I wouldn’t say I have lots of time but I have been reading. Not reading blogs; not technical articles. I read books.
So anyway, I read this book titled “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom. The book is about this old man named Eddie-something. He worked in an amusement park called Ruby Pier probably most of his life. He doesn’t like it. And in the beginning of the book, Eddie’s life ended. Tragically in the amusement park.
It is ironical that a book actually begins with the death of the main character. Perhaps death isn’t the end after all. The book tells of Eddie’s meeting with 5 people in heaven. Well, technically speaking, they’re no longer people, more like spirits, souls, whatever you would address them.
Each of the 5 people has a tale to tell. After which, a lesson is delivered to Eddie who pretty much is still upset with the fact that he is stuck in the bloody amusement park half his life – trapped there, he feels. Eddie slowly learnt and understood the purpose of his life.
The writing is simple. It’s a good read. It is not thick and people who know me well know that I don’t like thick books because I read too slowly. Albom (also the author of “Tuesdays with Morrie”) spurn a tale that delivers well as a in-the-bus read. It speaks of priorities of life. It makes me with like re-allocating my priorities at some moment.
Unfortunately, there are parts of the book that well… doesn’t quite get me convinced. Certain portions does get kind of boring, considering the usual fast pace story telling in Albom’s book. I actually enjoyed the way the story is arranged even though it would be labeled messy to some. It seems to be like watching a movie where scenes would switch often, too often. And since I haven’t read much books anyway, I considered that to be rather unique.
I would say “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” is a book worth reading despite some minor flaws in my opinion. You can grab the book at your favorite bookstore, they should sell it; and if they don’t, they should start selling it. Read it in a bus or toilet, wherever you want. One of the reasons that I don’t read novels is because I get easily distracted; Albom managed to keep me entertained in all my bus rides.
Possibly related:
[...] The only books I read are computers and magazines (all sorts except fashion). Today, I still pretty much remain the way I am. I changed a little, I read novels. Short ones. Short ones. I still can’t stand long novels. I read ‘Five People You Meet in Heaven’ which is rather short. It’s just next for me and it’s not boring at all! [...]
by //beconfused » Blog Archive » reading//books (Dec 26, 2006 at 3 AM)