My church was giving away some books from its library, and I picked this up without knowing anything about it. I've never read something quite like it. There is an introductory part and an appendix part, all written by various people involved with "Anne," then there are the parts in the middle--the meat of the book--that are written by Anne. I assume that these are excerpts from the volumes she wrote, basically messages that she allegedly received from Jesus, Mary, and various saints, as well as visions of heaven. I know, sounds crazy. I am really skeptical of such things. On the one hand, I know there are people, probably most, that would immediately discount any notion of receiving heavenly messages. I wouldn't put myself in that category, because I do believe (Matthew 19:26) "with God, all things are possible." On the other hand, I don't automatically believe everyone that says they've had visions or messages. Again--skeptical!
But with this book, I probably lean more into the believer camp, while still retaining some skepticism. There are a few reasons for this. For one, the words in the book are just comforting and wise, among the most comforting and wise I have ever read. They just had the ring of truth, I guess is the best way I can describe it. They didn't sound like they were written by a crazy woman. The visions of heaven were fascinating to read--odd descriptions, but they also felt...true somehow. Although I feel people who supposedly "see" heaven--for example, those who have near-death experiences--are not exactly viewing it the way it is but in a way that can make sense to them now, in this life.
The other thing that seemed real to me was just how loving the words were. There were no harsh judgments, no "do [fill in the blank] or you're going to hell," no "if the world doesn't shape up, God is going to destroy everyone." This approach doesn't make sense. With God, it always helps to think of him as the ultimate good parent, who never makes mistakes like human parents. The vast majority of parents, even the really flawed ones, do not want to kill their kids for being bad. So why would God? Like any good parent, he just wants us to do better--to correct our behavior. He wants us to be happy, just like we want our kids to be happy. So I am doubtful of these people who have "messages" saying God is mad at us and going to strike us down. This book was all about God trying to draw us closer, forgiving us, and providing us with peace, joy and hope. It also mentioned many times how God is working, through humanity, to make our earth better here and now, not at some time in the future when he returns. This is an incredibly hopeful message, especially when so many people are saying that humanity is doomed. That's not how God sees us, so we should reject these tendencies toward despair.