Kevin Malarkey

I find I don't even really want to critique this book, so much as praise everything about it. The trauma that Alex endured in his accident was unbelievable, yet God decided he should live as a testament to God's miraculous power - and that is exactly what this book serves as. Furthermore, I also drew wisdom from the attitude of Alex's grandpa - that someone else is always in worse circumstances than I am, as well as the many excerpts from Kevin's pastor Robin Ricks, who provided a unique show more perspective filled with Biblical references.
The pictures in the middle of the book helped to give me a visual reference for what the Malarkey family endured, and the many quotes from others that were present as each event described in the book also helped to give a well-rounded view of all that was occurring.
What I loved most of all was how concerned Alex was that everyone realized that this was not about him, but about God. I find that I completely agree with one of the women in the book when she explained that she just could not feel sorry for this blessed boy. I also found it interesting that at one point Alex explained that he saw Don Piper in heaven, too, who wrote the book 90 Minutes in Heaven. Kevin showed the man's photo to Alex, to which Alex responded that he only saw him there for hour and half - so I will be reading that book next!
This book really was amazing to read. From everything I have learned about heaven from the Bible, I can't help but believe that the story this boy and his father tells is true. Reading about how each detail of their lives is watched over and taken care of with miraculous results can only give me hope in my own life and circumstances. show less

This book tells the story of Alex, who was 6 years old when he was in a horrific car accident with his father, who was driving. Alex's head was severed from his spinal cord and he was not expected to live. However, many people prayed for him, and he did live.

Alex has told others that he went to heaven and spent time with "God and angels and that angels are often with him. There are examples of some of those times given in the book of some of those times and a picture of a painting that a show more woman painted that shows Alex with angels surrounding the head of his bed.

He also has said that there are times when Satan or demons attack him. I thought that was interesting. He said that when demons are around, they accuse him of things, make him feel doubt and sadness and that he feels like he would never be healed and that God won't protect him. However, he has learned to pray in Jesus name to make the demons leave.

I find that very interesting. Are doubt, insecurity and unhappiness and sorrow always indicators of the presence of demons? Can we pray them away? When we pray to Jesus we are brought into His presence and enjoy Him and have His peace. But not always right away. Why is that? This book, and Heaven is Real, both indicate that the children saw the spiritual warfare that is going on. I really am not sure what to think about all of that. It is something that is just not in my realm of experience. I think I probably prefer it that way.

Alex wants to go back to heaven. He does not fear death. I like his description of heaven as not the "next" world, but existing now, and not in the sky, but being both everywhere and nowhere and indescribably wonderful. He does not describe heaven like the Christian religion often portrays it with mansions and golf courses and other such nonsense. Alex claims to visit heaven in his sleep and that he prays unceasingly.

Interestingly, in the past, I had always thought the whole heaven and hell concept was a lot of malarkey .
The more I read about people's expereinces of it, the more I wonder though. I have experienced God. I know that He is real. I believe that angels do exist and watch over us because I have seen things happen to my children that were such near misses that it really seems that an angel stepped in and moved them so that they were not hurt. I like Alex's message that God is always with us and that we need Jesus in our hearts.
I like his vision of heaven and that he does not give too many details. show less

I received this book to review and was anxious to read it. I have to admit, I had never heard of Alex Malarkey before reading this book. But, the title definately intrigued me. As a Christian and believer that Jesus is my Savior, I found this book extremely powerful. But, I don't think you have to be a believer to enjoy this book. Alex's story is for anyone: Christian or non-Christian, believer or non-believer, someone who has lost a loved one or not, those in the grief process, those who show more like true stories, and those who want to learn more about Jesus and/or Heaven. Alex's story will reinforce the beliefs of Christians or just might make an unbeliever believe.

The story is a very easy read, beginning with the accident that almost took the lives of Alex and his dad, Kevin. The story is broken up into chapters, but inside those chapters are quotes from Kevin, Alex, Beth(Alex's mom), and others involved in their lives after the accident. Each chapter ends with Alex's thoughts about his journey to Heaven. I liked how I wasn't just getting Kevin, the dad's, perspective, but many others to reinforce what was happening to Alex and their family.

I can't imagine what this family has been through the past nearly 6 years. There lives were turned upside down, but their attitude remains hopeful, gracious, and loving. I'm not sure I would have been able to put complete trust in God as they did throughout this whole process.

I appreciated the photos in the book, as well, that gave a better understanding of Alex's injuries and their situation. It helped tell the story of the accident as well as putting a face to the family.

I have dog-earred so many pages in this book. I am sure I will be returning to it often. This is also a great book for someone who is going through a rough time. It is full of truths and scripture to reflect on and remind us that God is always there for us. It amazed me how this family was so full of gratitude even after this catastrophic event that happened to them. You can really find the good in anything that happens in our life, but you have to be WILLING to look for it.

Alex traveled to Heaven after the accident and his accounts of Heaven are amazing. He is able to tell about it to give you a picture in your mind, but also not tell you too much that takes away the awe inspiring beauty of it. There is also talk of the devil and demons in this book. It was eye opening for me to realize that demons are constantly trying to invade my life and change my thoughts and decisions. I am much more aware of of those moments in my life where they could be creeping in and infecting my decisions.

Alex Malarkey is wise beyond his years. He has gone through more pain and suffering that most people go through in their lifetime. Alex's story is an inspiration and one that can be reflected on again, and again. Thanks to Alex and his dad, Kevin, for sharing their story with us. There are several people in my life that I plan to share this story with. If you would like to learn more about Alex and his story, check out http://www.prayforalex.com/. The book was released in July 2010 and is available for purchase. show less

As painful as reading about the accident and Alex's injuries were to read about, it sure made me think - about God and heaven and a church community and the bible and how overwhelmingly heartwarming it must be to have complete strangers doing so much for others. I, too, wish there was more on Alex's view of heaven but I guess we'll just have to find out ourselves