Friday 6 April 2012

F is for The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Five People... on Goodreads
The Five People You Meet In Heaven is on my list of books I wish I'd written. I only read it last year - I bought it on the strength of the title. So I guess what I learnt from this book is that titles really matter.

I'm quite proud of my titles. When a story appears in my head it's fully formed, including the title, character names, beginning and last lines - the trouble comes when I try to write it all down! Recent titles I've been particularly proud of are:
  • Our Beautiful Child
  • The Guitar at the End of the World
  • My Mother's Mother's Mother
None of the above are published yet, so no need to go in search of them!

The premise of this book is wonderfully comforting - in Heaven you meet the five people who have affected your life. It may be your husband or wife, or it might be that person you met just once in a shop who handed back the wallet you'd dropped. You meet the people who have contributed to your life.

Isn't that the most beautiful thought?

One day I'd like to write a book that someone considers so wonderful they want to own it, and love it, and never let it out of their sight.

55 comments:

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    1. I just felt so happy when I finished ready it, all warm and fuzzy like I'd just had a really nice hug.

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  2. What an amazing concept! Sounds like a great book!

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    1. It really is, although on Goodreads the reaction is very mixed - you either love it or hate it, apparently.

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  3. You're right - despite what we are told to do, it's hard not to judge a book by it's cover (and title!). But that book *does* sound fantastic.

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    1. I think it's part of the whole package. It's what people see first, it needs to look and sound good.

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  4. Lovely book.
    --Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

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  5. I think you're right, a good title can sell a book.

    new follower,
    mood
    Moody Writing
    @mooderino
    The Funnily Enough

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  6. That sounds like a great book. I also like your title Guitar at the end of the world! I hate trying to come up with titles. It's the hardest part for me.

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    1. The Guitar story was written for Hubby. I realised that I used people I've known as inspiration, and the only story I'd put him in until then, he was conspiring to kill his wife - not very flatteringly, either.

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  7. Those are some great titles. I like "My Mother's Mother's Mother" the most. So catchy! The book you featured today sounds very touching:)

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    1. Thanks Marta - that story is my feminist story (well, feminist only because it mentions a suffragette in it).

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  8. I've been wanting to read this. I loved his Tuesdays with Morrie. So moving.

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    1. I've never read that - this book is the first I'd heard of him. I'll have to give it a go.

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  9. Read it about two years ago - your blog had=s reminded me to read it again.

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    1. I've read it about three times so far, it's just so lovely.

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  10. I have to admit that I've never even been slightly interested in reading this book. I like "the Guitar at the End of the World" and "My Mother's Mother's Mother" as titles, though.

    Stopping in from A to Z.
    Erin

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    1. Thanks Erin. Like I said in an earlier reply, it seems you either love it or hate it. The Goodreads reviews are quite funny from that respect!

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  11. "One day I'd like to write a book that someone considers so wonderful they want to own it, and love it, and never let it out of their sight." That's exactly the kind of thing I want to do, too! :)

    For some reason, I struggle with titles.

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    1. It would be something special to write a story like that, wouldn't it?

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  12. I also have a "secret title" of a book I hope to write at some point in my life. I love reading Mitch Albom's stories too - Tuesdays with Morrie inspired me to make some important changes in my life.

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    1. Not read Tuesdays with Morrie, but you're the second person to mention it, so I'm definitely going to give it a go.

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  13. I hope that one day you will write that book. Good luck!

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  14. I'll check that book out - I love books that feel like a hug :-)

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    1. They're missing a trick by not having that section in Waterstones :-)

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  15. That sounds like a really great book, gona pop it on my list :)

    Universal Gibberish

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    1. My aim is to get your TBR list overflowing by Z :-)

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  16. Hey Annalisa, your second title reminded me of Adams' 'The Restaurant at the end of the Universe.' I've been clicking on blogs off the mammoth list of A - Zers based on the title so, yeah, it definitely matters.

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    1. Yes it does sounds like Adams' title... although less so if I'd got the title right!!! The story is actually called The Guitar at the CENTRE of the World... how embarrassing!!

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  17. Haven't ever read that book.
    And I like the title of the second book! Although now Adams' Hitchhiker series is in my head. Thanks, Suze.

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  18. I want someone to want my books like that too, besides my children and sisters that is.

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    1. Lol, yes kids and sisters are great, but other people would be great too! Actually, I'm not sure my sister's read my novella... Hmm...

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  19. Isn't it wonderful when we come across a book that calls to us like this one has to you. I wish you great success in getting a book of yours written so we might do just that...own it and love it too.

    Wonderful "F" post.

    Jenny @ Pearson Report
    Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

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    1. Thanks Jenny - my novella is published and available, see the top of the left hand column :-) I just don't think I've written anything that's quite so essential yet!

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  20. It is indeed a very good book.

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  21. a great F post...I love this book and I so agree; one day I too want to write a book that everyone cherishes and wants to read over and over again. This is one of those books as is Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain. I read your comment on Lee's blog about focus regarding that you're working so hard on selling your published book you haven't had time to write. I published in Oct. and never realized the energy needed to market and sell so I feel the same pinch. So blogging is the extend of my writing right now!
    It was nice meeting you...

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    1. Hi Tracy. Thanks for your comments. I'll be checking out Garth Stein - not heard of him or that book.

      Re marketing - I guess it has to take precedence at certain times, otherwise you'd have lots of books and no sales. Seeing blogging as part of your writing is a good way to look at it.

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  22. I know what you mean about a book that you read and finish and want to start over again. Mitch A. did a lovely job and makes one think. Neat post. I'm enjoying A to Z and look forward to more from you.

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  23. That is a very neat thought. I definitely want to be at that place as a writer someday, for someone to want to keep my book and tell someone else they enjoyed it.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z

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    1. I love to re-read books, so I think that's where this wish comes from. I know of people who will only read books once, but you get so much more out of them when you read them a second or third time (or annually, as I do with a couple of books)!

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  24. That's a great title. I must read it some day. I enjoyed Mitch's first book Tuesdays With Morrie, including the movie.
    I like your title The Guitar At The End Of The World.

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    1. I must get my hands on Tuesdays with Morrie - you're the third person to mention it.

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  25. Now I have to go find this book and add it to my endless list :-)

    I'm envious at your title talents :-)

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    1. I'm struggling with my current WIP. I changed the story after I thought of the title and now it doesn't fit at all, and I can't think of anything else!

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  26. I bought and read the book after seeing the TV movie which I really enjoyed. I was especially thrilled that juggling played such an important part of the story.


    Lee
    A Few Words
    An A to Z Co-host blog

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    1. It was televised! Ooh, I wonder if I could track that down, with the wonder that is the internet? I assume you juggle then, Lee?

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  27. That's my hope for my books as well. I love Mitch Albom's writing. He's such a clever and thoughtful writer, I really enjoy all of his books.

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    1. This book is the only one I've read so far, but determined to read others now. Several people recommended Tuesdays With Morrie.

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