Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back: Conversation Guide

Heaven is For Real

by Todd Burpo

The best-selling book about heaven that has changed the world is now a DVD-based conversation kit for churches and small groups. In addition to learning more about what the Bible teaches about heaven, groups will hear first-hand from the Burpo family about Colton's experience in heaven and the way it has changed their lives. Each video session features Todd, Sonja, and Colton, and is filmed interview-style with Natalie Tysdal, the Denver FOX/CW News reporter whose initial interview with the family has gone viral on the internet. The Conversation Guide will take group members through key Bible passages about heaven, helping them understand more about who goes to heaven, when they go there, and what heaven is like. Features

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Book Club, Religion, Memoir, Inspirational

119 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2011

About the author

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. He and his wife, Sonja, have four children: Colton is an active 14-year-old; he has an older sister, Cassie; a younger brother, Colby; and a very special sister he met in heaven, yet to be named.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the portrayal of heaven it gives. I think we often are so busy trying to live our lives and be good christians that we forget to dream about our eternity. This book reminds me that we have a hope and a future and as christ followers, we are Not Of This World and our home is in heaven.

One frustration I did have was the parents were so trusting of their family doctor and did not follow their instincts (or the promptings of the Holy Spirit) to question his judgement. But then again, if they would have, we might not have this story to read. God is mysterious and all is perfect in His time.

I hope you will read this book and get a glimpse of heaven, because Heaven is for REAL!

[Del Zimmerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of four-year-old Carlton Burpo's ascent and adventures into Heaven while undergoing an operation for a ruptured appendix.

I wanted to like this book but now that I am finished I am terribly skeptical. The book is told by Carlton's dad, Todd, who is a minister at a small Nebraska church. The views portrayed are second-handed and fit way too neatly into a conservative Christian ethos. What's more, the book is co-written by Lynn Vincent who also worked on Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue. Anybody who's willing to work with Palin is pretty much a bullshit artist in my worldview.

I believe in Heaven. I believe in Jesus. I believe in angels. And I believe that we can stay in touch with our loved ones from beyond the grave. But, I just can't buy this story. It's way to saccharine for me and doesn't ring of absolute truth.

Ultimately, I think that religion is a big costume party and that Heaven is a realm of universal love for people of all faiths. If you're not an American Fox News watcher, the idea of Heaven presented here is probably not going to work for you either.

I do, however, give the book two stars because it's well-written, anecdotal and flows like a decent piece of fiction.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea Sweet
Reading
Ms. Ely
Book Review
11/20/11


Heaven if for Real


Heaven is for Real is a true story about a young boy(not yet four-years-old), Colton Burpo, who survived an emergency surgical operation to remove the appendix (appendectomy.) His family was extremely grateful for Colton’s miracle operation. After the complex procedure, Colten told his parents he left his body during the surgery and even authenticated his claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was being operated on. Colten talked about visiting heaven and that there were people up there greeting him who he’d never met before. Colten was also sharing events that happened before he was born, and even went into detail about heaven that matched the bible exactly (such as Jesus, the angels, and god), though he had not learned to read yet. Colten also tells the family that he meet family members that have died a long time ago! Colten describes his phenomenal experience so boldly innocent and plainly-spoken.


Personally, I absolutely adored this book. The fact that the Colton didn’t know anything about heaven, or the bible and he was able to describe every detail about it makes me truley believe that he did experience this phenomenon. I mean, how else do you think he would get this kind of information. “Heaven is for Real” was also a book that never allowed me to be bored. It is so entertaining and you actually are put into his hands. The book was also fun because it was told from the parent’s perspective, so you also felt the extreme amount of stress, but then astonishment of their child’s experience. It offers you a chance to see, and believe like a child. I would rate this book five stars (five being the highest, and zero being the lowest.) I would definitely recommend this book to other people. Especially to people who are interested in life after death, or who are just looking for something fun and cute read. This book is not only fun and cute, but its also phenomenal including the way it’s written, and the experiences in it.

[Kaylyn Zeigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that I would like to reread over and over again. I really think this book may be good for young readers so they can understand heaven a little bit better. It may be a bit hard to understand but asking their parent could help that. I wished after reading this book that I could go to heaven. I know that God may let me go to heaven before I die but if not, I will still praise him that I can meet and live with him when I die. God is great to let Todd right this story and I hope I can get some I ideas out of it to share with my struggling teenager neighbor. If you would like to help me out you could pray that he will come to know the Lord. His name is Devin. We have been trying to get him to understand God is important and he doesn't have to be perfect to get to heaven. He isn't the best behaved either. We treat him like family, love him like family, and he treats us like family to.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this story 5 stars, not because the writing was fantastic, I wasn't so much focused on the writing, but because I had such peace and love fill me throughout the story (not to mention chills and tears) I know there are people out there that say "oh this could have easily been made up", "this father exaggerated, what could have simply been only a childish dream". I know this is a true story. How beautiful. Jesus loves children so much!" Children are so pure, so innocent, they do not sin, because they do not know they sin. I fell asleep with a solid picture of Jesus Christ with the biggest blue eyes, My heart feels so full and I literally ache to hug him. Knowing your loved ones really do watch you, even your animals that have passed, is so comforting. To those parents that have lost a child even through miscarriage or abortion, they are there waiting for you. How awesome.

[Shane Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm. Well it was interesting. A bit strange. Not sure I agree with the arguments made as to why this proves there is a heaven and God, but it is always intersting to see others views. Was a while ago that I read this so I don't recall too much more details at this point. Did make me look up the author and watch some videos with him, and I hate to say it, but I think he is taking the fame/exposure to another level. May have started out with the right intent, but I think he's gone beyond that now. Who knows.

[Dave Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It gave me a new revelation of the truth's of God! The faith of a child is such a powerful faith. It brought me back to a place of simple childlike faith! To God be all the glory!

[Olivia Dinis]

This is an amazing book that I would recommend to anyone who believes in God and Jesus Christ. Even at my young age, I am able to understand the importance of Colton to both his town and his family.
This is a very sentimental as Colton describes many detail that he saw in heaven. As you read this book it will talk about the past, present, and future, which are critical to make todays hopes, dreams, thoughts, prayers, and memories. This book is narrated by Colton's father, Todd. He gives great description of all that Colton has said and done about his experience in heaven. Colton was at a very young age, so it's very funny when Colton attempts to explain his experience with movements, charades, and basic words that any average 4-5 year old would use. The strangest parts of the entire story is that all of Colton's descriptions go along with at least one scripture. Also when there is an art prodigy that has had an experience like Colton's paints a picture of Jesus, her drawing is very accurate and distinct to all of Colton's descriptions.

xoxo
Olivia

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not really like this book. I was excited about reading about a life after death experience in the view of a child which I thought would be honest and real. Instead, I felt the book was preachy and honestly got the feeling that it was just the preacher dad hoping that this was what his son experienced. I felt that it was way too Christian and since I believe heaven is non denominational it didn't ring true to me intuitively. I am also a spirit medium and it did not coincide with what I know of the after life. It felt it was a try at this Preacher dad attempting to justify his preachings to his congregation. I don't believe God is an old Man who sits on a throne with Jesus at his right side. I don't believe everyone in heaven has wings and that they fight off Satan with swords. It was way to biblical and the bible is not written by God, it's written by man. As was this book.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grabbed this audio book at the last minute at the library because it was recognizable, I thought it might appeal to Luke on our road trip and it was only 4 hours in length. I'm all about near-death experiences, afterlife, God and angels but this fit into the parents' Christian doctrine far too well to convince the religious skeptic in me.

[Jolie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would love to believe, and maybe a part of me does, but wanted more to this story than a preacher's son talking about heaven. Twas the night before Christmas.

[Kim Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing story... after reading this book, there's no way to deny that Heaven is real! I'm even more excited to see Heaven in person when I die! This is definitely a must read! As a nurse, who has seen so much death over the years, I am even more certain that many of my patients will be in Heaven when I get there eventually!

[Brooke Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo is a very inspirational story about a young boy named Colton who is not yet four years old, that survived an emergency operation on his appendix. However, during the operation Colton faced a near death experience. Colton's family and friends of the family were extremely grateful that Colton had survived the surgery. Colton then explained to his mom and dad that he saw his body during the surgery. He explained things that he would not have known unless he had visited heaven. He said things that shocked his family, telling his father he had met his grandpa, and also saw him praying and "yelling" at God. Telling his mother that he had met his unborn sister and how great she is. He continued to tell his parents stories that someone under the age of four would just not understand. They then began to believe that their son had a near death experience and got a glimpse of heaven. The story is written by Colton's father which has a huge effect on the book in my opinion, because he is very emotional and describes the exact feeling of him and his wife. This was a very difficult time, but the end result is so beautiful and inspirational, and really makes people believe that there is an afterlife.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was probably one of my favorite books that I have read. It gives you the chills reading some of the things that Colton tells his family. Yes, it is hard to not be skeptical at first, but throughout the book I began to change my mind and believe everything he was saying. At some points I did question if some things were false because the book is written by Colton's father, Todd Burpo, but he is so involved with the church I don't see why he would lie about what happened during his son's emergency operation. Also being told from a parents perspective you get the full effect of what really happened and he describes exactly how he was feeling throughout the whole procedure. I loved the book, I read it in one day. There is really nothing bad to say about it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to read about a very inspirational near death experience, or for anyone who is interested in afterlife.

[Kaitlyn Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heaven is For Real" is an astonishing story of a little boy who fights for his life. Colton (the little boy) goes through many traumatic experiences that one day pushes realism to a whole new level. The most astonishing aspect of this story is the portray of Heaven that is given. It is not known whether Colton had an out of body experience or was in his last seconds. All that is known is that Colton has met the mercy of God and now has a reason to be alive. The way Colton expressed this supernatural experience is magnificent. The detail a five year old boy can give of something he sat is unknown of.Is it coincidental that Todd is a pastor and Colton has this experience. As Colton grows in the story he has a huge influence on many lives. The way he processes and absorbs the information that he has been gives changes not only Colton's life, but everyone around him.

The main characters in this true story are; Colton, the little boy in which the story is written about, Todd and Sonja Burpo; Colton's Parents. The story is very eye opening and religious based. There are many views of heaven portrayed throughout the story. It definitely made me aware that there might actually be something out there and that it might be true.

This story takes place in present day Colorado. Throughout the story the family travels to many different states for vacations and unfortunately half of the book is spent in multiple hospitals when Colton is fighting to live. The story is told in first person which mostly is through Todd Burpo's view.

I would recommend this story to readers 16 and above. Although this story is not super long, the level of maturity needed to understand the story is out of this world. Mother's would be able to connect the best to the story over a teenager. Females will be able to connect to the story and males a little bit. There is something huge to be taken out of this story and you will not believe what the world has in store for that little boy.

[Liz Cleland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back was recommended by a friend of mine to read. This was not a book that was sent to me just one I read for fun this week. Every now and then I do have my own list of books I like to read, this week I read three of them. So, back to this book. It will be a movie soon and was a rather popular one. I read it in a few hours so on the shorter side of story telling. My thoughts? How can one really say whether they like or hate someone else's life experiences? I suppose it comes down to did this little boy visit Heaven whilst he was in surgery? This is a very big debate for one to decide how they think, feel etc. I will say that from my own experiences things do happen that are not explainable. For instance when I was 18 I had to have a major surgery on my "lady parts". After coming around I was out of it and for a few hours became very ill. So ill in fact I was rushed back in for another major surgery because I was bleeding internally. As I was being wheeled back into the operating room I said "hello" to staff by name saying "Oh, I am coming to see you again today". These people whom I had never met in person. They had worked on me during my operation but I physically never saw them I was speaking to by name (and no they didn't have name tags on). So because this personally happened I felt it was a door I could not close and chalk up to a "make believe" story. I think you all should read this because it was very interesting. It was also very truth telling since this boy in the book is the same as my son now. I felt drawn to this book and could relate.
My rating is ☆★★★★.

[Brooklyn Merk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo is an exciting and on the edge of your seat type of book. When Colton Burpo made it through an emergency appendectomy, his family was overjoyed at his miraculous survival. What they weren't expecting, though was the story that was emerged in the months that followed-a story as a beautiful as it was extraordinary, detailing their little boys trip to heaven and back. This is a true story and these characters were very well developed through out the story. Colton and the Burpo family had encountered many health problems throughout the book causing financial debt. For me my favourite character was Colton because he was so inspirational with his story and trying to explain his experiences with his father and the rest of his family. For me, I did not relate to this book because I am not religious but even if you are not religious you could enjoy this book. If there was anything I would change about this book it would be the way it was written. In some parts it started to drag on but there was also parts that was really exciting. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys true, inspirational stories. Overall, I give this book a four out of a five because of the surprising events that happened.

[Mariela · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the well written 192 page book "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. The main character Colton Burpo, not yet 4, (son of Todd Burpo and Sonja Burpo ) made it through an emergency appendectomy his family was overjoyed because they weren't expecting him to survive, they also didn't expect him to come back to earth with a beautiful story about him visiting heaven. He told his parents he left his body during his surgery; at first his parents didn't believe him, they though everything was made up because he was not yet four and was talking about his religion, his father was a pastor at Crossroads Wesleyan, so they were into religion but Todd had never really talked to Colton about Jesus and heaven? Colton explained what happened during his operation he even described what his parents were exactly doing in another part of the hospital wail he was being operated on . He also surprised his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the bible exactly , though he had not yet learned to read . "Heaven is for Real" will change the way you think of eternity, offering the chance to see , and believe , like a child "- Todd Burpo .

[Ange · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a little boy's story of his trip to heaven and back. I will admit that I was curious about this book after seeing it on the bestseller list and listening to friends who said I must read it. I don't disagree with the "facts" that are presented in this book at all. In fact, many of the concepts are thrilling and engaging. But I do think the writing was very bland and elementary, that the little boy's story has been sensationalized and that any purity that it was once meant to have has been mainstreamed and talk-showed to death. My beliefs are these: death is not the end, children have a very unique spiritual perspective because they have not yet been molded by parents and society to disbelieve or remain skeptical and this little boy did, in fact have a spiritual experience worthy of sharing with the world. However, the writer, the father and the publishing house seem to have all capitalized on it. I am very sad to say that I could not, in good conscious give this book a good rating. It felt too much like propaganda to me as I was reading it.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I wanted to like this book, I just couldn't help but feel skeptical. I believe in Heaven, God, and even in near death/out of body experiences but this book written by a small town Minister and the father of the boy who claims to have had the heavenly experience just didn't cut it for me. The second hand account of the four year olds experience just fit too neatly into the cookie cutter Christian box. It's hard for me to believe the claim that Colton, the young boy, came up with the exact description of certain passages out of the bible and had never heard them or heard them at least references before. He is active in the church, goes to Sunday ministry, and his father is the minister for crying out loud.

On a side note, the book was far too repetitive and could have easy been cut in half.

[Bmquiram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heaven is for Real: Participant’s Guide by Todd Burpo is a very inspirational story. For me this story described the difference between faith and certainty. For example many of us have faith that we will not fall down when getting out of bed in the morning, but there is no certainty or guarantee that will be the case. I have faith in God and in Heaven, but after reading this book I am a little more certain about joining my loved ones who have passed.

[Alex Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't find the right words to tell but this book proved me that every cloud has a silver lining. I mean, we have different beliefs and perception about stuffs and all but, I was awestruck by his testimony. I praise God for Colton's life, I wish I can borrow him even for one day.

[Aryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome! gave me chills!

[Hunter Salley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome and I would recommend it to everyone who reads this review!

[Nay Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book it talk about a boy that goes to haven its a ture story

[Nannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was encouraging and inspirational!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a sick boy who spends 3 minutes in heaven during his appendectomy surgery. He also could see his parents: his mom praying and calling people and his dad praying and angry with God for his son's illness/suffering.His Dad is a pastor by occupation. The boy was at their local (Imperial) hospital and not getting better, so they took him to a larger (North Platt) hospital and his appendix was removed. He was still sick and wanted to take him to Denver but the North Platt was snowed in. This came on the heels of his dad having broke his leg, getting kidney stones, and threat of breast cancer.

They had money problems because they had not been able to work, but they still paid their tithing check. Colton was ademant that "Jesus used Dr. O'Holleran to fix me, so we need to pay him." They had a person in their congregation pass away and Colton was very concerned about if the man had accepted Jesus because he had to know Jesus or he can't get into heaven!"

While he was in heaven, he met his grandpa - really big wings (who had died before he was born) and he had a blue sash. Pop was young (everyone in heaven is young) and did not wear glasses. He also met his sister (his mom had miscarried a baby and he didn't know that until he met her) and God had adopted her. Jesus also told Colton that He went to his dad and told him to be a pastor.

He met Jesus (and subsequently stated that pictures of Jesus were not right due to the hair or clothes...), and he sat in his lap. There was a Lithuanian girl who had a similar experience and she drew a picture of Jesus that Colton said that one was right! He said that everyone had wings and flew and they had a light behind their head. Colton's wings were small. Angels (with wings) sang to him while he was there. He said that people in heaven worse sashes of different colors, and Jesus's was purple and his clothes were white, and he had a crown with jewels. He also said that Jesus has red markers (wounds on his hands and feet - crucifixion). Jesus died on the cross so we could go see his dad. We can't believe how much Jesus loves us. Colton constantly talked about how much Jesus loves his children.

There are swords in heaven to keep Satan out. He saw Satan but didn't want to talk about it. If you don't go to heaven, you don't get a new body. There was going to be a war in heaven that his dad would fight in. Men fight, and women and children watch.

Colton tells a dying man: it's going to be okay. The first person you're going to see is Jesus.

Jesus's throne was on the right hand side of his dad's. John the baptist's throne is on the other side. Colton sat next to the Holy Spirit (who was kind of blue). Jesus did not have wings - he went up and down like a elevator. Jesus gave Colton work to do. Jesus had a rainbow horse. It doesn't get dark in heaven. The gates of heaven are gold and have pearls on them.

Colton has seen power (holy spirit) shot down to his Dad while he is preaching.

[Jessica Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is charming. A small child had a near death experience. The child inherently understood that his parents had a daughter that he never met. When he went to heaven he met his sister who was never born due to a miscarriage, of which the parents kept hidden. There was a shining light within each heavenly being. The child learned from Jesus there, that only those who go to heaven get new bodies. Heaven is here with us- just in a different dimension. The child saw animals in heaven, including ones that were not able to be on Earth. Also a near death experiencer, I felt comfortable reading a story that aligns with my personal experience.

[Lawrence L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total fiction- a fraud. So called pastor is very ignorant of the Bible. Jesus does not ride a rainbow colored horse and angels don't have wings. Seraphims and Cherubim have wings as do two women carrying wickedness to the land of Shinar- that's all!

Sorry I bought the garbage and hope others do not buy it as it teaches error.

[Badal Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such nicely written. The way it depicts heaven with the help of a mere 7 year old's description. I have to say the writer did a great job. It does not leave you confused and gives you all the details as if it was described thoroughly by a grown up. And of course, it only strengthens your belief in Christ and the eternal kingdom.