Good Reads

Well friends, as I adjust to my new schedule, I'm glad to have more time to catch up on book reviews! Because I got a friendly reminder email from the website that gives me free books informing me that I was past due on my review of the above work of fiction.

I had a hard time getting into this book. Given it's slightly historical nature, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. But that was just the first chapter. Then it takes a supernatural/spiritual turn, a turn upwards. To heaven. The gist is a martyred Christian is writing letters to us now, with a heavenly perspective. Similar to the letters written by the disciples you find in the Bible, the letters are commentary, advice and observations from above with the speculated spiritual wisdom those who have a personal relationship with Christ will receive when we take the up elevator and meet the man upstairs. It kind of blows your mind!

This book rivals the challenging nature of CS Lewis' work Mere Christianity. While a different style and genre, given that it's fiction, the truth and profound nature of the truth is very convicting and inspirational at the same time. Much of the story, the descriptions and imagery is obviously speculation because no person really knows what heaven looks like or will be like exactly. However, the perspective gained from the "other side" offers something truly challenging and thought provoking.

I do find the title of the book a little...misleading. While it's an accurate description, it comes off a little too heavy or bloody. Instead, it's intriguing: to hear from the "other side", to get an eternal perspective, to think about what those in heaven might think about how things are going "down here". 

Again, it's a work of fiction. It's not Scripture. But it's a really amazing premise for a book. Similar to the book 5 People You Meet in Heaven, the author's goal is to get you to think. To be amazed. To give some thought to the idea that there is way more going on in our daily lives that has purpose and is part of a greater plan that we simply won't know in full detail until the time we arrive in heaven, if that is our final destination.

As you know, I received this book from bookcrash.com, for free, in exchange for an honest review. I do highly recommend this book. It's very different than most books I have read or would choose to read. I've already passed on my copy to someone else!