H.e.a.v.e.n.

by Nan Becklean

In this over-the-top eschatological comedy/murder, Sarah, a gorgeous ninety-four-year-old who looks fifty thanks to rejuvenation procedures, resolves to escape the death sentence of HEAVEN (Homeland Equitable Amendment for a Victimless Economy and Nation) set for her upcoming birthday in 2073.

181 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ellen Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.E.A.V.E.N is a lighthearted science fiction read that takes gives you an insight into the future of 2073. In this world, there is over population, a growing aging population and increased government control over people's lives. The government's solution is to have people sign up for voluntary euthanasia at age 95. If they sign up for H.E.A.V.E.N. they are guaranteed to live the last ten years of their lives in a virtual paradise. They're also guaranteed that they're entire estate will go untaxed to whomever they want it to.

People rely much more heavily on technology than they do now, so much so that handwriting is no longer taught in school. All people are expected to know is to sign their names and fill out some very basic information on a form. Robots are common place. There are even robotic crocodiles!

As Sarah approaches her 95th birthday, she comes to regret her decision to sign up for H.E.A.V.E.N. and begins to plan her escape. Can she manage it with only two weeks until her contract date? I don't want to spoil the story so I won't tell you!

I enjoyed reading H.E.A.V.E.N. The characters were interesting and the plot was fun to follow. If you're looking for a glimpse into our future, H.E.A.V.E.N. will certainly entertain you.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this in a First Reads giveaway; it was a quick, easy, delightful read. I really want a Ben to patrol my house!

H.E.AV.E.N is a short book but certainly an amusing one. You’ll really enjoy the hours you spend in 2073 with Sarah, Lionel, Zack, Melody, Huxley and Ben. In 2073, Sarah is 95; ten years earlier, her husband, Jeff, talked her into joining H.E.A.V.E.N. Once you apply for H.E.A.V.E.N., you are free to live the rest of your life in luxury with no worries of bills or illness and you can give all your possessions to anyone you wish without them having to pay taxes. Your residence, meals, and healthcare (even extensive remodeling of your body) are all free. However, when you sign to join H.E.A.V.E.N., you are also agreeing to have your life terminated at age 95.

Sarah has turned 95 and does not want to be put to rest yet; she’s determined to sneak away from H.E.A.V.E.N. and live the rest of her natural life in hiding. Lionel, an older, handsome man, Zack, a young pilot who thinks he’s in love with Melody who prepares the dead bodies for transport but wants to write songs and sing, and Ben, a talking robot crocodile who is writing a dissertation on the human species, all become involved with her escape.

The quirky book involves love, murder and fun. It’s thought provoking and filled with futuristic technology and the scenarios could definitely happen. Nan Becklean has a very entertaining novel with H.E.A.V.E.N.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute science fiction story that is a real quick read. It focuses upon a government program H.E.A.V.E.N (The Homeland Equitable Alliance for a Victimless Economy and Nation). The book takes place in the future and follows Sarah who was due to go thru her age of 95 where her life will end. This program is a way of helping to control the population and ones who sign up thru H.E.A.V.E.N can live out the rest of their lives in peace and not have to worry about money issues or health issues. The only stipulation being the purchaser will die at age 95. As Sarah is approaching her end of days, she is having doubts about her impending demise. There are several characters in the novel and the book centers around their lives as well. I wanted more to read out of this book, kind of like a good movie and when you are finished you are bummed out that it is finished. I like the fact that this is the first novel for the author and it has a little bit of everything in it.

[glitrbug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quirky little book. It reminds me of one of those screwball comedies Cary Grant used to make. There is an ingenue who will love whoever is in love with her, an older, womanizing politician who just needs the right woman to set him straight and an older lady with a mission and a plan. The Story takes place in H.E.A.V.E.N. which is a place where 75 year olds can go and live in luxury for 10 years in exchange for agreeing to be euthanized at 85. The surveillance system used to keep track of everyone uses robotic crocodiles that walk around telling everyone the time and temperature and perhaps walking their dog.
The book brings up concerns about folks outliving their savings, euthanasia, and the normal man/woman interactions. There are lots of interesting characters and intersecting lives. A good read.

[Catrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I was worried about it taking place in the future. I figured it would be very unbelievable and over the top. I was very wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed reading H.E.A.V.E.N. Although there were several technologies in the book that don't exist,(yet,) none of them were out of the realm of reality. I found the character's to be very relate-able, and the plot to be a very unique and exciting concept. I thought the book was well written and easy to follow. I was completely absorbed in the story. The one and only problem I have with H.E.A.V.E.N. is that it was only 181 pages, so I finished it quickly. I will definitely be reading Nan Becklean's next book.

[Gabriella · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I just now finished this book, after having won like last year I think, and it was not that great. I'm too lazy to write a proper review, so I'll just say that I found this book rather boring. I liked the characters though, but after a while I just lost interest and skimmed the rest of the way through.