Editor Adrian Apreza, '26, reviews Mitch Albom's timeless classic
One of Mitch Albom's most popular works is a story of universality and connection
Life is a scrapbook of moments — some joyous, others painful — but each one shapes us in ways we may never realize.
Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven explores this idea through the journey of the protagonist Eddie, an elderly amusement park maintenance worker whose death creates his understanding of his life’s purpose.
The novel opens with Eddie's routine at Ruby Pier, a job he assumed out of obligation rather than passion. When a tragic accident cuts his long life short, Eddie awakens in the afterlife, where he encounters five individuals who shaped his story in ways he never knew.
Mitch Albom was originally a sports reporter and sports radio host in Detroit before finding success as an award-winning, best-selling author.
Albom masterfully assigns each character a thematic role, but the most resonant is the first person he meets, whose death Eddie inadvertently caused as a child. Their encounter displays the novel's central theme: interconnectedness.
"There are no random acts," the character tells Eddie. "We are all connected."
Through his five guides, Eddie learns that no life is wasted. His final act reveals his true purpose, proving that meaning often reveals itself only in grand scheme.
Albom’s writing style surrounds expressing philosophy with raw emotion. Though short, the novel lingers. Its themes of redemption and legacy leave a positive mark on its readers.
Monsignor Farrell students may be familiar with some of Mitch Albom's other works, including Tuesdays with Morrie and The Time Keeper.
Those who have read Tuesdays with Morrie, a summer reading story for most freshmen at Monsignor Farrell, will recognize Albom’s signature style: gentle wisdom delivered with a side of sharp clarity.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a testament to the idea that our stories don’t end with death—they simply fold into the lives we’ve touched. Overall, this book is a must read as it can be an addictive read but also an opportunity to explore oneself.
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