Review: Heaven is for Real

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL

By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Published 2010

Christian Non-Fiction

From the back of the book:
This is the story of a young boy who emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his trip to heaven.  It is the true story of Colton Burpo, the 4 year-old son of a small town Nebraska pastor.  After surviving emergency surgery, he began talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room.  He also described being in heaven, seeing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and meeting long-dead family members.  Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message of this book is that heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

I had heard about this book for awhile and was being told at least once a week by someone that I HAD TO read this book.  I was already interested because it reminded me of another book I had reviewed called THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN.  I was curious to see how similiar the two stories were (which there are similiarities and differences) and what this little boy's story was all about. 

I had been putting off reading it because I have several books that I am on a time-line to get read and didn't want to take the extra time.  Plus my mom had purchased it and told me I could read it when she was done.  So, I wasn't in a hurry.  But, on Thursday, I walked into our local library and as I was about to head out, I noticed this book on the shelf.  I decided right then to check it out.  This book took me just 2 hours to read.  Once I started I didn't want to put it down at all.  Even though I had already heard about certain parts of the story, it didn't affect my interest.

I was particularly moved and emotional reading the parts regarding Colton's time with his older siser and Great-Grandpa in heaven.  I think anyone who has lost a child to miscarriage or a loved one will find this part of the story comforting.  I know that I did.

This is a very simple story and would be appropriate for older elementary age children on up to adults.  It would make for a great family discussion about heaven and your family's beliefs.  I also appreciated the appendix in the back of the book with all the Bible verse references. 

Whether you are a believer or non-believer, you should read this book.  It will no doubt give you a reason to rethink your beliefs and likely convince you that.....Heaven is indeed FOR REAL!

For more on the Burpo Family and their story go to http://www.heavenisforreal.net/

This review is my honest opinion.  I wouldn't review anything that wouldn't benefit myself or my family. I did not receive any compensation what-so-ever for this review.  I just wanted to tell you all about this great book.