Heaven Is for Real (2010) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 3 stars

“I read this book for two reasons:
1) It is incredibly popular in the Christian community
2) One of the folks at my church whom I truly appreciate asked me to read it

It was an engaging and easy read. I can't reconcile a lot of what was discussed with the biblical accounts, but that wasn't really the author's point. He does an excellent job of telling his son's near-death experience and the subsequent revelation of what he saw when he was dead.

Not my usual fare, but a decent read. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“So as I was telling my kids about this book, it struck me very quickly that reading the Bible should do this for each one of us. Yes, God's Word alone should be enough to convince us all. But let's be honest...

Now allow me to back up a step.

I had a long distance meeting, one in which I'd be driving for more time than I'd be in a meeting. For me, this means redeeming the time with an audio-book. This meeting's selection was Todd Burpo's Heaven is for Real.

Yes, I know I am woefully behind when this came out, as well as any controversy that came with it. I think this book is worth your time, so I will avoid giving away any of the juicy details. But I will tell you some...

Since this book is older, it is beyond what is worthy of needing a spoiler alert. Suffice it to say that Colton Burpo, the 3 year old boy (at the time), needed some emergency surgeries. During this time, he was allowed a view of Heaven that many have wanted.

The story is well written and very intriguing. If you're looking for a simple Q&A about Heaven, this isn't it. It's so much more. You'll hear the story before and behind the story that gained national attention. The struggles of the parents and the questions they had.

But it still does raise the question I started towards at the beginning. If we're called to be people of faith, then reading of one child's experience shouldn't make it all different. But for many, it does. On the other hand, if God chooses to give a select few an experience to go back and encourage the rest of us, shouldn't it make a difference?

If we are allowed a picture from a fellow brother in Christ, even if he was 3 at the time, it should cause us to stop and think. I wasn't having any crisis of faith about Heaven, but this book is making me think. And I am using it to have discussions with my children.

I would encourage you to do the same, because Heaven is for real.”

• Rated 0 stars

“1-2011”

• Rated 3 stars

“well I know it is a true story, but as I am not a religious person I read it as a story of a boy who went to heaven. More power to those who have faith and whatever gets you through your day.”

• Rated 0 stars

“Three year old Colton has an out of body experience where he went up to Heaven. His mom and dad are constantly asking him questions as to what Heaven is like and Colton answers correctly every time. His parents claim to have never taught him this stuff before. So the big question after reading this book is opinionated on whether you believe if Heaven is for real or not?”

• Rated 3 stars

“It would be very comforting if I could believe it, but I think there was too much parental influence in what the boy experienced. Still worth reading, though.”

• Rated 0 stars

“Pretty amazing stuff.”

• Rated 4 stars

“The story is about a boy with a big dream. But he gets sick and he has to go to the hospital. He falls into a coma he does not wake for a long time, it is almost seemed forever. Then he woke up. He kept talking about one thing. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“I loved this book! For the most part it was good but sometimes got a little boring... Yet it turned out to be good and had great recommendations! My favorite part was when the angels wouldn't sing 'we will rock you.' ”

• Rated 4 stars

“Really makes one realize that God does exist. Eye-opening and inspiring.”