons learned . Author could have developed characters in more detail. Will be asking for my credit back.

Amazing read

Recommended thus for our book club.loved this book, definitely resonated and was inclined with how I like to believe our lives are.
I have recommended and shared with so many friends.

Great listen!

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The author narrated the book and did a great job with the characters.

The best book I’ve heard in a long time

My new favorite book. The best book I’ve heard or read in a long time

AMAZING

Although it did make me cry, it was one of the best books I’ve ever read. I think this book was amazing. The amazing descriptions in the book are absolutely stunning.