Proof of Heaven

A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife

By: Eben Alexander

Narrated by: Eben Alexander

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

The #1 New York Times bestselling account of a neurosurgeon's own near-death experience—for fans of 7 Lessons from Heaven.

Thousands of people have had near-death experiences, but scientists have argued that they are impossible. Dr. Eben Alexander was one of those scientists. A highly trained neurosurgeon, Alexander knew that NDEs feel real, but are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress.

Then, Dr. Alexander’s own brain was attacked by a rare illness. The part of the brain that controls thought and emotion—and in essence makes us human—shut down completely. For seven days he lay in a coma. Then, as his doctors considered stopping treatment, Alexander’s eyes popped open. He had come back.

Alexander’s recovery is a medical miracle. But the real miracle of his story lies elsewhere. While his body lay in coma, Alexander journeyed beyond this world and encountered an angelic being who guided him into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine source of the universe itself.

Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he underwent his journey, he could not reconcile his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief in heaven, God, or the soul. Today Alexander is a doctor who believes that true health can be achieved only when we realize that God and the soul are real and that death is not the end of personal existence but only a transition.

This story would be remarkable no matter who it happened to. That it happened to Dr. Alexander makes it revolutionary. No scientist or person of faith will be able to ignore it. Listening to it will change your life.

©2012 Eben Alexander (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc

Critic reviews

"Dr. Eben Alexander's near-death experience is the most astounding I have heard in more than four decades of studying this phenomenon. In my opinion, Dr Alexander is living proof of an afterlife." (Raymond Moody, MD, PhD, author of Life Beyond Life)

"Eben Alexander brings a unique perspective to the sacred world combining a glorious, personal vision of spiritual consciousness with patient, insightful scientific inquiry. Proof of Heaven is a compelling story of what may lie ahead for all of us in the life beyond this one. We have nothing to fear." (Allan J. Hamilton, MD, FACS, author of The Scalpel and the Soul and Zen Mind, Zen Horse)

"I can highly recommend this important book that has the potential to break many scientific taboos." (Dr. Pim van Lommel, cardiologist, author of Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of the Near-Death Experience)

The real deal….

Dr Alexander’s NDE is a credible account of life after death. Before his NDE happened , he was an educated skeptic. His NDE changed his world view, expanding it from a narrowly prescriptive , dead end view , to an all embracing one.

I understand

I have experienced a similar experience but only for a short time. I left my body during an abdominal infection after childbirth. I experienced floating and looking at my lifeless body. I saw the darkness behind me and expressed wanting to go back. I had no body but I could see. I was afraid but had no fear, if you can understand this. I saw everything in the room and everyone in it. I heard every word they said. As they were charging their paddles I came back and opened my eyes. I was back and knew I would be okay. Since then I have never feared death and feel a profound attachment to an existence that I know is there. I’ve spent 50 years with a longing to return home.

A different reflection of the NDE experience

I have read many NDE books over the years. This is the first I have read with these insight. It talks about different experiences than what most NDE have and has a little more evplainations than most books. Definitely worth the read.

Compelling

If you're reading this review then you are contemplating the purchase of this book. Correct? Just get it. You won't be disappointed.

However, if you (as other readers have) expect the book to "deliver on it's promise" of including "God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit" then you will be disappointed. But, I do urge you to get the book and listen with an open mind.

I find it quite rude to give a negative review and rating to a book based solely on the fact that it does not conform to your set of beliefs. Nowhere in the description of the book does it promise to do so either. It is a well-written and researched book and deserves to be reviewed as such.

Those of you who do purchase the book I ask you to give it a fair review. No need to type out a response, just a click on the stars will do. Thanks!

A must read/listen for Christians and agnostics

Would you consider the audio edition of Proof of Heaven to be better than the print version?

Can't say since haven't read the book, but the audio version is well done and more impactful given the author delivers the content.

What other book might you compare Proof of Heaven to and why?

Heaven is Real - both give us insight and comfort.

What about Eben Alexander’s performance did you like?

Honest insight to his experience and perspective that kept me interested all the way through.

Any additional comments?

Really is worth listening to, especially if you a person of faith.

I believe !

Would you listen to Proof of Heaven again? Why?

I would listen to this book again because it gave me a sense of peace

What was one of the most memorable moments of Proof of Heaven?

when Eben realized the identity of the girl on the butterfly's wing

What about Eben Alexander’s performance did you like?

I could hear his belief in his voice

Very Interesting

Would you consider the audio edition of Proof of Heaven to be better than the print version?

It was nice to was told by the author

What about Eben Alexander’s performance did you like?

He was very through in his explanation of his case. I work with Neurosurgeons and they want facts and evidence to back up NDE. Dr. Alexander did an excellent job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story about his sister was very moving.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this book

Author gives medical facts plus NDE

Because this is written by, and experienced by, a neurosurgeon, it adds something even more credible to the NDE.. He explains throughout the story where his body was at as the days go by, and what that means as far as brain activity, etc., and why his NDE cannot be attributed to his brain...it simply was not working. Incredibly interesting story. I very much enjoyed it.

Amazing Journey

Would you listen to Proof of Heaven again? Why?

I would listen to it again because the story is so intriguing. Eben's miraculous recovery and life events proceeding made it difficult to stop listening.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Dr. Alexander's background as a neurosurgeon and how he couldn't explain the journey away with science.

Have you listened to any of Eben Alexander’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. However, I thought he did an excellent job narrating the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I would end up sitting in my car in the garage after I came home listening to the end of a chapter.

Any additional comments?

Great book!

I believe him :)

What did you love best about Proof of Heaven?

I loved his description of moving between the levels while in his brain dead state

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

His account of what happened while he was away was very complelling and rang of truth

Which character – as performed by Eben Alexander – was your favorite?

n/a

Any additional comments?

While I think his experience was real and I even believe he went to heaven, I have some questions about his interprutation and his reaction to that information now that he is back. He asked questions that were important to him, but I would have had some other questions as well.