Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Finish the book before reading on.
- In The Five People You Meet in Heaven it says "all endings are also beginnings." What does this mean? How has it been true in your life? Is this comforting, sad--what emotions does this idea arouse in you?
- Throughout the novel, we learn about Eddie by hearing about various birthdays. What do these birthdays teach us about him? What do they add to the story? Why did Albom choose birthdays for this purpose?
- What affect did counting down the final minutes of Eddie's life have on you?
- Eddie said he spent his life trying to get away from Ruby Pier, yet he ends up back there after death. What significance did Ruby Pier hold for him?
- Who are the five people he meets in heaven? What is the significance of each?
- The five people are not necessarily who Eddie would have expected to meet. What might Albom be saying about the way our lives touch other lives and what is significant?
- What is your reaction to the Blue Man's story?
- The old woman tells Eddie, "you have peace when you make it with yourself." Do you believe this is true?
- Who are the five people you think would meet you in heaven? Who might you meet in heaven after they die? Would any be surprised to see you (ie, has anyone had a significant impact on your life that may not know it)?
- Rate The Five People You Meet in Heaven on a scale of 1 to 5.
