The Book of Heaven: A Story of Hope for the Outcasts, the Broken, and Those Who Lost Faith

by Katie Asher, Houston Asher

True stories, especially miracles, are the best kind. They give us a reason to believe in ourselves, in others, in good, and mostly, reason to believe in God. After decades of trauma, loss, abuse, and severe autism, one mom decided to give up on experts and suffering and believe in miracles. So she got one. The prison doors that had trapped her son for over two decades were opened, and through his faith and sight, she was given hers. In the ashes of life they found out that faith in God was capable to do more than they could imagine, more than was possible. Her son showed her how God literally is everywhere, in everything, longing to show Himself to us, longing for us to believe in His presence and power to do good, especially when the world says it is impossible..

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

932 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2021

Reviews

[Steven Veeneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Book of Heaven by Katie Asher and Houston Asher. This book is not for everybody, but if you are desperate to learn what life is like from the inside of a severely autistic human body, and curious about the art and sensibility of a very unusual human perspective you might be willing to give it a try. Much of the book is emotionally triggering so there is that, but my favorite chapter is 'Cacaphony' in which Houston describes the wild synesthesia of his awareness. I have that chapter bookmarked to read to my friends soon.

I dare you to imagine his rationale for why smearing feces on the wall can make sense and be hard to resist. I won't tell you but it's amazing. You have no idea, I guarantee it.

If you try it be prepared for intensely Christian realities, at times somewhat apocalyptic in the Revelations sense, giving a huge impact to Johnny Cash's When The Man Comes Around. I'm suddenly a fan of this song.

This book is a singular work in my unpolished opinion. Nothing I've read or heard of comes even close.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t believe I have ever read a book that triumphed over such hardship, abuse, and heartbrokenness. What this mother of her autistic son and three other children achieved in living with hope is beyond a miracle. Katie has such a strong faith and what she and her son went through has inspired me and made my faith go even deeper. Thank you for sharing this with the world and making us all more educated and aware of the amazing minds of these brilliant individuals with autism. Thank you, Austin for sharing your visions of angels and heaven, and all of our loved ones that have gone before us. It is a long read, but it is so worth the time.

[Andrea Palm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s raw, honest, and deeply profound. MUST READ!

It’s raw, honest, and deeply profound. Katie tells her story of trials, tribulations, and the journey of a woman who never gave up, and never stopped loving…regardless of what was put in her way. She helped to give her autistic, nonverbal son a voice, which opened up a world that is truly magical. As unbelievable as it may seem, this is a TRUE story… and a MUST READ!

[Shellie Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Understanding in advance that there is some kind of miraculous ending, after reading more than 25% of this book, I can’t continue because the abuse that this person endured and, May I dare say, put up with, is untenable and inexcusable. Having been part of leadership through several churches, I don’t know one that would have advocated for a person to stay with someone so Abusive. A survivor of spousal abuse myself, I can’t understand why anyone would stay with someone so horrific, especially while their children were witnessing it. And putting people down for natural childbirth? Really?

It warms my heart to know that Katie and Asher are happy now. Sorry, but I can’t advocate for this story. I look forward to a book that Houston writes, and will be the first in line to read it.

[Hannah Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took months to read not because of its incredible length but because of how sick it made me. So many tears spilled over this woman’s story… how she still holds faith in a god that allowed those abuses to happen to her and her children… I don’t know. I really don’t know.

But this book also cemented my belief that the non-speaking community is ready to be heard. So proud of Katie and Houston for working tirelessly to show the world what the autistic community is capable of.

[Kara Gretschel Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishing. Inspiring. Miraculous

This book goes beyond words to the miraculous. Truly inspiring, it is a page turner. I could not put it down. It is a worthy of coming back to again and again. I have tremendous gratitude for this book. This book leaves a sense of awe and wonder, rethinking much of life, love, and Spirit.

[Andrea Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of Heaven

The book was all inspiring and brought me back to my roots of what I was taught As a child about Our Lord Jesus. The writers shared their grief and struggles and their hope, love and faith but most of all love. This is a book of love, hope, faith and heaven. This is one of the best books I've read.

[Chris M Glaros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

God bless Katie and Houston Asher. I’m grateful that they have shared their incredible journey. I highly recommend reading their beautiful and inspiring testimony.

[laotracuata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awestruck!

I’m awestruck at the amazing insights and revelations about God, Love, prayer, and the power of Faith. I’m inspired to pray without ceasing and above all to do everything in LOVE! Because God IS LOVE!❤️

[Katie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep and moving. Long and grueling at points. Couldn’t read too much at once. Very insightful!