Rating: 
Summary: Makes you think
Review: This is a quick , easy-to-read book that makes you pause and think about the effects our actions have on another and the life-changing impact of little things we may not remember or think inconsequential. I liked it and thought about it for days after.
Rating: 
Summary: Sez who?
Review: This book struck me as a lame combination of A Christmas Carol and The Lovely Bones. At one point, Eddie asks, "How much longer is this going to go on?" And I felt exactly the same way. Albom asks us to swallow a lot of malarkey in this book. A Blue Man who changes color before Eddie's eyes? People flying around and disappearing in great whooshes of air and color? I did find the chapter about Eddie meeting his abusive father who can't hear or see him interesting, but it was too much like Jimmy Stewart in "It's A Wonderful Life". Well, it's a stinky book.
Rating: 
Summary: Dissapointed
Review: The latest offering by Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, is dissapointing, at best. I happen to enjoy listening to and reading Albom when he is in his best element, and that is sports. He is a fish out of water, to use a tired, old cliche, when it comes to this non-sports related fictional attempt.The story is trite and highly predictable. I won't spoil the ending for anyone who has not yet read the book, but several of the five people the main character meets in Heaven, are predictable, as well as his reaction to them. The book left me empty. My advise: For Albom, please stick to sports, and for the potential reader of the book, skip this one. Better luck next time Albom.
Rating:
Summary: Not my idea of heaven
Review: I had hoped this book would tell of how ordinary people make a difference to others in positive ways that they may never know about until they die. So I was surprised to see that the majority of the book is NOT positive - it seems like Eddie has had just as much (or more) negative influence as positive on the majority of the five people he meets. I also found it odd that he could experience so much physical discomfort in heaven. While I agree with the idea of a life review once you reach the Other Side, I sure hope it is nothing like this ! Eddie is a sympathetic character, and the author is a good writer, but overall, this book did not inspire me.
Rating: 
Summary: Profound
Review: Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" takes no time to read, but stays with you forever. It is a view of life after it has ended. Eighty-three year old Eddie (head mechanic at an amusement part) is killed in a park accident---his final act, his attempt to save a young girl. He seeks validation for his life from the five people he meets by asking if he succeeded in rescuing her. Eddie learns that one's life is not substantiated by any one act, but by all one has done---and how each life affects so many others. We get Eddie's life story in flashback form. And, it turns out to be both full and meaningful. A book like this could become sickenly sweet and gag you----however Mitch Albom makes it passionate, touching, heartfelt and profound.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This is a wonderful book about how a seemingly simple life affects so many others. Whether you are looking for a interesting read for a rainy day, or searching for meaning in life, you are sure to enjoy this wonderful book. And if you like this book, pick up "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom as well.
Rating:
Summary: Arrogance
Review: Growing up in the Detroit area, you would be hard pressed to not know Mitch Albom. Mitch has brought a great deal of joy to many peoples lives over the age of 70. From his radio show, columns in the Detroit Free Press, to Tuesday's with Morrie Mitch one word can sum up Mitch...Arrogance. Whether it is the controversy involving his dealings with the University of Michigan's basketball team, or a stern lecture about what is right on his horrible radio show, Mitch knows it all. Just ask him he will tell it like it is. This book is no exception. Mitch's style of writing is similar to something you would expect from a first time author. Very basic and lacking in creativity. Do yourself a favor avoid Mitch at all costs. Those that come contact with his radio show, columns or books usually become incensed with rage. That is unless you are a putz like him.
Rating:
Summary: Direct, honest story about an ordinary man
Review: While I read "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" I was struck by a rather pleasant resemblance to Jonathon "Livingstone Seagull" (showing my age here, aren't I) and "All I Ever Needed to Know I learned in Kindergarten." Each of these books has the I-knew-this-already-but-this-author-sure-says-it-better-than-I-could factor. In this case, what I knew already and Albom says better is that all lives are interconnected - a twenty-first century variation on "no man is an island." Albom starts with the death of a very ordinary person, 83-year-old Eddie who is the head maintenance man at a place called Ruby Point Amusement Park. From the first lines, we know that Eddie is going to die - soon. Albom tells us that. But, it's what happens next that is important, what happens to Eddie when he gets to heaven. There, he starts his journey to reconciliation and peace. To do that, he meets five people, who are in various stages of their own journeys. Each of the five had passed through Eddie's life, changing it, or being changed by it. It is a wonderfully told story, simple direct and very honest. Albom treads carefully between inspiration and sentimentality. He intersperses Eddie's experiences in heaven with vignettes from his life. Rather like the little pieces of a picture puzzle, all of these bits of information eventually come together in a portrait of Eddie, an ordinary man who never realized what effect he was having on those who crossed his path. This is a quick read, possibly in one sitting, but extremely enjoyable - a good gift item for those friends who like a bit of contemplative reading.
Rating:
Summary: I Loved This Book!
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I have never read a book that made me feel so many things so intensly. Each of the five people introduced brought another layer to the story and to this man's life. I would highly recommend this book. In fact, I already have. I want every one I know to read this book just so I can talk about it. It has truly changed the way I see the world.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This is an amazing book, both prolific, part melodramatic...but extrememly well written. In the last few days I have read several awesomely written books. This one, Nightmares Echo and Secret Life of Bees.
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