Monday, September 7, 2009

90 Minutes in Heaven

I know that this book has been around for a few years. I had heard folks talk about it. I was at the Oakfield Public Library during the Village-Wide Rummage Sale and found a copy of the book for $1.00. How could I go wrong? I added it to my reading list.

The book is an account of Don Piper's being dead for 90 minutes and during that time experiencing heaven. When he comes back to life, he talks about his long recovery process from a devastating accident.

I hate to begin my review by arguing semantics, but 90 Minutes in Heaven was not an appropriate title for this book. His actual account of experiencing heaven was but two chapters of the book. The rest of the book details his slow recovery and all the accompanying misery that goes with it. Later, he does talk about ho0w his experience has affected the lives of others. I was disappointed, because I expected the book to provide more details about his experience in heaven. That was the title.

That being said, his description of his recovery does give an amazing story of determination and the power of prayer. I was also amazed about how a community of believers came to rally around this one individual's recovery. We could all stand to learn from that.

I suppose the biggest struggle I have is with his account of heaven. I can't imagine why the author would lie about his experiences, and I'm sure that was his experience. But, was that heaven or a hallucination? I just don't know. And to think that he speaks at funerals saying he can speak with authority about what heaven is like is slightly disturbing to me.

I would recommend you read the book, if but for its story about the power of prayer and love for hope of recovery.

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