Book Review

Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo, with Lynn Vincent is a personal account of Todd's son Colton, then 4-years-old, who emerged from emergency surgery with stories of heaven,  how he met family members who died before he was born, and on meeting Jesus, and God. 

First the technical stuff.  The book is easy to read, the writing style has a conversational tone, which makes it feel as if you are sitting in the living room, next to Todd Burpo, listening to him talk.  The book's conversational tone makes it a quick read.  It is also emotional.  If you are one who cries at TV commercials, like me, you will be crying within the first few pages of this book.  You have been warned, keep tissues nearby. 

The Burpo's did not realize, at first, what had happened to Colton during his surgery.  Over time, Colton's comments about their time in the hospital, and about family members he had never met made the Burpo's take notice to what he was saying, and ask more questions.  Todd and his wife, Sonja, began to realize that Colton had visited Heaven; a fact which was hard to accept, except for the details Colton provided.  He talked about a great grandfather, who died 30 years before Colton was born, his miscarried sister no one had told him about, and details about Heaven, which Todd could Biblical verify. 

What did I walk away with after reading this book?  A reminder that God does listen to prayer, and that He loves children; and that we, families and churches, have a large responsibility to teach and encourage them spiritually.  Maybe I walked away with this reminder because of my involvement with the children's program at our church, and the fact that I am a mother. 

For whichever reason, Chapter 19, titled "Jesus REALLY Loves the Children" spoke to me the most, and serves as a reminder that the entire church has a responsibility for ministering to them.  So, if you attend my church, you have been warned.  In a couple months I will be searching for Primary Sunday school teachers, don't be surprised if copies of Chapter 19 appear in your church mail box (after receiving prior written permission from the publisher, of course).   

***Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”