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Touching Heaven: A Cardiologist's Encounters with Death and Living Proof of an Afterlife
How a doctor's glimpses of eternity confirmed everything he believed about God, suffering, life on earth, and what happens after death.
Dr. Chauncey Crandall knows his patients well. When they are dying, he sits at the bedside with them and holds their hands. He prays with them. Sometimes he can feel what they feel and see what they see. At other times his patients have near-death experiences and "come back" with astonishing descriptions of the afterlife. In TOUCHING HEAVEN, Dr. Crandall reveals how what he has seen and heard has convinced him that God is real, that we are created for a divine purpose, that death is not the end, that we will see our departed loved ones again, and that we are closer to the next world than we think.
Dr. Chauncey Crandall knows his patients well. When they are dying, he sits at the bedside with them and holds their hands. He prays with them. Sometimes he can feel what they feel and see what they see. At other times his patients have near-death experiences and "come back" with astonishing descriptions of the afterlife. In TOUCHING HEAVEN, Dr. Crandall reveals how what he has seen and heard has convinced him that God is real, that we are created for a divine purpose, that death is not the end, that we will see our departed loved ones again, and that we are closer to the next world than we think.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2015
890 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 24, 2021
This was a DNF for me at 30%.
This book title and description is a little misleading. It's basically this guy's memoir. I was expecting it to be multiple experiences from patients maybe.
I'm very sorry that this man lost his son at such a young age. No parent should have to go through that.
With that being, this book is WAY too preachy and a lot of what has happened so far just seems unbelievable. As if God is at this family's (the guy in particular) beck and call.
In the first 30%:
- he volunteered to feed hungry children. 500 kids showed up and they only prepared 200 meals. He prayed and God gave them 300 extra meals to feed them all. Just out of nowhere.
- his wife saw Gods hand reach down with her baby inside it saying it was safe (she had to have surgery and lost her baby as it was growing in her fallopian tubes)
- all of his family saw Jesus on MULTIPLE occasions.
- he would pray when his patients were dying and they would magically heal and live. Like literally one had a dying heart and needed a transplant. He prayed, the heart healed in a few days, and he no longer needed a transplant.
There's actually more but I can't recall it at the moment.
I even read in another review there are even more unbelievable things that happen. Like someone was born with a leg 5 inches shorter, the author prayed, and it literally grew right before his eyes. I don't know how true that is since I didn't make it that far but....come on.
Now maybe I'm being too judgemental. Maybe this guy is a modern day prophet....who knows. But it just seems too out there. Or as he says it's "supernatural" - which is never a term I would use for something holy or miraculous. Lol.
This book title and description is a little misleading. It's basically this guy's memoir. I was expecting it to be multiple experiences from patients maybe.
I'm very sorry that this man lost his son at such a young age. No parent should have to go through that.
With that being, this book is WAY too preachy and a lot of what has happened so far just seems unbelievable. As if God is at this family's (the guy in particular) beck and call.
In the first 30%:
- he volunteered to feed hungry children. 500 kids showed up and they only prepared 200 meals. He prayed and God gave them 300 extra meals to feed them all. Just out of nowhere.
- his wife saw Gods hand reach down with her baby inside it saying it was safe (she had to have surgery and lost her baby as it was growing in her fallopian tubes)
- all of his family saw Jesus on MULTIPLE occasions.
- he would pray when his patients were dying and they would magically heal and live. Like literally one had a dying heart and needed a transplant. He prayed, the heart healed in a few days, and he no longer needed a transplant.
There's actually more but I can't recall it at the moment.
I even read in another review there are even more unbelievable things that happen. Like someone was born with a leg 5 inches shorter, the author prayed, and it literally grew right before his eyes. I don't know how true that is since I didn't make it that far but....come on.
Now maybe I'm being too judgemental. Maybe this guy is a modern day prophet....who knows. But it just seems too out there. Or as he says it's "supernatural" - which is never a term I would use for something holy or miraculous. Lol.
November 7, 2015
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I am fascinated to know what doctors and nurses have witnessed in the course of their careers regarding their patient's end of life or near-dear experiences. Dr. Crandall has clearly given much studied thought and put biblical research into this book. The conflict of being either 'science' minded or 'spiritually' minded must often tug on the minds of these caregivers. Quite an interesting and worthy read!
I am fascinated to know what doctors and nurses have witnessed in the course of their careers regarding their patient's end of life or near-dear experiences. Dr. Crandall has clearly given much studied thought and put biblical research into this book. The conflict of being either 'science' minded or 'spiritually' minded must often tug on the minds of these caregivers. Quite an interesting and worthy read!
December 27, 2021
The book title should read A Little Touching Heaven And a Whole Lot of Preaching. I would have liked to hear more about his real and honest struggles with watching his son suffer for many years with cancer. Instead we get a sermon, and hear story after story of his own "faith healing" experiences...the guy is literally healing people and saving them from death or near death all over the place. Yet, he was unable to save his own son from death. When he actually quoted the unicorn from Chronicles of Narnia to make a point in chapter 10, I had to stop reading further. I don't doubt many people will turn to this book in search of comfort during a difficult time of loss. This book did not have that affect on me. Check out Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning if this book didn't inspire you either.
June 2, 2024
Loved it, very interesting how this doctor's life changed and how he was challenged with his beliefs.
October 29, 2015
Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall is a very unique and thought provoking book.
Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall piqued my interest for many reasons. At the top of my list is that the author is a cardiologist. Dr. Crandall’s experience and background in medicine is impressive. The book states that, “He is chief of the cardiovascular transplant program at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens and is on staff at three medical centers.” Having worked for fifteen years as an RN, CCRN in a Cardiac
Intensive Care Unit myself, I am always drawn to the medical story, especially acute cardiac related events. There are many detailed stories within the book that chronicle the resuscitation procedures given to a dying patient. I was quickly immersed in the bedside care and high level of energy that fuels these life retrieving protocols. One particular narrative Dr. Crandall shares, where by the defibrillator did not fire when discharged, had me on the edge of my seat. That is a nightmare scenario for a code blue team!
A close second on my list for reading this book is the idea that Touching Heaven intersects faith with facts. The collision of spiritual and physical will always make for an interesting read. I am a very logical, formulaic, algorithm sort of gal, so when I have an opportunity to be stretched outside of my comfort zone to a place that is intangible, I will never turn that opportunity down.
Finally, I was drawn to this book simply because the author is courageously discussing heaven within the context of his personal experiences and observations. Given today’s culture, I feel this is a brave thing to do. I have much admiration for anyone who will take a stand on their convictions with such passion and unwavering resolve. I wanted to digest an evangelical physician’s perspective on healing, heaven, and our earthly purpose. I was not disappointed.
Touching Heaven is a very personal story of life events in the author’s life. Dr. Crandall’s desire to share the importance of inviting Christ into every situation could not be missed. He effectively communicates the message that we do not need to wait to “go to heaven”, but rather the kingdom of God is wherever believers call upon the name of Christ. One of the most powerful statements in the book encompasses this idea. Dr. Crandall writes, “As we take up our spiritual authority, the situation we’re in switches from defeat and darkness and death to victory and light and life. This is the invisible but very real power of the kingdom of heaven.”
Dr. Crandall boldly interprets a large volume of scripture references throughout this book. His Biblical knowledge and application of God’s word within the pages of this work are inspiring. The unfathomable premature death of his son in the peak of his life, make the author’s testimony personal, credible, and urgent. Crandall’s transparency and willingness to share the painful grief, questions, and finally the assurance he found in Christ, provide enough content for an entire book all on its own!
I read through the pages of Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall with an open mind, as well as a sensitive heart. I greatly appreciated all of the faith filled stories of healing that the author conveyed have taken place in a direct response to Jesus being “invited into your situation.” This is a beautiful and intriguing work. Crandall’s writing has the potential to challenge boundaries and tear down walls of hopelessness.
Thank you to Faith Words Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for requesting my review and supplying me with a copy of Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall. I was not required to write a favorable assessment, but only to completely read this book and give my honest opinion.
Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall piqued my interest for many reasons. At the top of my list is that the author is a cardiologist. Dr. Crandall’s experience and background in medicine is impressive. The book states that, “He is chief of the cardiovascular transplant program at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens and is on staff at three medical centers.” Having worked for fifteen years as an RN, CCRN in a Cardiac
Intensive Care Unit myself, I am always drawn to the medical story, especially acute cardiac related events. There are many detailed stories within the book that chronicle the resuscitation procedures given to a dying patient. I was quickly immersed in the bedside care and high level of energy that fuels these life retrieving protocols. One particular narrative Dr. Crandall shares, where by the defibrillator did not fire when discharged, had me on the edge of my seat. That is a nightmare scenario for a code blue team!
A close second on my list for reading this book is the idea that Touching Heaven intersects faith with facts. The collision of spiritual and physical will always make for an interesting read. I am a very logical, formulaic, algorithm sort of gal, so when I have an opportunity to be stretched outside of my comfort zone to a place that is intangible, I will never turn that opportunity down.
Finally, I was drawn to this book simply because the author is courageously discussing heaven within the context of his personal experiences and observations. Given today’s culture, I feel this is a brave thing to do. I have much admiration for anyone who will take a stand on their convictions with such passion and unwavering resolve. I wanted to digest an evangelical physician’s perspective on healing, heaven, and our earthly purpose. I was not disappointed.
Touching Heaven is a very personal story of life events in the author’s life. Dr. Crandall’s desire to share the importance of inviting Christ into every situation could not be missed. He effectively communicates the message that we do not need to wait to “go to heaven”, but rather the kingdom of God is wherever believers call upon the name of Christ. One of the most powerful statements in the book encompasses this idea. Dr. Crandall writes, “As we take up our spiritual authority, the situation we’re in switches from defeat and darkness and death to victory and light and life. This is the invisible but very real power of the kingdom of heaven.”
Dr. Crandall boldly interprets a large volume of scripture references throughout this book. His Biblical knowledge and application of God’s word within the pages of this work are inspiring. The unfathomable premature death of his son in the peak of his life, make the author’s testimony personal, credible, and urgent. Crandall’s transparency and willingness to share the painful grief, questions, and finally the assurance he found in Christ, provide enough content for an entire book all on its own!
I read through the pages of Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall with an open mind, as well as a sensitive heart. I greatly appreciated all of the faith filled stories of healing that the author conveyed have taken place in a direct response to Jesus being “invited into your situation.” This is a beautiful and intriguing work. Crandall’s writing has the potential to challenge boundaries and tear down walls of hopelessness.
Thank you to Faith Words Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for requesting my review and supplying me with a copy of Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall. I was not required to write a favorable assessment, but only to completely read this book and give my honest opinion.
July 9, 2017
A church friend loaned me this book. I loved Dr. Crandall's stories about the healing, the amazing instances where people almost died, yet came back to life with more peace than they'd had before. He has really experienced many spiritual miracles. Awesome! I liked the ending of each chapter where he listed meaningful Bible verses. I learned much about heaven and the Christian life here on earth. Some of this story became a little too instructive. Yet, learning as a child of God is important.
May 31, 2025
This book was great but I did use the audio version and I wish I would have read it it instead.
July 4, 2021
Inspiring
We get caught up in the medical world with physical and psychological dysfunction. Dr. Crandall reminds us that the eternal should be just as important, if not more important, of an area on which to focus. The need is indeed great.
We get caught up in the medical world with physical and psychological dysfunction. Dr. Crandall reminds us that the eternal should be just as important, if not more important, of an area on which to focus. The need is indeed great.
February 9, 2021
Dr. Crandall brings heaven to earth with the stories of his first hand experiences with healing prayers and resurrections. Jesus promised with faith as small as a mustard seed, whatever we asked in His will He would do for us. Dr Crandall reminds us that 2000 years later Christ hasn't changed. He keeps His promises. Powerful testimony. Encouraging. Challenging my prayers and increasing my faith.
February 16, 2021
I bought this book and read it. It was OK but I guess I expected more scenarios of people who witnessed certain visualizations of GOD. I am a believer and know that Jesus died on the cross so my sins could be forgiven and I could have everlasting life. I do believe that Dr Crandall has witnessed these things he writes about and it must be a wonderful feeling to see GOD working throughout his life and in the lives of others.
May 14, 2021
Excellent, informative, and interesting.
This book was well written and interesting!!!!! I heard about healings I’ve never heard about before. Plus he shares loads of scripture. When you google him you find out he is a cardiologist and also the head of a missionary team which makes his testimony very real.
This book was well written and interesting!!!!! I heard about healings I’ve never heard about before. Plus he shares loads of scripture. When you google him you find out he is a cardiologist and also the head of a missionary team which makes his testimony very real.
June 3, 2021
Sample made me excited to read this in its entirety
Finding the Lord Jesus in our everyday experiences is inherent in the joy of living. Finding the Healer and recognizing His Handiwork is sublime. The experiences from this book will be eye opening and affirming! Thank you for writing and sharing with us!
Finding the Lord Jesus in our everyday experiences is inherent in the joy of living. Finding the Healer and recognizing His Handiwork is sublime. The experiences from this book will be eye opening and affirming! Thank you for writing and sharing with us!
November 12, 2019
Inspiring Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned so much that I want to go back and reread it just to jot down notes so I won’t forget things that stood out to me as special.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned so much that I want to go back and reread it just to jot down notes so I won’t forget things that stood out to me as special.
April 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book & loved hearing about the miracles in this book that God allowed to happen. I know that Dr go through a lot with having to watch some of his patients not making it. You would have to believe in the powers of God.
December 8, 2020
The title may be a little misleading. The author, a cardiologist, gives his testimony and tells about his life's journey. He shares many experiences he has had as a doctor, sharing his faith with patients.
February 24, 2021
Great inspiring book with real life stories!
Great inspiring book with real life stories. This book should be read by all. This book has strengthened my Christian faith and I am looking forward to the next life.
Great inspiring book with real life stories. This book should be read by all. This book has strengthened my Christian faith and I am looking forward to the next life.
April 20, 2021
Excellent
Written by a person with life experience and the gift of healing that he uses. Jesus is real I his life and he shows it. I would recommend this to anyone who has lost a hold . His thoughts on what heaven will be like are awesome
Written by a person with life experience and the gift of healing that he uses. Jesus is real I his life and he shows it. I would recommend this to anyone who has lost a hold . His thoughts on what heaven will be like are awesome
May 9, 2021
Keep Your Eyes on The After Life In Heaven
This book explains the Heaven that all believers in Jesus Christ will eventually live in after our stay on Earth has ended. It has explained Heaven in more detail than I have ever realized.
This book explains the Heaven that all believers in Jesus Christ will eventually live in after our stay on Earth has ended. It has explained Heaven in more detail than I have ever realized.
June 13, 2021
Very inspiring opens up heaven for this book to any who might have doubts about ete whether God exists.
Very inspiring opens up heaven for a look at our eternal home. highly recommendbthis book to any who might have doubts about ete whether God exists.
Very inspiring opens up heaven for a look at our eternal home. highly recommendbthis book to any who might have doubts about ete whether God exists.
June 26, 2021
Passionate
He writes from an impassioned heart that has walked through the fires of earthly tragedy. His actual theology is way too fundamentalist for me, but I appreciate his pure heart and all he does for others. I am glad to have read this book.
He writes from an impassioned heart that has walked through the fires of earthly tragedy. His actual theology is way too fundamentalist for me, but I appreciate his pure heart and all he does for others. I am glad to have read this book.
July 25, 2017
Everyone needs to read this book. It's a timely message and well written. God bless this family for sharing their story.
January 19, 2021
Amazing true stories that inspire!
May 14, 2021
Lots of good reflection
There is a ton of faith reflection in this book. I found it more inspiring to read a chapter every day or so to reflect better on the Spiritual lessons.
There is a ton of faith reflection in this book. I found it more inspiring to read a chapter every day or so to reflect better on the Spiritual lessons.
June 22, 2021
Touching heavan
An absolutely amazing journey...thank you for sharing it with me...this is a book I will read again...it restores my soul
An absolutely amazing journey...thank you for sharing it with me...this is a book I will read again...it restores my soul
June 23, 2021
A well written and accurate book. Very uplifting!
We are given a new perspective on the power of our Lord Jesus his love for us and the promised afterlife in heaven!
We are given a new perspective on the power of our Lord Jesus his love for us and the promised afterlife in heaven!
August 31, 2024
"As a medical doctor in training I was taught to interpret reality in strictly physical terms. Yet by the time one of my twin sons became terminally ill, I had seen enough to be convinced of a greater reality than the one when we see with our eyes alone. My experiences in medicine, a professional career that now spans four decades have only served to verify this conclusion."- Chauncey W. Crandall
This is a book I enjoyed but had hoped to give a higher rating. I enjoyed the stories of how God has used this cardiologist to bring miraculous healing, both in his practice and abroad. I admire his passion for ministry, helping people, and saving souls. He places a very high value on scripture and reads broadly from many different ministers in sundry doctrinal streams. I was also fascinated by the few accounts, (and I stress "few"), of his interactions with patients that had near-death experiences. That was my primary reason for picking up the book but there were only a handful so my expectations were not met in that regard. That said, I'm glad I read it.
Another quote -
"I also observed that when people are dying they registered either frightful reactions, including shock, torment, or despair or they reveal peaceful reactions such as calm and restfulness. There is almost never a middle ground. It is either one extreme or the other regardless of their symptoms or medication."
This is a book I enjoyed but had hoped to give a higher rating. I enjoyed the stories of how God has used this cardiologist to bring miraculous healing, both in his practice and abroad. I admire his passion for ministry, helping people, and saving souls. He places a very high value on scripture and reads broadly from many different ministers in sundry doctrinal streams. I was also fascinated by the few accounts, (and I stress "few"), of his interactions with patients that had near-death experiences. That was my primary reason for picking up the book but there were only a handful so my expectations were not met in that regard. That said, I'm glad I read it.
Another quote -
"I also observed that when people are dying they registered either frightful reactions, including shock, torment, or despair or they reveal peaceful reactions such as calm and restfulness. There is almost never a middle ground. It is either one extreme or the other regardless of their symptoms or medication."
December 28, 2021
Dr. Crandall shows us how science, medicine and faith, used together can bring about the impossible. The transformation in his life is remarkable and encourages us to be more fervent in our faith and in reading the Word and trusting God. The miracles he saw in the hospital and on the mission field, are only from God. Through personal tragedy, he declared to run to God instead of away from Him. He fervently sought people to minister to not only medically but spiritually. This book will enlighten you and encourage you and hopefully change your life.
December 26, 2022
A book that will change your mind for the better.
I have never reviewed a book before but I am now. This book is simply a great must read. Never disbelieve the words of Jesus Christ as given to us all in the Bible. Darkness and disbelief have been here since before original sin and look what it brought us. This book can and will give you great insight and strength to make great decisions moving forward with your life. Putting your faith and belief in Jesus Christ will bring about changes beyond your wildest dreams.
I have never reviewed a book before but I am now. This book is simply a great must read. Never disbelieve the words of Jesus Christ as given to us all in the Bible. Darkness and disbelief have been here since before original sin and look what it brought us. This book can and will give you great insight and strength to make great decisions moving forward with your life. Putting your faith and belief in Jesus Christ will bring about changes beyond your wildest dreams.
September 3, 2025
Great, great book!! I LOVE his enthusiasm for our Lord and Savior Jesus!! It's the kind every Christ followers should have! He has witnessed miracles in career as a physician and in his everyday life. He has seen the goodness of God serves and shares with others (again, as we all should do!) He has gone through one of the hardest losses you could go through, loss of a child to cancer- yet knows where his son is and that he will see him again!! Why are Christian's so sleepy and lukewarm- maybe you need the infilling of the Holy Spirit?! This book is a great start to be ignited!
June 25, 2023
Well written by a careful thinker and writer. Crandall is an intelligent Christian who took considerable convincing before he came to believe that Jesus could make Himself manifest clearly in our world. He mentions fairly intimate family details that describe the suffering he and his wife have undergone. Also his encounters as a physician along with his knowledge of the Bible make this a valuable read for anyone; particularly those who are considering Christianity as a life option.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews