Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent

Heaven Is For Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, is the inspiring book by Todd Burpo, the father of four-year-old Colton Burpo. Todd’s story of his son’s near-death experience brings a new interpretation of Heaven to a world searching for hope and healing. Bit by bit, this amazing story transcends time and space, while providing incredible depth in its simplicity.

In his book, Todd Burpo talks about his own family struggles, as well as Colton's miraculous story of being taken to Heaven. He explains the unexplained events he witnessed with the many sights and sounds Colton experienced in Heaven. Todd does an impressive job weaving Colton's tales of Heaven into his own personal journey of faith and overcoming doubt. Even those from different backgrounds and beliefs can appreciate their story.

Colton's journey begins when he and his father attend a church Easter service. While enjoying the festivities, Colton begins to struggle with a mysterious sickness that requires him to be rushed to the Emergency Room. During this frightening event, his family discovers a problem in his appendix. As he undergoes surgery and deeply slips into unconsciousness, he is taken on an extraordinary journey to Heaven.

The story of Heaven doesn’t end there. Colton returns back to his family with an amazing account of the people, places, and events that he saw in Heaven. To the astonishment of his family and friends, Colton tells account after account of heavenly occurrences. In personalized detail, Colton describes the beauty, peace, and joy he found in Heaven that often overcome any pain or sorrow on earth.

Colton's angelic description of Heaven includes his "Great-Grandpop," who had died before Colton was born, but whom he characterized having a fondness for cowboy boots. He also recounted seeing Jesus and his rainbow-colored horse riding in the clouds. Colton then recalls visiting the throne room, where he found God the Father; the Son of God, Jesus; and the Holy Spirit. He told his family about meeting the angels and finds himself amazed at the magnificent dresses they were adorned with. In intense detail, he also tells about meeting Abraham, Lazarus, and John the Baptist.

The captivating aspects of Heaven is For Real lies in the fact that it is a window into divine existence. As Colton recounts his accounts of Heaven, the reader is left with many questions to ponder. In some way, readers can sense that Heaven is not so far off, but in some ways, it’s still a mystery.

Above all else, Heaven Is For Real pulls at our heartstrings and touches the essence of hope. Todd’s re-telling of his experience as he watches his only son survive surgery, then return with amazing details of Heaven comforts us as we are reminded of the power of faith, love and hope. No matter what background or beliefs, this story of hope and love can attract even the most unbelieving hearts. It’s a must read for the reader wanting to read a remarkable tale of the power of faith and love in one family. But more than that, it proves that Heaven is for real.