The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Nicholas LaRocco

Death

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:53:39 UTC

For this section of the book the first couple of pages were the build up to this moment, Eddie's death. While the readers were unaware that he would act to save the little girls life, it was a added benefit that brought meaning to his death. In the paragraph highlighted the details involving Eddie's death are used to highlight how Eddie felt, and how he saw the world in that moment. The last three lines which include touch, sight, and nothingness are perfect to conclude Eddie's life as it brings awareness to how it all happens in one moment then ends the next.

Freedom

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:53:47 UTC

For Eddie who has lived the rest of his life after the war as a grumpy, injured, old man, was finally able to experience the joys of being a child. After his arrival in Heaven Eddie felt all his pains, fears, and other negative sensations to have been alleviated, and that what once felt like impossible, became possible. This paragraph highlights the idea that while men may grow up and become responsible, they still long for the opportunity to live as a child even if it is for a short while.

Sorrow

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:53:53 UTC

This section of the story highlights the life of the blue man who acted as Eddie's first person. When being explained the blue man's life we are brought to how he became blue and how his life led to being tangled with Eddies. This paragraph describes the reality of the man and that because of a mishab by the doctor, he would live the rest of his tolerating insults from others, and even appreciating being told he is the best of the worst. This envokes a sense of sadness in the reader as it is told through emotion envoking words.

A New Perspective

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:53:58 UTC

This section of the story highlights on the lesson that the blue man is supposed to teach Eddie. After the blue man describes what led to Eddie "killing" him, the blue man explains how it wasn't Eddie's fault and that in fact he was proud that it was him rather than Eddie who died. During this paragraph the blue man also leaves Eddie and the reader with a lasting impression by the words he speaks. Hearing that strangers are just family you don't know really strengthens this scene and makes it's impact greater.

Feeble Bonds

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:11 UTC

On this section of the book Eddie had already met his Captain who wished to catch up on the times they missed. This paragraph describes how War treated it's men and that even if they were good friends during the war, that could quickly change after it ends. The Captain had asked Eddie what came of the mens relationships with each other, and if after the war ended if everyone kept in touch. Sadly this wasn't the case and it was explained that they kept away as they never wanted to remember the war. This is significant to the story because the war was such a monumental experience in Eddie's life and the good friends he made during the time had moved on and wished to not remember it. This leads to the lonely life of Eddie on the pier.

Life or Death Struggle

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:16 UTC

This section comes after Eddie and the men were captured, tortured, and witnessed their friend Robazzo die. In an effort to escape Eddie juggled to distract the captors, and soon pounced, and killed each and everyone of them. In a fit of rage Eddie and Smitty brutally killed the "Second Crazy" who killed their friend. This is significant because it allows the reader to see how good of friend the group of men were and that Eddie who is usually calm and collected, had quickly changed in the face of revenge. It also means to prove how deep Eddie holds bonds with others and that eh would do anything for them.

The Unexpected

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:19 UTC

In this section of the book, the Captain was explaining how each man had a different idea of hope and ideals. Eddie had lached on to an idea of a kid, who resemebled his counsin, running into a burning building and with all intention to save him, Eddie would be stopped by his friends. In an effort to stay true to his word, the Captain, shot Eddie in the leg who attempted to run into a bringing building to save a non existent person. This is important to the story because it changes the perspective the reader has on the Captain, who not long before seemed like a decent man who vowed to protect the men. This segment also introduced the idea that everyone has a different perspective on what is important or not.

Long Lasting Advice

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:23 UTC

This section of the book introduced a new perspective for one to look at and ponder about. While it isn't the lesson conveyed to Eddie, it is an important factor to consider. Eddie who always questioned his past mistakes, was told to let go and focus on whats infront of him. While Eddie could not do this, he was able to learn that he could review his past and make sense of what he did. This is important to the story as throughout it Eddie has been hung up on the past and whether something went as he wanted, or whether something went completely different. This paragraph aimed to change Eddie's way of thinking and allow him to move on and find peace in his Heaven.

Through it all

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:31 UTC

This segment of the story shows how Eddie feels about parent and child relationships. Eddie believes that in some way children are damaged by their parents and that it was apart of life and growing up. Though even though the damage was done and impacted him in many ways, Eddie still saught to talk to or meet his father again even if they were both dead. It also shows how much a child looks up to, and respects their father even after many hard comings. This is important to the story because it means Eddie still showed sympathy towards his father and still wished to love him and talk to him.

Connections

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:33 UTC

This section of the story connects back to the first lesson that Eddie had learned, that everyone is connected. Ruby, the figure head of the peir, had never in a true sense met Eddie though his Heaven still involved her. Ruby describes how everything that occured in his life stemmed from her actions, without her nothing would be the same for him. This is important to the story as it serves to connect everything back to the first lesson and how while Eddie may feel it isn't important. This also serves to prove how every action has a consequence whether negative or positive, as the pier brought joy to many but also suffering to Eddie's family.

Last Resort

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:36 UTC

This section of the story describes Eddie's father's last moments and what was hidden from Eddie until his death. While his father was mad that Eddie raised a hand to him, he still called out to him on his death bed. This shows how even if it didn't seem like it, his father had loved him and wished to make peace. This is important to the story as it proves his fathers love who to Eddie seemed non existent and even unreal. This also proves that Eddie had no real reason to be angry at his father, because he still tryed to make amends even if it was at the end of his life.

Forgiveness

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:39 UTC

This portion of the story aims to point out the third lesson of the story, which is to forgive. Eddie was hung up on the idea that his father commited atrocities to him that should never be forgiven even after death, but Ruby intended for Eddie to move on. Ruby tells Eddie that in Heaven anger does not exisit and to live in harmony in Heaven you must let go of your anger towards others and yourself. Ruby also describes that you must reflect on why you were angry in the first place but in the end you must forgive. This is important to the story because Eddie has been angry with his father since birth and has never forgave him even once. This built up in Eddie as he still lvoed his father, and to overcome his hatred would open up the path to his Heaven.

Meaningfull Reunion

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:45 UTC

This section of the story is meant to finally make the long awaited connection between Eddie and his long since passed wife. Eddie has felt alone since her passing many years ago and was always trying to find ways to cope and to see his breakdown in real time as he gets his reunion I heartwarming. During this scene Eddie is shown basically having a breakdown when he sees her face and realises who his fourth person is. This is important to the story as it shows the steel hearted Eddie finally get to see his passed wife after years apart. Eddie's reaction to her appearance is also important as it lets the reader see how much he cherishes Marguerite even after death. This is also important as it introduces the fourth person and makes the reader curious on what lesson he would learn.

What is Important

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:48 UTC

This section of the story does not occur in Eddie's heaven but rather his apartment in real time. Eddie's apartment was visited by Dominguez and a lawyer in search of his belongings. Though what they find in his valuable's safe was surprising to say the least, rather than money and monetary belongings, they found items that held memories for Eddie nothing more. This is important as it shows how much Eddie cherished everything he did in life, and how his experiences were more important than money. An item in this box plays a key role in the fourth person and lesson, the item being the bowtie and Chinese restaurant menue, which both connect back to Marguerite and Eddies wedding and proposal.

To Repent

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:51 UTC

In this section of the story, Eddie is seen mourining the death of a little girl who was identified to have died by the fire he caused. During that day in the military that he escaped, Eddie believes he saw figure of a little girl, and before being able to act on it he was taken away and forced to ignore it. This figure happened to be a little girl by the name of Tala, who died at a very young age yet still cherished and forgave Eddie. This is important to the story as it is the introduction of the fourth person that Eddie meets in heaven, it is also the moment of his realization. This is also important to the story as Eddie weeps over her death and apologies over the fact that he was responsible for his death, yet through this all Tala does not hate him nor react.

Rebirth

laroccon — 2024-05-08 13:54:54 UTC

In this section of the story, Eddie asks a simply question, did he save the little girl at the end of his life. Eddie had understood the fact that he felt a little girls hand touching his chest at the time of his death and wished to know whether his death was in vain. Tala alerts Eddie that in fact he had saved the girl, and the hands he felt were hers which had pulled him into heaven to being his cycle. This is important to the story as it wraps up an important question with a meaningful answer. It is also important because Eddie realises that while he committed an atrocous act of being responsible for Tala's death, she still brought him to heaven when it was his time.