Heaven is for Real

After Pastor Todd Burpo shatters his leg, develops kidney stones, then is diagnosed with hyperplasia, he feels things are getting better. However, his youngest son, Colton, has an untreated ruptured appendix, leading so severe complications. After 17 days Colton suddenly returns to his normal self. In conversations in the months and years afterwards, his parents eventually come to the conclusion that Colton actually went to heaven and met Jesus and others in his extended family. This story introduces us to Colton's experiences which seem to correlate well with what the Bible says about heaven, so it becomes a remarkable story. The father often finds Colton's descriptions humble himself. Although Colton doesn't suddenly become an angel in the way he relates to people, Colton's experiences do change his perspective on life. That the characters in the book are not larger than life lends credence to the story. And I appreciated learning more about how God answers prayer.

I found this story quite easy to read with a simple style and yet fairly engaging. In some ways, the story carries itself because of its extraordinary events. Colton Burpo wants people "to know that heaven is for real", and this book succeeds in demonstrating that. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, quick, and entertaining read, or who wants to be encouraged about the reality of God, Jesus, and heaven.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.