Book Review: Todd Burpo's Heaven Is For Real

  I've been wanting to read this book for a while, particularly after hearing all the hype of indecisiveness on whether this account of Heaven is true. After the Burpo family finds themselves having a really bad year filled with broken bone, kidney stones, and even cancer, they find out their son Colton is severely ill. Throughout the next year Colton begins acting strangely after recovering from his illness.  His family begins to see that Colton may have visited Heaven in his time in the hospital.
   The book is rather short, which is appreciated. I think it helped the pacing stay interesting, and it was able to cut to the point quicker without it being drawn out.  I could really feel for the family through their difficult time, but that wasn't supposed to be what the book was about so it was vaguely mentioned. In all honesty I'd feel much more interested in a book about his family overcoming the obstacles of bad news, after bad news they received, because I assume your faith has to take a hit through that.
   I think this could be a good book to allow children to be exposed to to introduce the idea of Heaven, and death. I wished someone would have simply asked Colton what he saw though.  Instead the parents pick apart what they think he is talking about in pieces whenever he mentions it. Also, I wonder why Colton didn't tell anyone after waking up.  I'm not saying this discounts the story, but it leaves questions.  The different accounts of the afterlife are what always get me though. Everyone seems to have different variations. There isn't anything wrong with that, but it doesn't allow for much authenticity when someone begins questioning someone's account. We still are elusive as to what we will first see when we die.
   The root of this book is a very heavy topic that is put into a very lighthearted tale from a child's perspective. One other thing I had a little trouble with was the belief that Colton seemed to have that God will always answer his prayers as he ideally believes he will.  I'm sure Colton is going to encounter days when he prays for a rainbow that he won't see one as he had expected. I think that can be quite damaging to your faith if you live it in a "Joel Osteen" way. Life isn't easier because you chose to believe in Jesus.
   I think this can be an inspiring story, and encouragement to those who need it.  If you're reading for any other reason then you'll probably see some of what I did. You can check out the book at Amazon.

This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for a review.