New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom marked 23 years since the publication of his first novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, reflecting on the book’s journey and the inspiration behind its story.
Mitch took to Facebook to commemorate the anniversary and express his gratitude to the millions of readers who have embraced the novel over the years.
“23 years ago, on this 23rd day of September, my very first novel was published,” he wrote.
He said that it took him six years to publish the novel following the success of his 1997 book Tuesdays with Morrie, adding that readers had expected him to write a follow-up to the memoir, but he had a different story he wanted to tell.
“Everyone had wanted me to write Wednesdays with Morrie next. I had a different idea I wanted to explore: All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time,” he added.
Among the photos he shared were pictures of the book as well as his uncle, Eddie, who served as one of the inspirations for the novel.
“It was also inspired, in part, by my real Uncle Eddie, whom I wish could know in his lifetime that he was a ‘somebody.’ He was that to me,” he ended.
The anniversary post also prompted readers to share how the novel influenced their own perspectives on life.
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a book that changed my thinking. It came at a time when I was really questioning spirituality,” one reader wrote.
“This is one of the only books that I can read over and over again and gain something new from every time I read it,” another added.
The novel has also found fans among Filipino celebrities. In a past interview, Miss Behave star Rans Rifol named The Five People You Meet in Heaven as her all-time favorite book.
It's Showtime host Anne Curtis has also expressed her appreciation for Mitch's work, sharing in 2014 that she had finished reading his novel The First Phone Call From Heaven.
According to Mitch's official website, The Five People You Meet in Heaven follows "a story about a man named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun. It might seem strange to start a story with an ending. But all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time."
"It is a tale of a life on earth. It’s a tale of life beyond it. It’s a fable about love, a warning about war, and a nod of the cap to the real people of this world, the ones who never get their name in lights," it added.
Since its publication, The Five People You Meet in Heaven has sold over 14 million copies in 38 territories globally and has been translated into 35 languages, including Chinese, Bulgarian, Croatian, and more.
Apart from The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch is also known for writing Tuesdays with Morrie, which was published in 1997.
Because of the overwhelming response from readers to the book, Tuesdays with Morrie"\ was adapted by Oprah Winfrey into an Emmy-winning TV movie. It was also adapted into a stage play and has been published in 45 languages.
Back in February 2020, Mitch was supposed to have a book signing event at SM Megamall and Alabang Town Center. However, organizers of the event announced that the activities would be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He first visited the Philippines in 2014, when he also held a book tour in the country. During his time in the Philippines, Mitch also donated boats to fishermen who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda.