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

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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

3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 · rating details · 4,600 ratings · 492 reviews

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...more

Hardcover, 224 pages

Published June 30th 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin Malarkey

Lendable Books

5th out of 27 books — 5 voters

All or Nothing by Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig

Gimmee got drowned; Iwanna already has it all by Dawn Reif

The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman

Quickie Reviews

17th out of 21 books — 8 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 19, 2011 David rated it 1 of 5 stars

This boy's story adheres to a fundamentalist Christian belief system, and most of the book was written by the boy's father, who includes a lot of the family's church's tenets. That aspect of the father's retelling doesn't ring entirely true to me. Further, the child was already indoctrinated into the church's ideology before his near-death, and everything he says he experienced aligns perfectly with the beliefs he had been taught.

I've known two people who also died clinically and came back from...more This boy's story adheres to a fundamentalist Christian belief system, and most of the book was written by the boy's father, who includes a lot of the family's church's tenets. That aspect of the father's retelling doesn't ring entirely true to me. Further, the child was already indoctrinated into the church's ideology before his near-death, and everything he says he experienced aligns perfectly with the beliefs he had been taught.

I've known two people who also died clinically and came back from the other side, and their stories did not align with any organized religion, but were more all-encompassing in terms of what they called supreme love, the beings they encountered, and the lessons they were taught.

In fact, both women experienced a great deal of social difficulty because their experiences did not confirm the tenets of their former churches. One woman left her church and proximity to her adult children and embarked on a personal spiritual journey.

The other woman's family and friends could not accept that she had seen something larger, more loving, less rigid, with fewer rules, and less in accordance with their interpretation of the Christian bible. They also were upset that she no longer shared a commitment to the religion she had taught her children and lived with her entire life.

I've also read at least 15 books by and about people with similar experiences, and with few exceptions, those that sounded the least believable were the ones that read as if a born-again Christian wrote the book with careful attention not to contradict any of his or her church's teachings.

Lest I be perceived as merely anti-Christian and not inclined to believe an account that confirms fundamentalist beliefs, I have also read a few accounts by people who sounded as though they were trying to bolster their New Age credentials, including one by a woman who, with her husband, was a professional New Ager before her medical emergency, and whose account sounds like fiction written by someone who has studied near death experiences but has not experienced one.

Don't misunderstand: I'm not saying this boy's experience wasn't real. In fact, it sounds very real, and he apparently shares an attribute that almost all NDEers have, the ability to see or know certain events that have not happened yet, though the author downplays that ability, and only mentions it once, in passing, at the very end.

My quibble with the book is not the boy's experience; it is that the father's acount affirms and confirms the family's belief system and that of their church, and the boy's early indoctrination into that church's ideology seems to have colored his experience and the language he uses to describe it to an extreme degree.

It's clear the boy underwent a unique and transformative event on the other side, but the context in which it adheres to a particular organized religion's tenets is not entirely credible.(less)

like 16 likes · see review

Feb 17, 2012 Colleen H. rated it 3 of 5 stars

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...more

like 6 likes · see review

May 24, 2011 Ellyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

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.

like 4 likes · see review

Aug 10, 2011 Erika L. Miller added it

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 f...more 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.(less)

like 9 likes · see review

Apr 24, 2013 Stein rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biographical, religion-christianity

==An honest account of survival, endurance and hope==
This is an inspiring account of--first of all--the power of divine faith to uplift and carry human beings forward despite heartbreaking, excruciating, tragic circumstances, and--secondly--the miraculous healings which can occur in spite of medical science's denial of the possibility, and--thirdly--the advanced state of medical and clinical assistance and intervention available to modern patients thanks to inventive, dedicated, and even ingeni...more ==An honest account of survival, endurance and hope==
This is an inspiring account of--first of all--the power of divine faith to uplift and carry human beings forward despite heartbreaking, excruciating, tragic circumstances, and--secondly--the miraculous healings which can occur in spite of medical science's denial of the possibility, and--thirdly--the advanced state of medical and clinical assistance and intervention available to modern patients thanks to inventive, dedicated, and even ingenious pioneers and supporting staff in the field of health care (albeit often at astronomical costs) and--fourthly--the astounding compassion and generosity which potentially can be awakened and spring forth in people when the needs of other, non-related, human beings are dire. The book honestly and openly conveys the story of a six year old boy, Alex, who is involved in an accident, and is seemingly at first is given up for dead by first responders, but then survives, heals and lives to tell a tale with his dad about subsequent events, real and supernatural. This is a book first and foremost which will be taken to heart by fundamentalist Christians although its foundational purpose is obviously to serve as an evangelistic tool for non-believers. I find myself somewhat doctrinally at odds with its conservative, inclusive evangelism.

Being widely read on the subject of near death experiences, out of body experiences and supernatural (psychic) communication--and having experienced all of the above personally--I felt saddened that the Malarkys' worldview (and other-worldview) was so doctrinally boxed-in, specifically that a) Christians are especially--even exclusively-- chosen for God's grace and healing, b) that all spiritual experiences or conceptions can only have validity when they can be justified by the literal Word of God (i.e. the books of the Protestant Bible), and c) the conviction that the devil and the demonic are constant ongoing spiritual threats even to those who are devoted and committed believers in Jesus Christ. I was saddened because my own experiences have been to the contrary, I have learned that a) every human being who opens him/herself to the Divine's grace and healing--and even many who don't--can and do receive benevolence, and b) that the Divine has spoken to us and continues to reveal to us the truth "that will set us free, from our inner darkness" through many means and sources, and c) that we are only vulnerable to negative and destructive influences when we allow darkness to obscure the Light (of which Jesus spoke), thus allowing fear a foothold which can fester leading to lives dominated by selfishness, immorality and addictions.

"When I try to talk to Alex about heavenly things, he is almost always uncomfortable. Some items he isn't permitted to discuss..." (p 178) I wondered, could Alex' uncomfortable feelings be because of what he could reveal, but was disallowed, because its revelation would be undoctrinal for his parents and church. Examples could be such now widely accepted concepts as karma and reincarnation.

"A trembling of the spirit gave me the sense there was more [to be divinely being revealed]. Like a radio signal tuning into the right frequency....the Lord was directly communicating His will for me." (p 186) Kevin, Alex' father is experiencing supernatural (i.e. psychic) communication and he is inspired to write down a revelation of over twenty lines. Based on its contest this is clearly of higher origin. The problem is that if any so-called-psychic, especially a non-Christian, followed the same method he did it would be condemned by fundamentalists as demonic.

"...the enemy is a deceiver who masquerades as an angel of light. We all need to be on guard against counterfeit truth. Anything that doesn't square with Scripture [i.e. the Protestant Bible] is counterfeit." (p 189) I see this as the expression of exclusivistic theology in alignment with most fundamentalist churches, arousing the spectre of demonic fear and deception in relation to anything that does not conform to the limited literal interpretation of the Bible, which was composed two to three thousand years ago.

"One of the best proofs of God's existence is the love we see among His people." (p 158) Here is the familar mindset that God has separated humankind into two types: people who are his (e.g. Jews and Christians) and people who are not his (everyone else). Surely, as I see it, God has created us all to be endowed with the potential expressions of divine qualities, when we so choose. These expressions may take many forms but they ultimately rest on the divine principle of practicing love for our neighbour, no matter whether we identify with a specific religious doctrine or not.(less)

like · see review

Feb 05, 2013 Kelly the Kindlesessed rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 unde...more 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.
(less)

like 1 like · see review

Dec 03, 2012 Tracy Morton rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

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...more

like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 un...more

like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars

The author, Kevin Malarkey, had many purposes in writing this story, but the main one that popped out to me the most was to have faith in God and that prayers work. Alex, Kevin's son, has been in a severe car accident and none of the doctors thought he would make it through surgery, but his parents and friends knew that through God, Alex would be alright and come out of the coma he was in. The purpose of the book is significant to the theme. The theme to me was miracles do happen. In the story,...more

like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Julie G rated it 4 of 5 stars

On a Sunday afternoon in late 2004, one day after bringing home their fourth child, Kevin Malarky and his oldest son, Alex, were on their way home from a post-church outing to the park. At an intersection on a country road, Dad called home and, still on the phone, pulled out.

Due to an unusual dip in the road that he was about to cross, Kevin never saw the vehicle that slammed into them.

What follows is the story of angels, demons, prayers, and miracles.

Alex was in a coma for weeks and, frankly, f...more

like · see review

Aug 04, 2012 Dawn Roberts rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is yet another near-death experience (NDE) book that I've read in recent months. "Heaven is for Real" was the second, and "90 Minutes in Heaven" was the first. This book had me glued to my seat. I was enthralled with Alex's account of heaven and his experience written at the end of each chapter. I found myself reading each chapter as fast as I could just so I could get to Alex's story.

Like others, I had a difficult time with Kevin & Alex's last name - Malarkey. While I understand that t...more

like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Previous to reading this book, I had already read another story that could be easily compared because of the similar circumstances called "Heaven Is for Real." It's difficult not to compare the two, but in the same respect they had two very different approaches. The story of Kevin Malarkey and his family seems like it's a modern day Biblical story. The family suffers great pain and around every corner you're not sure how they're going to make it, but God provides and has an answer to every quest...more

like · see review

Jun 07, 2012 Jane S rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is an account of how a young boy survived a serious car accident to tell of his near death experience and ongoing encounters with angels, supernatural agents and conversations with God. It seemed broadly similar to Heaven Is For Real, Todd Burpo’s account of his young son’s near death experience although the writing is better and more worldly-wise, as in tinged with knowing skepticism and self-doubt. The Malarkeys' account had greater visceral appeal because of the many witnesses, the older...more This is an account of how a young boy survived a serious car accident to tell of his near death experience and ongoing encounters with angels, supernatural agents and conversations with God. It seemed broadly similar to Heaven Is For Real, Todd Burpo’s account of his young son’s near death experience although the writing is better and more worldly-wise, as in tinged with knowing skepticism and self-doubt. The Malarkeys' account had greater visceral appeal because of the many witnesses, the older age and hence greater articulateness of the boy Alex, and the confluence of all the other helpers, supporters and prayer warriors etc. who (at least according to the book) helped to bring about not only healing and help to the family. What was particularly appealing was the father Kevin's admission of his own skepticism and personal character failings in the face of immense stress; somehow that enabled me to identify better with them, as opposed to possible alternative portrayals of their family as conservative evangelicals. I must shamefacedly confess that even as I read the book, a part of my mind was wondering what makes them so special that God would bestow so much blessing and help to them – as opposed to, I suppose, so many others who face other kinds of disasters. Then again I allowed that may be an effect of the writing i.e. how the narrative focuses on certain elements. The biggest takeaway from this book for me is right at the very end where Kevin noted that one needs to be careful and conscious of our motivations as far as how such stories of supernatural encounters and beings e.g. angels and miraculous encounters etc. are regarded. His point that one should guard against an unhealthy fascination with seeking the supernatural e.g. seeing angels at the risk of losing sight of the One True God who is the Source of blessings. Interjections like this that indicate consciousness of human and psychological penchants e.g. tendencies towards seeking sensationalism and self-aggrandizement or reflected glory subtly added to the credence of the Malarkey's account. Whatever my initial reservations about reading such accounts, I think it is fair to ascribe their experience at least some measure of credibility – although my own personal beliefs go much further.(less)

like 1 like · see review

May 05, 2012 Kelli rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone!

Recommended to Kelli by: Shannon Bollinger

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...more

like 3 likes · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Chas Bayfield rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 s...more 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.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 Elizabeth Noah rated it 3 of 5 stars

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...more

like 6 likes · see review

Sep 03, 2011 Susan B rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-biography

On a November morning in 2004 Kevin Malarkey was travelling home from church with his son, Alex, when they were involved in a horrific accident. Alex, who defied all medical and human expectations for his survival, was airlifted to Children's Hospital for emergency surgery. While he remains a paraplegic in a wheelchair to this day, his recovery has exceeded the predictions of his surgical team, and he and his family remain firm in their faith that with God's help, Alex will walk again someday.

Th...more

like 1 like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Ivy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: People interested in the beyond, near death experiences and Heaven.

Shelves: history-biography-memoirs-nonfictio

I rented this audio book from Cracker Barrel for a long ride home and was fascinated with the subject matter. A little boy of six is tragically injured in a car accident and reveals to his parents that he has gone to Heaven to see Jesus. Little Alex Malarkey describes witnessing the accident from a third person perspective as well as what Heaven was like. He says that Jesus was with him throughout his ordeal and describes the legion of angels that inhabited the world as being all around us, just...more

like · see review

Jul 09, 2011 Jessica R. Patch rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 scrip...more

like 4 likes · see review

Dec 29, 2010 Mandy rated it 5 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

A true story about a father and son who survived a terrible car accident, although son Alex remained in a coma for two months afterward. Upon awaking, Alex shared some unexpected experiences of time spent with Jesus in Heaven. He also shared some personal insight on angels and their ministry.
Kevin and Alex share their faith journey; a journey that will stir in you a longing for your future home in heaven. This is a wonderful book making me wish that I could meet this family.

BOOK OV...more

like · see review

Nov 20, 2010 Jill Williamson rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, were in a horrible accident. No one thought Alex would live. But two months later he woke up with an amazing story to share. He talks about events that took place at the scene of the accident and at the hospital—he was unconscious in both places. He says Jesus was with him, or one if his angels, telling him that everything would be okay.

This is an amazing story. I wanted to read it because it was real. I read a lot of fiction, but stories l...more

like · see review

Oct 12, 2010 Karen & Gerard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biographies-autobiographies, christian, inspirational, survival

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin & Alex Malarkey is the true story told by the father and son who were in a terrible car accident together. Alex, the 6-yr. old son, was severely injured and was in a coma. Many people gathered to pray for him and when Alex woke up, he told his parents about seeing Jesus and how beautiful heaven was. Angels ministered to him and he was able to see five angels surround his dad at the scene of the accident. This is an inspiring story of hope to those w...more

like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Liz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-mmm-challenge, e-books

Since I overall enjoyed this book and it moved me to tears, this book gets a five star rating from me. On reading this story, I do recall hearing about Alex before since his "Christopher Reeves" surgery was so well publicized. What I didn't realize was the underlying spiritual path that Alex had throughout that time since I don't recall the reporting of that. I have been interested in reading the story about the boy who went to heaven and came back...but I didn't realize that there was this stor...more Since I overall enjoyed this book and it moved me to tears, this book gets a five star rating from me. On reading this story, I do recall hearing about Alex before since his "Christopher Reeves" surgery was so well publicized. What I didn't realize was the underlying spiritual path that Alex had throughout that time since I don't recall the reporting of that. I have been interested in reading the story about the boy who went to heaven and came back...but I didn't realize that there was this story out there as well. I now realize that I was looking to read Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back...but I am still grateful that my path crossed with this book. This book is inspiring to me and helping my spiritual journey.

There were some parts of the book, though, that didn't flow well for me. Although I liked the quotes from other people, at times they were jarring to the flow. I understand why they were put in those places since they were about what was happening at that time. It may also just be the format of this e-book that they were put into the paragraph and sectioned off. Maybe in the print copy, the format might have been better - either in a shaded box or as a footnote. They were interesting to read and I liked that they were included, just the formatting wasn't pleasing to me. I also didn't like the few times when Kevin would stress in the middle of the paragraph about being a normal couple under stress and that they still had fights. There were just a couple instances where it seemed forced and insincere.

Overall, I did enjoy the story. As a parent, I wouldn't want to go through anything like this with my child. I can only hope that I can rely on my faith to see me through. I did prefer when the chapters ended with "From Alex". His words rang true for me. You can also see the loving and spiritual child within...and you can definitely see that he is a child. I just loved it when he told that reporter - "I am normal."(less)

like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had been wanting to read this since I first spotted it on store shelves and I just finished it today. It is inspiring and moving, both spiritually and emotionally. The back flap says "An accident. A miracle. And a supernatural encounter that will give you new insights on Heaven, Angels, and hearing the voice of God." It is amazing how this little boys Faith, his familys Faith remained unshakable and still does. Alex does not want people making a big deal of his encounter with God, he wants to...more

like · see review

Jan 15, 2012 Dan rated it 2 of 5 stars

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'...more

like 1 like · see review

Jul 31, 2011 Kristi rated it 1 of 5 stars

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 K...more 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.(less)

like 5 likes · see review

view all 8 comments

Kelly I understand why you may feel upset or confused Kristi, but I think the ambulance guy was not meaning to judge Beth if she said she was not a Christia...more
Nov 08, 2012 04:58pm

Kristi Kelly wrote: "I understand why you may feel upset or confused Kristi, but I think the ambulance guy was not meaning to judge Beth if she said she was...more
Nov 18, 2012 12:14pm

Jul 18, 2012 Janice rated it 1 of 5 stars

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 ima...more

like 3 likes · see review

Oct 27, 2011 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Father, Kevin Malarkey, was driving home with his son, Alex, from church one day, when he was involved in a car accident that changed his life. His book was about his experiences from the accident and how it altered his family and his own life. After awaking from consciousness, Kevin noticed that his son, who was in the backseat of the car during the accident, was motionless.He was afraid that he had killed his son and became very emotional. Alex was removed from the car and taken to Children's...more Father, Kevin Malarkey, was driving home with his son, Alex, from church one day, when he was involved in a car accident that changed his life. His book was about his experiences from the accident and how it altered his family and his own life. After awaking from consciousness, Kevin noticed that his son, who was in the backseat of the car during the accident, was motionless.He was afraid that he had killed his son and became very emotional. Alex was removed from the car and taken to Children's Hospital in Columbus by helicopter. Kevin's 6-year-old son was in a coma for 2 months. It was a very stressful time for him, his wife, Beth, and their other three children. While Alex was in the coma, people all acrossed the nation prayed for him to get through it. His vertebrae below his skull had been pulled completely apart from the other ones, something that was guaranteed to kill him. Hope was not lost. After two long months, Alex woke up from his coma and when he was able to talk again, he started sharing stories about how he had gone to heaven, seen angels, and talked with God. He recalled everything that happened after the accident, even though he had been unconscious. He said that he had seen three angels carry his dad away and then tell him that he was going to be okay. After awaking from his coma, Alex continued to make progress. He kept making trips to heaven, and seeing angels, and entered a completely spiritual realm that no one else could see. A couple of years later, a new surgery was performed on Alex to straighten his spine. The surgery was a success, and Alex continues to survive from his near-death experience. He is an amazing child of God, and wanted everyone to know his story and how God helped him through the impossible.
I really enjoyed the book and thought that it was very inspiring. This 6-year-old boy has such a close relationship with God, and he wants everyone else to do the same. No matter what life threw at him, he remained positive with a smile on his face. He didn't want people to praise him for what he had been through, but God for how He had moved in Alex's life. Everything about Alex Malarkey inspires a person, and it was shown in the book.
Kevin Malarkey wrote the book with his son, Alex. There are excerpts at the end of each chapter where Alex inputs his thoughts and opinions. I believe that their purpose of writing the book was to teach people about the work of God. Alex said that "I want people to know that God is real and that Heaven is real" (Malarkey 145). Kevin and Alex both emphasized throughout the book that they didn't want people to read their book and be amazed with Alex and his ability to talk to God and be healed. But rather, they wanted people to read their book and think, God is good. They wanted people to be touched by their story because of God's goodness and how he can move in a person like Alex Malarkey's life.
The theme of the novel was that anything is possible with God. Kevin's wife, Beth, wrote that theme on a sidewalk that they made and Kevin said that "We believe that, by the way. We believe that one day Alex will step right over that verse as he walks along the pavement" (Malarkey 157). Under the circumstances, Alex wasn't supposed to live. He isn't supposed to be alive today. But when people prayed for him and did not give up on God, he got better. He came out of his coma, and they are still not giving up on him. Alex is in a wheelchair right now but Kevin is convinced that with God: "Alex is going to be fully healed, whether here on earth or in Heaven" (Malarkey 209). Even though Alex's recovery seemed impossible, all things are possible with God.(less)

like · see review

Nov 22, 2010 Leigh rated it 2 of 5 stars

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...more

like 10 likes · see review

Jan 17, 2012 Joan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, christian-life

This book, written by Kevin Malarkey, describes the aftermath of his son's and his family's life following a serious auto accident in 2004. Because of the accident, 6-year old Alex is in a coma for 7 weeks, and awakes to find himself completely paralyzed. The basis for the book is that Alex visited Heaven immediately after the accident and is regularly visited by angels afterward. Before the accident Alex has a child's understanding of the Bible and related stories. After the accident, he appear...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (10)

More editions...

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Non Fiction

69 users

Christian

39 users

Inspirational

26 users

Religion

24 users

Spirituality

18 users

Biography

17 users

Religion > Christianity

16 users

Biography > Autobiography

11 users

Autobiography > Memoir

9 users

Religion > Faith

7 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Kevin Malarkey

Der Junge, Der Aus Dem Himmel Zurückkehrte

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Boy Who Came ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Boy Who Came Back ...

“Self-pity imprisons us in the walls of our own self-absorption. The whole world shrinks down to the size of our problem, and the more we dwell on it, the smaller we are and the larger the problem seems to grow. Awareness of others is a healthy antidote to this self-focus.” — 13 people liked it

“It is one thing to read the Scriptures and affirm their truth. But until you are in the trenches of trial, until you are faced with life circumstances that test your faith, until you are pressed to the absolute limit of your physical and emotional capacity, until you face the unrelenting stress of ongoing trauma, you never really know how you'll respond to what you may have embraced so easily during a comfortable Bible study.” — 3 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven: A Remarkable Account of Miracles, Angels, and Life Beyond This World
avg rating	preview: The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven: A Remarkable Account of Miracles, Angels, and Life Beyond This Wo Goodreads rating: 3.88 (4600 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8100288-the-boy-who-came-back-from-heaven?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348447231l/8100288.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8100288-the-boy-who-came-back-from-heaven?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven: A Remarkable Account of Miracles, Angels, and Life Beyond This World by Kevin Malarkey[/url]

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

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website