When I first started reading this book I hated it. The writing turned me off- Albom was first a journalist, and it shows in his writing. I felt like I was reading the work of a novist writer trying too hard to impress readers by using every cliche in the book.

I made it through the fist few chapters and soon I forgot about the style as I fell into the story. The story is great because everyone can relate to Eddie. Even though at first I was annoyed by his character, eventually I could see my own fears in him. Everyone thinks at some point in their life- “what if my life means nothing? I haven’t done anything great in my life… etc.” I must admit that I was so engrossed in the plot that by the time I got to the fourth person he met I was sobbing. yes, i know, i become far to attached to characters in books.

Overall I think that the book is not so good technically and stylistically (meaning serious readers or writers might not like it because its not exactly “quality” writing). BUT, if you can get over that (or if you don’t care about that) then the story is a great read and makes you feel warm and fuzzy and alive.

Eddie believed that he lived a “nothing” life-gone nowhere he “wasn’t shipped to with a rifle,” doing work that “required no more brains than washing a dish.” On his 83rd birthday, however, Eddie dies trying to save a little girl. He wakes up in heaven, where a succession of five people are waiting to show him the true meaning and value of his life. -Publishers Weekly

Entry Filed under: 3.5 stars, books
June 18th, 2005