The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a novel by Mitch Albom, more than met my expectations. I loved Albom’s excellent Tuesdays with Morrie and hoped this book would be as inspirational. It was.

Eddie, an old, wounded war veteran, is really too old to be the head maintenance man at the Ruby Point Amusement Park. But he’s worked there for years and knows the inner workings of the rides better than anyone. An accident is about to happen with one of the daredevil rides and Eddie rushes to try to fix the problem.

The next thing Eddie knows he is in heaven. While in this surreal place, he meets five people who made important impacts during the different stages of his life. He has lived a long, rather ordinary life, had a difficult childhood, fought in a terrible war, married the love of his life, and was widowed.

In alternating sections, the book flashes back to Eddie’s birthdays, to parties he never wanted which nevertheless marked important moments.

In heaven, as Eddie again sees the five people who impacted his life, new awareness arises. He sees purpose to his life, even in simple mundane things—the accidents he prevented, the rides he kept safe, unnoticed little things he did every day that brought joy to families. Even the tragedy of war is revisited, and the horrific part he was forced to play.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is an inspirational book, poignant with everyday living that adds up to a lifetime of lessons to share. People of all ages would gain insights and hope from this book. It is a story to remember.