Medicine and technology has changed so many things about the way people live. They have also altered a great deal of things about the way people die. People who generations ago would have quietly passed away, today are being revived to continue to live their lives. The literary market-place is filled with powerful near-death experience books which tell their stories and give insight into what lies beyond the grave. Here are twelve books which may give you comfort and proof.
Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back | by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent
Regardless of your religious perspective, this book is well-written and worth reading. Four-year-old Colton Burpo expresses his experiences during an emergency appendectomy. During the surgery, his heart stopped and as he was being resuscitated, he journeyed beyond the operating room. The book has sold over 10 million copies, spent 206 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, and has spawned a movie of the same name.
Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You | by John Burke
In the book, Burke explores the stories of over 100 near-death experiences. Written from a Christian perspective, Burke attempts to explain and understand the experiences by comparing them to verses and teachings of the Bible.
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife | by Eben Alexander, M.D.
Many wonder about the validity of near-death experiences. While they feel real to the individual, there are usually circumstances and medicines that may alter the individual's reality and ability to perceive. Dr. Alexander is a scientist that was very skeptical about the experiences. As a highly-trained neurosurgeon, he understood the brain's capability of producing fantasies under extreme stress. Alexander then suffered a rare brain illness, shutting down many functions of the brain. After days in a coma, he recovered. This story is his encounters while in a medical coma.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven | by Mitch Albom
Although this is a fiction book, the story is considered a classic. It is conversational, simple and incredibly well-written. The book skirts the religious aspects, but attempts instead to stress the relationships and connections that people have on earth. While speaking of the impact that people have on lives here, this book will no doubt impact your life and thoughts.
Life After Life: The Investigation of a Phenomenon | by Raymond A. Moody, Jr.
One of the first books published on the near-death experiences, Moody interviewed over 100 people who were declared clinically dead but survived. Published in 1975, the word introduced terms and images that today are very familiar. The book has sold over 13 million copies.
Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Life, Fifth Edition | by Michael Newton, PhD.
Many near-death experience books speak from a religious perspective. Newton is a hypnotist whose skills help people remember experiences they have repressed.
My Journey to Heaven: What I Saw and How It Changed Me | by Marvin Besteman
Besteman had just had surgery to remove a rare pancreatic tumor. Alone and in pain, Besteman tried desperately to sleep after his family had left the hospital room. The retired banker shares his experiences of the moments when pain left his mind and body. His encounters are religious and are surprising for the vivid details of his journey. He believes that in his return from heaven to earth, he now carries a mission.
Dying to Be Me: My Journey From Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing | by Anita Moorjani
The battle of cancer is a painful and harsh struggle. After four years, Moorjani's strength was waning and her body began to shut down. Instead of letting go and giving up, she instead made specific steps toward being more aware, more present and uncharacteristically positive. Becoming a medical miracle, Moorjani made a full recovery and shares her story.
Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences | by Jeffrey Long, M.D., With Paul Perry
Written from a doctor's perspective, Long writes, "There is more scientific evidence to the reality of near-death experiences (NDE) than there is for how to effectively treat certain forms of cancer." His book is a compilation of the experiences of 1600 verified near-death journeys. Dr. Long and his wife were so touched by the research they founded the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation.
Embraced by the Light | by Betty Eadie
One of the most popular books written on near-death experiences, Eadie's book is simple and clear. The book spent weeks at the top of the New York Times best-seller list. Her book prompts you to live without fear and to find peace during times of trial and grief.
7 Lessons From Heaven | by Mary C. Neal, M.D.
Dr. Neal's inspiring story of the account of a kayaking accident that took her life has fascinated millions through her book, To Heaven and Back. Since she began to share the account, she has learned that she had more to share, and that it includes answers to a bigger question: How does knowing that heaven is real change living life on earth.
On Life After Death | by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D.
Considered a pioneer in the grief and hospice movements, Dr. Kübler-Ross was one of the first to discuss death from the perspective of a scholar. Her concepts of the five stages of processing grief and dying have transformed the understanding of millions. This book is a collection of essays, based on studies of more than 20,000 people who had near-death experiences. Her sensitive and thoughtful perspectives will enlighten your vision of dying and the afterlife.
Understanding What Lies Beyond
The moments preceding death amaze and intrigue nearly everyone. Questions about the reality of existence beyond death haunt thought processes and behavior. Near-death experience books provide a perspective by sharing personal understanding due to life-changing circumstances.
