Life Before Life

Children's Memories of Previous Lives

By: Jim B. Tucker MD, Ian Stevenson - foreword MD

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

This popular examination of research into children's reports of past-life memories describes a collection of 2,500 cases at the University of Virginia that investigators have carefully studied since Dr. Ian Stevenson began the work more than 40 years ago. The children usually begin talking about a past life at the age of two or three and may talk about a previous family or the way they died in a previous life. Their statements have often been found to be accurate for one particular deceased individual, and some children have recognized members of the previous family. A number have also had birthmarks or defects that matched wounds on the body of the deceased person.

Life Before Life presents the cases in a straightforward way and explores the possibility that consciousness may continue after the brain dies. It is a provocative and fascinating book that can challenge and ultimately change listeners' understanding about life and death.

©2005 Jim B. Tucker (P)2019 Tantor

Excellent!

This book is the result of a tremendous work of research by the author and his fellow researchers. I tried to keep an open mind to all fringe phenomena and this is one that I did not know too much about. It has really opened my mind to reconsidering the idea of reincarnation. The reason is, I wrote reincarnation off as so thoroughly subjective that there was no tangible way research could be done to prove it or disprove it. This book provides more than 40 case studies over a 40-year period and shares many very intriguing details that we cannot just write off. I also learned about a lot of other interesting paranormal and para psychological tidbits that I had never heard about before that I find intriguing and would like to learn more about. I definitely recommend this book to anybody interested in the subject. For my part, I will be reading more books on reincarnation.

Heavy on the scientific process

Heavy on the scientific process and sometimes feels like hearing a textbook being read aloud. That said, the anecdotal information is intriguing. Pacing and voice inflection is great. Sounds much like a conversation (which helped me get through the drier scientific process bits).

Fascinating Topic!

Although this book isn’t the most exciting (as it’s written like a scientific study), I feel that the subject material is very interesting. I just finished listening to “Real Magic” by Dean Radin before this, and as both works suggest, the human consciousness goes far beyond the material world. I’ve often thought that organized religion was hogwash, but have a deep belief that this life isn’t all there is. Although it goes unseen, there is a spiritual world that exists along side our material one. These two books offer a possibility of “proof” for those willing to accept it, and opens up room for a serious investigation at the very least. Both of these books pose interesting ideas in explaining human existence, and I hope that science will continue to study these ideas and invest real effort and resources into these topics. I have long held the belief that science and spirituality are one and the same, and humanity needs to realize that these two topics can coexist. Imagine what could be unearthed if these topics were taken seriously and studied like any other sciences. Imagine the implications for our species. The narrator wasn’t the best, and sounded a bit like a TA explaining the professor’s material. I increased the speed of the narration to 1.3% and that helped immensely.

Insightful information and very well delivered

This book gives detailed information about the author and his predessor’s documented experiences interviewing children with past life experiences. It is written from a research, evidence-based perspective that incorporates scientific finds that support the claims. It is both informative and intriguing to listen to. The audio is excellent in that the reader does not embellish the reading by trying to imitate a child’s voice for example when making a quote. It is read enjoyably like a book and makes the message of the book unaltered. It is an excellent read or listen. Highly recommended!

Great clinical study overview

If you enjoy the science behind the study of reincarnation that you’ll enjoy this book. The entire book is a list of specific cases that Were studied all over the world. I believe that total was 1100 kids in total if I remember correctly. Sometimes the book can get a little wordy but overall great book

Very interesting and informative

Very well written and presented. Answers many questions we have about life after death. Very hard to deny because there is so much evidence for reincarnation.
Only one thing the author did not mention was about Out of Body Experiences which many people have which prove to an individual that consciousness actually does survive death.

great data

this is the future of spiritual understanding. learn it now and you can help others understand it when the flood gates open.

A Well-Rounded Overview

The book contains just the right mix of specific cases and general discussion. No, this book is not an anthology of cases, recounted one after the other, which some people have complained about in their review. Though a significant number of cases are recounted in detail throughout the book, most of the book concerns the author's analysis of these cases and their general trends. As for me, I was just as interested in the philosophical questions posed by the cases, and the author's discussion of these questions, as I was the cases themselves. I will be gifting this book to three family members of mine who I think will find it thought provoking.

The narrator did a fine job. No complaints. The subject matter of the book was well organized and written in an easy to understand manner.

A Thorough & Current Deep Dive on Topic

“Life Before Life” gives a thorough and in-depth deep dive regarding the topic of children who report possible past lives or possible past life information to be further studied. This book gives detailed analysis on the studies that Dr. Tucker and his team have analyzed. Although there are a few of the paragraphs in chapters that go over my head as a lay person, the majority the information was easily digestible for the listener, and can be confirmed by cross referencing Dr. Tucker and his team’s data. This book is the most up-to-date and helpful resource for parents whose children might be beginning to mention the possibility of a past life. It does cover the topic thoroughly from all angles, which I highly appreciated. The narrator keepsake fine pace, flow and volume throughout the audiobook, keeping it interesting to the listener consistently. With a very busy schedule, I appreciated this book being available in an audio format.

Thought Provoking

This was a great listen. The narrator spoke well and didn't have an annoying voice. As for the book itself, I really enjoyed it. I was aware of the phenomenon described but have been looking for a more scientific opinion. That is this book to the T. The author goes over a LOT of cases and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each one. He also tends to offer his own speculations which are very interesting. He also tends to go pretty deep into the science aspect of things so if you are just looking for some interesting stories, this might not be for you. Overall, if you happen to be a science and paranormal nerd like myself; this is a must read.