When I first saw
this novel, I already had the eagerness to read it because it has quite a
catchy title. I just finished reading the book last weekend. Indeed, it is an
enticingly well-told story that will stir your emotions and open eyes about the
realities of life. Hidden truths are revealed and learning is profoundly
presented. It will make you wonder and imagine things in different
perspectives. The book tells the story of Eddie who meets five people in heaven
who had significantly affected his life. There is the Blue Man, the captain,
Ruby, Marguerite and Tala. To make it concise, basically, it tells about how
each and every person’s life is interconnected with another, that things happen
as a cause of a certain action and not just a random matter; that in a certain
point in life we have to make sacrifices; that we must learn to forgive; that
there is that true love that will never end; and that we all live with a
purpose.
The lessons in each and every encounter are nicely presented in such a way
that you come to think about yourself and try to ponder with your own life as
well. As I went on with my reading, many the times when I’m amazed with the
realizations that I’m learning and made me think about my own life. How have I
affected the lives of other people? I wish I haven’t caused someone else’s
death! I wish my acts have done more good things than bad ones. Am I willing to
make sacrifices for the benefit of others? Will I be able to do it without
expecting something in return? How far can I go? Will I be willing to offer even
my own life? How have others affected my life? How the things in the past have
affected my life? I really wonder how! I just can’t help but wander off and try
to imagine things this way and that way. If someone has done me wrong to the
extent that I feel like my entire life is ruined, will I learn to forgive him? How
can one true love change you as a person? I really wonder how it feels like to
have someone who genuinely loves you, someone who cares for you and truly
appreciates your value, someone who will make you happy, and someone who will
be there for you in your high moments and most especially in your greatest
downfall. On the other side, I also wonder how it feels to do the same thing,
how to reciprocate that love.
Life
always has its hidden truth. Some we find out later on and some may remain to
unveiled until death, just like what happened with Eddie. I think the sad part
is that Eddie got stuck with his past in such a way that he felt like there is
really no worth of moving on forward. Not only was his physique wretched but
also his soul. He also let his anger and resentment live within him. The good
part is that, he has found someone whom he loved so much, his wife, and
likewise loved him back. And he did not know that being at the Ruby Pier where
he felt like he has none but an ordinary, routine work in the maintenance area,
he was able live his life with a purpose; to make people happy, especially the
children, and keep them safe. Even in the last minute of his life, he was able
to save a little girl.
I
have realized that there are so many things that are beyond man’s comprehension.
I think God made it to be that way. We cannot understand everything that life
has to offer. The only thing that we can do is to deal with it and try to
maintain a positive outlook in life. When you feel so miserable in life, when
you feel like all of the problems in life are upon you, think that there are
many other people out there who are much more miserable than you do. As the
saying goes, think of the blessings that you have instead of those that you
don’t have. Try to be more understanding when dealing with other people. One
important thing that I’ve learned from the novel is that, there are always two
sides of a story; known and unknown. Your side and theirs. Perhaps, you’re on
the right side and they are on the wrong. It can also be the other way around.
Moreover, you can be either right or wrong. The important thing to do is that,
try to be more understanding and do no harm to others. Let things be in a
peaceful manner and avoid violence. Love your family, friends and special one
unconditionally. They are your world’s greatest treasures. Forgive those who
have done you wrong. Love your life! Love what you do! Think and act in such a
way that you contribute something for the good of others. Live a good life! I
believe that we all have this innate goodness and pureness of heart and that’s
what we should bring out.
Perhaps,
some of you may get bewildered with the things that I’m trying to point out
because you haven’t read the book yet. I really intended not to elaborate much
with the story. I suggest that you should read the book, too. I bet you will
have an adventurous reading experience and you’ll gather inspirational
learning.
I
wonder how heaven will be like for me. Who will be the five people I will meet
then?
I hope that I'll be able to buy them really soon!!! In the meantime, I still got plenty to read and finish! Happy reading for me! :)
