I listened to this on CD as it would take to long to wait for the book. It must be fairly short as almost the entire first cd was an interview with Todd Burpo. He is the father of Colton and a pastor of a church in Nebraska.
The story is about Colton and his experience in the hospital where he spent 15 days with a ruptured appendicitis and complications that led to his near death experience and subsequent stories about his visit to heaven where he saw Jesus. The book is not well-written which makes it all the more believable since it is published by Thomas Nelson, a major religious publisher. He repeats himself and goes back and forth over his son's statements about heaven. Then, it also seems too advanced for an actual experience since Colton has details that his father is sure referred to Revelations. I actually have trouble with the picture on the front of the book. Who, in the 2000's would give their kid a classic 50's crewcut and dress them in a giant sweater vest? I questioned that picture, but current pictures of Colton (he's 11 now) look like he could be that child.
There are websites devoted to saying that the book is a fraud, but the book is published by Thomas Nelson so someone there believed in the Burpo's story. Many people have near-death experiences (some even experienced Hell), and it would be difficult to coach a four year old on what they saw. It could be over-interpreted, but the initial statements by Colton would be authentic. Interesting book, but open to discussion. I will next read "The Boy who came back from Heaven" by someone named Malarkey. That book has photos so despite my skepticism about the name "Malarkey", I will try to keep an open mind.
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