Five People Book Review

Found on Amazon

Albom takes a big risk with the novel; such a story can easily veer into the saccharine and preachy, and this one does in moments. But, for the most part, Albom's telling remains poignant and is occasionally profound. Even with its flaws, The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a small, pure, and simple book that will find good company on a shelf next to It's A Wonderful Life. --Patrick O'Kelley

In response to this review:

I agree that a story of this nature -- a book about death-- can easily come across as saccharine (overly sentimental) yet Albom keeps this book from doing so. I do find however that I must disagree with Patrick O'Kelly describing this story as poignant. I felt as thought, rather than focusing on the sad part about the fact that Eddie died, Albom was able to depict Eddie's journey through heaven. Additionally I disagree with O'Kelly's description of this book as simple. Although the plot focuses mainly on his journey, it occasionally meanders into a more sophisticated plot about living your life to the fullest (though a little cliched, still the theme of the book).

Overall, I disagree with O'Kelly's views on this book, because I did not perceive this book to be, in any way, poignant or simple; I also would not say there are flaws substantial enough that they need to be addressed in a 4 line summary of the story.

Not So Happy with Independent Reading

Another quarter approaches its end, and I find myself saying the same things I said last quarter: I am not satisfied with my lack of Independent reading. Although I know this quarter (due to the inhuman amounts of swimming I had to do) I would face more challenges finishing my reading, I could not help but hope I would still manage to finish three books. Sadly, I can only say I've finished two (Kite Runner, 5 People you meet in heaven). On the bright side, I do look at the books I've read this quarter and remember how great they were (especially Kite Runner) and I find myself inspired to read more next quarter. With that said, I look forward to independent reading tomorrow where I will begin this challenge by reading Hunger Games by Suzane Collins.

Kite Runner....WOW!

Hands down, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hossieni was by far the greatest book I have read in a long time. Second only to the Harry Potter series I cannot find the right words to describe how perfect of a book this was. The novel kept the reader on the edge of their seat as they cogitate on Amir's different options for dealing with each of the many problems that arose during the book. In addition to boasting one of the greatest stories I've ever read, I also learned a lot of life lessons from The Kite Runner. The first of which, is the most cliched over-taught life lesson, yet I do not think I understood it that well until I read Kite Runner: don't take things for granted. As I learned of Amir's different struggles -- or even worse, Hassan's -- I began to see how even in the most difficult of times the boys made themselves happy with simple pleasures (flying kites, Amir's marriage to Soraya, writing stories) instead of relying on the fancy luxurious lifestyle Baba provided. Additionally I learned how difficult it is to understand a person unless you know them well. For example, Baba, who in America would have been looked down on as the poor immigrant working in a gas station, was hailed as a hero in his country for acts that extend beyond selflessness.

If I haven't made it clear enough as is, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This was one of the greatest books I have ever read.