Monday March 07, 2005

The 5 People You Meet in Heaven

I just finished reading Mitch Albom's book during my lunch break today. After hearing so many people rave about it, I felt the need to check it out. After all, it could have completely changed my view of life and death, right?

I really had such high hopes for this one, but unfortunately I've experienced no such expected transofrmation. I'm usually a big fan of Albom's essays and editorials, but this time around I was left a little dissapointed with his book. Maybe my inner scientist wouldn't allow me to appreciate it... I kept asking myself dumb questions.

Why do the characters always meet five people? Why not three? Or seven? How could everyone universally only need five people to have the purpose of their lives explained to them? And why does the woman in the story want to spend eternity going from wedding to wedding? Oy, such stereotypes!

And on it went.

Although it was certainly a comforting story (perhaps for everyone else), I didn't glean any new insights into the purpose of life or experience any deep emotional breakthroughs. It just gave me something to do on my lunch break while sitting alone in the lab office. Maybe my expectations were a little too high.

Maybe I should stay away from popular books. What to read next?

Comments

Drina, thanks for the warning. This book sounds like a load of, ahem, rectal fertilizer.

I must get to work now. Ciao.

From the Phantom Zone, Monster from the Id

Monster from the Id on March 7, 2005 07:22 PM

I really enjoyed the movie...so in turn that means you wouldn't like it... I did cry A LOT...lol

Your Old Roomie on March 7, 2005 09:08 PM

I was a bookseller when that book came out, and people would ALWAYS ask what it was about. Well, this one day, I explained it, and the lady looked at me and said "is it a true story?"

Ummmm Yeah!

kc on March 7, 2005 09:48 PM

I loved the book, can't say much for the movie. The ending was different from the book and I didn't like it. Anyway, as for what to read next...The Children of Men, by P.D James....almost halfway into it, pretty interesting.

LizU on March 8, 2005 08:46 AM

i just read it this weekend, i too felt disapointed by my lack of change insight and so no but i often experience this with popuolar things. liked it just didn't love it.

rose on May 17, 2005 07:48 AM

i just read it this weekend, i too felt disapointed by my lack of change insight and so no but i often experience this with popuolar things. liked it just didn't love it.

rose on May 17, 2005 07:48 AM