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988 reviews for:
Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back
Todd Burpo
3.66 AVERAGE
988 reviews for:
Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back
Todd Burpo
3.66 AVERAGE
This was one of my favorite books. How could anyone not believe in Heaven after reading this book!
It was a nice story, inspirational, and a quick read. Best thing about it, for me, was that it was set in Nebraska.
Recommended to me by a friend, this is the story of young Colton’s visit to heaven, as described to his parents. For those familiar with similar stories, it’s reminiscent of 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. I’ve not read that one (I was skeptical of it) but this one is a similar concept. To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about this book. Let me try to explain.
On one hand I don’t think I believe the story and there are a few reasons why. First, Colton was a young three years old when this experience happened and kids like to tell stories. They’ll improvise and make up scenarios while they play and they’ll create ideas in their heads. I’m skeptical about believing one could actually GO to heaven and then come back to this Earth. Doesn’t the Bible say somewhere that no eye has seen? That it’s a beauty our minds can’t imagine? Wouldn’t that be anti-climactic to see heaven in all its glory at a young three years of age, and then have the rest of your life here on this Earth? The concept is a tough sell on me.
On the other hand, we ARE called to have minds like children. And to be frank, people didn’t believe Jesus in his day either. The things Colton describes (the gates of heaven, who he saw while there, what God looks like and that Jesus sits on the right side of Him) are all things in the Bible, but things Colton hadn’t learned yet in his Sunday school class. It’s an interesting concept, this idea of a young boy seeing heaven, and one you have to choose to believe or not…
As for the way the story was written, I got kind of frustrated. When remembering another detail Colton would share about heaven, author Burpo always had to describe the next reaction. For example, Colton says something to the effect of “I saw Pop there” (Colton’s late grandfather) and Burpo would say something about how he had a hard time driving on the road after that and he could hear the hum of the tires. I’m actually laughing out loud because I realize I’m not describing this very well. But the way Burpo explained his reactions to Colton’s revelations kind of got old after a while, making the story feel like it was dragging out (and it’s a short book!)
After all is said in done, this was book H for the year and it’s time to move on to another letter of the alphabet…
http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/book-h-fabookulous/
On one hand I don’t think I believe the story and there are a few reasons why. First, Colton was a young three years old when this experience happened and kids like to tell stories. They’ll improvise and make up scenarios while they play and they’ll create ideas in their heads. I’m skeptical about believing one could actually GO to heaven and then come back to this Earth. Doesn’t the Bible say somewhere that no eye has seen? That it’s a beauty our minds can’t imagine? Wouldn’t that be anti-climactic to see heaven in all its glory at a young three years of age, and then have the rest of your life here on this Earth? The concept is a tough sell on me.
On the other hand, we ARE called to have minds like children. And to be frank, people didn’t believe Jesus in his day either. The things Colton describes (the gates of heaven, who he saw while there, what God looks like and that Jesus sits on the right side of Him) are all things in the Bible, but things Colton hadn’t learned yet in his Sunday school class. It’s an interesting concept, this idea of a young boy seeing heaven, and one you have to choose to believe or not…
As for the way the story was written, I got kind of frustrated. When remembering another detail Colton would share about heaven, author Burpo always had to describe the next reaction. For example, Colton says something to the effect of “I saw Pop there” (Colton’s late grandfather) and Burpo would say something about how he had a hard time driving on the road after that and he could hear the hum of the tires. I’m actually laughing out loud because I realize I’m not describing this very well. But the way Burpo explained his reactions to Colton’s revelations kind of got old after a while, making the story feel like it was dragging out (and it’s a short book!)
After all is said in done, this was book H for the year and it’s time to move on to another letter of the alphabet…
http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/book-h-fabookulous/
I read this book several years ago in middle school and I enjoyed it then, but some of the details went right over my head. For whatever reason this book got back in my head & insisted on being read again, so who am I to argue? I finished it in 2 days, as it isn't a very long book and truly enjoyed every single page. It's enlightening, uplifting, and humbling. I really loved this book and suggest it to everybody!
The last thing my mother and I bonded over was Heaven Is for Real. This little book has been such an ambassador for Christ! I pray for seeds to be sown whenever I see it in a store display. If you’re skeptical about the book, here are some facts that should put your mind at rest.
Here's how my story---Mom, Me & Heaven Is for Real---begins:
It’s October 2012. I sit by my mother’s side, my chair squeezed between her bed and the bathroom of a cramped hospital space. While a nurse administers meds, my gaze drifts to the wide window and its panoramic view of our small city and the blue Catskills beyond. A white church steeple rises tall and straight above the trees, now brilliant with fall color. Quite a contrast to this drab, antiseptic place.
Complications of COPD, a small blood clot, and other ailments have brought my 83-year-old mother to the hospital. (This will be repeated three or four times in the next few months.) She doesn’t do well here. She is disoriented and unsure. Her eyes search for the familiar photos that cover her walls at the nursing home. She jumps at every noise.
After the nurse leaves, I take out my book. I’ve been reading to my mom, and this month we’re working our way through Heaven Is for Real.
In spite of her increasing dementia and the distraction of these strange surroundings, Mom is really tuned in. I can tell because when I come to a Scripture or Bible story, I stop in the middle of the section. I wait. Soon, in a feeble voice, my mom finishes the verse. She knows the words by heart . . .
Follow this link to continue reading.
The total focus of Colton’s experience is on the risen Christ. Colton and Todd emphasize that there’s one way to Heaven: through the saving work of Christ. Colton’s experience leaves him with an evangelistic fervor. The Gospel is clearly explained through the story. The book is filled with pertinent Scriptures. The Burpo’s experience also highlights the power of prayer, forgiveness, and love.
Here's how my story---Mom, Me & Heaven Is for Real---begins:
It’s October 2012. I sit by my mother’s side, my chair squeezed between her bed and the bathroom of a cramped hospital space. While a nurse administers meds, my gaze drifts to the wide window and its panoramic view of our small city and the blue Catskills beyond. A white church steeple rises tall and straight above the trees, now brilliant with fall color. Quite a contrast to this drab, antiseptic place.
Complications of COPD, a small blood clot, and other ailments have brought my 83-year-old mother to the hospital. (This will be repeated three or four times in the next few months.) She doesn’t do well here. She is disoriented and unsure. Her eyes search for the familiar photos that cover her walls at the nursing home. She jumps at every noise.
After the nurse leaves, I take out my book. I’ve been reading to my mom, and this month we’re working our way through Heaven Is for Real.
In spite of her increasing dementia and the distraction of these strange surroundings, Mom is really tuned in. I can tell because when I come to a Scripture or Bible story, I stop in the middle of the section. I wait. Soon, in a feeble voice, my mom finishes the verse. She knows the words by heart . . .
Follow this link to continue reading.
As someone who really enjoys theological discussions, I liked this book because it was thought provoking. It makes you sit and wonder and questions your own beliefs on the afterlife. While I feel the writing style/technique left a little something to be desired, I think the true message of the book is one that I will be pondering for days: Heaven is for real, but what do I now do with that information how does it affect my life?
I love the parents in this book. I think the way they handled the situation was so cool and they were very smart about it. I wanted to make sure I read this before the movie came out. Colton seemed like such a cute little kid and not just for his visions but for how he was so matter-of-factly. Hope they do a good job with the film.
A transparent perspective of a individuals spiritual growth and relationship with God, throughout many personal and physical tragedies.
I thought this was ok, not great by any means. It is a heartwarming story but I just don't believe all of it. Todd Burpo is, as are many ministers, a wonderful storyteller.