The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven: A Remarkable Account of Miracles, Angels, and Life beyond This World

by Kevin Malarkey, Alex Malarkey

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex―and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Inspirational, Religion, Spirituality, Biography, Faith

244 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2010

About the author

Kevin Malarkey is a Christian author and the father of Alex Malarkey, a young boy who got seriously injured in 2004 and later declared that he had died and went to heaven. They wrote a book about the experience, The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven .

In 2015, Alex retracted his story, stating that he made it up to get attention. Their book was then taken out of print by the publisher.

Reviews

[Tina(why is GR limiting comments?!!) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel the same way as some others that have read this book. I was expecting things more from the child's point of view (did not sound like a 6 year old was saying those things.) Also just how exactly could Alex have told Beth (his mother)what had happened to him the day before they left for the hospital. I thought he could not yet speak??? I have no doubt that some sort of miracle did occur and I do hope that Alex gets better. This book was just not what I expected....talked more about the family's Christian beliefs and focused on their way of life and coping.....a bit too "preachy."

[Kaethe]

" “An Open Letter to Lifeway and Other Sellers, Buyers, and Marketers of Heaven Tourism, by the Boy Who Did Not Come Back From Heaven.

"I did not die. I did not go to Heaven.

"I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. "

-Alex Malarkey

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book because of the premise of the true story of a child going to heaven and returning to tell of his experiences. Well, Alex tells very little about that in the book. Mostly it is a detailed account of all the things that were done for Alex and his family post-accident, prayers prayed and freebies given. The author actually lost me when he opens a chapter saying that anyone can be a "NICE" person and speak all the "right" things so that people think he is a Christian, but none of the saints were ever described as "nice", and that their family was only surrounded by true Christians during their ordeal. It struck me as judgmental and hypocritical that he would even put that in the book. Was he saying that the people who didn't sit at the hospital with his family or pray for them or volunteer their time or effort or buy things for their family were not true Christians? It also bothered me that the author and his family, after taking months of time and food and money and prayers and freebies from the people of the church where they attended when the accident happened and Alex was in the hospital, would leave that church and join another later on, just because the second church's pastor and Alex became friends.

I guess I just didn't like the author...he came across as rather smarmy to me. And the title completely misrepresents what the book is truly about, IMO.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to stop reading this book after getting 24% through it. I thought the story would be great in a spiritual aspect but it's more of a platform for the author to push his beliefs. I was afraid that the book would be preachy when I first loaded it onto my reader and I do respect the beliefs of others but I don't want to spent hours having somebody preach to me about something I'm not so sure about.

In context of the story itself, I was okay with it after the car accident and I could feel the Kevin's mental anguish and hoped I'd never get into a situation like that. But the recounting of Alex's trip to Heaven got a little weird. I know the story has been edited, of course but I thought it would have played better if it had sounded like a 6-year old telling the story rather than an adult. And I was really put off when Beth showed up at the hospital and was talking to the air ambulance guy who asked her, "Are you a Christian?" Does anybody REALLY do that? Then he proceeds to tell her that he laid his hands on Alex and prayed in Jesus' name and the kid was going to be okay and not to listen to what the doctors say. Okay, I got that but here's this little boy who'd just been in a devastating accident, is very close to death and the ambulance guy is asking his mom if she's a Christian?! And at the same time, implied that HE has started the healing process and not to blow it by listening to the doctors?! I do know that God knows a lot more than doctors and I do believe in miracles but what I got out of this ambulance guy that turned the story sour for me is if my child was in an accident like that and I'm not a Christian, would God turn His back because we didn't have the prayers in Jesus' name? No, that wouldn't happen and I got resentful of the arrogance of this guy laying his hands on this kid like he was some sort of miracle worker and he was calling the shots instead of God. That was the turning point for me and I had hard time concentrating past that point.

Then Alex is in ICU and they have 20 people his room at once praying and stuff. 20 people in an ICU room that are not family or on the list of visitors. When I stopped reading the book, the nurse was telling Kevin that they had to abide by the 2 person in the room at one time rule. Kevin didn't understand what the reason for that was but was going to mind the rules. I can only imagine the commotion in the ICU for the other patients with that many people stuffed in a room with the machines and whatnot.

Anyway, if you're a Christian, you'll love this book. If you want to be preached at, you'll love this book. If you want to imagine a 6-year old having the dialog structure of an adult, you'll love this book. But me, I didn't like it at all. I do believe this happened and I'm glad Alex is still with us. I just wish the book had been less preachy and that Kevin or his editors had let Alex talk about this in his own words.

[Samadrita]

Seems like Alex Malarkey has fessed up to making it all up.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/15/alex-malarkey-boy-who-came-back-from-heaven_n_6483432.html/

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disturbing.

I have no doubt that the words and images found on the pages of this book will appeal to some. Some will find comfort.

I understand the anguish Alex's family endured from Alex's struggle with death and life. I can appreciate the prayers and helping hands that surrounded and supported the Malarkey family. I found the Malarkey's praise and gratitude sincere. Still I found the book unsettling.

The militarism of 'spiritual warfare', prayer 'warriors',and Alex 'army' do not mesh with my image of God.

For Kevin Malarkey, "God came through". But what about the other families and their children in the ICU? The children who were not healed? The children who did not survive? Were the petitions on their behalf not heard? Did God not come through? It seems Mr. Malarkey has God in a box. It's all about Kevin. It's me, me, me.

And, so many of Alex's words and descriptions do not ring true of a six year old child. Granted, prior to his trauma, he was indoctrinated with the supernatural images of God, angels, Jesus and the devil that he uses to describe his experiences, yet the words and grammer are not that of a typical six year old child.

I was given this book by a fellow church pew mate. When I read the title I cringed and put off reading it. So, yes, I opened it with bias and closed it questioning my prayer motives.

[R.W. Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the planetary chaos, I've been wanting to read something with a spiritual premise...something optimistic and faith-based that nurtured my soul a bit. I just so happened to find this novel last week in a stack of books in the back of my closet (along with a few old Stephen King books) I hadn't read. So, The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven, was a perfect read to get my head and heart back in a centered space. This novel is based on a true story of a child who falls into a coma and awakens two months later with his own stories of meeting angels and Jesus. Within the framework of receiving a miracle, Alex becomes a messenger that Jesus walks with us and hears our prayers. As I finished this book, I appreciated the reminder we are ALL loved, which added to the spiritual pick-me-up! The writing is fluid and makes for a quick read that left me ruminating about the universe and appreciating life's blessings. Definitely worth a read if this genre resonates. Blessings!

[Erika L. Miller]

This is a book that has been passed around the office from co-worker to co-worker and finally landed in my little hands. The story intrigued me as anything that is not normally experienced daily is something that intrigues me. However, it wasn't the explanations and experiences of Alex's time spent in Heaven that really captured and held my attention but Kevin's own story of faith, hope and prayer. Alex's description was small fillers into a world that I know exists around us but consider both fortunate and unfortunate to experience on a personal level.



I've shared small snippets of this book with my famiily - mother and sister - and have met with different reactions to the book. My sister was more interested in Alex's story but she held a strong skepticism about the whole thing doubting Alex's trip to Heaven. While my mother didn't question Alex's experience and brushed it off with indifference or lack of intrest altogether. Her interest remaining on my explanation of the family's struggles and faith.



I've read an review by a fellow reader before I got too deep into the book who stated that she couldn't finish reading the book due to personal reasons. I can empathize with her qualms in being able to finish the book as it is not something for just anyone and everyone to pick up and read. I lost my father, suddenly, to cancer 4-yrs ago and I can honestly say that if I had read it around that time I would've been filled with anger, jealousy and envy for this family that God had deemed their son/this one child worthy of continuing his life on Earth while my father was taken away from me despite all the prayers and declarations of healing that I and my family, friends and spiritual supporters had given. I have grown much since that time and understand that things happen for a reason that fulfill a purpose within the lives of those connected to the person and event.



This story has given me a much stronger appreciation for all of the small things that I do have in life. I'm often teased as being the 'invalid' as I have quite the record stocked up at Children's Hospital - there isn't one part of the hospital that I haven't occupied at one time or another. But despite sickle cell, pneumonia, cysts, infections, foot surgery, loss of vibrating vocal chords and more I've survived all of them, coming out stronger and more patient then when I went in.



So the story is not only a testament of the human will but more so about the spiritual will that we all have the capability of reaching. I know that I have a long way to go to reach such a level but Kevin at least shows that all things are possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens me and even with our shortcomings we are never truly alone.



A good read for those times where you just feel the need to reminded of the others struggling in this world.

[Elizabeth Graf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book thinking that it was a true story being told by a boy who had died, gone to heaven and had come back to tell about his experiences.

In fact it this book was not really what I thought it would be. In fact, it was mainly told by his father, Kevin, who was also involved in this terrible accident. Alex, was 6yo when the car he was ridding in was hit. Alex died at the scene and when he got to the hospital, workers there did not think he was going to make it.

This book, talks about the recovery Alex had to go through and it also talks about the Malarkey family strong religious belief in Jesus. It talks about prayer and how they had people they did not know, pray for Alex and his recovery and he was able to overcome milestones that they thought could not happen.

I will say that I question some parts and yet believe others. About 10% into the book, do we finally hear from Alex and what he say. He says that he saw the face of the devil and he spoke to him while he was in the car. Some of the writings from Kevin, I have to question, as a parent of children, the wording does not sound like that of a child but, of an adult--even if at age 11-12, he is retelling what he saw.

Overall, not a bad book but, one has to be prepared for the religious content that is all through the book. It is interesting to read Alex account of what he saw-experienced while he was in Heaven and all that he has been able to accomplish since the accident.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't intend to read two books on this subject matter...it happened quite by accident. I was actually trying to buy 'Heaven is for Real' because I had seen it publicized and it had peaked my interest. I accidentally ended up with this book when I forgot the title while searching on my Kindle. Who could have guessed that there were two books with such similar stories to tell?!

I am very conflicted about both of these books for different reasons. Heaven is for Real was an easy read, a believable story (for me) but the writing was terrible.

This book was much more solidly written, but I found it more difficult to believe. I admired the story of faith contained in this book. It was heartbreaking to read Beth Malarkey's account of her prayer upon finding out that her son had been in a life threatening car accident. She actually told God that her son was His to take, but if He did take Alex, she needed God to give her the strength to get through it. What faith that must have taken! The accounts that I found the most difficult to believe were those which supposedly came from Alex. The accounts are written as though coming directly from Alex, but they are definitely not written in the language or voice of a six year old child. As the parent of my own, very verbal, six year old child, I feel confident in this conclusion! The second major issue I had with the book is that Kevin Malarkey (the author) is the father of four children....but throughout the book two of the children are mentioned only once or twice while the other two (Alex, the victim in the crash and his brother Aaron) are talked about on an ongoing basis throughout the book. I really struggled with that and found it completely bizarre....

All in all, an interesting read, but I certainly won't be reading it a second time!

[Angel Gelique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book...heavy on the religious side, but enjoyable. Some of the things Mr. Malarkey writes about his son Alex (the boy who came back from Heaven) seems unbelievable. It's hard not to be skeptical, as he himself admits. I found a few inconsistencies. For one, Alex states that he has been to Heaven not only on the day when he "died" after the car accident, but several times since. He is able to somehow visit at will. He states that when he returns from Heaven during these trips, he often returns crying because Heaven is such an amazing place, he doesn't want to leave there. Yet, when he has to go in for surgery on one occasion, he is fearful that he may die. If Alex has been to Heaven and gets upset when he has to leave and can't wait to return, why is he so afraid of dying? Anyway, I know I'm just over-analyzing, It was truly incredible that he survived given the nature and extent of his injuries. If he (and his family) believe he is meant to spread the Word of God, no harm done. I wish them all the best and hope that Alex continues to make miraculous strides and fully recovers.

Updated...

Supposedly, Alex admitted to making the story up.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the past four years I go on a girls trip with some girlfriends from childhood. The biggest kicker is that one of the girls can not let go of the fact that I BELIEVE IN JESUS. Often times, I feel like God is presenting me a situation that he did with Peter in the final stages of Jesus's life. However, in my situation, I just proudly say, YES, I Believe. What I find "funny" (If you will) is the fact that this girl is always worried about proof. I respond with...I don't need proof. I know it is real without proof. However, in all reality, there is so much proof around us every day that you would have to be blind not to recognize it! Yes..a blindness to the living faith. This book in itself would provide "proof" to some. I love reading these stories. God's grace is amazing and I 100% believe that if the bible were a neverending book, that stories just like these would be in it. I would love for you all to read this book so you can share in the faith that this family possesses. Very inspirational!

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I have read alot of books about people that come back and this was really unique and different. Alex was in a car accident when everything went wrong and (mainly) hearing his and the family and the people they encountered during that horrible time in their life was beautiful and tragic.

“ I was in the presence of God he had a body that was like human but bugger. I could only see up to his neck because the Bible says nobody’s allowed to see Gods face for that person will die”

I dont recall anyone else seeing God himself so hearing him say that and not seeing his face was really cool.

Also on page 171 he describes the devil and it is wicked and just amazing.

When adults go to heaven and come back they already have an idea of what heaven looks like but a child I dont think, thinks about dying so their perspectives are more raw. Not that other people didnt see what they saw but his view is untainted or less tainted.

[Terry Faulkner · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I find most telling about this book, is the fact that Beth Malarkey has completely distanced herself from it. On her blog, in reference to the book, she states "I am not involved with, or desire to be connected with, the book titled The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven. Please direct any comments or questions pertaining to that book to the publisher, author, or the author's agent. Thank you."
That said it all for me.
The majority of the book is written by the father, Kevin Malarkey. It felt to me that he was trying to assuage his own guilt (and maybe make some money in the process) more than anything. apparently he didn't learn much of a lesson though, because he writes that as they were bringing Alex home for the first time he was making a phone call while driving. What? That's what he was doing when they had the accident. That really struck me.

[Bob Ueckerlele · Rating 1 out of 5]

The kid made the whole thing up and his dad filled in the verbiage. A bunch of credulous fools lapped it up. Hilarious. This couldn't be funnier if the kid's last name was something totally obvious like Humbug or Malarky... wait...

Hahahaha

[Jessica Patch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The boy who came back from heaven is a true story about a six-year old boy, Alex Malarkey, who went to be with Jesus for a time after a car accident with his father.

It's an emotional journey to say the least. When I read any book about going to Heaven or even Hell, I watch closely to see who will get the glory and the purpose of the book.

I can honestly say, while going in skeptical, that this journey for the Malarkey family is touching, beautiful and gives glory to God on every page.

It's scripturally sound, although I had wasn't sure about the fact he saw the actual devil. Maybe he did. Regardless, it will build your faith and encourage you. I closed the book feeling a sweet presence of the Lord, believing He is intimate and cares for us in every circumstance, in a deeper way.

The fact that this little boy survived an internal decapitation and didn't die, or stay dead, is a miracle that can't be ignored. That hardly ever, if at all, happens. This boy, who I believe is now 10, has touched hundreds of lives for Jesus Christ, bringing Him glory and that's enough for me!

I appreciate the complimentary book from Tyndale. All opinions are my own.

[Ellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one is for my "friends" book group. it's got a lot of talk about prayer and Jesus - much more than i'm comfortable with, but on the other hand, when your child should have died in a car accident, there's a lot of that going on.
the jury is still out on this one.

[Anna Eynaud · Rating 1 out of 5]

CAUTION:
I have tried to research how Alex is currently doing and have come across his mom's blog and discovered that she and Alex both do not associate themselves with this book and are distressed by the deceit involved in marketing and making it about making money. So disappointed!

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was actually a third of the way through this book before I realized that I had meant to read Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back instead. That's to say nothing of 90 Minutes in Heaven (which this book takes time to refute, oddly enough) and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. This entire genre was completely alien to me, which is why I wanted to dive in and give them a shot.

Seeing as the book was only 150 pages, if I didn't care for it, it wouldn't have been too much time out of my life.

The most fascinating part of this book was just how often the author and his family (and everybody around them) spoke about or mentioned God or other facets of Christianity. It was fascinating, if only for how differently they viewed life from an elitist heathen such as I.

It was fascinating for the first twenty pages or so, at which point it became distracting. I'm not criticizing the family's use of faith, as it's none of my business, and if it helps them with their lives I'm happy for them. But as it's simply so far outside of what I typically experience, it just came off as odd to attribute any and all coincidences, breaks, prognoses and charity as providence. But then again, I'm well outside the target audience for this book.

I feel that I've gotten a good idea as to what this genre has to offer: strength in the face of tragedy, small communities gathering in solidarity. Faith tested and redoubled, science flummoxed, scripture quoted at length to ascribe God's work in the world (and possibly a warning that the end times are approaching).

Got it. Curiosity abated.

[Loraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his 6 year old son, Alex, suffered a terrible car wreck. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex, left him in a coma for two months, and it seemed impossible that he could survive. This story relates the struggle that Alex went through to regain his life as well as his "supposed" trip to heaven. The story regarding Alex' recovery from this horrible crash in which his spine was basically severed at his neck was fascinating to read. The difficulties that affected both he and his entire family and the miracles that both God and the doctors worked were beyond belief. The incredible support physically, emotionally, financially and prayerfully from his church, community and the entire world was awe-inspiring.

The book was written by Kevin's father with inserts from other people involved as well as Alex's description of what he heard and saw while in heaven and back here on earth. Some of it matches pretty much with what others who have had heavenly experiences say. But much of it is in more detail than ever heard before. In January 2015, as a teenager, Alex recanted his story and said he made it all up. Because of the detailed information that tends to gel with things that are in the Bible, it makes me wonder if Alex' dad expanded on what Alex believes happened as a 6 year old would probably not have as much knowledge of Biblical descriptions as were contained in the book and some things were descriptions never seen in the Bible. I gave this book a 2 rating for the well described medical journey that Alex took. I do believe that the tremendous amount of prayer that surrounded Alex indeed helped him recover as well as he did. Whether or not he truly did go to heaven and see what is written in the book is another question entirely that Alex answers with a resounding no.

[Denise]

Pretty sure this is Poe. With so much phoney baloney being published and then authors publishing satire and silliness based on the phoney baloney, gets pretty difficult to tell who is nutty and who is being funny.

I put this on my to-read list because I'm intrigued to see if I can discover any dead giveaways. For goodness sake, the author's name is Malarkey.

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to be about Alex's (Kevin Malarkey's son) experience in heaven after a car accident--wrong! Except for a few pages, the whole book was what occurred from the Dad's perspective. I was disappointed because I wanted to read what the son experienced.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My life is changed because of this book and Alex.. This boy and his family's faith and love in God is amazing and awe inspiring.

[Chas Bayfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me cry more than any other book that I've read. The situation for the family was so appalling and the stories of how good people pooled together to help them were truly moving.

BUT! I can't quite put my finger on the but, yet it's there. I don't feel comfortable with a book that sets a child up as a saint. Malarkey tells us that his son is just like any other boy, yet never gives us any examples of this. The closest he gets is to how young Alex ribs people if they don't like the same baseball team as him. The rest of the time he appears to be telling everyone about Jesus. Is that ever awkward? We don't find out.

Malarkey's faith is also hard to grapple with. He is a Christian yet seems amazed at the spiritual side of Christianity he experiences. It makes you wonder whether he actually had a faith before the accident, or just believed what he had been told since childhood. I also struggle with something I can't quite put into words - Malarkey is just a bit too self deprecating, just a bit too in awe of his son, just a bit too... well, there's where I'm struggling. I'm not sure if we met whether we'd get on. He's too earnest. Christian first and human second. He writes from a Christian bubble and I think the book would have been so much more interesting - and would have reached so many more people - if he had been a bit more earthly. I wanted more about the surgery and less about Alex's angelic visions which surely must be taken with a pinch of salt. There is so much incredible about his story and so many incredible acts of human kindness - the man who payed all the bills, the men who repaired the roof for free - that the bulk of the book could be about them. I wanted more from the medical team but no doubt they felt compromised appearing an a book that is so overtly evangelical. A chapter at the end about Alex's visit to Heaven and all the supernatural events which happened might have been better.

I found the questions at the end patronising - it was like being tested at school. The quotes from other people were intrusive and I really didn't like the 'from Alex' segments - they seemed ghostwritten by a dad who, despite all his protestations, seems fixed on portraying his son as a modern day angel. He may well be, but if he isn't, imagine how hard it's going to be for him. Alex's really is an amazing story, I just wish it had been told better.

[Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog' · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this book for a while now, so I took a 'leap of faith' last night and jumped right in. I have an affinity with the afterlife, it's something that has always interested me immensely and the synopsis of 'The Boy who came back from Heaven' really peaked my interest. However, I wasn't quite prepared for the God card to be played so prominently. That probably sounds totally off-kilter and a little hypocritical considering the subject matter, but as this story progresses you understand that the Malarkey family are devoted Christian's, with Christianity values playing a strong part in their children’s upbringing.

Alex at only six was well rehearsed with the Christian bible. He knew about Angels, Heaven, Hell, the Devil and how Jesus died for our sins. He was taught that when we die, our spirits leave our bodies and we go to a higher plane, back to our creator – we go home to God.

That’s all fine and well, and a beautiful notion but it made me doubt the true authenticity of the overall workings of this story. Could this story be an embellishment of a six-year-old child’s overactive imagination?

I don’t doubt that what happened with his recovery was a miracle, but I just felt, for me personally, the excessive religious references just made this read a little uncomfortable at times.

Whereas fully qualified Doctor’s were giving their professional diagnosis of Alex’ injuries, his family and close church family network were disputing those results and challenging every step when it came to his desired recovery. To have hundreds of people arrive at the hospital to pray for a helpless child is a heart-warming thought and proves that there are some truly caring and wonderful people in this world and I would be a cold-hearted wench if said that this didn’t affect me. I cried reading this book. I got goosebumps and at times it did make me feel at peace, but as a reader I just didn’t appreciate the all-consuming belief system being shoved down my throat at every given opportunity.

With that being said however, this book is based on a true story and regardless of how uncomfortable it made me feel at times, if anything it proves, with strong support and a little faith, life really is a beautiful thing.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex--and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. "I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus," a friend told the stricken dad.

But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus.

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy's most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex's eyes, you'll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father's love.

Wow! All I can say is, what an amazing testimony to God's greatness. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven isn't just another true story. It's a gripping true story, with multiple testimonies from various people, strangers and friends. There are times when Kevin Malarkey is talking and I'm floored that he's able to continue to function. There are times when I hear the testimony of Alex's mother and I'm sobbing. Then the flight nurse interjects his testimony and I'm awed by God's power and goodness.

But that's not all, interwoven on the pages of this story was God's church rising up and being the image of Christ they were called to be. At one point, while church members gathered around Alex's bed to pray, it was noticed that there were others in that hospital that needed the same sort of attention. It makes you want to rise up and do the impossible!

One this is certain, this story is not complete. God will continue to use the Malarkeys to glorify his name and to introduce the world to His heaven.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a parent, any book that discusses a child being severely injured or killed is going to pull at my heart strings and make me cry. I will say that I was crying fairly early in the book. I must also admit that i did not make it all the way through the book. I found the the organization of the book a bit irritating. I had to skip and go back and things as such because of intercepts of other peoples comments on what was going on it the story. This book is about a father and his young son that are in a car accident resulting in serious injuries that should lead to the dead of the boy. The boy does not die but spends his time in heaven while in a coma. Here is the issue i have, this family is super religious. The father talks about theological discussions that he was having with the child and it sounds like the families everyday was very God filled. I am not saying that this is wrong. It is a wonderful thing! Unfortunately because of the extremely religious overtones to the book I found it hard to buy into the story. Who hasn't talked about something before bed and then found that something in their dream that night. This is the idea that was constantly in the back of my mind and the reason that i stopped reading. Like I said, I did not finish the book so perhaps as you read on you become more inspired to buy the story. I really wanted to buy the story and approached the reading as a non-fiction but the book did not hold me to that.

[Emelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is in a bad car accident and ends up in a coma. After he wakes up he tells that he had been in Heaven, talking with God. This is his story.

I wavered between giving this book a 1-2 stars. I had a hard time with the pure Christian belief in this. How the father thinks everything is thanks to God and Jesus Christ and how everything's credited to them and not the actual people doing the stuff.

If I look and read this in a spiritual way it's a fascinating tale of hope and how much thoughts and prayer are important in how one experiences the world. I can agree with that - with a spiritual view of God and angels (and deities and Goddesses) without all Christianity.

I had expected more from Alex' point of view. Instead, the story was majority the father's tale with input from various people from their lives. I liked how the dad showed his human side with discourage (though credited to Satan), how he had trouble with the supernatural stuff because he's from an intellectual traditional Christian belief, etcetera. I had hoped, though, reading more from Alex's POV.

The story was easily read with an easy, light language. It wasn't too long, but just about right. I never did read the Scripture chapter.

Alex, and his family, seem like strong persons and I hope for their best.

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this after reading Kevins retraction of the whole book as a lie..

As a book it was hilarious to those of us who have some common sense.. a book that tries desperately to indoctrinate others ! Preach little sheeple preach! Lol

"Until things came crashing back to earth. The cover of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven calls the book “a true story.” But the boy himself now says it was not true at all. Four years ago, Alex sent a letter to a conservative Christian blog dramatically renouncing the book. “I did not die. I did not go to Heaven,” he wrote. “I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. … People have profited from lies, and continue to.” Alex’s retraction also became a sensation, with reporters unable to resist the sudden, hilarious perfection of his last name: Malarkey."

HOW DO THEY GET PEOPLE TO FALL FOR THE BULLSHIT HE WROTE? It was great for a laugh at how gullible those who have been indoctrinated are.

[Sarah Nessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational story. I remember exactly when this accident happened and how tragic it was. This story happened in the town that I live, Bellefontaine, OH. The power of prayer is one of the main theme's of this book and you can see how alive it is. After the fact knowing that Alex has denounced the fact that he actually travelled to Heaven I still enjoyed this book fully. I do not know what Alex saw and what he did not seem the point is that against all odds this young man is alive and I feel it was prayer and God's power that kept him going and continues to do so today. If the story does not simply help see that you need to press on and not give up then you learned nothing from what the Malarkey family was trying to accomplish. Through God anything is possible and I honestly believe that. I am so glad that I read this book!