Review: Grab a box of tissues before you start this book, you will need them. Hearing about a near death experience of a pre-schooler easily brought out my tears. Heaven is such a mythical place and yet is it real? That is the question this book tries to answer though the experiences of a four year old.
The writing is well paced and it will take a bit over an hour for anyone to read. I enjoyed the way Colton explained how heaven and God looked along with the words he used that only a child would use. I do not agree with all the theology presented in the book, but don’t let that keep you from reading about this little boy’s experience. This book will touch you and keep you turning the pages.
If you enjoy true stories you will like this book. What do you think about Heaven? Maybe this will give you a whole other idea, at least it is something to think about…after all... we all will be there someday.
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 163
ISBN: 9780849946158
Quick Review: 3½ Stars out of 5.
Why I Read it: Some good friends of mine had suggested this book.
Synopsis: A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.
Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.
Author Biography: Todd Burpo is the pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska (Population: 1,762) where his sermons are broadcast locally every Sunday via the local radio station. In emergencies Todd can be found working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department as a fire fighter. He is also the chaplain for the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter's Association. In addition, Todd works with an overhead door company. Todd graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1991 summa cum laude with a BA in Theology. He was ordained in 1994.
Todd and his wife Sonja, who is a children's minister, busy pastor's wife, mom, and office worker at a local realtor, are the parents of Colton, now an active 12-year old, Cassie, his older sister, and Colby, his younger brother.
Lynn Vincent: Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Lynn has lived in San Diego for more than 25 years. She is an unabashed evangelical, a registered Republican with Libertarian leanings, and (after a brief fascination with the Oakland Raiders) a huge San Diego Chargers fan. Lynn holds a liberal arts degree from Excelsior College, and teaches writing at colleges and conferences kind enough to extend an invitation. Of all her works, Lynn’s favorites are her two sons, who, her research shows, are the two handsomest, most brilliant young men in the universe.
Other Reviews:
This video is about the artist who drew the picture of Jesus that Colton says is what he looks like.
"Heaven is for Real" is a a heartwarming, simple, and surprisingly biblical glimpse into a little four year old boy's journey into Heaven. Colton Burpo was four year's old when he found himself at death's door. His family didn't realize he had made his amazing journey until small but shocking revelations that amazed and bewildered his parents began to leak out. Colton didn't just have one sit down conversation, he let his journey be known one startling revelation at a time.
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