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Soul Survivor: The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot
This is the story of James Leininger, who-- a little more than two weeks after his second birthday-- began having blood-curdling nightmares that just would not stop. When James began screaming out recurring phrases like, "Plane on fire! Little man can't get out!" the Leiningers finally admitted that they truly had to take notice.
When details of planes and war tragedies no two-year-old boy could know continued-- even in stark daylight-- Bruce and Andrea Leininger began to realize that this was an incredible situation. SOUL SURVIVOR is the story of how the Leiningers pieced together what their son was communicating and eventually discovered that he was reliving the past life of World War II fighter pilot James Huston. As Bruce Leininger struggled to understand what was happening to his son, he also uncovered details of James Huston's life-- and death-- as a pilot that will fascinate military buffs everywhere.
In SOUL SURVIVOR, we are taken for a gripping ride as the Leiningers' belief system is shaken to the core, and both of these families come to know a little boy who, against all odds and even in the face of true skeptics, harbors the soul of this man who died long ago.
When details of planes and war tragedies no two-year-old boy could know continued-- even in stark daylight-- Bruce and Andrea Leininger began to realize that this was an incredible situation. SOUL SURVIVOR is the story of how the Leiningers pieced together what their son was communicating and eventually discovered that he was reliving the past life of World War II fighter pilot James Huston. As Bruce Leininger struggled to understand what was happening to his son, he also uncovered details of James Huston's life-- and death-- as a pilot that will fascinate military buffs everywhere.
In SOUL SURVIVOR, we are taken for a gripping ride as the Leiningers' belief system is shaken to the core, and both of these families come to know a little boy who, against all odds and even in the face of true skeptics, harbors the soul of this man who died long ago.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
July 7, 2009
Wow -- I really feel awful about what I'm going to write!
The parents/co-authors ruined this book for me. Why is it that it took until Chapter 30 something for me to actually begin reading information that I wanted to read by Chapter 2. If the parents hadn't been so busy patting themselves on the back for their detective work and self-proclaimed stellar parenting skills, I might have learned more about their son James and James Huston the WWII pilot.
I hope other readers aren't as put-off by the entire book as I was. The last couple of chapters were enjoyable, but man ... this was a hard book to get through.
The parents/co-authors ruined this book for me. Why is it that it took until Chapter 30 something for me to actually begin reading information that I wanted to read by Chapter 2. If the parents hadn't been so busy patting themselves on the back for their detective work and self-proclaimed stellar parenting skills, I might have learned more about their son James and James Huston the WWII pilot.
I hope other readers aren't as put-off by the entire book as I was. The last couple of chapters were enjoyable, but man ... this was a hard book to get through.
May 2, 2011
Oh for goodness sakes, this is supposed to be a book about the reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot not a recap of a previous marriage, an over protective mother and the lenient parental role model that she lived with. Not to mention “the panel” made up of Andrea’s sisters that have to discuss every part of James’s life so they can come to a mutual decision on how to move forward.
By page 50, the amateurish dummy-downed ramblings are enough to drive the reader crazy. Really, this should not be about the adults; this is supposed to be about a child. A two and a half year old child that is having night terrors --a child that knows what a drop tank is and that can identify a Japanese fighter by the red meatball on its side. This is a child that is not yet potty trained and cannot yet speak in full sentences, but knows things that are unexplainable.
To make the beginning of this book bearable, you will have to skim and scan the first 50 pages. Finally, when James admits that he is “little man” do the adults sit up and take notice. Maybe this will start to get interesting – took long enough.
As the Leininger’s plod along in their research and realizations, James once again seems to be left in the dust. Bruce Leininger seems more interested in proving his theories, which are running headlong into his religious beliefs, then in helping James understand what is going on with his dreams and memories.
I will admit that when the book actually got back to James, the hairs on my arms would tingle. There is something very spooky and intriguing about this story. I just wish that I knew what the true ulterior motive was for the Leininger’s. Did they want to tell their son’s story, fulfill promises to the survivors of Natoma Bay, or to pay off their debts? There was too much talk about paying bills and unemployment for me to not wonder about their true motives.
Would I suggest the book – only if you skim since there is too much side story for this to be truly about the Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot.
By page 50, the amateurish dummy-downed ramblings are enough to drive the reader crazy. Really, this should not be about the adults; this is supposed to be about a child. A two and a half year old child that is having night terrors --a child that knows what a drop tank is and that can identify a Japanese fighter by the red meatball on its side. This is a child that is not yet potty trained and cannot yet speak in full sentences, but knows things that are unexplainable.
To make the beginning of this book bearable, you will have to skim and scan the first 50 pages. Finally, when James admits that he is “little man” do the adults sit up and take notice. Maybe this will start to get interesting – took long enough.
As the Leininger’s plod along in their research and realizations, James once again seems to be left in the dust. Bruce Leininger seems more interested in proving his theories, which are running headlong into his religious beliefs, then in helping James understand what is going on with his dreams and memories.
I will admit that when the book actually got back to James, the hairs on my arms would tingle. There is something very spooky and intriguing about this story. I just wish that I knew what the true ulterior motive was for the Leininger’s. Did they want to tell their son’s story, fulfill promises to the survivors of Natoma Bay, or to pay off their debts? There was too much talk about paying bills and unemployment for me to not wonder about their true motives.
Would I suggest the book – only if you skim since there is too much side story for this to be truly about the Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot.
August 6, 2016
Amazing Concept - Horrible Execution.
The writing is verbose, off-topic and self-serving.
I read up to page 55 and thus far there was only 2.75 pages of actual content relative to the topic. I understand the need for backstory, but why am I reading an expose on the 13th birthday party of James's (propsed reincarnated child) aunt? She is a non-integral character.
DON'T READ THIS BOOK. I'M WARNING YOU IT'S AN EXERCISE IN HORRIBLE WRITING.
The writing is verbose, off-topic and self-serving.
I read up to page 55 and thus far there was only 2.75 pages of actual content relative to the topic. I understand the need for backstory, but why am I reading an expose on the 13th birthday party of James's (propsed reincarnated child) aunt? She is a non-integral character.
DON'T READ THIS BOOK. I'M WARNING YOU IT'S AN EXERCISE IN HORRIBLE WRITING.
July 13, 2012
Having a nephew who talked about things that happened "when I was old" as a small child, I was very interested in the Re-Incarnation aspect of this book. I found myself skipping through a lot of the marital, personal and financial woes of the parents to get to the details about James and his past life.
I was intrigued as the research seemed to back up James' odd comments, until I got to page 166. Andrea supposedly 'pulled up the 1940 census record for Lynn Conner.' It was not clear when she did this, but the book was published in 2009, so it must have been before that. Since the 1940 U.S. Census records were not released until this year (2012) it appears that this book is about time travel as well as re-incarnation. I can't wait until I get to the part where the aliens pulled James Huston out of the crashed plane. I am guessing he was on a recon mission on a UFO when he spotted them on the beach in Hawaii!!
Had the auther focussed more on the child and the past life, this would have been a much more enjoyable book... although the spotty details would still have made it less than credible.
I was intrigued as the research seemed to back up James' odd comments, until I got to page 166. Andrea supposedly 'pulled up the 1940 census record for Lynn Conner.' It was not clear when she did this, but the book was published in 2009, so it must have been before that. Since the 1940 U.S. Census records were not released until this year (2012) it appears that this book is about time travel as well as re-incarnation. I can't wait until I get to the part where the aliens pulled James Huston out of the crashed plane. I am guessing he was on a recon mission on a UFO when he spotted them on the beach in Hawaii!!
Had the auther focussed more on the child and the past life, this would have been a much more enjoyable book... although the spotty details would still have made it less than credible.
July 22, 2009
As a past life regression practitioner, I am thrilled and indebted to Bruce and Andrea Leininger for their wisdom and courage to write about their son James' past life memories.
James' story is the most documented American case of a child's past life memories. James' extraordinary past life memories of names and places that were traced to real people and actual events--facts that were easily verified is riviting and compelling.
James was reunited with people who knew him in his former life as a World War II pilot.
Although, fascinating, James' story is not unusual. Many children around the world have vivid past life memories. It's a natural phenomenon. What makes this past life recall unique is the plethora of information, James began spontaneously remembering a few weeks after his second birthday, which he told his parents, as if they knew too.
Soul Survivor is a must read for believers and skeptics alike.
James' story is the most documented American case of a child's past life memories. James' extraordinary past life memories of names and places that were traced to real people and actual events--facts that were easily verified is riviting and compelling.
James was reunited with people who knew him in his former life as a World War II pilot.
Although, fascinating, James' story is not unusual. Many children around the world have vivid past life memories. It's a natural phenomenon. What makes this past life recall unique is the plethora of information, James began spontaneously remembering a few weeks after his second birthday, which he told his parents, as if they knew too.
Soul Survivor is a must read for believers and skeptics alike.
January 15, 2011
I'm just starting this book, but really dislike it already. It is bizarre reading a book written in the third person. The premise of the book is that the authors' son is a reincarnation of a WWII fighter pilot. The authors/parents of this child write this book with some help from another writer. This book comes across as self serving and strange. I'm reading it for a book club, so I will finish it, but the concept and writers' style make this an unlikable read.
I made it to page 177 of this 230 something page book. I'm a bit obsessive compulsive and like to finish what I'm reading, but I can't take this book anymore! It is the worst thing that I have read in my recent AND not so recent memory. I frequently found myself rolling my eyes as I read. This book should have been entitled: All About Andrea: A Study in Narcissism and Foolishness. Awful!
I made it to page 177 of this 230 something page book. I'm a bit obsessive compulsive and like to finish what I'm reading, but I can't take this book anymore! It is the worst thing that I have read in my recent AND not so recent memory. I frequently found myself rolling my eyes as I read. This book should have been entitled: All About Andrea: A Study in Narcissism and Foolishness. Awful!
June 1, 2011
Loved reading about James' memories of his past life but would have preferred less narrative on the Leininger's woes
May 17, 2022
Review originally published September 2009
Soul Survivor by Andrea and Bruce Leininger, with Ken Gross, is not about religion, although Andrea and Bruce have Christian faith. In this case, it means the actual survival of a soul or personality.
In 1998, when 2-year-old James Leinenger woke his parents at night screaming, “Airplane crash!” “On fire!” “Little man can’t get out!”, no one knew what to make of the nightmares. James continued to have them three or four times a week for many months, screaming out the same words and kicking at his blankets as though trapped in a small space.
As James grew older, and his toddler’s speech and vocabulary grew, he was able to reveal details of the events in the nightmares. Using the phone and a growing World Wide Web, James’s father, Bruce, researched James’s memories.
The man whose death and life James was re-experiencing, was a fighter pilot named James Huston, Jr., who disappeared off Chichi Jima during the WWII battle for Iwo Jima in 1945. James’s was the last plane in the flight formation. No one saw the plane’s death spiral into the sea after being hit.
James 3, as the young boy called himself, remembered the name (Natoma Bay) of the escort carrier James Huston was stationed on. He knew the names of some of the other pilots and drew eerily accurate pictures (in crayon) of airplanes and ships in battle.
Bruce found old war records, and spoke on the phone and in person to people whose names James remembered. He even attended a reunion of WWII survivors from the Natoma Bay and was able to confirm many of the names and details his son had recalled.
James acquired an assortment of military toys, including 3 GI Joe action figures, one with brown hair, one with blond hair, and one with red hair. As he added each figure to his collection of airplanes and warships, he unhesitatingly named them, but the names were old-fashioned: Billy, Leon, and Walter, not the kind you would expect a young child to choose.
When asked why he chose those names he replied, “Because that’s who met me when I got to heaven.” Research showed that three fighter pilots, their names and hair coloring matching the three action figures, had all been shot down before James Huston’s final flight.
Although his parents are mystified and unable to understand the reasons why this has happened to their son, James 3, himself, has completely accepted the knowledge he possesses and has been willing to share it. Now he speaks, not in his own 11-year-old voice, but in the voice of someone who has waited 65 years to tell his story: James Huston, Jr., a WWII fighter pilot.
Find similar titles within our catalog.
Soul Survivor by Andrea and Bruce Leininger, with Ken Gross, is not about religion, although Andrea and Bruce have Christian faith. In this case, it means the actual survival of a soul or personality.
In 1998, when 2-year-old James Leinenger woke his parents at night screaming, “Airplane crash!” “On fire!” “Little man can’t get out!”, no one knew what to make of the nightmares. James continued to have them three or four times a week for many months, screaming out the same words and kicking at his blankets as though trapped in a small space.
As James grew older, and his toddler’s speech and vocabulary grew, he was able to reveal details of the events in the nightmares. Using the phone and a growing World Wide Web, James’s father, Bruce, researched James’s memories.
The man whose death and life James was re-experiencing, was a fighter pilot named James Huston, Jr., who disappeared off Chichi Jima during the WWII battle for Iwo Jima in 1945. James’s was the last plane in the flight formation. No one saw the plane’s death spiral into the sea after being hit.
James 3, as the young boy called himself, remembered the name (Natoma Bay) of the escort carrier James Huston was stationed on. He knew the names of some of the other pilots and drew eerily accurate pictures (in crayon) of airplanes and ships in battle.
Bruce found old war records, and spoke on the phone and in person to people whose names James remembered. He even attended a reunion of WWII survivors from the Natoma Bay and was able to confirm many of the names and details his son had recalled.
James acquired an assortment of military toys, including 3 GI Joe action figures, one with brown hair, one with blond hair, and one with red hair. As he added each figure to his collection of airplanes and warships, he unhesitatingly named them, but the names were old-fashioned: Billy, Leon, and Walter, not the kind you would expect a young child to choose.
When asked why he chose those names he replied, “Because that’s who met me when I got to heaven.” Research showed that three fighter pilots, their names and hair coloring matching the three action figures, had all been shot down before James Huston’s final flight.
Although his parents are mystified and unable to understand the reasons why this has happened to their son, James 3, himself, has completely accepted the knowledge he possesses and has been willing to share it. Now he speaks, not in his own 11-year-old voice, but in the voice of someone who has waited 65 years to tell his story: James Huston, Jr., a WWII fighter pilot.
Find similar titles within our catalog.
June 21, 2010
While this book could have been written better, it gets four stars for content alone, it captured quite an amazing chain of real life events. But before my review, a little background. I have been fascinated with WWII aircraft in particular since my earliest days of life, the first two things I can remember on this earth were loving WWII airplanes and loving baseball. Something always felt right about WWII planes to me, didn't want jets, didn't want biplanes, I wanted a P-51 Mustang toy.
As I grew up, I kept up my interest in WWII aviation, so much so that I eventually got to fly a WWII T6-Texan training aircraft, a dream fulfilled. Needless to say I know a ton about WWII planes and I've always joked I was a reincarnated pilot because I've loved it for so long. That was always said jokingly though, because how can you definitively prove that or anything with the afterlife/reincarnation for that matter? Well you can't, but this book comes the closest I've ever seen
It's about a little boy named James, born to a Evangelical Christian Father and a Christian, but more open, mother. At the age of about 2, James starts to have screaming nightmares where he yells "plane on fire, little man can't get out!" This seems typical, nightmares in a child, however, as the parents, a retired ballerina and a business executive (read, non historians) start to ask James about his nightmares, things get odd. He states that he is the one crashing in the plane in his dreams. Then upon a grilling by his father (remember he is between 2 and 3 here) the kid indicates he was flying a Corsair fighter plane in the Pacific off a ship named "Natoma" and that he was shot down by "the Japanese." Later, on a trip to a WWII air museum, he walks around a Corsair, at 2-3 years old again, indicating how the tires used to pop on landing, that the tail hook on the back was used to catch the arresting wire on the aircraft carrier and that his plane "always wanted to turn left."
Stop and WTF!?!?! That stuff might not mean anything to the non expert, but lets lay some facts down. 1. The Corsair was nicknamed the ensign eliminator because it had high amounts of left torque from an overpowered engine, it would literally flip and kill a rookie pilot on takeoff, hence the name. 2. Yes, the tires were a weak point on that plane and the tail hook operates like that. 3. I have never heard of a ship, the Natoma, in my life. The father researched it and found it was real and called the Natoma Bay, fought in the Pacific and that only one pilot ever flew a Corsair off it, one who died in a fiery plane crash named James Huston Jr.
This reader nearly fell off his bed and blacked out. I did not know this stuff when I was two, how in holy hell does a two year old, who's parents aren't WWII buffs like me, pick up all this when he still was in diapers and barely speaking English?!? The father, an Evangelical Christian, refuses throughout the events to believe his son is reincarnated. As his beliefs dictate, this is not possible and at several points he yells out "reincarnation doesn't happen, not in this house." This leads him to research his sons stories. Let me tell you, I am a historian and have written a thesis, I have also been a reporter. This guys research is so thorough, he kicks my ass soundly and I feel like a dolt with the amount of research I have done compared to him.
He confirms the ship is real and at first hits a wall, when he is told no Corsair ever flew from that cruiser, Just TBMs, SBDs and Hellcats. He believes now that his son has concocted an elaborate, yet interesting fantasy. But those wheels come the fuck off (excuse my language) when the father finds living veterans of that carrier who have a picture of James Huston, Jr. (KIA), in front of a god damn Corsair. Gasp!
On top of that, the kid, again, at 2 years old, starts naming people he knew in this past life, like specifically, by first and last name. Lo and behold after months of research the parents find one of them, still alive. Other names the kid rattles off include some of the 21 KIA on the ship and others still living. Blowing the readers mind further, young James gets brought to a VC-81 reunion after his parents, fearfully informed some of the vets that their son had some....interesting things to say about a possible past life. The parents fear the vets will think them all insane and throw them out, but little James does not disappoint. One old man, after hearing the story, walks up to young James (who is suspected to be the late James Huston reborn at this point and a friend of this old man during the war) and says, do you recognize who I am? The child states the mans full name accurately and when asked how he knows, the child says he recognized his voice.
Now, I appreciate the specificness of this kids statements about flying, 98% of adults do not know the specifics of WWII aerial combat, let alone the flight characteristics of a Corsair and I'd venture to say in 2 year olds, that knowledge is about %0, give or take .0000001. I am summarizing here though, there are even more, specific and eerie moments, like when young James finally meets his "sister" from his former life, still alive at 84 years old and he is able to remember specific details about their childhood and their father and how he went to a "sanatorium" for alcoholism which was rehab in the 20s (did you know that Mr reader? That a sanatorium was where alcoholics went in the past? I didn't and I wrote a thesis about that time period!).
I read several skeptical web sites after finishing this to see if there had been any revelations about massive fraud, but they had little. Because the skeptics lacked WWII aircraft specific knowledge, their rebuttals actually proved weak, unfortunately, and came across with less evidence than this small child provided 5 minutes after his nightmares were over. At two he matched my level of knowledge at 20 that came from a lifetime of WWII aviation studies and flight simming, and then he one upped it by remembering specific people and places.
My advice, read it, skip the daily life crap about grocery shopping etc. the authors crammed in to fill space then go look at the flight reports/manuals on Vought F4U-1A Corsairs, the characteristics of aerial combat and then try to imagine if at 24 months old, you could retain all of that data and give a walk around of a Corsair in a museum like this kid did. You couldn't have and neither could I at 2.
As I grew up, I kept up my interest in WWII aviation, so much so that I eventually got to fly a WWII T6-Texan training aircraft, a dream fulfilled. Needless to say I know a ton about WWII planes and I've always joked I was a reincarnated pilot because I've loved it for so long. That was always said jokingly though, because how can you definitively prove that or anything with the afterlife/reincarnation for that matter? Well you can't, but this book comes the closest I've ever seen
It's about a little boy named James, born to a Evangelical Christian Father and a Christian, but more open, mother. At the age of about 2, James starts to have screaming nightmares where he yells "plane on fire, little man can't get out!" This seems typical, nightmares in a child, however, as the parents, a retired ballerina and a business executive (read, non historians) start to ask James about his nightmares, things get odd. He states that he is the one crashing in the plane in his dreams. Then upon a grilling by his father (remember he is between 2 and 3 here) the kid indicates he was flying a Corsair fighter plane in the Pacific off a ship named "Natoma" and that he was shot down by "the Japanese." Later, on a trip to a WWII air museum, he walks around a Corsair, at 2-3 years old again, indicating how the tires used to pop on landing, that the tail hook on the back was used to catch the arresting wire on the aircraft carrier and that his plane "always wanted to turn left."
Stop and WTF!?!?! That stuff might not mean anything to the non expert, but lets lay some facts down. 1. The Corsair was nicknamed the ensign eliminator because it had high amounts of left torque from an overpowered engine, it would literally flip and kill a rookie pilot on takeoff, hence the name. 2. Yes, the tires were a weak point on that plane and the tail hook operates like that. 3. I have never heard of a ship, the Natoma, in my life. The father researched it and found it was real and called the Natoma Bay, fought in the Pacific and that only one pilot ever flew a Corsair off it, one who died in a fiery plane crash named James Huston Jr.
This reader nearly fell off his bed and blacked out. I did not know this stuff when I was two, how in holy hell does a two year old, who's parents aren't WWII buffs like me, pick up all this when he still was in diapers and barely speaking English?!? The father, an Evangelical Christian, refuses throughout the events to believe his son is reincarnated. As his beliefs dictate, this is not possible and at several points he yells out "reincarnation doesn't happen, not in this house." This leads him to research his sons stories. Let me tell you, I am a historian and have written a thesis, I have also been a reporter. This guys research is so thorough, he kicks my ass soundly and I feel like a dolt with the amount of research I have done compared to him.
He confirms the ship is real and at first hits a wall, when he is told no Corsair ever flew from that cruiser, Just TBMs, SBDs and Hellcats. He believes now that his son has concocted an elaborate, yet interesting fantasy. But those wheels come the fuck off (excuse my language) when the father finds living veterans of that carrier who have a picture of James Huston, Jr. (KIA), in front of a god damn Corsair. Gasp!
On top of that, the kid, again, at 2 years old, starts naming people he knew in this past life, like specifically, by first and last name. Lo and behold after months of research the parents find one of them, still alive. Other names the kid rattles off include some of the 21 KIA on the ship and others still living. Blowing the readers mind further, young James gets brought to a VC-81 reunion after his parents, fearfully informed some of the vets that their son had some....interesting things to say about a possible past life. The parents fear the vets will think them all insane and throw them out, but little James does not disappoint. One old man, after hearing the story, walks up to young James (who is suspected to be the late James Huston reborn at this point and a friend of this old man during the war) and says, do you recognize who I am? The child states the mans full name accurately and when asked how he knows, the child says he recognized his voice.
Now, I appreciate the specificness of this kids statements about flying, 98% of adults do not know the specifics of WWII aerial combat, let alone the flight characteristics of a Corsair and I'd venture to say in 2 year olds, that knowledge is about %0, give or take .0000001. I am summarizing here though, there are even more, specific and eerie moments, like when young James finally meets his "sister" from his former life, still alive at 84 years old and he is able to remember specific details about their childhood and their father and how he went to a "sanatorium" for alcoholism which was rehab in the 20s (did you know that Mr reader? That a sanatorium was where alcoholics went in the past? I didn't and I wrote a thesis about that time period!).
I read several skeptical web sites after finishing this to see if there had been any revelations about massive fraud, but they had little. Because the skeptics lacked WWII aircraft specific knowledge, their rebuttals actually proved weak, unfortunately, and came across with less evidence than this small child provided 5 minutes after his nightmares were over. At two he matched my level of knowledge at 20 that came from a lifetime of WWII aviation studies and flight simming, and then he one upped it by remembering specific people and places.
My advice, read it, skip the daily life crap about grocery shopping etc. the authors crammed in to fill space then go look at the flight reports/manuals on Vought F4U-1A Corsairs, the characteristics of aerial combat and then try to imagine if at 24 months old, you could retain all of that data and give a walk around of a Corsair in a museum like this kid did. You couldn't have and neither could I at 2.
August 5, 2009
The premise of this book was absolutely fascinating; yet I am forced to give it only 2 stars. I wish it had been a different book. And I wish the authors had not rubbed me the wrong way. Proof that reading can be very subjective and that a voice that can come off as sympathetic and admirable to one listener or, in this case, reader...can be off putting to another. Is it fair for me to base my rating on my tenuous "relationship' with the narrators as a reader? Perhaps not. But I honestly believe a vastly different writing style (or the help of a professional writer) might have turned this 2 star read into a 4 star read.
I love reading about reincarnation and the possibility of past lives affecting present existence. I often keep this flight of fancy under the cone. Nothing makes you come off as a crystal rattling flake faster than mentioning this topic to certain listeners. So, I limit my interest to mainly private reverie and to reading about the subject whenever something new and compelling comes along. I was eagerly awaiting this book.
And James' story is astounding. At age 2 he began having violent nightmares several times a week. He would thrash around and scream: "Plane on fire! Little man can't get out!" James could name specific parts of the plane in question.. He called the plane a Corsair and began to talk about a boat called Natoma. James' offhand knowledge of World War II aircraft carrier and fighter plane arcana was eerie and inexplicable to his parents. They were determined to "cure' James of his nightmares, bring peace to their family and get to the bottom of the mystery.
The rest of the book should been an unforgettable journey. And, in sections, it was.
However, the narrative got bogged down in what can only be described as egocentric tangents. And the Leininger's are probably unaware of how some of their points of view come off to others. Bruce makes a good living (developing human resources and managing compensation packages for large corporations...a demanding career to say the least.) However, the constant commentary about how "only the best" will do for their family is annoying and adds nothing to the events of the book. Although Bruce works hard (undoing unions and creating golden parachutes) the generous salary, severance packages and stocks don't seem to go far. They struggle with "needing $7000 a month, just for the basics!" (But it never occurs to them to get a smaller home, forgo the trip to Hawaii or the like.?) A little of that, combined with a lot of window dressing about how wonderful they all are, goes a long way for me. (But I may be merely 'committing class warfare'. Something that can only, apparently, be done when someone in a lower economic strata bitches about someone in a higher one.) It should not impact the enjoyment of a compelling reincarnation case. But I'm afraid, for me, it did.
I would still recommend this for anyone who is interested in the subject. As usual, formulate your own conclusions with this. Some of us "want to believe". Others focus on the fact that almost anything can be faked if you work at it hard enough. Either way, some of the people you will briefly meet in this story are well worth knowing. And, perhaps, the narrative voice will not get on other readers' last nerves as it did on mine.
I love reading about reincarnation and the possibility of past lives affecting present existence. I often keep this flight of fancy under the cone. Nothing makes you come off as a crystal rattling flake faster than mentioning this topic to certain listeners. So, I limit my interest to mainly private reverie and to reading about the subject whenever something new and compelling comes along. I was eagerly awaiting this book.
And James' story is astounding. At age 2 he began having violent nightmares several times a week. He would thrash around and scream: "Plane on fire! Little man can't get out!" James could name specific parts of the plane in question.. He called the plane a Corsair and began to talk about a boat called Natoma. James' offhand knowledge of World War II aircraft carrier and fighter plane arcana was eerie and inexplicable to his parents. They were determined to "cure' James of his nightmares, bring peace to their family and get to the bottom of the mystery.
The rest of the book should been an unforgettable journey. And, in sections, it was.
However, the narrative got bogged down in what can only be described as egocentric tangents. And the Leininger's are probably unaware of how some of their points of view come off to others. Bruce makes a good living (developing human resources and managing compensation packages for large corporations...a demanding career to say the least.) However, the constant commentary about how "only the best" will do for their family is annoying and adds nothing to the events of the book. Although Bruce works hard (undoing unions and creating golden parachutes) the generous salary, severance packages and stocks don't seem to go far. They struggle with "needing $7000 a month, just for the basics!" (But it never occurs to them to get a smaller home, forgo the trip to Hawaii or the like.?) A little of that, combined with a lot of window dressing about how wonderful they all are, goes a long way for me. (But I may be merely 'committing class warfare'. Something that can only, apparently, be done when someone in a lower economic strata bitches about someone in a higher one.) It should not impact the enjoyment of a compelling reincarnation case. But I'm afraid, for me, it did.
I would still recommend this for anyone who is interested in the subject. As usual, formulate your own conclusions with this. Some of us "want to believe". Others focus on the fact that almost anything can be faked if you work at it hard enough. Either way, some of the people you will briefly meet in this story are well worth knowing. And, perhaps, the narrative voice will not get on other readers' last nerves as it did on mine.
May 26, 2015
This might very well be one of the worst books I have ever read. If I wasn't feeling guilty about not having completed the last book club book on time; this book would have made it uncompleted on my "life is too short to read this" goodreads shelf.
85%-90% of the book you will read lots of unrelated and mundane details including outfits the writers are wearing, birthday parties of relatives, shopping lists, menu items, household budgets, going to the gym, various errands and household projects, etc. centered around the parents/writers. Bruce appears as hard-working yet grouchy and non-existent father. According to their "prenup", Andrea (the wife) is left with the majority of the child rearing while Bruce focuses on bringing in the sole income for the family and apparently "researching". He occasionally takes James (the child) to the museum. Andrea is a neurotic trophy wife who will remind the reader about every 4 pages or so that she used to be a ballet dancer and is still attractive even though she "ballooned to 130lbs". Every once in awhile, there will be a mention of James and some veterans.
Frankly with as much "research" Bruce and Andrea compiled, one would think that they could have included a bit more in the book related to James, veterans, or the idea of reincarnation.
I am not opposed to the idea of reincarnation, although I had a problem with this particular story. Another reviewer had made a great point in that much of the assertions and "experiences" that James revealed were only when Bruce or Andrea were present. Bruce admits that in order to research the story that he continually lied to the veterans for a period of several years. This really cuts down on my opinion of his integrity and I don't feel confident that the story is real. The nightmares had started after a series of job losses/moves; Andrea is spastic and totally dependent on the "panel"; and Bruce is distant. This kind of dysfunctional home life could be a reason for the nightmares. When James reaches an age where he can speak, he is reluctant to speak about anything to do with James Huston or his experiences. The story just doesn't add up.
I love reading and enjoy many genres. I had read some poor reviews on this book but I was hopeful that it was just people being picky. Unfortunately is was truly awful. My opinion is to save yourself the aggravation and just say no.
85%-90% of the book you will read lots of unrelated and mundane details including outfits the writers are wearing, birthday parties of relatives, shopping lists, menu items, household budgets, going to the gym, various errands and household projects, etc. centered around the parents/writers. Bruce appears as hard-working yet grouchy and non-existent father. According to their "prenup", Andrea (the wife) is left with the majority of the child rearing while Bruce focuses on bringing in the sole income for the family and apparently "researching". He occasionally takes James (the child) to the museum. Andrea is a neurotic trophy wife who will remind the reader about every 4 pages or so that she used to be a ballet dancer and is still attractive even though she "ballooned to 130lbs". Every once in awhile, there will be a mention of James and some veterans.
Frankly with as much "research" Bruce and Andrea compiled, one would think that they could have included a bit more in the book related to James, veterans, or the idea of reincarnation.
I am not opposed to the idea of reincarnation, although I had a problem with this particular story. Another reviewer had made a great point in that much of the assertions and "experiences" that James revealed were only when Bruce or Andrea were present. Bruce admits that in order to research the story that he continually lied to the veterans for a period of several years. This really cuts down on my opinion of his integrity and I don't feel confident that the story is real. The nightmares had started after a series of job losses/moves; Andrea is spastic and totally dependent on the "panel"; and Bruce is distant. This kind of dysfunctional home life could be a reason for the nightmares. When James reaches an age where he can speak, he is reluctant to speak about anything to do with James Huston or his experiences. The story just doesn't add up.
I love reading and enjoy many genres. I had read some poor reviews on this book but I was hopeful that it was just people being picky. Unfortunately is was truly awful. My opinion is to save yourself the aggravation and just say no.
November 29, 2009
This is the story of a typical narcissistic Mom who is struggling to find a new identity after having to give up on her lifelong passion of dancing. She settles down as a “trophy wife” with an older man who it turns out isn’t holding down a job very well. After moving around the country a bit, they settle down in Louisiana where Bruce has a job that keeps him away from the family. After a few chapters, it becomes obvious that this child has a lot of undue stress around him. There were weird bits of information revealed about the boy throughout the book, including some prenatal observations. I was also led to believe that the veterans who served or knew this James Huston instantly recognized this boy as his reincarnate and were accepting of it. That did not seem to be the case in the end.
As for the writing, it was terrible. The author became so descriptive at times that he forgot what it was he was describing. At other times it seemed that he had to back track to include some piece of information which he forgot about. Overall, this book increased my skeptic view about the subject by leaving a lot of questions unanswered.
As for the writing, it was terrible. The author became so descriptive at times that he forgot what it was he was describing. At other times it seemed that he had to back track to include some piece of information which he forgot about. Overall, this book increased my skeptic view about the subject by leaving a lot of questions unanswered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2012
This book is overwritten with a cliched and awful narrative. The writers seem obsessed with describing the trials and tribulations of a difficult work life and moving house. For the first 6 or 7 chapters the information relating to their child's past life could be summarised in a couple of sentences...He had bad dreams. He called out strange things in the night ... I found myself speed reading through most of the book and only slowing down when I found something about his past life. It seemed to be more of a book about this child's parent's woes. When I did find a relevant part in the book it was interesting but written in a sensationalist manner. The authors did not need to put exclamation marks after every interesting sentence. The topic is very interesting and I did enjoy the latter part of the book regarding the men of the Natoma Bay, unfortunately the amateurish over writing spoilt the read.
February 25, 2016
LINK: http://livrolico.blogspot.pt/2011/01/explodido-volta-de-bruce-e-andrea.html
Devorei-o absolutamente deliciado! Uma leitura que me preencheu por inteiro!
É sobre um menino que é a Reencarnação de um piloto da Força Aérea que foi morto em combate na 2ª Guerra Mundial. Não se trata de ficção paranormal. É uma história absolutamente verídica. Indica provas concretas, capazes de arrepiar o mais céptico, até mesmo vacilar a fé de todos os católicos!
O menino de 2 anos, James, tinha pesadelos com um avião a cair e em chamas. Meio adormecido, respondia às perguntas dos pais que tinha sido atacado pelos Japoneses (Sol vermelho) e que o avião era um Corsair. De onde veio o menino buscar esta imaginação toda? Só tinha esta idade… Os progenitores associaram à 2ªGuerra Mundial por causa dos Japoneses. O menino ainda falou de um porta-aviões. O pai, continuando céptico, perguntou ao filho como se chamava este porta-aviões. O nome foi-lhe dado. Parecia inventado. Mas o pai resolveu fazer pesquisa se o porta-aviões com este nome existia de facto… E a descoberta foi um choque tremendo! O menino ainda deu mais detalhes que não vou revelar para não estragar o suspense do livro.
Achei, o desenrolar da história, fabuloso! A investigação dos pais que agiram como verdadeiros detectives; as entrevistas realizadas aos veteranos do esquadrão de pilotos VC- 81 da 2ª Guerra Mundial e a confirmação dos factos revelados pelo menino. Tudo contado sob a forma de um romance. É de prender desde as primeiras às últimas palavras.
Não me custou nada ler o brasileiro. De tão envolvido que estive na história, não liguei às diferenças línguisticas.
Para além da Reencarnação, também me permitiu saber mais coisas sobre os pilotos da 2ª Guerra Mundial, o que achei bastante interessante, até mesmo comovente, de deitar lágrimas.
Devorei-o absolutamente deliciado! Uma leitura que me preencheu por inteiro!
É sobre um menino que é a Reencarnação de um piloto da Força Aérea que foi morto em combate na 2ª Guerra Mundial. Não se trata de ficção paranormal. É uma história absolutamente verídica. Indica provas concretas, capazes de arrepiar o mais céptico, até mesmo vacilar a fé de todos os católicos!
O menino de 2 anos, James, tinha pesadelos com um avião a cair e em chamas. Meio adormecido, respondia às perguntas dos pais que tinha sido atacado pelos Japoneses (Sol vermelho) e que o avião era um Corsair. De onde veio o menino buscar esta imaginação toda? Só tinha esta idade… Os progenitores associaram à 2ªGuerra Mundial por causa dos Japoneses. O menino ainda falou de um porta-aviões. O pai, continuando céptico, perguntou ao filho como se chamava este porta-aviões. O nome foi-lhe dado. Parecia inventado. Mas o pai resolveu fazer pesquisa se o porta-aviões com este nome existia de facto… E a descoberta foi um choque tremendo! O menino ainda deu mais detalhes que não vou revelar para não estragar o suspense do livro.
Achei, o desenrolar da história, fabuloso! A investigação dos pais que agiram como verdadeiros detectives; as entrevistas realizadas aos veteranos do esquadrão de pilotos VC- 81 da 2ª Guerra Mundial e a confirmação dos factos revelados pelo menino. Tudo contado sob a forma de um romance. É de prender desde as primeiras às últimas palavras.
Não me custou nada ler o brasileiro. De tão envolvido que estive na história, não liguei às diferenças línguisticas.
Para além da Reencarnação, também me permitiu saber mais coisas sobre os pilotos da 2ª Guerra Mundial, o que achei bastante interessante, até mesmo comovente, de deitar lágrimas.
October 22, 2009
Actually 4.5 stars
Mini Synopsis:
Bruce and Andrea Leininger married in the late 90s. This was his second marriage and her first - he a well paid top executive and she an ex ballet dancer. Soon after being married the couple gave birth to a healthy little boy. Everything was normal until James, their son, started having unusual and violent nightmares. In addition he displayed unexplainable knowledge of a technical nature regarding WWII air planes. To add to the family’s distress, Bruce’s personal belief system was at odds with the idea that his son could be a reincarnated soul.
This is the story of a skeptic (Bruce) and his wife and their in-depth search for the truth. As the Leiningers find evidence that their little boy is experiencing the terrors of a man who was killed during an air attack on Japan during WWII, questions arise which invariably change the way they think about life and what they believe to be the meaning of death.
My Thoughts:
This books was wonderful. I even enjoyed the historical parts, although I disliked history in high school and college and for the most part still do. Amazingly, because of the Leniningers’ process and their in depth research, they begin to connect with a number of surviving and aging veterans and their family members, and they find it difficult to ignore the information connecting their son with the pilot’s death.
As the veterans' connection with James and what is understood to be his previous life evolves, and the evidence keeps emerging it becomes difficult to disbelieve. I like to think of myself as rational and not prone to support things that are unexplainable. However, as the facts are brought to light, and experiences are remembered, the story becomes heartbreaking, undeniable, and ultimately redemptive. It was very close to the end that I cried which is very rare for me.
Mini Synopsis:
Bruce and Andrea Leininger married in the late 90s. This was his second marriage and her first - he a well paid top executive and she an ex ballet dancer. Soon after being married the couple gave birth to a healthy little boy. Everything was normal until James, their son, started having unusual and violent nightmares. In addition he displayed unexplainable knowledge of a technical nature regarding WWII air planes. To add to the family’s distress, Bruce’s personal belief system was at odds with the idea that his son could be a reincarnated soul.
This is the story of a skeptic (Bruce) and his wife and their in-depth search for the truth. As the Leiningers find evidence that their little boy is experiencing the terrors of a man who was killed during an air attack on Japan during WWII, questions arise which invariably change the way they think about life and what they believe to be the meaning of death.
My Thoughts:
This books was wonderful. I even enjoyed the historical parts, although I disliked history in high school and college and for the most part still do. Amazingly, because of the Leniningers’ process and their in depth research, they begin to connect with a number of surviving and aging veterans and their family members, and they find it difficult to ignore the information connecting their son with the pilot’s death.
As the veterans' connection with James and what is understood to be his previous life evolves, and the evidence keeps emerging it becomes difficult to disbelieve. I like to think of myself as rational and not prone to support things that are unexplainable. However, as the facts are brought to light, and experiences are remembered, the story becomes heartbreaking, undeniable, and ultimately redemptive. It was very close to the end that I cried which is very rare for me.
July 28, 2011
The premise of this book is very interesting, a true story (depending of course on your perceptions) it is all about a little boy who is experiencing a past-life experience and his parents are trying to find information relating to what he is saying and finding it ultimately correct. It is in its best parts a sobering account of a special little boy and I would suggest that anyone with an interest in the after-life should give this a read.
Despite its intriguing concept and for that basis alone this book was a pleasure to read... however the book loses its momentum for me through the way it is written. The book features a guest writer to help the child's parents construct this book and in honesty you would never have thought the man was a professional writer.
Much of what was written in this book was rather inconsequential and I was getting more and more frustrated with hearing about how amazing Andrea (the childs mother) is and what a caring and attentive parent she is because quite frankly it has nothing to do with the story and is more an ego-stroke for the woman, providing no relevance whatsoever.
I understand of course that the story in itself would require some padding otherwise it would probably be around 100 pages long but I think it would have been much more sound to have filled this with more information regarding the soldiers that died and their lives. After all that was Bruce (the fathers) initial premise of getting into the veteran events so a chapter on Natoma Bay the ship and a few chapters dedicated to the soldiers as opposed to Andrea would have been satisfying.
I think all-in-all this book needs rewriting and blanking out all the irrelevant bumpfh specifically about Andrea in order for the tale to be given its due and accredited by a wider audience.
Despite its intriguing concept and for that basis alone this book was a pleasure to read... however the book loses its momentum for me through the way it is written. The book features a guest writer to help the child's parents construct this book and in honesty you would never have thought the man was a professional writer.
Much of what was written in this book was rather inconsequential and I was getting more and more frustrated with hearing about how amazing Andrea (the childs mother) is and what a caring and attentive parent she is because quite frankly it has nothing to do with the story and is more an ego-stroke for the woman, providing no relevance whatsoever.
I understand of course that the story in itself would require some padding otherwise it would probably be around 100 pages long but I think it would have been much more sound to have filled this with more information regarding the soldiers that died and their lives. After all that was Bruce (the fathers) initial premise of getting into the veteran events so a chapter on Natoma Bay the ship and a few chapters dedicated to the soldiers as opposed to Andrea would have been satisfying.
I think all-in-all this book needs rewriting and blanking out all the irrelevant bumpfh specifically about Andrea in order for the tale to be given its due and accredited by a wider audience.
December 7, 2014
Ugh. The first half of this book was a tedious and redundant depiction of a well-to-do couple with a young child. Although the premise of this book seems interesting, the authors squash any interesting subject matter by inundating the reader with inane and irrelevant information such as: items on a grocery list, reading the contents of a Dr. Suess Book, listing preferred colors and names of irrelevant people that the couple know. Additionally, the authors are sure to let the reader know (and never forget) that this couple is very wealthy. The second half of the book is a whisper better as the story starts to be a bit less tedious and addresses the past life of James.
Essentially this 32 chapter book could have been a 10 chapter book, short, sweet and to the point. However, if the point of this book was to make one not like the parents of this boy, James, then BRAVO.
In conclusion: watch interviews about this story and don't read the book.
Essentially this 32 chapter book could have been a 10 chapter book, short, sweet and to the point. However, if the point of this book was to make one not like the parents of this boy, James, then BRAVO.
In conclusion: watch interviews about this story and don't read the book.
June 28, 2009
I think there are two things that make a book great; good writing and/or a good story. Soul Survivor scores high on the story part…and the writing is fine also. The book is about a young toddler (age 2 initially) who finds himself living the past life of a WW II fighter pilot. This is a true story, recently told on ABC Primetime. The boy’s father spends four years to prove this can’t be happening and that there is no such thing as reincarnation. However, the son’s knowledge of names of shipmates, dates and details of his military service make the facts undeniable. What an incredible story.
July 16, 2020
This was a very interesting read. Reincarnation is a fascinating subject and I'm glad I picked up this book to read about reincarnation in a child. James' experience came from the perspective from both of his parents which was nice to read about how parents dealt with it. But, I felt like the book spent more time talking about the parents and their reactions than actually talking about James. I enjoyed how the book dealt with the other fighter pilots and crew from Natoma Bay and involved them into the story. But I wish the book explained more of their reactions to the theory of reincarnation than just a few sentences.
October 15, 2025
this actually made me sob
August 5, 2009
A couple years ago, I heard about this story. I believe it was an interview in a magazine and, although I forget the source, I never forgot the story. It chronicles the true story of parents concerned when their toddler begins having nightmares and recollections of a fiery plane crash and being unable to get out. The child is not only able to identify the aircraft he was flying in WWII, he was able to name the aircraft carrier, his name and the names of men in his unit. Eventually, skeptical parents (especially the father) come to believe their child is James Hueston, a pilot who crashed in Iwo Jima. In a phone conversation with his elderly sister, speaking in his child's voice, this toddler remembered family situations recalling when "Mother was mortified." The sister is convinced she was speaking with her dead brother.
With such a fascinating story to tell, I was sorely disappointed that a better writer wasn't entrusted to tell it. It felt as if for the first third of the book, the author's intent was to pad, pad, pad. He goes into acute detail about how the mother, Andrea Leininger, made sun tea and how she went about painting rooms, masking tape over the woodwork, etc. It was very tedious. I understand that he was attempting to set a background for the relevant facts of the book yet to be revealed. Still...even anticipating the story I knew to come...I almost stopped reading. I didn't, and the story picked up and the writing got better. And once that happened, I could not put it down.
If there was ever an argument for reincarnation, this is it and on terms all of us can relate to. Bring an open mind and see what you think. I would recommend this book to all...searchers, skeptics, the spiritual and non-spiritual. It can't hurt and you might actually be convinced there truly is life after death.
With such a fascinating story to tell, I was sorely disappointed that a better writer wasn't entrusted to tell it. It felt as if for the first third of the book, the author's intent was to pad, pad, pad. He goes into acute detail about how the mother, Andrea Leininger, made sun tea and how she went about painting rooms, masking tape over the woodwork, etc. It was very tedious. I understand that he was attempting to set a background for the relevant facts of the book yet to be revealed. Still...even anticipating the story I knew to come...I almost stopped reading. I didn't, and the story picked up and the writing got better. And once that happened, I could not put it down.
If there was ever an argument for reincarnation, this is it and on terms all of us can relate to. Bring an open mind and see what you think. I would recommend this book to all...searchers, skeptics, the spiritual and non-spiritual. It can't hurt and you might actually be convinced there truly is life after death.
April 20, 2018
This was a fascinating story of possible reincarnation. It had unbelievable detail, and many of the facts the young James revealed to his parents could be proved or disproved through research, which makes this an even more unusual account. The story of James (both of them) was riveting.
The only annoyance (which was a severe one) was the prose of the author. Much of his usage was very dated. (What young woman in the 21st century goes to a "beauty parlor" for a "set and comb out"? Or who "raises the bat signal" when she's concerned?) I later learned that Ken Gross is in his 80s, which may account for his word choice. These odd anachronisms detracted from the story considerably, as did the plethora of details in the book which had no impact on the events unfolding. Judicious editing might have created a leaner, more powerful book.
This is worth reading for the exploratory nature of the family's search, and for the incredible details it provides on possible reincarnation. But I would shy away from anything by this writer again.
The only annoyance (which was a severe one) was the prose of the author. Much of his usage was very dated. (What young woman in the 21st century goes to a "beauty parlor" for a "set and comb out"? Or who "raises the bat signal" when she's concerned?) I later learned that Ken Gross is in his 80s, which may account for his word choice. These odd anachronisms detracted from the story considerably, as did the plethora of details in the book which had no impact on the events unfolding. Judicious editing might have created a leaner, more powerful book.
This is worth reading for the exploratory nature of the family's search, and for the incredible details it provides on possible reincarnation. But I would shy away from anything by this writer again.
October 21, 2017
Such an interesting true story about a child with past life memories and the journey his parents took to uncover the mystery behind their son’s behavior. I am now more of a believer in Reincarnation.
June 9, 2011
I give the story four stars, and the writing one star. So it kind evens out to three. The writer's style gave me a headache. He just mangled an otherwise fascinating account.
March 9, 2015
Soul Survivor is an incredible story that begins with a two-year-old's night terrors that repeat the same theme: a plane is on fire and the occupant can't escape. As the nightmares continue and the child becomes fascinated with planes in general, WWII aircraft specifically, it becomes obvious that there is something strange occurring. Young James is adamant about details of what he claims are memories, not only with regard to specific aircraft, but also other pilots and members of the family which he believes was formerly his. He describes the aircraft carrier from which “his” plane took off and the location at which “he” was killed. As it turns out, his statements were all verified, interestingly by research done by his father, who was trying desperately to disprove his son’s proclamations.
I found this book absolutely mesmerizing. It is written in an easy to read style that places the reader in the center of the family’s drama and asks more questions than it answers. How could a two year old identify the difference between a bomb and a drop tank? How could he know a Wildcat as opposed to a Corsair? What would allow him to know the names of soldiers who were killed in WWII, only months before the man he believed himself to have been was shot down? Where would he obtain the knowledge that allowed him to recognize the sister of the man he believed himself to have been, and to know details of the life she had with her brother? How could he know the name of former/past life friends?
If you believe in reincarnation, this book will enforce that belief. If you don’t believe in reincarnation, this book will give you hours of entertainment trying to find a different explanation.
I found this book absolutely mesmerizing. It is written in an easy to read style that places the reader in the center of the family’s drama and asks more questions than it answers. How could a two year old identify the difference between a bomb and a drop tank? How could he know a Wildcat as opposed to a Corsair? What would allow him to know the names of soldiers who were killed in WWII, only months before the man he believed himself to have been was shot down? Where would he obtain the knowledge that allowed him to recognize the sister of the man he believed himself to have been, and to know details of the life she had with her brother? How could he know the name of former/past life friends?
If you believe in reincarnation, this book will enforce that belief. If you don’t believe in reincarnation, this book will give you hours of entertainment trying to find a different explanation.
September 26, 2018
I believe with all my heart that James is James again. His story is riveting. I am sure this book will cause readers to see the truth: That we do come back here again, so we should make the most of the chances we have this time around
Given the OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE in this book that teh 5 yr old boy born in the year 2000 who could tell every detail of the battle of NAZZON
How could 5 yr old boy born in Alabama in 2005 possibly know every detail about the WORLD WAR II Corsair Fighter plane
that US AIR FORCE Pilot JAMES HUDSON died in in the bay of NAZZON Japan on Nov 6 1944 ? How could he know every detail of the aircraft carrier and its crew ? How could he recognize them at a 2011 reunion and none of them doubt that it was their old squad mate James HUdson ? Unless the boy was the same soul that incarnated as James Hudson and then reincarnated as the boy ?
There is no other rational explanation. This absolute proof that death is not teh end of life . That our soul is eternal and does not die when our body does , Hence we should live our lives he to provide for a BETTER future for our souls . A Future closer to God rather than slipping back into the lower species ( hear that erotica addicts ? SMUT takes us down to the lower species - Spiritual Meditation and a clean moral life take us up to God )
Given the OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE in this book that teh 5 yr old boy born in the year 2000 who could tell every detail of the battle of NAZZON
How could 5 yr old boy born in Alabama in 2005 possibly know every detail about the WORLD WAR II Corsair Fighter plane
that US AIR FORCE Pilot JAMES HUDSON died in in the bay of NAZZON Japan on Nov 6 1944 ? How could he know every detail of the aircraft carrier and its crew ? How could he recognize them at a 2011 reunion and none of them doubt that it was their old squad mate James HUdson ? Unless the boy was the same soul that incarnated as James Hudson and then reincarnated as the boy ?
There is no other rational explanation. This absolute proof that death is not teh end of life . That our soul is eternal and does not die when our body does , Hence we should live our lives he to provide for a BETTER future for our souls . A Future closer to God rather than slipping back into the lower species ( hear that erotica addicts ? SMUT takes us down to the lower species - Spiritual Meditation and a clean moral life take us up to God )
Read
April 3, 2010 This is an engaging enough read about one child's unusual experiences and his parents' reaction. Reincarnation is not something I automatically dismiss, but this story was a bit thin on evidence for it, although it is apparently one of the child reincarnation cases in America with the most evidence. Even if the facts are true, and I don't sense intentional deception from the parents, there are alternate explanations for at least some points and much of the story rests on unverifiable parental report. The real story is the parents' reactions and their dogged pursuit to grapple with their child's nightmares, surprising knowledge, and hard to explain coincidences. (The names the little boy called his toys matched up with the names of the dead pilot James's fellow soldiers, for example.) Parenting is always a challenge, and in their case, I hope the TV appearances and other special attention --in addition to the personal introduction to the family and colleagues of the deceased World War 11 pilot James-- do not result in an identity crisis or other problems in the future of their young son, also named James.
February 1, 2011
I'm glad I read this book, and I do recommend it, but it provides very little in the way of verifying an actual past life experience. I hope that other parents who might have children who are experiencing a similar thing read this so that they learn what NOT to do, i.e., go out and do as much research as possible on your own so that we have no way of knowing what the kid heard from you vs. his own memories.
I hope that this book alerts more parents to the possibility so that they can recognize it sooner and handle it appropriately. Rather than tracking down people yourself, contact someone like Jim Tucker, MD of the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia, and let them arrange a meeting with someone and see if the child recognizes them on their own. But the parents cannot be involved in this process.
Having read Old Souls: The Scientific Evidence for Past Lives by Tom Shroder, I was already convinced that reincarnation exists, so I was just frustrated to see the meticulous techniques Dr. Ian Stevenson used to document cases not being employed here.
I hope that this book alerts more parents to the possibility so that they can recognize it sooner and handle it appropriately. Rather than tracking down people yourself, contact someone like Jim Tucker, MD of the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia, and let them arrange a meeting with someone and see if the child recognizes them on their own. But the parents cannot be involved in this process.
Having read Old Souls: The Scientific Evidence for Past Lives by Tom Shroder, I was already convinced that reincarnation exists, so I was just frustrated to see the meticulous techniques Dr. Ian Stevenson used to document cases not being employed here.
February 14, 2016
The authors' writing style reminded me of one of my favorite true crime authors, Anne Rule. It is not particularly great literature, but it is compelling. You want to keep reading because you simply want to know what happens next and what clue to the mystery will be unveiled around the next corner.
In the case of this book, I was absolutely intrigued with the interconnected stories of WWII fighter pilot James M. Huston, Jr, and young James Leininger. I believe without a doubt that James Leininger chose his parents Andrea and Bruce because he knew that they would have the determination to see the mystery of his nightmares through to it's conclusion at Chichi- Jima. In addition, I appreciate the work that Andrea and Bruce did to bring the stories of the deaths of the brave men who served and died during WWII on the USS Natoma Bay back to their families. Having had an uncle who flew in the Pacific Theatre and a father who fought in WWII, I was moved by the stories of the survivors and their relatives. For me, reading this book was a perfect follow on to the writing of Dr Brian Weiss that I just happened to have finished prior to this book being chosen for our book club.
In the case of this book, I was absolutely intrigued with the interconnected stories of WWII fighter pilot James M. Huston, Jr, and young James Leininger. I believe without a doubt that James Leininger chose his parents Andrea and Bruce because he knew that they would have the determination to see the mystery of his nightmares through to it's conclusion at Chichi- Jima. In addition, I appreciate the work that Andrea and Bruce did to bring the stories of the deaths of the brave men who served and died during WWII on the USS Natoma Bay back to their families. Having had an uncle who flew in the Pacific Theatre and a father who fought in WWII, I was moved by the stories of the survivors and their relatives. For me, reading this book was a perfect follow on to the writing of Dr Brian Weiss that I just happened to have finished prior to this book being chosen for our book club.
October 20, 2012
This is an intriguing book if only for one phenomenon: the casual acceptance reported by the author of the veterans involved in his search for details of his reincarnated son's past life.
In one sense this book is almost too detailed. It illustrates the problem involved in any attempt to prove the validity of reincarnation in the scientific sense, i.e., any information obtained is anecdotal in nature and necessarily depends upon an eyewitness.
This isn't to say in any way whatsoever that Leininger does not write the details just as they occurred. If someone were fictionalizing this story, or attempting to run a con, I think they would give a lot less detail. This book is so "in your face" with detail that it made me grin, thinking of someone on a "higher astral plane" shouting "HEY STUPID! PAY ATTENTION ALREADY!!"
In summary, interesting, readable and thought-provoking. As an amateur aviation historian I caught no errors, but I know less about the Navy in World War II than I do about the Army Air Forces.
In one sense this book is almost too detailed. It illustrates the problem involved in any attempt to prove the validity of reincarnation in the scientific sense, i.e., any information obtained is anecdotal in nature and necessarily depends upon an eyewitness.
This isn't to say in any way whatsoever that Leininger does not write the details just as they occurred. If someone were fictionalizing this story, or attempting to run a con, I think they would give a lot less detail. This book is so "in your face" with detail that it made me grin, thinking of someone on a "higher astral plane" shouting "HEY STUPID! PAY ATTENTION ALREADY!!"
In summary, interesting, readable and thought-provoking. As an amateur aviation historian I caught no errors, but I know less about the Navy in World War II than I do about the Army Air Forces.
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