The Five People You Meet In Heaven

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a novel by best-selling writer Mitch Albom. Published in 2003, it sold more than 10 million copies and appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. In 2004, the story was adapted into a made-for-television movie starring Jon Voight. In 2018, Albom penned a follow-up called The Next Person You Meet in Heaven. The novel follows the story of Eddie, a man who believes his life was unfulfilling until his death brings him answers to the key events in his life that shaped the man he became. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a fantasy novel that attempts to answer the basic questions as to the meaning of life.

This guide refers to the 2018 Hachette Book Group, Inc e-book.

Plot Summary

It is Eddie’s 83rd birthday. Eddie works as the head of maintenance at Ruby Pier, an amusement park by the ocean, where it is his responsibility to make sure the rides run safely. Midway through his day, Eddie is drawn to Freddy’s Free Fall where one of the cars has come off the track at the top of the free fall tower.