The Five People You Meet In Heaven, written by Mitch Albom, takes place at an old amusement park called Ruby Pier, where maintenance man Eddie dies in a freak accident on his birthday. After his death, Eddie must face the five people who had a major impact on his life. Through a series of flashbacks, Eddie and the reader gain an understanding of how choices and actions, no matter how small, can affect those around you. Regardless of the bond you shared, be it vast or absolutely minute. Eddie’s conversations with his five people are both joyous and heartbreaking and lead to an unexpectedly fantastic, conclusive ending.

Although a short read, this story contains great details that enable the reader to picture every scene and easily track the rapidly changing locations. Mitch Albom has done a wonderful job at creating a story that doesn’t cater to one group. Despite the implication in the title, Albom does not mention religion of any sort during the course of the story and leaves room for the reader to interpret what life lessons Eddie learns. This book will both frustrate and comfort the reader while making them think deeper about their own lives and the people who touch it.