[BOOK REVIEW]: The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven

Ever wish you could peek into the gates of Heaven? Maybe get a few awesome moments to see God in all His glory? One boy tells how he did.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven was written by Kevin and Alex Malarkey. This father/son pair conveys their extraordinary experiences with the spiritual realm after  Alex survived what should have been a fatal car accident. Kevin shares his thoughts about the guilt he carried seeing his young son being removed from the backseat of the car and rushed to ICU. Even when the doctors concluded that it was impossible for Alex to survive, the Malarkey family walked by faith and leaned on the prayers of many. The young boy surprised them all when he awoke with stories of Heaven and Jesus and angels. And his story had just begun. Throughout his recovery, Alex continued to have miraculous spiritual encounters that nobody else could explain.

The Malarkey’s describe how God worked in mysterious ways through their experience. Their story confirms that God’s plan for our lives is bigger and better than our own. Those who are interested in the spiritual realm and Heaven’s sweet secrets would find joy in learning how one boy got a sneak peek at eternal peace. “Heaven is real, and it’s all around us,” Alex writes. Living in this awareness certainly offers us a change of perspective about Heaven and a greater openness to inviting God’s presence into our lives.

Capturing the views of both Kevin and his son Alex, the book is written primarily as a narrative from the father’s eyes. Alex uses his own language and style to finish every chapter with his account. The book also includes excerpts from other people’s thoughts such as Alex’s mom, the pastor, his grandfather and the paramedic. These interspersed sections are embedded within the main text, which can be a little distracting if your eyes wander like mine.

Alex’s segments were complementary to his father’s narrative. Alex’s voice was innocent yet insightful as he unveiled his honest feelings. I would have enjoyed reading more, as well as hearing more about his little siblings. Alex’s story made me keep flipping pages because it challenged the capacity of my human mind. I was reminded just how much Christians must trust in God rather than ourselves in times of suffering. More specific examples of Alex and his family’s spiritual encounters would make the book even more compelling, but I found it to be a good and inspiring read.

Read the first chapter here, and see what you think.

Taken from The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey. Copyright © 2010 by Kevin Malarkey. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I’d like to alert the reader that I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  However, I am committed to speaking truthfully concerning any book that I review.

Originally posted May 23, 2011