Soul Survivor

The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot

By: Bruce Leininger, Andrea Leininger

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the story of James Leininger, who---a little more than two weeks after his second birthday---began having blood-curdling nightmares that just would not stop. When James began screaming out recurring phrases like "Plane on fire! Little man can't get out!" the Leiningers finally admitted that they truly had to take notice. When details of planes and war tragedies no two-year-old boy could know continued---even in stark daylight---Bruce and Andrea Leininger began to realize that this was an incredible situation.

Soul Survivor is the story of how the Leiningers pieced together what their son was communicating and eventually discovered that he was reliving the past life of World War II fighter pilot James Huston. As Bruce Leininger struggled to understand what was happening to his son, he also uncovered details of James Huston's life---and death---as a pilot that will fascinate military buffs everywhere.

In Soul Survivor, we are taken for a gripping ride as the Leiningers' belief system is shaken to the core and both of these families come to know a little boy who, against all odds and even in the face of true skeptics, harbors the soul of this man who died long ago.

©2009 by Andrea Leininger and Bruce Leininger (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"I believe with all my heart that James Leininger is James Huston again. His story is riveting." (Concetta Bertoldi, author of the New York Times bestseller Do Dead People Watch You in the Shower?)

Gripping. A story any veteran and father can connect to.

The whole Leininger family bare themselves in this story. For Bruce persistence pays off. James has found the way to calm a soul across time.

The most powerful story I’ve ever read

Like most people, I was drawn to this book after watching that Primetime episode years ago. After telling the story as well as I could to many friends over the years I knew I had to finally get the book to get the entire story. So glad I did because I can’t remember a time I ever finished a book being choked up and believing that there truly is life after death. This is coming from someone that’s been staunchly agnostic for the better part of my life. Such a riveting story that really gives you no other alternative than to believe in reincarnation.

A wonderful true life story

I had heard the Leiningers on Coast to Coast AM radio. When I discovered the book on Audible I was to get it. There was no disappointment for me. I listened with rapt attention to the book. I'm a believer in reincarnation and so I didn't have the problem with the book, having read Ian Stevenson's works on the subject. I highly recommend this book.

What you need to know before buying this but… It is a fast, and terrible, good read, LOL!

What you need to know before buying this but… It is a fast, and terrible, good read, LOL! What I mean by this, is that I would recommend reading it because it is very interesting and it is a super quick read, but the book was written like someone with little to no experience in writing. Perhaps that is the case since the parents are the authors with the help of Ken Gross. It is very repetitive and has way too many silly details (including names of stores, what food was bought and made, stories about the mother’s past, etc.) that could have totally been left out of the story. I read all the one star reviews and many of the others. They all seem to be correct. I am led to assume, like many other reviewer‘s, that the publisher needed so many pages/words from them in order to publish their book and that’s why there are many things repeated and minor details in the book that could’ve been left out. This could’ve been a five star book, if it was written better.

A life altering story

If you are able to allow yourself to deeply listen and open your mind....this book has the power to change your life. It is an amazing story that was told with courage so others can benefit from the strength and love from this very special family.

Touching Confirmation

I remember hearing about this story years ago and always intended to read the book. After my sister passed away in 2022, I questioned my faith and the afterlife and recalled this book. After finally listening to the Audiobook, I was brought to tears several times with the shocking details and beauty of James’ story. For me it confirms we are capable of connecting with loved ones on the other side, in many different ways.

The story was great, a bit slow-moving at times, but so very interesting. It also served as a great way to memorialize all those who served on USS Natoma Bay. I found myself doing follow up research on those mentioned and the location of Futami Harbor. Truly fascinating story, glad the family shared this amazing experience.

unbelievable!

loved it!! such great detail in explaining the story and painstakingly prooving the facts in making a case for the reincarnation theory.

couldn't stop listening

I couldn't stop listening to this story. I have heard about the Leininger memories in other places but had to hear the whole thing. it's addicting.

Loads of filler

Great story that could be told in half the words. I hit the 30 second forward button often.

Wonderful, Thank you!

That was absolutely wonderful and I thank you for all the hours of dedication. I look forward to finding updated information about this story.