I’ve been a fan of Mitch Albom since I was in high school, especially after For One More Day (which is also my boyfriend’s favorite book, so I could never forget it). I know how his writing would always play on the heartstrings, allowing readers to feel moved by his characters. This one is no exception.
I read The Next Person You Meet in Heaven at the beginning of 2020, but until now, even over a year after, I can still feel the sadness when I first read the story. I didn’t expect sadness (out of all the emotions I felt while reading) to linger, but I guess it’s the magic of Mitch Albom. He just knows to tap where you’re most human — the heart.
To be honest, I was at a disbelief and was also a bit mad when I finally realized the story could not end the way I want it to. That what was inevitable will happen, and that’s how it should be. (Duh, dear self, what were you expecting?! The title alone is a clue!) But a sad story is never only sad. There’s always something to learn and to realize.
For what it’s worth, the book showed me the meaning of being selfless, of sacrifice, and of love. That whatever you’re going through, there’s always something to be grateful for — however difficult it is to see the silver lining in every situation, especially the really bad ones. That if we really think about it: endings can also be beginnings.
I give this book 3.5 stars. If you are a fan of Mitch Albom and are enamored by his writing style and other novels (as in my case), then you’ll find this read equally heartfelt and moving. I also share with you below a quote from the book, one of my important takeaways.
“No act done for someone else is ever wasted.”
Mitch Albom, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
Oh, a side note. This book is the sequel to another one of his best-selling books, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I suggest you read that one first before proceeding with this one.
- Title: The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
- Author: Mitch Albom
- Year published: 2019
- Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
- Total number of pages: 224
- ISBN-13: 978-0-062-94813-7
- Purchased from: National Book Store (Cash & Carry)
- Purchase price: Php 380.00
***
