Reviewed by Lily Bond
In a recent book review, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom was presented in a positive light and rightly so. But be forewarned about a parody titled The Five People You Meet in Hell. By an author pen-named Rich Pablum, this book (2005, Atria Books, 144 pages) clearly rides on the coat-tails of Albom’s success.
The Five People You Meet in Hell is touted as “Not the Number One New York Times Bestseller” and as an “unauthorised” parody. A credit given on the back cover by McCoy Hatfield, author of The Philistine Prophecy, says, “This book will make you think, mostly ‘When will this thing end already?’ ” That sums it up perfectly.
Albom’s main character is named Eddie. Pablum calls his protagonist Edgy, and it’s all downhill from there!
In this badly told tale, the attempted humor stays woefully weak. The ending will have Canadians squirming in their seats. Unfortunately, a movie of the story may be shot in Canada.
The book reached me as a gift from a young friend who obviously had no real idea what she had bought for me.
Don’t be tempted to waste money or time on the parody. Instead, get your money’s worth by choosing Mitch Albom’s other bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie.
(November 14, 2006)
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