Hillsboro Public Library to begin new reading group Feb. 18 years ago
Cathy Fish, director of the Hillsboro Public Library, will lead a reading group scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Feb. 18 in the city building to discuss "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." The meeting should last about an hour. No child care will be provided.
"A lot of people have mentioned that they wanted something like this," said Cathy. Rather than relying on the past format, in which a person read a book and gave an oral report to the group, Cathy decided to make some changes this time.
Each member is invited to read a book selection in advance, but it is not required. Cathy will act as monitor and ask questions to promote discussion. Hopefully, people won't be intimidated and will feel free to share their thoughts and feelings concerning the topic.
About 10 copies of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" are available at the library for a one-week checkout period. During the first meeting, other book titles will be chosen for reading. Future meetings will be held the at 9 a.m. the second Friday of each month in the city building.
Cathy stresses that everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. She is planning to continue the group meetings through May, and maybe longer depending upon interest. If anyone has questions, Cathy can be reached at 947-3827.
If you ever question if your life is a valiant success or a frustrating failure, the answer may come from the most unlikely of sources. "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" is a novel written by Mitch Albom which explores powerful issues pertaining to life and the afterlife.
It centers around Eddie, a grizzled war veteran, who feels imprisoned in a meaningless life. The dull routine of fixing rides in a seaside amusement park has changed him from an optimistic youth to a bitter old man, full of loneliness and regret.
Tragically, Eddie dies on his 83rd birthday in an effort to protect a little girl from a falling cart. The last thing he experiences is the feeling of two small hands in his — then nothing.
Eddie is surprised to find that heaven is where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were a part of it and who changed your path forever.
The five people in Eddie's life shed light on some elements he was unable to see before. Only then is he able to make life connections as his story unfolds to a dramatic conclusion.
Mitch Albom is also author of the international bestseller, "Tuesdays with Morrie." In "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," he creates a timeless story full of meaning that will appeal to all.
