Growing Up in Heaven: The Eternal Connection Between Parent and Child

by James Van Praagh

“[JamesVan Praagh] has changed people’s lives, banished thefear of death, and brought grieving parents the solace of their dead children’spresence . . . It is impossible not to be moved.” — Newsweek “Hereally is a healer. . . . He is the real thing.” —Shirley MacLaine World-renownedpsychic James Van Praagh reveals the truth aboutchildren in the afterlife, verifying that their spirits remain enduringlyconnected to the world of the living even from the great hereafter. In GrowingUp in Heaven , the New York Times bestselling author of GhostsAmong Us and Unfinished Business offers a heartwarming, visionaryconfirmation of our deepest hopes and wishes for the children who have goneahead of us to their great reward.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Grief, Metaphysics

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2011

About the author

His very natural, easy-going style would lead you to believe that James Van Praagh is chatting with a friend on the telephone, not communicating messages from the grave. James is a survival evidence medium, meaning that he is able to bridge the gap between two planes of existence, that of the living and that of the dead, by providing evidential proof of life after death via detailed messages. "I'm clairsentient," he explains, "which simply means clear feeling. I feel the emotions and personalities of the deceased. I am also clairvoyant," he adds, clarifying that, "the first is feeling, the second is seeing, very much like Whoopi Goldberg in the movie, Ghost." The true essence of the messages are the feelings behind the words. James is an expert on this subject, since he has been in touch with those feelings most of his adult life. "The spirits communicate by their emotions. No words exist in the English language, or any other for that matter, which can describe the intense sensations."

Personality traits come in as well. If a person was talkative while alive, he will come through with plenty to say. James also relays physical traits and death conditions as evidence. "If I convey recognizable evidence along with even a fraction of the loving energy behind the message, I consider the reading successful."

James' public popularity began during his appearances on the NBC talk show The Other Side. The show concentrated on paranormal issues, and James became the favorite guest and resident expert on the subject of life after death. Even Howard Rosenberg, the Los Angeles Times distinguished television critic, dubbed James "spectacular".

Through the years his message of hope has touched a great many more people due to his television appearances on such shows as Oprah, Larry King Live, Dr. Phil, A&E Biography, Maury Povich, 20/20, and 48 Hours. His unique paranormal experiences during the past twenty-five years have seen him author best-selling books, create meditation programs and development videos, teach mediumship classes, conduct seminars to sold-out audiences, and produce successful television projects.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to remember this poem shared by Karen and found on page 201...

Letter from Heaven

When I passed from here to there, I knew your heart
would break.
It's here not there where I reside; in mountains, fields,
and lakes.
In the break of each new dawn and when the sun goes
down,
In birds and trees and skies of blue, you'll know I'm still
around.
A broken heart I gave to you, no way to take that back;
Grieve for now, but don't stay long in the hole that's
filled with black.
If I were there and you were here, you would clearly see
That you're right there and I'm right here, it's where we
choose to be.
So dance and sing and laugh out loud, just like we
used to do;
I know it's hard, but you have to see that I'm right here
with you.
And when you feel like crying, try and smile through
the tears;
I hope you will remember, I'll love you for a thousand
years.
And when you're feeling lonely, and you don't know
what to do,
Just close your eyes and read this letter, from me to you.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was at the library yesterday looking for books to take on my trip, I ran across this book. Having lost my mom a year ago June, it hit close enough to home wondering what she is doing, does she still "exist" somewhere, can she see me, has she found peace wherever she is now that she didn't have on earth? Curious, I flipped open to the middle of the book, read a paragraph, then sat down to read more. I ended up taking the book home with me and read it all in one afternoon. (So much for taking it with me on my trip.) There were very interesting ideas in the book regarding where your soul goes after death. Regardless of your religious affiliation or whether or not you believe that James Van Praagh can talk to the dead, some of the ideas can be incorporated into what you believe happens to the soul when you die, and others maybe not so much. For those that are fresh in their grief for their loved ones and are grasping for answers, their are several sections in this book that were definitely worth the read for me and made me feel more hopeful.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. That's all I have to say. This book really opened up my mind. Even though I'm still very young and not yet a parent, I still think that anyone can read this book, because it would be good for anyone, I think.
I really loved every aspect of this book, I'm not kidding! I loved reading about different souls and the different purposes we have on Earth and what our soul lessons are. It's comforting to know that when you pass, you are not dead, but still very much alive in another world. Yes, I do believe in it, and I definitely believe in every part of this book!

~Brooke~

[Jennifer Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows that death doesnt separate us from the ones we love. An uplifting book about the enternal bonds between children and parents.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought Comfort

I've been grieving for my daughter that I lost 8 months ago. This is the first book that has brought me comfort about her and the afterlife. I highly recommend this book if you're stuck in your grief.

[Michele Rios Petrelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reiterates what other gifted writers have substantiated and the fact that my son has communicated with me on all levels of transcendence. I believe in this and have been shown things in visions and dreams. I have also been enlightened by the fact that as once identifying as a Christian I have questioned a lot in what organized religion has taken out of the Bible and misinterpreted through means if fear. I still go to church but take what is preached with a grain of salt. I know God and Jesus are real but not in the way it's depicted in the Bible.....not entirely. I believe we all have purpose and our souls get lost within the physical and earthly form we habit. My son has helped me understand this...Love is always the answer and the way... always.....

[Ayshim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Growing Up in Heaven purely for research purposes because I needed a description of heaven for a book I'm planning to write. It served its purpose and beyond.

[Rochelle Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so interested in spiritual stuff lately and loving James Van Praagh’s writing so I borrowed this one from the Libby App. This book is about children who pass on, how you can talk to them, and what they do in heaven after they pass. It’s so fascinating to learn about what happens after children die. I can definitely see how this book can help parents who are grieving with a loss of a child.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to buy and read this book because it had been recommended by numerous people as a great book for a grieving parent.

It was not a great book for this grieving parent.

Although the book is well written and is certainly an interesting read, to me it seemed more like a fiction book. The whole idea of mediums, re-incarnation, and many of the other concepts discussed are just so far outside of my belief system, that I sometimes found it more unsettling than comforting.

I continued to read because I thought the book was interesting enough to go on, and I knew there was a chapter for grieving parents toward the end. But as I continued to read, my skepticism outweighed everything else.

The one concept in the book that I did find reassuring is the idea that some souls are more advanced than others, and if a baby or child dies, they have a very mature soul and only needed a short time on earth to accomplish their purpose. That one idea did bring me peace.

But the idea of "soul school" in heaven, his belief on the souls of those who commit suicide or are aborted - while I am sure provide comfort to families who have suffered a terrible loss of this nature, seemed too farfetched and bizarre to me.

Overall, I think that enjoyment of this book really depends on your belief system. It does not coincide at all with Christian beliefs of one eternal afterlife and just depressed me at the thought of having to come back over and over and over.

However, if you are open to other views and beliefs, give it a try. But if you are looking for a book to bring you any kind of closure or peace after losing a baby or young child, this is not the book I would recommend to you.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very thought provoking. If you or someone you know lost a child this book will bring you comfort. Many people probably won't believe what the author is saying however; there is surprise on the part of the families and parents which he has a message for. He approaches them with things that there is no way he could possibly know.
On a personal note, my daughter was approached by a woman who said that my daughter's son appeared to her. She said things to my daughter that were impossible for the woman to know.
I believe that there are people in the world who have a connection to those who have passed and want to bring peace to their families.
Read this book slowly, let James Van Praagh's words settle in and be at peace.

[Maria Regina Paiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for books about dying and the afterlife... so when this book fell into my lap I read it in one day. If this guy is for real, it must be amazing to experience a session with him. Ultimately, even non-believers will agree that the messages are positive and loving, and provide comfort for grieving families.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fortunately, I've never lost a child to death. However, one of my friends has, and we grieved together. She recommended this book. I can see how this book could give comfort to a grieving parent.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories--not sure how much to believe.

[Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a best friend die at age ten. Books like this help with understanding and help one to better develop a sense of peace and connection.

[Ruth Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout this book I was reminded to keep an open mind. The author's claim is that he is a medium who sees and hears from the spirits of those who have died. This book focuses on his interactions with children who have passed, and the instances during his group demonstrations when he passes on messages from deceased children to their grieving parents. The book is full of accounts from these parents about what it meant to them in their grieving process.

What the author believes about the after life, the eternal soul, and reincarnation are a stretch for me. What he claims would be nice but there is no way to verify it. We will all have to wait until the death of the physical body to find out.

[Serena Mancini · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t my favorite Van Praagh book. While he typically offers insightful points on intuition and spirituality, this one fell flat for me. The heavy focus on reincarnation felt like a departure from his usual themes. One particular moment, where he mentioned a sister being her deceased brother’s lover in a past life, felt odd and unsettling, as did other parts of the book. I’m not sure I would recommend this to parents grieving the loss of a child, unless they already have strong beliefs in reincarnation.

“The pain of grief is Just as valuable as the joy of love. It is a matter of putting it all in balance."

[Aihpos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed reading books by James Van Praagh. Not all his books are interesting but some of them I do enjoy. This one is not too bad. He discuss about cases he encounters with children that are passed on. One thing this book I did not encountered this is what about children that are being aborted or still born. Are they also the same? They too also grow up in Heaven?

[Jessica Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Very thought provoking. A quick read. I couldn't put it down.

[Oksana Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me to cope with the death of my teenaged son.

[Louise George · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s an interesting book and brought me some comfort as a bereaved parent but didn’t always sit comfortably with what my current beliefs are.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helped me a little bit, but a lot of it felt like reading a giant ad for himself. I would not recommend this book for other loss parents.

[Slaa!!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than I even expected! I took way too long of a hiatus from his books ❤️

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve lost a child, read this book. It’s absolutely beautiful and gives a grieving parent so much hope in a horribly painful world.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don’t have to have lost a child/grandchild/etc. to read this book. However, if you did, I’m sure this book will bring you great comfort. Van Praagh covers so much more than just how the souls of children grow up in heaven. He brings to light our purpose of being and lessons we are here to teach others. James gives us a glimpse of what our journey before, during and after life is like. “Growing Up In Heaven” will strengthen the concept of God's love.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated by this book and quite enjoyed it. The concepts that Van Praagh writes about seemed to me to be a sort of mash-up of mormon and hindu theology. A lot of what he talks about are things that I absolutely agree with. Others, I believe he gets wrong. I am undecided about whether Van Praagh is sincere and really does (or at least really believe he does) experience the interactions with spirits that he claims. I think there are 2 possible explanations for the content of this book:

1) James Van Praagh really does talk to spirits. Although, from my perspective, if this is true, and since the communication he claims to have with spirits is is via thought, I believe some of his concepts about what the spirit world is like are tainted by his own internal belief system. His own filters compromise what is really being communicated to him.

2) James Van Praagh is a brilliant story teller and and somewhat versed in at least a few religions traditions, and has made his content up based on religious ideas that he has borrowed from multiple existing belief systems - concepts that he feels (or has learned over time) will resonate the most with readers. This, unfortunately, would also make him a con man..

Do I believe, as he says, that we are spiritual beings, having a mortal experience? Absolutely, Do I believe there are people who can interact with spirits of those who have passed from this life, even if those people don't share my same beliefs? Absolutely! Do I wish that I could talk to dead people? Absolutely! (as long as they respected my space!) :-)

The one thing on which James Van Praagh and I agree completely is that there is, as the subtitle suggests, "[an] Eternal Connection Between Parent and Child." For the rest, I recommend you read it and draw your own conclusions.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at the experiences of all souls, mainly focused on the souls of children who have died and returned to the spiritual world. The author, a medium, included numerous readings to demonstrate the points he was making. I found this book to be very helpful and inspiring in assisting me in my loss. I plan on rereading this and reading other books by this author as I felt a connection. I recommend this book to everyone as a way to shed light on how we communicate with those who have returned to the spiritual world and also in helping those of us on earth to uncover the purpose of our souls.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

While at the library I spotted this book on the shelf. I opened to the middle and started reading. Intrigued by his theories on the afterlife and reincarnation I checked the book out. Maybe I'm sucked into the idea of Mediums and curious to hear from special people that have passed from this world. Irregardless, if you have even a shred of belief or curiosity about spirits this quick book is worth a read.

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring book by a well known medium. It is written in a light, inspiring way. It is soothing of parent's grief for the passing of a son or daughter, and at the same time it explains a lot about the kind of "agreement" souls affirm before they incarnate, in order to clear Karma and to learn needed lessons on love, compassion and accountability. Interesting and inspiring.

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon 11Th. June 2013.

[Crystal Milbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; it was outside of anything I've ever really thought of. I grew up as a southern baptist and a few years ago became roman catholic. The very topic is really nothing that I was raised to believe in. HOWEVER, I feel that the message that is in this book can offer those who have experienced the loss of a loved one much comfort. Whether or not it is what you believe, the message is love which is universal.

[Louise Armstrong · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writer seems sincere, but he skates over the surface of reality and doesn't tackle any complex issues. None of his parents or children felt real to me - it reminded me of the sentimental words on greeting cards. I also thought his notion of the afterlife was very limited and dogmatic.

Still, if he helps people, that's good.