90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life by Don Piper

(on CD, narrated by the author)

Reviewed by Debbie Ash

Ruth Neibur recommended this book so I was happy to find it in the church library on CD., This is the true story of a Christian pastor who was in a car accident and pronounced dead by three EMTs who checked him at different times over the 90 minutes right after the accident. In the book, he spends a relatively short time telling of his experience in heaven--a tale which I found most comforting. It was the experience of returning to his mangled body and working through months and years of depression, anger, and slow, painful recovery that is the main part of his story. It is inspiring to hear how God used that whole incident to turn his life into an even more powerful ministry. The author said that he felt his time in Heaven was a very personal experience and he did not really talk about it until much later, at which time his friends encouraged him to write this book (published 15 years after the accident.) I came away with a greater peace that, as God's child, I do not need to be afraid of death. Also, a renewed conviction of the power of prayer. A good book--I recommend it.