This article is an excerpt from the Shortform summary of "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom. Shortform has the world's best summaries of books you should be reading.
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Are you looking for The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions? What themes can you explore with discussion questions?
These Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions explore themes like love, sacrifice, and purpose. You can use these The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions in book clubs, in a classroom, or when considering the book on your own.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven Discussion Questions
Eddie’s journey in the afterlife consists of reflection and lessons, and there are many The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions you can consider based on your own life and reflections. These The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions cover major themes in the book you can explore.
Discussion Questions on Sacrifice
The Captain teaches Eddie that we should be proud of our sacrifices. Reflect on your own sacrifices and how they’ve helped others or improved your life.
Think of a time when you had to make a difficult sacrifice. What did you feel you were giving up or losing?
Looking back, what silver linings came out of that situation? Did you gain anything as a result of your sacrifice?
Is there something or someone in your life that you would be willing to sacrifice a lot for? What or who makes you feel that way?
Discussion Questions on Releasing Misplaced Anger
In these The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions, consider misplaced anger. Ruby teaches Eddie that his anger with his father has been acting as a poison against him. Consider what anger or resentment you could release from your life.
Think of a time when you blamed someone else for something that went wrong in your life. How did your anger or resentment toward that person change your attitude toward your own life?
Write a short letter of forgiveness to that person, and try to release any grudge you might still hold toward them.
Discussion Questions on Lost Love
Marguerite teaches Eddie that love does not have to end when life does. Rather, our love for those we’ve lost is still alive within us. Consider love and loss in these The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions.
Remember someone you have loved and lost—any friend, family member, or romantic partner. What were some of the things you loved most about them?
How can you continue to keep that person’s love alive and strong within you? What memories will you hold onto when you need to remember and feel their love?
Discussion Questions on Finding Purpose in the Mundane
Throughout The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Eddie expresses many times that he feels he was meant for something other than Ruby Pier maintenance. He wanted his life to have purpose. Think about how you can add more purpose into the mundane tasks in your life when talking about these The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions.
What are some tasks in your life that you know you have to do but can’t find fulfillment in?
If you were to stop performing those tasks, what would the negative consequences be?
How are others around you positively affected when you perform your task well?
Write a reminder to say to yourself next time you’re frustrated with this task. Include the positive effects on those around you and the reasons why you shouldn’t neglect it.
Discussion Questions on Communication in Relationships
These The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions review communication. Eddie struggles to communicate with his loved ones. For example, he and his father were never able to tell each other their true feelings. He was never able to tell Marguerite the truth about the war and how it affected him. Eddie’s lack of communication had effects on his personal relationships. Reflect on how you communicate within your relationships.
Think of a difficult truth that you have struggled to tell a loved one in your life. Why were you hesitant to communicate honestly with that person?
If you did eventually tell that person the truth, how did it feel to be open? If you were not able to tell that person the truth, how did it feel to keep it inside?
What is something that you want to communicate to someone in your life right now but are afraid to? What do you have to gain by being honest?
These The Five People You Meet in Heaven discussion questions revolve around major themes of the book. You can consider things like love, sacrifice, and human connection.
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Like what you just read? Read the rest of the world's best summary of Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" at Shortform .
Here's what you'll find in our full The Five People You Meet In Heaven summary :
- Who the Five People Eddie meets in heaven are
- What each person teaches Eddie about the meaning of his own life
- Why Eddie finally feels gratitude and closure at the end of his life
