The novel begins with Todd Burpo recounting the story of his broken leg, kidney stones and breast cancer scare, all of which put a dent into the family savings. Just when Todd and his wife, Sonja, begin to believe that their luck is changing, their 4-year-old, Colton, nearly dies of appendicitis. When he comes out of surgery, Colton asks:”Daddy, you know I almost died?”
And that’s when the story becomes interesting. It moves from the drama and desperation of trying to save little Colton and the resulting hospital fees to fascination stemming from his accurate descriptions of Jesus and heaven ( as compared to the scriptures), the locations and activities of people while Colton was in surgery and family members whom he never met, including a sister who never came to be.
“‘Mommy, I have two sisters….You had a baby die in you tummy, didn’t you?’…’Who told you I had a baby die in my tummy?’ Sonia said, her tone serious. ‘She did Mommy. She said she died in your tummy.’”
Colton also talks about the future, having seen Satan and about how “nobody’s old in heaven….and nobody wears glasses”.
At first, the writing style in this book seems a bit self-involved; later, warm and easy to relate to. It’s about a family’s journey from the brink of a tragedy, towards God. Whether you believe or not, it’s a fascinating read.
Reviews from other bloggers: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, “Heaven is for Real” Book Review, Heaven is for Real.
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P.S. I will be giving away this book…check back on May 15th.
