Eben Alexander
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into
the Afterlife
Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Number of Pages: 196
Subject Headings: Inspirational
Works
Neurosurgeons – United States –
Biography
Near-death experiences – United
States
Type:
Memoir
Summary
In 2008 fifty-four year old neurosurgeon Eben
Alexander contacted bacterial meningitis which put him in a coma induced state
for a week. This self-narrated memoir
describes his week-long journey in the afterlife which entailed meeting his
guardian angel, receiving instantaneous but intricate details to his questions
concerning the human purpose, as well as a feeling of unconditional love and
acceptance. The majority of this story
describes the grim prospects of Alexander making any recovery and going into
explicit details of his medical condition; however with the support of his
family, and their positive attitude and prayer, he miraculously regains his
health. Unlike other NDE books, this one
does not consist of meeting deceased loved ones, pets, or in some cases
Jesus. Nonetheless due to the deplorable
condition of Alexander’s health, his agnostic past, and the genuineness of the
afterlife he experienced, he was convinced of the existence of heaven and a
personal God.
Appeal Elements
Pacing – The author leisurely unfolds this story alternating
between his family and educational background to the present time with
contracting meningitis, experiencing the afterlife while in his coma, and the
support of his family.
Characterization
– The author is the character in this
book as he goes into detail about his former and latter spiritual beliefs due
to his NDE.
Story
line – This is a narrative story
where the author describes his upbringing, educational aspirations, and spiritual
beliefs alternating back and forth to the present time where he contracts meningitis
and describes his life-altering experience while in a coma that ultimately shifts
his spiritual beliefs.
Detail
– This book provides an in-depth
description of Alexander’s medical condition while in a coma to emphasis the
seriousness of his condition and how close to death he was. Not as much detail about his afterlife
experience.
Learning/Experiencing
– The gist of the story is to prove
to the reader that Alexander was so close to death, and unlike a dream, his
experience was so real, that he had a spiritual alteration. The learning
experience that the reader is to gain from this story is proof that an
afterlife exists and relay this message of unconditional love that he received to
the reader.
Language
– No artistic quality to the
writing. It is straightforward and to
the point.
Setting
– Alexander describes vividly his
experience meeting his guardian angel and the setting of the afterlife, but is
vague on the knowledge he gained to his questions while in his NDE.
Tone – Comforting and illuminating.
Book List Annotation
Wow! This kind of reminds me of the Miracles from Heaven movie where the girl has a terrible illness but is cured when she falls out of a tree. Miracles can come in all shapes and sizes. Great annotation!
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to read the book Heaven is Real. This does seem like it would be very similar to this book. I have not picked it up, because I was not sure if I would like to read about the NDE. I guess I will not know if I do not try to read something like this. I wonder if anyone has read Heaven is for Real. How did you like this book?
ReplyDeleteJennie
Great annotation. Full points!
ReplyDelete