On our vacation I dialled down the business reading due to our busier than usual schedule (we are more of a hang on the beach family than a ‘see the sites’ family). I also needed to relax and recharge. I did read a couple great bubble gum for the brain books NEXT and Neverwhere. I personally love Michael Chrichton books – they read like a fast paced movie (and often get turned into movies).

I also read a book by the author of Tuesdays with Morrie  – The Five People You Will Meet in Heaven.

A book that made me think and as the other, was touching. In the fast paced world, it is good to stop and contemplate. One chapter was particularly poignant when the central character comes face to face with his family burden and a bad relationship with his long dead father:

Ruby stepped toward him "Edward" she said softly. It was the first time she had called him by name. "Learn this from me. Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves’

"Forgive Edward. Forgive. Do you remember the lightness you felt when you first arrived in heaven?"

Eddie did. Where is my pain?

"That’s because no one is born with anger. And when we die, the soul is freed of it. But now, here, in order to move on, you must understand why you felt what you did, and why you no longer need to feel it."

She touched his hand.

"You need to forgive your father."

Thought provoking … a great book.