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Heaven is such a simple yet complicated idea to describe, but every
individual has a general vision of how it looks and the purpose of such a place:
Garden of Eden to reward the good dead people of earth. Mitch Albom's book,
The Five People You Meet in Heaven presents another definition. It's a
place where the soul arrives to understand the reason behind major events that
happened when one was alive, explained by five people who had a hand in it.
The main character is Eddie, a lonely 83-year-old veteran from
war. A casualty received during the war makes Eddie handicapped, a disability
that reminds him of a haunting memory during one particular battle. Worst of
all, Eddie has landed back in the place he had been trying to get away from:
Ruby Pier. Events throughout the story show a heart-wrenching struggle in
Eddie's life from childhood to old age, the most depressing occasions occur on
his birthday. His wife, parents, brother, friends have all gone, and he is the
only one left. A blue man, taffy, "sundalong," Tala, Crazy Two,
"It's fixed." What does this mean? Will Eddie find peace in heaven or
will it just open the wounds under the bandage?
This book has so much about it to praise that to
say anymore would be absolutely ruinous. The plot is magnificently tied from the
beginning to end; emotions are so easily related from the solid words on the
pages to the reader that by the end, it can be an inspiration. Seriously, one
should read this book for the tears, and when you do, take note to read it
horizontally from your face because your bawling will most definitely stain the
pages to a point where it's soaked if you're reading downward. Especially the
last page, beyond the author's acknowledgments, is a single sheet of paper that
will bring a bittersweet smile upon your face. |
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