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Heaven Is So Real: Expanded with Testimonials

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INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLER HEAVEN IS SO REAL! WITH OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD

Do you believe heaven really exists? Choo Thomas retells a stunning, personal story of how she saw the living Christ, visited Hell, and walked in Heaven. "On January 19, 1996, I woke up at 3:00 in the morning. My body was shaking...I turned my head on the pillow to look in the direction of the sound, and there, all aglow, was a figure dressed in white garments. IT WAS THE LORD..."

How could this be happening to me? I wondered...as I began to tremble...and to weep tears of love and joy. "My daughter...I am your Lord, and I want to talk to you. I am going to visit you many times before this work is done." "The impact of His voice, His words, His message hit me with a supernatural force..." Not once not twice but ten times that month, the Lord Jesus appeared by her bedside and spoke to her. Then the journey began....

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

119 people are currently reading
580 people want to read

About the author

Choo Thomas

3 books12 followers
Sister Choo Nam Thomas was a Korean American and an author of the best selling book called Heaven Is So Real! In 1992, she became a Protestant Christian and two years later she claimed to have seen Jesus Christ at her church Neighborhood Assembly of God in Tacoma, Washington. In 1996, she stated that she was taken to heaven, the storey of which was published in her book. The book has been translated in more than 60 countries. David Yonggi Cho additionally helped with this book's translation work. Many readers have stated that their faith have been impacted by reading her book or by watching her video of the book.

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5 stars
310 (47%)
4 stars
142 (21%)
3 stars
101 (15%)
2 stars
46 (6%)
1 star
60 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Ethel.
5 reviews
May 24, 2007
very uplifting, gives me courage and hope, makes me gain interest with celestial things, makes me wanna know Jesus really well, makes me value my soul, makes me contented of the things I have and understand how blessings are in many different aspects.
1 review
August 20, 2008
There were many confusing issues in this book. Personally, I believe that this was not Jesus visiting her, but rather Satan disguising himself. Do we really believe our Lord would have a dark, crowded room full of unwanted babies in heaven? Or that Jesus would tell her, "I'm going to make you famous"? I honestly don't think that is something Jesus is very concerned about. While reading this book, I felt very down and confused, rather than uplifted and inspired. Be wary. If you're looking for an inspirational, spiritual book, "The Shack" is a great one.
3 reviews
February 10, 2011
Read almost all the way through and the more I read the more uncomfortable I became. So many things she wrote just did not compare well with the Bible. We are to compare all doctrine and prophecies with what the Bibles says to test if they are from God and this one just doesn't meet the test.

The shaking and other physical manifestations match demon possession more than an experience with God. The things Jesus supposedly told her don't match with what the Bible says. Way too much emphasis on works and little to nothing on His saving grace. Eating a fish in Heaven? The Bible says there is no death in Heaven, yet a fish would have to die for it to be cooked and eaten as in her story.

Push button cooking equipment and push button to start a boat on a river in Heaven?

After prayer and checking my Bible against what she said I would say this is false prophecy! A Lie. Not worth reading let alone believing.
Profile Image for Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover.
957 reviews584 followers
August 13, 2011
Oh be quiet people! This book is amazing. A relationship with Jesus like that is not impossible. I love Choos dialogue with Jesus and this book changed my life! Jesus is coming soon and I could tell by the reviews that no one believes it. Hold on to your seats because this book will take you on an adventure you'll never forget!!
Profile Image for Jonathan Brenneman.
Author 15 books31 followers
May 30, 2016
I believe that the Holy Spirit gives people visions. My grandmother even had an experience where she was taken to heaven. Jesus took her to the Father and she was healed as she sat on His lap.

But visions need to be tested. As Galatians says "If even we or an angel from heaven preach to you another gospel than the one you received, let him be anathema."

"Heaven Is So Real" has several very disturbing statements which I do not believe can be reconciled with scripture or with the gospel of Christ. These include "Anyone who wants to be with the Lord Jesus forever must work hard for his salvation every day for the rest of his life" and "Nobody who does not tithe faithfully will ever see Jesus' face or be permitted into heaven". I felt that there is a spirit of torment and condemnation in the book, and a works-righteousness mentality comes through in many ways, including the way that the book approaches physical healing.

The visions may have been real, but I do not believe the source of them was the Lord.
Profile Image for Ron.
Author 2 books169 followers
February 18, 2010
Heaven may be so real, but what you'll learn mostly from this book is how real Choo Thomas's ego is.

End times have been a cottage industry among Christians since Jesus discussed it with his followers just before his execution. If you want the straight scoop, go to the source: the Bible.
Profile Image for Christina.
78 reviews
March 2, 2013
A friend asked me to read this and then give her my honest opinion. She had read it but wouldn't discuss it until I had also read it.
Wasn't long into it before alarm bells started ringing - aborted babies lying naked in a warehouse waiting for Jesus to give them a mother (in case theirs didn't make it to heaven)?
The alarm bells got louder:
The blood of Jesus being made dirty because of sin? Jesus, in heaven, killing and cooking fish on a BBQ (one that Jesus had to push a button to start). There's a lot more but that's enough to mention to make anyone who has read, and takes, the Bible seriously to doubt the veracity of this story. Reading this brought a sense of oppressiveness (my friend felt similar) whereas I believe the true Gospel brings hope, healing and freedom. That in itself is concerning.
I would not recommend this to anyone,and I don't say that lightly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hetty.
5 reviews12 followers
November 2, 2007
A very great book !!
It can wake your faith up.
This book is our Lord Jesus’ end time book and He wants all Christians to read it and witness with it to others so they can prepare for His coming. It is changing thousands of lives.
This book is for two kinds of people:
first, those who want to go to heaven and second, those who love the world.
So, not everyone will be interested in HIS book. The devil hates this book.
Which kind of people are you?
So, the choice is up to you.....

You can visit the link below to browse about this book :
http://www.choothomas.com/index.html
1 review
October 18, 2012
I read the book myself and it really changed my life,I believe it was meant for the salvation of lost souls like I was. I accepted Jesus after I read it. Jesus has been kind to me, He even gave me the helper the Holy Spirit whom I fellowship with. Choo Thomas thank you so much for making yourself available for me and others who will believe the word of the Master.
I know Jesus is coming again and coming for the prepared,spotless,blameless,clean church and this helps me in soul winning,personal preparation. Keep praying for us.
Thank you
Profile Image for Pug.
1,355 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2020
I want to be very careful about rating and reviewing this book...

I adore books about people who visit Heaven ("Heaven Is for Real," "90 Minutes in Heaven," and "Miracles from Heaven" jump to mind). These books are touching and exciting and inspiring!

And then I find this book, where the author (Choo) visits Heaven repeatedly!? I couldn't wait to dive in.

But after much debate and struggling, I have decided to stop reading this book. At the very least, I'm not enjoying it. It's long and repetitive and tedious. And if I have to hear about her trembling one more time..... ugh.

I admit, though, I tried to get through it. I worried: What if everything Choo said was true? I 100% believe that Jesus can do anything and everything he wants, with whomever he wants. If he chose to take this lady to Heaven 50 times, then yes, I can believe that.

But it didn't take long for something that Choo claims Jesus said jumped out at me, and not in a good way:

According to her, he said that only "obedient children" get to Heaven, and then as an example, said that people who don't tithe are "disobedient children."

Um......

OK, so yes, we understand that being a Christian means you have certain responsibilities, and that includes being obedient to the Lord and tithing.

BUT that (or any works) will NOT get you into Heaven. The only thing that will get you into Heaven is accepting Jesus Christ into your heart as your savior. Jesus said, in the actual Bible, that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. The gift of salvation is a gift, given freely to anyone who wants it! You do not need to strive to obtain it. Whether you are obedient and/or tithe doesn't have anything to do with your salvation. Sure, if Jesus Christ is your Lord, you should WANT to be obedient to him and do as he asks... but we are human and we screw up and disobey. Despite ourselves, our salvation is always secure through him.

There were many similarly alarming aspects of this book.

There were some positives from the book: Choo did reference the Bible quite a bit, and the reminders to obey and all that good stuff is a helpful reminder for us Christians.

But at the end of the day, I don't trust her. I don't know if she was hallucinating or what the deal was, but I was tired of eating all of those grains of salt.

I think I'll stick to the real Bible and books by a more reliable narrator (Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, John Hagee, etc.).
Profile Image for Mandy Nel.
5 reviews
August 29, 2025
Hierdie boek het my hart diep geraak. Die Hemel is ’n Werklikheid vertel die ware verhaal van Colton Burpo, ’n vierjarige seuntjie wat tydens ’n noodoperasie ’n hemelse ervaring gehad het. Ná sy herstel begin hy dinge met sy ouers deel – dinge wat hy nooit self kon weet nie. Hy praat van ontmoetings met Jesus, familielede wat lankal oorlede is, en beskrywings van die hemel wat eenvoudig en kinderlik eerlik is.

Wat die boek so besonders maak, is die onskuld en egtheid in Colton se woorde. Dit is nie ingewikkelde teologie nie – dit is ’n eenvoudige kind wat vertel wat hy gesien en ervaar het. Todd Burpo skryf die verhaal op ’n hartlike en opregte manier, asof jy self saam met hulle aan die kombuistafel sit en luister.

Die boodskap van hierdie boek is nie net dat die hemel bestaan nie, maar ook dat God werklik en naby is – vol liefde en hoop. Dit bring troos vir dié wat geliefdes verloor het en bemoedig almal wat wonder oor wat wag ná hierdie lewe.

Oordeel:
Die Hemel is ’n Werklikheid is aangrypend, vertroostend en ongelooflik inspirerend. Dit is ’n boek wat jou geloof versterk en jou herinner dat die hemel nie net ’n vae belofte is nie – dit is ’n werklikheid.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Beslis ’n boek wat ek vir almal kan aanbeveel wat hoop en bemoediging soek.
Profile Image for Heather.
32 reviews
November 2, 2012
I discovered this book in 2007 when I was going through a difficult spot in my life. I had turned away from God and this book was recommended to me. I found it terrifying and unbelievable. I read it all in one day. I was so terrified by this book that I began reading the Bible in depth.
Through my own study I realized that many of the things Ms. Thomas had written about just didn't have the ring of truth to them. She said that she saw children burning in hell. She mentions that Jesus made her watch her mother burn in hell which is horrifying and completely out of the realm of believability.
Many of the things she says go on in her church sound more like the annointings that went on in Lakeland, Fl by Todd Bentley and his congregation, that have been investigated and determined to be demonic in nature.
All in all, though it was a fantastical book, because of the false doctrine spread throughout, I wouldn't recommend it for Christians. It would be a nice addition to any FICTION bookshelf.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
528 reviews157 followers
February 11, 2015
I watched "Heaven is real", the movie and I was absolutely amazed by the little boy's recollection of his journey in heaven. He met Jesus, his stillborn little sister and his father's grandpa.

I've had moments where I felt the hand of God literally touch my life. The accident wherein God held back cars behind me so that I can hit the barrier to bring the car to a halt. There were other beatific moments too. Moments too precious and personal to share on this platform. Not that I don't want to glorify God, but His glory is evident in my life daily.

Back to Choo Thomas. Her descriptions seem forced. Like she's willing herself to remember every minute detail ruining the whole experience, in my opinion. The metaphors and similes drag on and on and on like she's got a mill around her neck and it is weighing her down and she's struggling to put one foot in front of the other.

The beauty of her experience is lost in the myriad of flowery language and grammar.

I wonder if her writing this book was for commercial gain. Again, I stand to be corrected.
Profile Image for King David.
3 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2012
Some interesting insights about heaven. And some good instructions for Christian life.

However, there are some critical points which is very disturbing and not biblically. The author really need to backed up her claims or retract:

1. Seen Brown-gowned "Christians" outside heavens' gates.

2. Seen Grey-gowned "Christians" in the dark valley, outside heavens' gates.

3. People who do not have chance to hear the gospel, go directly to hell. (implies they don't have a choice)

4. 2 valleys for disobedient and sinful "Christians" at judgement seat.

Page 249, quote: "The Lord prepared the valleys for those (Christians) not holy enough to enter His Kingdom" unquote.

I don't usually write reviews. Please read with discernment...
Profile Image for Jason Chaos.
24 reviews
Read
October 31, 2007
This book's a big crock of steaming crap...sorry, don't mean to be offensive but I'm telling the truth here. Yeah, God just happened to pick a Korean woman to show her things out of the blue...out of the gazillion souls on planet Earth! The book can be broken down to:

Author: "I'm so special, why am I so special? I must be better than every other human on the planet Earth! Oh look at me I'm so irresistable!"
Profile Image for Brad Meyers.
73 reviews8 followers
September 23, 2012
There were some pretty sketchy things in this book. Good principles, but some things did not line up with the Bible. Also there is a part where it says George Bush would be the last days President.. umm... we're a little past that now, (also the Bible says no one will no when the end will be) I don't really know why I finished this book.. I questioned it almost continually, but it never made me question my own faith. Read with caution, seriously.
Profile Image for Kholofelo.
3 reviews11 followers
September 9, 2011
This is an amazing book that everyone needs to read. The most wonderful thing about it was not how Choo describes what heaven looks like but rather the intimate, father-daughter relationship that is displayed in her conversations with Jesus. Made me fall even ore in love with Jesus and want to seek him more, also got me so excited about eternal life with the Lord...:)
Profile Image for Trifena Tuna.
1 review1 follower
September 16, 2011
A great book. i had some inspiration about Heaven. How Great is our God :)
Profile Image for Lynn.
2 reviews
Read
June 24, 2012
Wonderful! glorious! Exciting! builds your faith!
Profile Image for Wendy.
14 reviews
October 24, 2019
I loved this book, but then she started focusing on a special dance. A special dance?? What on earth? Not sure what to make of the whole book now.
Profile Image for Phallen (Helen) Sakhan.
86 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2023
Jesus – He is a person of very few words. (Guess that the trait I got from Jesus. I was called a lady of few words few times) 🤣😂

When He speaks, He always does so purposefully. He shares only those things He thinks are significant for us to know.

God, He already has prepared a place for you in heaven if you only will believe in His Son and receive Him as your personal Lord and Saviour. Waiting – is one of the hardest things in the world to do, and yet it is the key to so much empowerment in the spiritual life. The Lord wants us to wait in His presence because it is in this way that we develop the patience we need to grow and serve.

When the power of God falls, strangely wonderful things begin to happen in our lives. The people of God, as well as people in the world, need to know that Jesus has made a way for them to overcome the world, darkness, evil, and all the works of the enemy. The blood of Jesus – a scarlet thread that weaves the entire Bible together – has made a way for them.

Heaven is a place of great joy. It is designed to be enjoyed by us. Innocence, trust, purity of heart, fascination, a sense of wonder, belief, joy, happiness, present-moment living – all these are some of the magical qualities of childhood that God wants us to exhibit to get to heaven. God is our Father; we are His children. He wants us to be children who trust, love, and obey their Father. The true transformation of Christianity is that adults become like little children -walking in wonder, trust, obedience, and love.

There are four kinds of love – agape (the love of God), storge (the love of family), phileo (brotherly love), and eros (sexual love). Unfortunately, the world puts eros first and few ever find agape love.

It was a place of purity and whiteness, and the roads and buildings were immaculately clean. A brilliance like sunlight was everywhere.
39 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2020
The Only Path to Heaven is Jesus Christ

I won’t lie to you but I had mixed feelings about this book. You might be wondering that if that was the case why I have given it 5 stars. The Bible says in 1 John 4:15 KJVS Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Choo Thomas is continually pointing people to Jesus as the only way to heaven in this book. There are some things which she wrote that I felt not sure about but that is secondary in details compared to the majority of the things which she says she saw which do align with scripture. Any Christian reading this book can clearly see her genuine love for the Lord and her great desire to serve him. I noticed that many people put negative reviews which to me did not make sense because Satan’s people don’t promote Gods word or salvation in Jesus name. That would be really contradicting to the Devil’s agenda. Overall, I would advise every Christian to get a copy of this book and read it with an open mind. This lady is promoting the Bible and Jesus throughout this book. God bless Choo Thomas for her powerful testimony!
3 reviews
June 9, 2020
It has been a sobering week and a time of true reflection for God's children all over the world.
In reading this book, we are reminded of a father who loves us so much he has prepared a place for his own. John14:2-3 just like a bride prepares to meet her groom.

The writer takes you through her journey of multiple visits to heaven, encounters and many conversation with Jesus.

You see the intentionality He displays for the love he has for his children and while He can't force anyone to love or obey Him, He enjoins us to open our hearts to receive Him.Heb 3:15.
I believe been enveloped with the thoughts and pictures of heaven is a step taken in building intimacy with Him.






910 reviews10 followers
July 5, 2018
God gives extraordinary and unusual gifts to some people and we can only wonder why. I don't doubt at all the authenticity of this account, the visions, experiences and things The Lord told the author, but equally that doesn't mean they have the same truth for everyone else. Don't read this for objective truth about the nature of heaven and for what God is saying in this day and age, rather this is an encouraging and in many ways inspiring individual testimony.
1 review
November 13, 2023
While reading the book I saw that her encounters and some of the things she claimed the Jesus she met told her that are so inconsistent with the scriptures. The only people who will accept this revelation as from God are the unsaved, baby Christians and the Apostates (and there are so many of them on the pulpit today). I had to throw the book away then so that my kids won't stumble on it and read it.
35 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2017
Ugh this book is 99% awful. She paints Jesus as a Lord/Father with sadistic tendencies very little grace revealed. Depicts a father that just wants his daughter to do his bidding for him, rather than a daughter responding to the love of a father. I really don't think Jesus would show ones mother in hell, what kind of God does that reveal. So glad I finished it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
197 reviews
March 11, 2025
Must read for anyone curious about heaven and the life of one of Jesus's devoted servants. Choo certainly portrayed a servant life and is a great example for all Christians. The shear number of great Bible verses was awesome!

I've read several books on visions of heaven, but this was the best and most detailed.
Profile Image for Justin Steckbauer.
91 reviews31 followers
May 27, 2018
A fascinating read by a prophetic Korean individual named Choo Thomas, who testifies to a powerful experience in regard to heaven and hell. Consider in reference to the scriptures, as always. I found it to be provocative as well as scriptural.
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