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Heaven Is Real: Lessons on Earthly Joy--From The Man Who Spent 90 Minutes In Heaven
New inspiration from the million-copy bestselling author of 90 Minutes in Heaven .
Don Piper's 90 Minutes in Heaven has sold more than a million copies and has been translated into 12 languages. Now, from "The Minister of Hope" comes the follow-up that millions of readers have been waiting for.
On January 18th, 1989, Don Piper died in a car accident. Ninety minutes later, after a preacher prayed over him, Piper came back to life with an extraordinary story. He'd been to heaven. So began the phenomenon of 90 Minutes in Heaven .
Now, for the millions who look to him for inspiration, Piper offers the hope that if he could survive his ordeal after the accident, then others can survive whatever life circumstances they're going through and grow in God's love through the experience. For Piper, heaven is a certainty-and so is God's grace. Relying on that assurance, believers can transform pain into purpose and troubles into blessings, finding joy in life even when life turns out not to be what they expected.
Don Piper's 90 Minutes in Heaven has sold more than a million copies and has been translated into 12 languages. Now, from "The Minister of Hope" comes the follow-up that millions of readers have been waiting for.
On January 18th, 1989, Don Piper died in a car accident. Ninety minutes later, after a preacher prayed over him, Piper came back to life with an extraordinary story. He'd been to heaven. So began the phenomenon of 90 Minutes in Heaven .
Now, for the millions who look to him for inspiration, Piper offers the hope that if he could survive his ordeal after the accident, then others can survive whatever life circumstances they're going through and grow in God's love through the experience. For Piper, heaven is a certainty-and so is God's grace. Relying on that assurance, believers can transform pain into purpose and troubles into blessings, finding joy in life even when life turns out not to be what they expected.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2007
63 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Don Piper
40 books177 followersOn January 18th, 1989, Don Piper died in a car accident. Ninety minutes later, after a preacher prayed over him, Piper came back to life with an extraordinary story. He'd been to heaven. So began the phenomenon of 90 Minutes in Heaven.
Now, for the millions who look to him for inspiration, Piper offers the hope that if he could survive his ordeal after the accident, then others can survive whatever life circumstances they're going through and grow in God's love through the experience.
Now, for the millions who look to him for inspiration, Piper offers the hope that if he could survive his ordeal after the accident, then others can survive whatever life circumstances they're going through and grow in God's love through the experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 23, 2010
This is a sequal to 90 Minutes in Heaven in which the author died in a traffic accident and goes to heaven. This book was even better then the first. In this book Piper descibes how all of us go through life changing events-both good and bad. Once the event takes place there is no turning back. These include someone close to us dying, the loss of a job, an accident, a financial setback, a divorce etc. The natural response is to wallow in self pity and wish things like they use to be. We need to seek a "new normal" pushing onward. God can use a bad situation for His good. We also need to take on an eternal prospective.
I could identify with a lot of what Piper set out. I was involved in a bad car accident 10 years ago in which I was in the hospital for three months and faced lots of rehabilitation. Even with all that I was never going to be the person I was before. I had to find a new normal.
We all suffer at some points in our lives. This is an excellent primer for those times.
I could identify with a lot of what Piper set out. I was involved in a bad car accident 10 years ago in which I was in the hospital for three months and faced lots of rehabilitation. Even with all that I was never going to be the person I was before. I had to find a new normal.
We all suffer at some points in our lives. This is an excellent primer for those times.
October 26, 2012
I had the good fortune of receiving Don's other book "90 Minutes In Heaven," for Christmas a few years ago, which is an extraordinary story, as is this one. In this book, Don focuses more on his 'return from Heaven,' faith, love, a desire to continue with life even after tragic and/or life altering events. I take delight in how Don uses bridges to describe events in life that in some way leave us forever changed. We ALL cross bridges (marry, become parents, or mourn the of death of a loved one just to name a few of many). As Don points out, once we cross that 'bridge' we are never really the same, we have learn to live with a new normal - like the woman whose husband of 4weeks suddenly & unexpectedly dies. She is beyond devastation, but eventually uses her loss to help others in grief.
Don shares many accounts of ppl whose lives are now changed since reading his book or hearing him speak.
I find it fascinating that Don uses bridges to describe transitions in life we all face, some more difficult than others. I even think of the bridges I've crossed - going to college, graduating with my M.Ed & moving to a new town, ending a bad relationship. I too was involved in a serious car accident, although my injuries were nowhere near as serious as Don's, I did sustain injuries to my back, ribs, and foot, which still cause pain today, more specifically my back. That early Summer morning left me changed, as a result of my back injury, I could no longer go back to my "old job, apartment, or friends." However, I got over it, I dealt. I got used to the new 'normal, & new me' and you can too. If you feel like giving up, think of Don & his life altering event, all the serious, permanent injuries he sustained as result of that fateful day - some of those still cause him pain. Though he initially dealt with depression, he did not give up. If you have read his book, then you are aware his accident occurred on a bridge. So, he uses his bridge crossing (car accident) as a way to benefit others, share God's word, & assure everyone that - Heaven IS Real.
I highly recommend this book or Don's other book, especially if you have or are dealing with a major life event such as loss of a loved one, illness, etc. I believe it will bring comfort to anyone. Well done Don & Cecil.
Don shares many accounts of ppl whose lives are now changed since reading his book or hearing him speak.
I find it fascinating that Don uses bridges to describe transitions in life we all face, some more difficult than others. I even think of the bridges I've crossed - going to college, graduating with my M.Ed & moving to a new town, ending a bad relationship. I too was involved in a serious car accident, although my injuries were nowhere near as serious as Don's, I did sustain injuries to my back, ribs, and foot, which still cause pain today, more specifically my back. That early Summer morning left me changed, as a result of my back injury, I could no longer go back to my "old job, apartment, or friends." However, I got over it, I dealt. I got used to the new 'normal, & new me' and you can too. If you feel like giving up, think of Don & his life altering event, all the serious, permanent injuries he sustained as result of that fateful day - some of those still cause him pain. Though he initially dealt with depression, he did not give up. If you have read his book, then you are aware his accident occurred on a bridge. So, he uses his bridge crossing (car accident) as a way to benefit others, share God's word, & assure everyone that - Heaven IS Real.
I highly recommend this book or Don's other book, especially if you have or are dealing with a major life event such as loss of a loved one, illness, etc. I believe it will bring comfort to anyone. Well done Don & Cecil.
May 29, 2015
“Heaven is Real” was a very inspiring book for me. I learned so many lessons from this book that I did not know before. One of the lessons that I learned from this book is that being forgiving is what God wants, and that it is sinful to hold onto grouches. What I like most about Heaven is Real is that a man named Don Piper was very inspired by God because he spent a little time with him when he was in that car crash and died for 90 minutes, now he is sharing his faith and adventure with us.
“Heaven is Real” is about a man named Don Piper got in a very bad car accident and died at the age 38. He spent 90 minutes in Heaven than came back to life. He was very inspired and more compassionate about Heaven. Don teaches us the importance of God and what we must do in life as a Christian.
I recommend “Heaven is Real to Christians”. I recommend it to them because it could teach them lessons that they might have not already knew about. Heaven is Real might also bring Christians even closer to God.
“Heaven is Real” is about a man named Don Piper got in a very bad car accident and died at the age 38. He spent 90 minutes in Heaven than came back to life. He was very inspired and more compassionate about Heaven. Don teaches us the importance of God and what we must do in life as a Christian.
I recommend “Heaven is Real to Christians”. I recommend it to them because it could teach them lessons that they might have not already knew about. Heaven is Real might also bring Christians even closer to God.
March 24, 2025
Very powerful.
July 6, 2012
Perfect book to get your head thinking about what we are here to accomplish. Easy to sit back and think about the past, the pain, the hurt, the heartache BUT ... we need to work through all the pain and figure out what our purpose is for on this earth. Here's a guy who went thru 34 major operations, 13 months in the hospital followed by 2 years of rehab.
Some quotes I highlighted in the book
- "When you were born, your cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, you will rejoice and the world will cry." AMEN TO THAT!!! I added that to my email epilogue.
- "You wonder why you should live? I will tell you why. You need to live to help others. The reason is simple: God has allowed you to live. Each of us remains on earth for a reason. Our purpose may not be obvious or clear, but we are not left by mistake." I NEEDED TO BE REMINDED OF THIS!!!
- William James - 19th Century "Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequence of any misfortune."
- Mary Tyler Moore - "Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you."
- John (Disciple) - "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all wickedness." (1 John 1:8-9)
- None of us gets inside unless our name has already been permanently written in the Book of Life.
- Dwight L. Moody - "One day you will read in the paper that I died. Don't believe a word of it: I will be more alive than ever."
- Don Piper - "See you at the gate."
Some quotes I highlighted in the book
- "When you were born, your cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, you will rejoice and the world will cry." AMEN TO THAT!!! I added that to my email epilogue.
- "You wonder why you should live? I will tell you why. You need to live to help others. The reason is simple: God has allowed you to live. Each of us remains on earth for a reason. Our purpose may not be obvious or clear, but we are not left by mistake." I NEEDED TO BE REMINDED OF THIS!!!
- William James - 19th Century "Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequence of any misfortune."
- Mary Tyler Moore - "Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you."
- John (Disciple) - "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all wickedness." (1 John 1:8-9)
- None of us gets inside unless our name has already been permanently written in the Book of Life.
- Dwight L. Moody - "One day you will read in the paper that I died. Don't believe a word of it: I will be more alive than ever."
- Don Piper - "See you at the gate."
February 8, 2012
This book fell short of my expectations. While I appreciate that Don Piper has written about his miraculous experience, this book felt too preachy for me. I was upset that he considered the most important and significant point in his life was when he became a born again Christian and in his mind, that is the only reason he went to heaven when he died (and now he tries to convert people so they too can go to heaven - I'm not amused).
I wanted an interesting read and I went into it with a very open mind by found my myself becoming bored half-way through it. I was hoping it would be a spiritual read but it wasn't - it was a religious read.
I also disliked how Piper seemed to spend a good majority of this book praising his previous book using direct quotations and stories from past readers. While I'm glad his previous book helped many people, I found it slightly arrogant and found that it rubbed me the wrong way.
Some people might find this book to be interesting and helpful but I didn't. I would not reccomend it.
I wanted an interesting read and I went into it with a very open mind by found my myself becoming bored half-way through it. I was hoping it would be a spiritual read but it wasn't - it was a religious read.
I also disliked how Piper seemed to spend a good majority of this book praising his previous book using direct quotations and stories from past readers. While I'm glad his previous book helped many people, I found it slightly arrogant and found that it rubbed me the wrong way.
Some people might find this book to be interesting and helpful but I didn't. I would not reccomend it.
January 21, 2014
Having read the author's original book, "90 Minutes In Heaven" i thoroughly enjoyed this follow-up. The simple yet profound truths that he writes about were a great refreshment to my soul. This book is valuable for anyone, Christian or non-Christian, but would be especially helpful to those who are dealing with a physical trauma or chronic illness and learning to live with their new normal. But that doesn't preclude anyone gaining insights to life and hope and encouragement from the author's words. Highly recommend.
March 13, 2008
This book is inspiring as Don Piper recounts how his amazing story has helped other. He also hits in some really good themes such as finding purpose after tragedy, adjusting to the "new normal" after a life-changing event, etc. However, the book is poorly written and feels choppy. I had an extremely difficult time getting through it. I appreciate the message, but the writing and organization of this book held me back.
April 10, 2012
I agree with the principles that the author spoke about in this book... that being said, I feel like it could've been a page, instead of over 200. The book felt like a really long book review of his first novel. Since I didn't read the first novel, it felt like bragging. It's a great message, just poorly written.
December 25, 2017
Mr. Piper did another job well done in his third account if his ninety minutes of pure Bliss and his work to stay and endure here on Earth for the sake of the saints.
A man after my own hearts desire: while his heart wills that he be at the gate of heaven and hopes for the moment God might extend a permanent invite; he is here filling God's purpose for us!
A man after my own hearts desire: while his heart wills that he be at the gate of heaven and hopes for the moment God might extend a permanent invite; he is here filling God's purpose for us!
February 10, 2011
Great book by a sincere Christian who is a minister. Very convincing, lines right up with the Bible. I would recommend it to everyone, especially someone who just lost a loved one to death and who knows they were ready to meet the Lord. Very encouraging.
August 4, 2012
This was the best book I have ever read in my entire life other than the Bible. It changed my life forever. It made me realize that I could overcome any problems and use those problems to bring others to know Jesus Christ.
May 20, 2018
I think this book had a few moments of useful thought-provoking topics, and many moments that almost seemed like a back-pat for how successful his first book was. Good moment is quickly followed by several stories of someone who was touched by the first book. I’m pretty confident the author didn’t intend it to come off that way, but I really feel that it did.
A few of the highlights of the book:
1. Finding joy-more than temporary happiness but a deep sense of contentment that is pervasive through any circumstance. I know I really struggle with this and have a hard time finding it.
2. Ask God what he wants us to be doing and He will answer. I’ve really felt frustrated by this one lately. I’m feeling like I’m having a tough time discerning what God wants for/from me lately and I could really use some answers! However, am I asking with a fully open heart to be willing to go and do whatever God is calling (not my will but yours) or am I asking tentatively, like hey God, this is what I kinda maybe but I’m not sure I want, would that be cool?
3. Finding the new normal after a life change, whether this be tragic or just a new set of circumstances. (graduation, marriage, childbirth, etc.) It’s so tough, and like the author pointed out, the first thing you have to do is accept that things can never be the same again.
4. Realizing that through your brokenness, God has a plan of how to use that. I don’t believe that God brings these hard things into our life, but that God sees our pain and uses it to bring about good. My dad died when I was in middle school. Do I wish that wouldn’t have happened? Of course. Do I think God caused that? No. Do I think it was a good thing? Not good in and of itself, but good in that God shaped me a new way during the road of healing. But would I be the same person without that? No way, and that is a good thing. I feel like I am much more empathetic after having found my new normal. Now how exactly God is going to use that in my life to affect others, I’m not really sure. I think I’ve seen small bits of that “fruit” God will bear in my life, but only tiny bits and I do question what I’m supposed to do with that.
5. Finally, the pridefulness in saying I don’t need any help. Maybe the way another can show their love for us is by letting them helping us out. Yet when we (I) need help the most, that’s typically when my stubbornness gets in the way and I am most insistent that I don’t need any help. But in some ways, we hurt others by saying we don’t need anything. They just want to help us and support us and we are almost rude by saying no to help. Even in small ways, by allowing others to help us, they are able to fulfill a need to help others while they fulfill our needs. Don Piper explained this better than I am, but I do agree with him.
Overall, I would give this book a 6 out of 10 for enjoyment and a 4.5 of 5 for readability. It was just so much story story story of someone who was helped by his story then tidbit of encouragement/wisdom then story story story. I mean it was interesting but none of the stories were in enough detail to really feel like I learned much from them.
-Holly
A few of the highlights of the book:
1. Finding joy-more than temporary happiness but a deep sense of contentment that is pervasive through any circumstance. I know I really struggle with this and have a hard time finding it.
2. Ask God what he wants us to be doing and He will answer. I’ve really felt frustrated by this one lately. I’m feeling like I’m having a tough time discerning what God wants for/from me lately and I could really use some answers! However, am I asking with a fully open heart to be willing to go and do whatever God is calling (not my will but yours) or am I asking tentatively, like hey God, this is what I kinda maybe but I’m not sure I want, would that be cool?
3. Finding the new normal after a life change, whether this be tragic or just a new set of circumstances. (graduation, marriage, childbirth, etc.) It’s so tough, and like the author pointed out, the first thing you have to do is accept that things can never be the same again.
4. Realizing that through your brokenness, God has a plan of how to use that. I don’t believe that God brings these hard things into our life, but that God sees our pain and uses it to bring about good. My dad died when I was in middle school. Do I wish that wouldn’t have happened? Of course. Do I think God caused that? No. Do I think it was a good thing? Not good in and of itself, but good in that God shaped me a new way during the road of healing. But would I be the same person without that? No way, and that is a good thing. I feel like I am much more empathetic after having found my new normal. Now how exactly God is going to use that in my life to affect others, I’m not really sure. I think I’ve seen small bits of that “fruit” God will bear in my life, but only tiny bits and I do question what I’m supposed to do with that.
5. Finally, the pridefulness in saying I don’t need any help. Maybe the way another can show their love for us is by letting them helping us out. Yet when we (I) need help the most, that’s typically when my stubbornness gets in the way and I am most insistent that I don’t need any help. But in some ways, we hurt others by saying we don’t need anything. They just want to help us and support us and we are almost rude by saying no to help. Even in small ways, by allowing others to help us, they are able to fulfill a need to help others while they fulfill our needs. Don Piper explained this better than I am, but I do agree with him.
Overall, I would give this book a 6 out of 10 for enjoyment and a 4.5 of 5 for readability. It was just so much story story story of someone who was helped by his story then tidbit of encouragement/wisdom then story story story. I mean it was interesting but none of the stories were in enough detail to really feel like I learned much from them.
-Holly
October 31, 2020
I really loved this book and feel called to pass this book on to someone in my life that is struggling with personal, family issues. I think it will help her and her husband work through their issues and for her to come to Christ. This book was so powerful and had so many profound lessons and perspectives of looking at life and living right now for the Lord.
August 9, 2023
Very inspirational...I want to read 90 minutes in Heaven to actually see what he experienced! I should have read that first...this book gets you thinking about how you spend your days! I need to focus on every day as a gift and I need to further the Kingdom of Heaven and spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!! See you at the gate.
March 24, 2024
Loved Piper’s reference to Ralph Emerson who stated: “When you were born you were crying and everyone else was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you’re the one who is smiling and everyone else is crying.”
September 14, 2024
After going through some difficult losses I thought this book would help me. While it did give some good ideas on how to find a new normal and how to survive loss, it reminded me of an infomercial for his first book. A better title would’ve been fan letters or something to that nature.
March 18, 2020
Excellent book!
November 21, 2020
While there some very good parts of this book, I feel that the author talks about himself and his struggles too much.
December 10, 2020
Not as scientifically rigorous as other NDE accounts and focused exclusively on the Christian experience but nevertheless an inspiring account of perseverance and the beauty of what lies ahead.
April 27, 2024
EVERYONE MUST READ THIS BOOK!!
November 14, 2024
Really interesting and comforting.
October 23, 2020
Don was run over by an 18 wheeler (driven by a prisoner) in Texas, in 1989. He instantly died and went to Heaven. A pastor (and others) prayed for Don, and he was revived. This book reassured me of God's love. -"As I slowly learned to accept responsibility to receive help, I'm in a stronger position to say it both ways to people. Be helpers of those in need, be recipients of their help..."
2018 review:
This man was hit by a semi in 1989 and went to Heaven for 90 minutes. A fellow pastor prayed for him after Don was declared dead by an EMT. The pastor sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and Don came back to life to spread his message of hope to all. This book is about Don's journey back to Earth instead of Heaven (which is what his first book is about). Here he answers questions about how to live a "new normal" when all you want to do is go back to the way things were before. He tells us that we have a purpose and that God will use our scars to help us relate to and have compassion on others. We must find meaning and purpose in our pain and depression if we are to make something of our time on this side. If we hold on, we can be content in any circumstance. Life isn't about getting all we can in order to be happy. It's about learning to be happy with what we have. We are never alone and we must demonstrate that awareness.
2018 review:
This man was hit by a semi in 1989 and went to Heaven for 90 minutes. A fellow pastor prayed for him after Don was declared dead by an EMT. The pastor sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and Don came back to life to spread his message of hope to all. This book is about Don's journey back to Earth instead of Heaven (which is what his first book is about). Here he answers questions about how to live a "new normal" when all you want to do is go back to the way things were before. He tells us that we have a purpose and that God will use our scars to help us relate to and have compassion on others. We must find meaning and purpose in our pain and depression if we are to make something of our time on this side. If we hold on, we can be content in any circumstance. Life isn't about getting all we can in order to be happy. It's about learning to be happy with what we have. We are never alone and we must demonstrate that awareness.
January 28, 2017
(2.5) 1st of all I would like to say the message of this book is a good one. However the author goes around about to get to it and seems to have a very high opinion of himself. I understand when telling stories you would use personal experiences, however this goes beyond that. He will be telling a story (someone elses) and at the end of a paragraph, throw in an I something something, then go on with the story. His comment has no point at all. He also says, "I am not saying I am (one of the disciples, or someone along those line), but" many times. He also references himself in the 3rd person a couple of times, and likes to references all the TV shows, radio, letters, emails, text, carrier pigeons or however people contact him. This book also just reiterates his other books (Which I have read as well), like this was just a way to make sure people still remembered his story. Again, great message and could truly help people struggling with lose or other issues, but just seems he is a bit full of himself.
November 9, 2007
this book was nice read book.this book is about religious.about one person who was religious and loves god.before he became religious he was nt interested in god but one day to young kids came to his house and they invite him to join them to the church and after they explain him what activity they do he be came interested and willing to join them.in the next Sunday he went to the church and he was happy and he was feeling like he is at home.after a couple of days he become member of the church.one day he had a conference after he done with his conference he went to his house.on his way to his house something miracle happen to him.when he drive he reach a bridge .on that bridge he got car accident. on that accident he dead and he went to heaven.while he was died hes friend from church was praying for him after 90 minute in heaven he got live back.when i was reading this i was confuse and wondered how one person can get a life again
December 21, 2011
Joke on me! I was supposed to read Heaven is FOR Real for a book club, and got this one from the library by mistake. It was good, but it is the sequel to a book called "Ninety Minutes in Heaven." The author did not tell much about his actual experience, which is covered in the earlier book. This one tells about some of the ways his other book affected readers, but since I hadn't read the first one..... I don't know that I buy his claim that he was actually dead for 90 minutes, though I do recognize near-death experiences can happen. Anyway, I'm not sorry I read it, but I should have paid better attention!
July 7, 2008
An inspirational book about how to live a more godly and loving life from a man who went to heaven for ninety mintues and came back. The stories are nice and inspiring, but since the focus of this book is more on what he's learned and wants to pass on to others rather than on what happened to him (which you can read in "90 Minutes in Heaven"), I found myself wishing I had read that book first, as it probably would have helped fill in some of the backstory (even though he does a "Reader's Digest" account of the accident) and what he saw in heaven.
September 4, 2012
this was an amazing book of. how this young man. was actully. killed. found himself in heaven among people. he. knew who were there. he. was walking talking. doing. great. happy. such. beauty. & the music singing. & praise then. he. had to go back. start. a life of such. injury. unbelievable. what. he went through. of course. a friend had to convince the ems he was alive. . god had a work for him on earth but he would rather b back in heaven. read this great book to see all he went through to. get to whre he is today
July 27, 2011
A great book giving you a plan to deal with difficulties in your life. When you feel that you can't go on that your situation is hopeless there is always hope. You can't go back but you can have a new normal, a new beginning. Life is always worth living so live for Jesus.
In Heaven is Real, Piper shared how life's trials can be turned into spiritual lessons, when we are open to the certainty of God's grace and love.
In Heaven is Real, Piper shared how life's trials can be turned into spiritual lessons, when we are open to the certainty of God's grace and love.
December 6, 2012
This author's first book of his experiences of dying, spending 45 minutes in heaven, and a long hard rehabilitation is compelling and thought provoking. This book gives many example of how his life of telling his story has affected people. Unfortunately, if a reader is well studied on this topic - and has an accurate understanding and practice of Christian doctrine - this book brings little new to the table and the examples are often over simplistic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews