The first time I heard about Dr Eben Alexander was on ABC's news TV show 20/20. The after life is a topic I have always been interested in, so I went out and purchased his book. His experiences in Proof Of Heaven are very similar to most of the other ones I have read previously. However, what really sets this book apart from the rest is that it was written by a neurosurgeon. He is a more credible source, as he is someone who understands the brain and how people generally behave when they are in an unconscious state. At only 208 pages long, this book begins on the morning of November 10th in 2008.
When 54 year old Dr Eben Alexander contracts a rare form of E. Coli meningitis that sends him into a coma for a full week. This bacterial infection attacked his cortex which is the part of the brain that delivers consciousness and rational thinking. He stayed in a comma for a whole week after which he began to regain his consciousness. What surprises him and everyone is that he seemed to have forgotten all other past memories from his life, but he woke up with a clear memory of the incredible journey he had taken whilst in a comma.
Who is Eben Alexander? He is a Harvard Medical School academic neurosurgeon who has been involved in this field for more than twenty five years now. He has also been attached to Brigham & Women's and the Children's Hospital in the past. He is also responsible for more than 150 chapters in co-authored material as well as for various academic medical journals. Dr Eben Alexander has travelled the world and spoken at more than 200 conferences, as well as at some medical centres. He has an extensive knowledge of how the brain works.
I did find this book a little too technical in the most part. You really get the feel that it was written by a well educated neurosurgeon. He does a really good job at explaining some of the technical terms, most of the explanations on the workings of the brain works. This makes it a little easier for the ordinary person to grasp.
I would say there is two stories in this book that are weaved together with impeccable precision. The one story details his physical experience in the week of the coma. The other details the journey he took while in the coma. Dr Eben Alexander cleverly tells both stories chapter by chapter, switching between them seamlessly.
You really feel like both stories are happening at the same time as you read through the book. His journey to heaven teaches him about love and the connections of all living beings to each other. In Proof Of Heaven you get to hear the story of the after life from someone who was not a believer before the experience. It is very well written with vivid, fascinating and uplifting images of what heaven is like. The author personally feels that he has been chosen, as a non believer to share his story with the rest of the world.
This is a story that uplifted my spirit and has made me a stronger believer that there is indeed life after death. Although he does not really provide us 'proof' as per se, Dr Eben Alexander provides credibility. A great read, indeed.
Available in several formats - Start reading Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander M.D. now