Near Death Experiences Books

The Unanswered Question is one of those books that I realize I have been waiting my whole life for. As I read the material and integrate it into my mind and my life, I am feeling shifts in my understadning and daily "Ahas!". Leland combines accounts of his experiences in "otherwhere", and specifically what he terms the afterlife, with accounts of near death experiences, the Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Egyptioan Book of the Dead. For just that combination the book is fascinating, but Leland takes us much deeper than that. The understadning of how negative or unexpressed emotions hold us back, or keep us from growing into our soul's purpose is something everyone could take to heart. I find this and the information on how to do this to be the key behind the fascinating topic of the Unanswered Question. As I read the book, I feel myself connecting more to my own soul's purpose in this lifetime and, although not always an easy journey, I welcome it as I sink deeper into my lessons. Kurt Leland has done the world a huge service by recording his experiences and sharing them with us. His analysis and scholarly attention to detail leaves no questions unanswered, in terms of the material in the book. Because this book is so easy to read and so entertaining, I was not prepared for all the shifts that began happeing in my mind and in my life, but as I said before, I have been waiting for this book for a long time.

In "The Unanswered Question", Kurt Leland explores the age-old questions re: what may happen to us after physical death - is there an afterlife? If so, what is it like? What might await us at the time of our death?

In order to explore such questions, the author discusses the information gleaned from several sources, including: NDE accounts, various books of the wisdom traditions (such as "The Book of the Dead), as well as his own out-of-body adventures into the place that he calls "Otherwhere".

It's postulated that NDE accounts can't tell the full story, because the individuals who experience them haven't gone far enough into the unchartered territory of the Afterlife to bring back a full sense of what it's all about - they may see a piece, but that is all.

The power of myth is also discussed, including the author's belief that all accounts of NDE's and other such experiences (including out-of-body experiences) can be described as myth. His idea being that just because something is myth does not mean that it isn't real & true, but that it's impossible to prove one way or the other.

Overall, I found this to be an interesting, thought-provoking exploration into the topic. As such, I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in spiritual ideas &/or life after death.

Where else can you find a book that is simultaneously a cross-cultural survey on the myth and philosophy of the afterlife and a strange adventure tale about a man's gradual introduction to the strange customs of the other side? Well written, philosophically rigorous, and very entertaining, this book will definitely influence your world view if you approach it with an open spirit.

My only qualms were that Leland sometimes hedges his bets too much in making his arguments appeal to scientifically-minded people who probably won't be interested in the book to begin with, and that the important concept of the "cosmic normative balance" isn't explained in enough depth when it is first introduced.

This is an amazing book! I couldn't put it down. Reading it provided a most powerful validation for me. Much of what the author recounted of his own explorations in the Afterlife resonated strongly with many experiences I've been having in the afterlife zones of what I call the astral plane during my own Out-of-Body experiences (or 'Adventures in Consciousness' as Leland calls them.) I've already ordered his previous offering--'OTHERWHERE'--and I'm sure it will be just as fascinating. In this book, Leland offers a 'triangulated' approach--he compares current NDE research, his own experiences, and sources from the Tibetan and Egyptian Books of the Dead, as well as Swedenborg's 'Heaven and Hell'. It's Leland's contention that the NDE experience--though compelling and valid in itself--might not be enough to go on when we're navigating our own post-death journey. His claim that NDE-ers may only be seeing 'death's threshold' seem valid to me. As both an OOBE-er and also having experienced a non-standard and ecstatic NDE myself, I found that I made much more of my NDE because I was already quite practiced at OOB explorations when this event occurred. This is an amazing title, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking interesting and stimulating perspectives on the afterlife.

While it certainly does stand on its own, this book is to some degree a sequel to "Otherwhere" as there are a number of references to that previous book in this one. So if you are seriously interested in out-of-body exploration and the afterlife, my recommendation would be to read "Otherwhere" first. The difference between this book and the first is that this one is a more in-depth and scholarly look at the subject.

A lot of ground is covered here: There are Mr. Leland's own adventures in nonphysical reality which are compelling reading. In addition he delves into areas such as NDE's (near-death experiences), early Christianity, Swedenborg's "Heaven and Hell", Buddhism, and ancient Egyptian beliefs with regard to the afterlife--and then offers us his own relevatory insights into them. I personally found this book to be utterly fascinating and illuminating--and would highly recommend it.

This book was given to me after the loss of several family members. After so many nights of strange dreams and strange feelings during the day , my priest friend gave me a copy. I share the book with many friends and strangers. What a loving effort by those involved. Thank you

It seems that as the years and decades go by, books regarding the near-death experience get more and more fantastical and preachy, and less and less believable. This book is a good example of this trend. It is a collection of writings by various people who claim to have had such experiences. There are a few accounts that seem to be genuine, written in plain language by ordinary people who had a profound experience, but the great majority of stories are fluffy, fanciful, painfully new-agey (or religious) tracts that read like they were written by would-be professional authors who want to be published. I am interested in the subject of NDEs but this book was nothing but a frustrating waste of money and time. It's too bad this subject matter has become the domain of people with active imaginations, an agenda to push, and little regard for integrity. I actually give it NO STARS!

As I grow older, more and more of those who shared my life have passed away. I was given this book five years ago when my father passed away. I have again read into its pages as I feel for my mother's love. I have given this book to many as they process the passing of a dear one. May the stories of those lives shared give comfort to anyone who needs TLC. I thank those who shared their experiences.

To desire what one can not remember or to steal a gift not given makes one a blind man at a beggars banquet. Sadly, Dr. Kevorkian is not available for tutoring. I suggest a blower dryer and a hot shower for your first hand experience. As Jesus points out, the way of the heart, not the mind. Let not one's intellectual madness blind you to what is.

This is a book I will share as a gift with friends and family who have lost loved ones. Thanks to the real people who have shared such touching and wonderful experiences.

_In 1903 the Society for Psychical Research published this classic work- and effectively proved to any reasonable reader that man's true essence survives bodily death. However, the world of the early 20th century was obsessed with materialism and effectively ignored this finding. Those few scientists that did review the work came away convinced, more often than not. The problem was that most "reputable" scientists wouldn't even consider it- a problem that continues to this day.

_The author of this pioneering volume was F.W.H. Myers, the cofounder of the Society of Psychical Research. Myers was not some fringe crank, for he was a recognized classics scholar, platonic philosopher, poet, and son of a clergyman. It was Myers who first translated and introduced Freud to the British public. He was also the originator of the term "telepathy." He was a meticulous and conscientious investigator. That is what strikes you about the vast compendium of cases included here- they were painstakingly documented, all witnesses were carefully interviewed, and sworn affidavits were obtained. In no way can this be considered a book of "hearsay." Myers covered a wide variety of phenomena from hypnotic trance, dreams, possession, mystic ecstasy, telepathy, mediumship, clairvoyance, automatic writing, phantasms of the dead, to actual evidence of the survival of the subliminal elements of personality after death- because he correctly considered them all to be in some way interrelated.

_So, in life, Meyers effectively proved survival of the personality after death. But that was only half of his work. Starting a few years after his death his spirit started communicating with widely separated mediums in England, the United States, and India. The result was a huge body of interconnected messages called the "Cross Correspondences." This work consisted of over 3000 messages delivered over 30 years, and of such a complexity- and consistency- that they provide absolute proof of the survival of Meyers and several of his colleagues.

_So you see, the case for survival of the spirit was effectively made over 100 years ago, but it is still effectively ignored by a mainstream materialist society with its own agenda. But that doesn't make it any less true.

_This new edition has an introduction by Jeffrey Mishlove, Ph.D; the foreward by Aldous Huxley; and the introduction to the 1961 edition by Susy Smith. There is a full index.

_Human Personality And Its Survival of Bodily Death_, first published in 1903 and republished here by Dover Publications, by psychical researcher and psychologist F. W. H. Myers is a classic text in parapsychology, telepathy, and the role of the unconscious in human psychology. F. W. H. Myers (1843 - 1901) was a lecturer in classics at Cambridge University who became disillusioned with traditional religion. This process of disillusionment led him to feeling profoundly unsatisfied and ultimately he was to form the Society for Psychical Research (S.P.R.) together with Henry and Mrs. Sidgwick and Edmund Gurney. Later he was also involved with the famous American psychologist and philosopher William James in exploring the realms of psychical research. At the time this book was written, there was much discussion of Darwinian evolution and much of the scientific world held to a strict dogmatic materialism, denying that man had a soul. It required great courage for Myers to maintain that the human being had a soul and that it was indeed possible for that soul to survive bodily death. Further, Myers also considered extra-sensory perception to be something natural and not unnatural, thus challenging much scientific orthodoxy. The relationship between Myers and traditional religion is more problematic however. He did not denigrate traditional religion but rather instead decides to turn to science as a means for investigating such phenomena of the "World Unseen". This book is presented in a format that includes many case studies and anecdotal evidence to make its point regarding the survival of human personality after bodily death. This edition of the book is an abridgement of the original 2 volume edition which is rightly regarded as an esteemed classic in the field of psychical research. This edition includes a Foreword by Aldous Huxley and a Preface by the editor Susy Smith.

The book begins with an Introduction by Myers in which he explains his methods for investigating the "World Unseen". As stated previously, Myers maintains that he will rely on science to investigate these phenomena and relates this to traditional religion and the Christian churches. Myers further explains the idea of a threshold of consciousness and relates this to a subliminal consciousness. Myers also explains how the classical conception of a "ghost" arises and that such phantasms may appear both at and after a man's bodily death. Myers also discusses telepathy, lays out his plans for the book, and mentions the work of Sir William Crookes and D. D. Home. Following this, Myers turns to a discussion of the "Disintegration of Personality", where he examines the possibilities of post-epileptic states and multiple personalities. Myers quotes extensively from the works of Janet regarding multiple personalities and examines several case studies as such. Myers also provides some examination of cases including dreams, ecmnesia, hypnosis, and "personality splits". Following this, Myers turns to an examination of "Genius". Myers considers genius as a "power of utilizing a wider range than other men can utilize of faculties in some degree innate in all". Myers considers the possibility of the "inspiration of Genius" and explains this through a "subliminal uprush". Myers then examines cases of "arithmetical prodigies" and "calculating boys" (noting how their powers often wane in adulthood) as well as some famous poets. Following this, Myers turns to an examination of "Sleep". Here, Myers examines different states of consciousness, somnambulism, dreams and nightmares, as well as hypnosis providing detailed case studies to illustrate much of this. Myers also notes that the accomplishments made during sleep can sometimes outdo those made during the day. Myers argues that sleep is not "useless" which he claims is a "pre-scientific or even an anti-scientific term" and that in fact in many instances much is achieved through sleep. Following this, Myers examines the case of "Hypnotism", which he maintains is a very complex subject. Myers considers the "hypnotic trance", noting in particular the role of the hypnotist and the post-hypnotic suggestion, as well as the human will which he relates to "higher centres". Myers then considers several cases, mentioning those of Mesmer in particular. Finally, Myers examines some cases amongst the Africans and the situation at Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared. Myers argues for some skepticism regarding some of what happened at Lourdes, but remains generally sympathetic to the supernatural viewpoint. Following this, Myers examines the case of "Sensory Automatism". Myers defines automatism as "the widest term under which to include the range of subliminal emergences into ordinary life." Myers considers sensory automatisms and motor automatisms as well as dreams (i.e. low-level hallucinations), hallucinations, imagination-images, and inspirations of genius. Myers quotes extensively from the work of Edmund Gurney _Phantasms of the Living_ as well as from the journal of the S.P.R. Myers also provides many extensive case studies of such including detailed drawings of objects visualized by subjects in S.P.R. studies. Following this, Myers turns to an examination of "Phantasms of the Dead". Myers first considers the possibility of man's survival of bodily death, then attempts to classify such evidence, and to arrive at a possible conclusion regarding this possibility. Myers considers the case of immortality as well. Myers provides much evidence of such phantasms appearing near, at, or after death in the form of case studies much of it from the _Proceedings_ of the S.P.R. Myers considers the possibility of a proof of survival following bodily death and notes that neither the religious nor the scientific perspectives can any longer ignore the facts presented and that the evidence must be met by both. Following this, Myers turns to a discussion of "Motor Automatisms". Here, Myers considers motor automatisms including "table-turning", "spirit rapping", and the like as well as such notions as telepathy. Myers finds some of this problematic but examines much evidence of such. Myers also notes the experiments of Faraday with table-turning as well as mentioning the possibility of the role of the unconscious in such motor automatisms. Myers then provides ample evidence through case studies including a study by Flournoy of a medium. Following this, Myers turns to a discussion of "Trance, Possession, and Ecstasy". Myers considers the possibility of good and evil in such and notes the role of possession and a doubling of personality. Myers then provides case studies of each, mentioning for example the case of the famous Swedish seer Swedenborg, the infamous "Seeress of Prevorst", and several other studies of Richard Hodgson. Myers then ends with some remarks on spirits relating this to traditional Christianity and Jesus Christ, noting the role of religion. Myers concludes by noting the role of mystery, our struggle to understand the Cosmos, and the Godhead.

This book is an extremely valuable classic study in parapsychology and psychical research. While mainstream science may take the viewpoint of a staunch materialism, there was a time when research into the Other World was possible within science. Such research was largely done by the Society for Psychical Research which Myers was a founding member. While mainstream science may look down upon such evidence, the facts simply cannot be ignored. Thus, this book will offer hope for those of us who seek something more and who believe there is more to the world than the materialists tell us there is. This evidence also can be put into the framework of traditional religious belief through revelation and an understanding of the role of the supernatural in the history of the world. Ultimately such evidence provides hope for those of us who believe in an afterlife.

SIR.I HAVN,T READ THIS BOOK.I ONLY STUDIEDITS REFRENCE IN SOME BOOK.I WANT TO READ THIS BOOK.,I WANT THAT U MAY MAIL SOME HOT TOPICS OF THIS BOOKS IN MY MAIL BOX.I M VERY THANK FUL TO U.

(Paperback edition)
In the 1890's, when F.W.H. Myers wrote Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death, people didn't believe they necessarily had souls, much less that the soul would survive their death. After Myers experienced communication with his deceased wife, he set out to prove his contemporaries wrong.

Myers was a scholar who became a scientist when he began investigating paranormal phenomena. He conducted research and experiments in a variety of fields, including personality disintegration, genius, sleep, hypnosis, and trances. His goal was to "break down that artificial wall between science and superstition." He believed that questions of the soul should be subjected to the same open mind and critical analysis used in other scientific inquiries.

His landmark investigations set the standards for subsequent research into human consciousness. In his interpretive introduction to the book, Jeffrey Mishlove says that Myers's "classic synthesis of nineteenth century field research [is regarded] as the most important single work in the history of psychical research." He adds that it is still "fresh, vigorous, and contemporary."

Like many of the classic metaphysical texts, Myers's book has been out of print for years. Hampton Roads Publishing Company has begun to reissue the classical texts in their new series, Studies in Consciousness/Russell Targ Editions. Their current edition of Myers's book is an abridgement of the original, "prepared to make its major content more readily accessible to the modern reader."

Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death documents Myers's extensive experiments and conclusions that personality does, in fact, continue after death. Readers will discover that he achieved his goal of proving that the human personality is not limited to material life.

This book is pure nonsense. I found it in our public library, a two-volume set from 1904. It consists of poorly-written hearsay masquerading as scholarship.

This book is great and very informative. There is so much in here and anyone with children should read this book even if you do not believe in it.

i don't know what i expected, but it wasn't to be bored to death. maybe to be inspired, or to learn something i didn't know. it was far to clinical for inspiration. it reminded me of a college textbook, and it was just as tedious as one. it is definitly not a book to keep next to the commode. yes, i learned some things, and that's why i gave it 2 stars. the book wasn't bad, it was just not what i expected, or wanted.

Very important information for all who have anything to do with children in hospitals, schools, therapy, at play or at home both in peace time and particularly in war.

This is a "must read" for anyone whose: had an NDE, knows of someone whose had an NDE, &/or anyone whose children seem to be smart beyond their years, as well as those who are just plain interested in this phenomenon and what it might mean...I also think that this book is essential for teachers - as it outlines how children change, in regards to education, after a NDE - and how you, the teacher, can help them.

I fit into the category of "just REALLY interested in this subject", and I was so caught up in this book that I couldn't put it down!

I love how the author includes her research methodology at the end of the book, as well as a section on tips for the NDE'r and/or family members & teachers of the NDE'r in dealing with the after-effects of such a profound experience.

I was once a member of a reiki group that basically broke up because a woman there had taught her teenage daughter that she was some kind of spiritual giant. It played out a lot like the salem witch trials with this out-of-control twelve year old going around the room "reading" everyone's aura. If you voiced any doubts about her "gift" she would say, "I see your aura as being black--" The whole thing was a pretty disgusting display of goofiness and letting the ego of someone who didn't have any maturity at all get completely out of whack. Children are always amazing to me, but I think it's just as likely a product of the miracle of human dna than some kind of sudden leap into the future for the human race. I would like to believe the human race was taking a leap forward but when I look around I see the same signs of greed, selfishness and the rest of it that have always been there. Most of the world is still struggling with the squalor of crushing poverty and it's really only the tiny garden of the few industrialized countries that afford people the leisure and comfort to indulge in this kind of fanciful hope built on precious little real evidence. The bottom line is that if you want to really grow spiritually try to be of service to others and don't worry what color their aura is.

You could read these reviews and make a decision based on them on whether the book is good or bad. Or you could pick it up, read it, and discover deep within yourself, that what is said makes is the truth, and more importantly that it makes sense and makes you feel good. I believe the Bible says, when something feels good, it is the Holy Spirit working within you to reveal the truth.

I couldnt stop reading this book. I stopped doing everything else and felt a need and utter attraction to the words of this book. I smiled, laughed, and gaped with my mouth hanging open throughout the book. I felt good inside, and for the first time, I can can believe, because what is written, makes absolute sense. For we knew everything before we came to this world, and we will know everything again when we leave it. Subconciously, deep down, that knowledge is still there, and it is at times like this, when you read a book like this, that you feel the joy and excitment when you know that what you are reading is the truth, you just know.

This book, or at least, the ideas and message of this book, may be humanity's single most important piece of writing since mankind started writing and reading.

I encourage you strongly, to pick it up, read it, and may you come to the realization that Life is God, Love is God, and everything that exists is God. And that Death is no different than when we wake up from our dreams and into what we call "reality" or than when we fall asleep and leave "reality" and awaken in the dream world.

Excellent book! I absolutely loved it. My favorite part was the end of the book. Kevin takes his considerable expertise in Christianity and the bible and shows how the god of the near death experience is the god of the bible. He also shows how the bible contains ideas such as universal redemption (everyone goes to heaven) (Jesus did die for everyone's sins for all time). Also how the bible contains the idea of reincarnation with Elijah the prophet returning as John the baptist. But the best part of the book is the constant emphasis on unconditional unselfish love. I really recommend Jon Peniel's book "The Lost Teachings of Atlantis" to those who like this book. Kevin's book really awakened me in many ways and I felt more loving than I had in a long time after reading it. Go Get this book! You won't regret it!

The reason I didn't like this book that much is because instead of the people talking about Jesus, they talk about other kinds of religions like Islam, Buddah, etc. When I first bought the book, I thought it would it was Christian NDE's. I thought it would talk about how people who almost died, saw Jesus and would explain their experiences. But I was wrong. I don't recommend this book to Christians. You will be dissapointed. The author of the book declares that "all" religions are the truth" and that no one way is the right way. He also says alot of things are acceptable that the Bible says isn't like homosexuality. This just wasn't that good of a book. Sure, some of the NDE's were good because Jesus was actually talked about, but don't waste your time with this one, unless you have the same viewpoints of the author and think "everything" is the truth.

NOTE: John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me.

In spite of the "Disappointing" and "Don't Recommend To Christians" reviews, I found the personal accounts of out-of-body spirit experiences revealing. Obviously Mr. Jasso is trying to view this book (and probably any other on NDE's) through "where's Jesus?" glasses. The concept of spirits continuing on after one or more body deaths is far far older than Christianity, and is a concept that used to be embraced in the Bible, until it was expunged around the year 530 by the then-Pope and others. And who says spirits have to stick around this planet when they leave a body? It's logical that, a spirit not being subject to things like eating and breathing, they could hang out anywhere. I didn't feel that the author/collector tweeked the accounts at all, they are all from the minds and memories of the spirits (humans) who experienced it themselves. The fact that they rock people's pre-programmed ideas of "heaven", "hell", and other things religious should be an eye-opener, not a cause to retreat into the citadel of fixed ideas. That's how we end up with things like Inquisitions. I think Kevin Williams' evaluations of what the experiences "meant" in relation to Christ, God, or any angle of any religion is beside the point. The people felt and saw what they felt and saw. I am not particularly Christian and found his evaluations of the experiences along a Christian angle a bit distracting. But they work as a reference point to a "bigger spirit", which every religion has embraced. I think we will all get a big surprise when we "pop out". One thing was consistent throughout most of them though (the girl's suicide account was very revealing), and that is that if the person/spirit cannot find it in themselves to generate affinity, love, whatever you want to call it, then they will be trapped with their own miseries. By their accounts it sounds easy to do, when not burdened by Earthly bodies and cares, if they can just embrace the possibility. The other thing consistent was that there is no fire-breathing ogre waiting to punish punish punish. The spirits seem to do a great job of punishing themselves for their harmful acts committed during their lives, which is plenty. FYI the accounts in this book and more can be found online at the author's website.

How does one begin to review a book such as this? We all have been touched in one way or another by the loss of someone we have loved and was dear to us.
When I received this book for review I ravished it from cover to cover, however it has taken me several weeks to begin to write for you what I have found within it's covers.

The author takes a look at sixty-two near-death experiences and shares them with the reader. They range in topics from God, Heaven, Hell, Reincarnation and Suicide, to name a few.
What did I feel as I read these experiences.
Oh dear reader, such a mixture of emotions that it is hard for me to express them to you.
Joy, sadness, fear and hope are just a few that raced through my being as I devoured this work.
Are these true? Did our brethren of this human race truly see into the next world?
What awaits each one of us as we walk through that portal?
Does it really matter what faith we are or how good or bad we are in this life?
That is for you to decide! I believe I already know that answer!
To me this book was one that only affirmed my belief in a far better world than I am in now. I smile with anticipation at the thought of seeing my Savior and my loved ones on the day of my departure from this earth.
Death is something we will all face. You can't buy your way out of it or talk your way out of it. This book, in my opinion will help to ease your fears and may just make you a little jealous of those who have already made this wonderful journey. Highly recommended!

Paul Witcover has created an incredibly ambitious story here, but his big thoughts and philosophical themes have crushed and scattered his plot elements. Most of this book switches back and forth between two parallel storylines, with the connections between the two becoming either clearer or murkier as the book rumbles along. First is a coming-of-age story about a boy named Jack and his nearly superhuman relationship with his twin sister Jilly. One or both of the twins possesses powers that can alter reality in confusing and mystifying ways. The other storyline involves a parallel Earth, on which various mutants ("Mutes") battle with standard humans ("Norms") after a biological war. What these two threads have in common is that Jack and Jilly like to play a role-playing game featuring the Mutes and Norms. In a very interesting twist from Witcover, the Mutes in their parallel universe follow a logical religion called Probability Theology, believing that their lives are controlled totally by the odds. But this might just be Jack's rolls of the dice. Meanwhile, a Mute named Kestrel, also coming of age, may be influencing Jack's life in the opposite direction.

While these are outstandingly creative aspects of speculative fiction from Witcover, unfortunately it doesn't all add up to a satisfying or believable storyline. Witcover leaves the connections between the two worlds, and between Jack and Kestrel, vague and surreal. This may be a strategy to invoke speculation in the reader, but other readers will be disillusioned with the many loose ends. Meanwhile, the deep soulful relationship between Jack and Jilly becomes increasingly ugly and dysfunctional, which is disappointing for characters that were so likable earlier. Overall, Witcover's prose is very repetitive and verbose, especially when discussing the story's multiple threads of reality, and the end of the book collapses into interminable deep thoughts and windy philosophical explorations. And in the end, this story doesn't really end but comes back around to its own beginning, and upon reflection the reader will find that in linear form the resolution to the story is unhappy and unsatisfying. [~doomsdayer520~]

Paul Witcover's reality bending tale is a period piece, the period being adolescence. The primary and secondary worlds are connected via Uncle Jimmy's role playing game, itself a fusion of reality, the online world, tech creep, Big Brother, global media, and conflict. This story of Jack and Jilly Doone could work for any generation, but is thankfully written for mine. Witcover blends themes of pre-adolescent and adolsecent coming of age, and of self discovery, in two separate (or are they?) realities. He artfully interlaces humor and detail in his unique, wryly twisted brand of narrative. Why is the book so refreshing? You can't predict what is beyond the borders of the next page, and the story is both surprising and fulfilling without succumbing to phone book dimensions. Thank you, Mr Witcover, for a well brewed story. You will hopefully have driven many down the road to read speculative fiction, and at least *someone* has written to thank you.

Paul Witcover, author of the fantasy cult masterpiece Waking Beauty, is back and none too soon.

Literarily, his new novel, Tumbling After, plows new ground as well as some that has been left fallow for too many years. Creative use of tense to demonstrate the ambiance of moments as well as to frame the swirling temporal context, deep psychology of the characters, hot live action and interplay of plural realities are so deftly interwoven as to be seamless.

Absorbing, I read it straight through as I did not want to put it down. I have, however, revisited it more than once to study how he pulls some of this off. Science fiction and fantasy readers -- gamers in particular -- should be entertained and delighted, but the significance and appeal of this work is not limited by those parameters.

Kudos.

I have never read Paul Witcover's first novel, the criminally out-of-print Waking Beauty (1997), but his recently published, brilliant second novel, Tumbling After (2005), has been way overdue. One can only hope Mr. Witcover starts churning out work at a faster rate.

Or maybe, considering the perfection in the measured prose and economical storytelling of Tumbling After, we should forgive Witcover his languid writing pace and, in fact, be thankful for the time and attention he gives his stories . Because, in its own way, Tumbling After is a perfect coming-of-age, SF/fantasy novel by an author who seems to have achieved everything he's set out to. The fat has been trimmed, leaving a sharp, dangerous narrative that is quite an emotional ride for the reader.

Still, it may not be a perfect book for every reader. Even for me, the story could have used a bit of occasional levity. But by the last page I could not help but deeply admire Witcover's obsessive vision of twins, parallel worlds, and odds. And, though some may get turned off by Witcover's SF elements, it's the small touches of humanity in his characters that will get them through, and the palpable pain that exudes from these pages: the twist of a nipple, the butting of a head on a nose. The fear of being alone.

I am always looking for fantasy novels that "break the mold", since sometimes I get tired of the same story getting told over and over again, with different characters and in slightly different settings. Of course there are several authors out there that provide original works, like George R.R. Martin or Jennifer Fallon. Now I have to add Paul Witcover to the list. In this novel, he uses a very interesting idea that comes close to alternate fiction in the sense that we find ourselves asking the "what if?" question.

Jack and Jill are twins that spend their summers in Middlesex Beach, Delaware. They share a special connection, and are aware of the feelings of each other without talking. At night, they get together with their uncle and sometimes other members of the family to play a role-playing game created by Uncle Jimmy. The game follows the style of Dungeons & Dragons and is called Mutes & Norms. On a different world, we meet Kestrel, who is an airie, one of the mutant races that, as the name suggests, shares some of its characteristics with the birds. The five races of mutes were the result of the Viral Wars, and since that moment they have been preparing themselves to confront the human race and destroy it (it is interesting to know that the humans are the bad guys here).

Witcover does a very good job in alternating the action between Kestrel's and Jack's worlds, and after Jack is the victim of an accident on the beach that nearly cost him his life, something in him changes and we start seeing a connection between the two worlds. While Jack and his family play the games in our world, Kestrel and the rest of the mutes determine which path to follow on theirs according to the roll of the dice. Based on this premise, the story goes on and we find ourselves delving into a complicated plot that has not only parallel worlds, but that also leaps back and forth in time. That is why I recommend that those that like linear stories consider this aspect very seriously before deciding if they want to read the book.

Even though the author uses several novel concepts, he also falls into some trite concepts and ideas. For example, Kestrel is part of a pentad, which is a group formed by one mute from each of the five races that go together on a journey. Of course, this idea has been used by many authors in different variations, but most notably by Tolkien when he forms the Fellowship of the Ring in his masterpiece "The Lord of the Rings". Overall, I would say that this is a very original work though, and one that has led me to search for the author's first novel and to be willing to read his next one too. In the final words just a warning, the author presents the topic of incest in the book, and even though this is done in a tactful way, some people may feel uncomfortable.

Before I read this book, I was not convinced about reincarnation, though it did seem to offer many advantages over the Heaven/Hell hypothesis. The two intellectually satisfying points were (a) there is no infinite punishment or reward for a finite crime or good deed and (b) it would explain the inequities we observe in this life (some are born blind, others born perfect, etc.). However, I was quite skeptical of any explanations other than mere biological existence and random chance.

The level of detail presented in the cases discussed in this book made me believe that there is something going on that we don't understand. For anyone who wishes to examine the scientific study of this phenomenon, this is perhaps the best place to begin. Given the level of detail, it is highly unlikely that the cases are hoaxes (plus neither party gains anything from these cases).

I read this book several years ago-- long after I had kept hearing from my parents about one of the cases cited therein. A young girl from Chhattarpur (MP) India whom they had known, and who recalled her past three lives. She sang songs in a language from a distant province in India and even recognized her "families" from those times when "re-united" with them. As a scientist, my approach to the notion of re-birth had been on more logical grounds. However, now I am more convinced than ever that something that gives us an identity-- beyond the name and face as we know in this life-time-- lives on. Perhaps forever....

Well,well, well...no stars are enough for this book. It seems the word belief does not exist in Dr Stevenson's dictionary , and with clinical detachment, he has investigated each and every of the 20 cases. He has avoided philosophy and religion talk etc and does not have his own agenda which he his trying to promote. There are many books on reincarnation written by those who want to make a quick buck, or those promoting a particular religious thought or simply to become popular and appear on talk shows and then charge people (gullible) on an hourly basis. Dr Stevenson is not driven by any such factor. Reading his methodolgy, he has actually gone about the research as any skeptic would. He has not believed the case story and then looked for evidence that would support such a case story, he has looked for the evidence any skeptic would. The presentation of evidence gathered is fantastic showing the corroboration of each evidence. The best thing I liked about his research was that he actually attempts to rule out any fraud in each case story. Unbiased and honest. The use of the word "suggestive" speaks for his style used in the book throughout. He does not attempt to force any philosophical, religious thought down the reader's throat. You are free to make your own conclusions....and yes, it is DARN RIGHT CONVINCING !

There is compelling evidence of life after death, either in spirit in some other realm, or reincarnated here on Earth. (I tried to interview but he refused; I wasn't establishment enough!). Stevenson has always been careful to say his work is only "suggestive of reincarnation" but he clearly leans that way. His evidence is compelling that something strange is happening - especially when children remember past lives, call out for relatives (in there past life) by name, have unexplained bruises and recognize their old past-life neighborhoods. Yes, strange and wonderful indeed. But not, by any means, determinative of reincarnation. My feeling is that this can be explained by something simpler, and not as exciting: each life leaves an imprint - emotions and thoughts are like waves in a pond. Some extraordinarily sensitive people can pick up on those emotions and thoughts, like a sensitive radio receiving a signal from far away due to atmospheric skip. Children are open-minded - not dead-to-the-world like most boring adults. When they pick up on these messages, they speak them as their own, and even feel the memory is theirs. But, the "memory" is really a leftover, it is not real. The deceased person is as dead as a doornail, and has not come back to life. He/she can never know his thoughts and emotions were left behind and picked up by a sensitive child in India (a lot of this happens in India). Yes, it's a bummer. You don't live. But your thoughts do. Then again, this theory has a strong ethical component: leave behind good thoughts - you never know who will pick up on them when you are gone!

The author is sincere and knowledged to report the detail of the case studies.
Although it's too detailed and a little boring to me, I found it informative.
I have learned something from it.

Under the Tree is a fun story that tracks the steps taken towards enlightment in a near-death experience. Easy to read and very clear, it tells how Ray Carte's encounter with Alice in a new dimension affects his past and his future. (Gotta love the names!)
Stone's explanation of the nature of life/afterlife is clear and well-delineated. The book is serious, but it leaves the reader feeling hopeful and eager to live life to its fullest.

Mix "DaVinci code", with "Tibetan Book of the Dead" with a bit of fantasy and you have "Under the Tree". A fantastic book.
"Under the Tree" takes one on a path of self discovey and helps to show how we are all interconnected and that life truly does have a purpose, if only to live each of our lives to the fullest.
I highly recommend this book to all those searching or questioning the path they have chosen and need a new perpective.

I loved this book. I have read a lot of spiritual books and this was a spiritual book with a fairy tale spin. It really inspired hope and reminded me of the divine. Buy this book!

I've always been a fatalist. I believed one cannot change their destiny. I believed that death means just that - the end of the road. But this book has opened my eyes to other interpretations of death and consciousness.

I started reading Stone's book simply for the mystery involved - what will happen to Ray Carte? I experienced much more than a mystery - I experienced a journey.

Usually I read for escapism. Yet this book challenged me. It introduced alternate beliefs about life after death and spirituality, while entertaining me with a great story. And that is really hard to do.

I have just finished reading "Under the Tree" by Greg Stone and was so touched by its simple story regarding a complex issue. I think that everyone is curious about life after death, and this story gives the reader a wide open ticket to explore it from all angles.
I loved how the chapters switched back and forth from the hospital to heaven. This creative choice made it so interesting to follow and really helped keep the flow swift and strong.
There are so many great moments between characters. In the middle of the book one of the characters helps the main character Ray realize that "he has forgotten who he is and that it is his thoughts that create the world he lives in" This among many more enlightning epiphnies are sprinkled throughout the book to help lift the main character and the reader to ideas that inspire your mind and spirit.
I highly recommend this book, "Under the Tree" to anyone who is looking for a story that will empower and enlighten.

This book three in the "Exploring the Afterlife" series of Bruce Moen is an excellent continuation of his unfolding journey into awareness. It is information important for all people to know. Easy to read, and very eye opening for anyone curious about what death is all about.

Voyages Into the Afterlife, by Bruce Moen, is the third book in his Exploring the Afterlife series. The series is a continuing account of his exploration into non-physical realms, which he began in 1992.

Moen, who studies with the Monroe Institute in Virginia, first learned "retrieval," which is helping people who have recently died and need assistance with moving fully into the Afterlife. Once he learned the basics, he began serious exploration, the fascinating details of which he describes in this book.

In his out-of-body, or non-physical form, Moen travels to the center of the Earth, where he enters the "earth-core crystal," as well to the far reaches of the Universe. He also meets with other non-physical beings, some from outer space and some from Earth. Some beings are previously deceased humans, while others are the out-of-body manifestations of still-living humans.

Wherever he travels, and whomever he contacts, one message is emphasized again and again to Moen: that "pure, unconditional love" is the center of all existence. He speculates that the upcoming "Earth Changes" will initiate an unimaginably powerful infusion of pure, unconditional love that could change humankind forever.

Moen says that his explorations have shown that the Afterlife provides an "opportunity to live in complete freedom" after we die. He also says that you don't have to take his word for it, that "you can explore There yourself and learn from your own direct experience. There you might discover not just hope, but also knowledge" which can erase the fear of death.

Voyages Into the Afterlife, along with the first two volumes in the series, belong on the shelves of every reader curious about what exists beyond the physical world.

Ok, having voraciously read the first book, Voyages into the Unknown, and sort of plodded through the second one, Voyage Beyond Doubt (a slight mis-lead, as Bruce continues to doubt on occasion), all I can say is WHOW about this book.

Bruce continues his mechanistic perceptions of what happens "over there." As a mechanical engineer, I would expect him to describe in certain details the machine-like aspects of the various functionalities of how things work, in reference to The Coordinating Intelligences, the Entry Director and the Planning Center. What this gives me, is a mechanistic approach to how things are done. But what I am wondering is if this is how certain spiritual things which are beyond our comprehension are brought into comprehension for Bruce. What I am saying here is that these spiritual "functions" may not be as they appeared to Bruce, but in order for Bruce to understand what he was experiencing, it was made to appear as he experienced it...thus, if it were you or me experiencing these things...would we experience them just as Bruce did? Just because our experience is "different" does not lessen the value of how Bruce perceived these things. What is important, is that they DO exist, however they are truely carried out in whatever reality they really exist in.

God continuously makes for us what is incomprehensible, comprehensible to the extent that we may perceive in some fashion, at our own level of spiritual development, what IS. Therefore, I do not doubt what Bruce experienced, I only wonder if a different individual would perceive the same functionalities differently, depending upon level of understanding and level of spiritual development in context of soul development.

What I did find very tedious was the jumping exercizes with White Bear, which gave me little relevance and sort of bored me to death. Bruce could have shortened his extensive discourse on this, and gotten down to the facts a little bit quicker.

What I found most strange, was The Earth Core Crystal thing, and the necessity to boomerange one's soul into a higher focus level (readers who are unfamiliar, read book 1!). This was so that Bruce and others could contact the aliens who didn't know what emotion was. I found this part to be incredulous, considering that I believe God creates everything as a reflection of God, including aliens...though I cannot say for sure that God has not experimented with creating alternate beings NOT of God's personal image and likeness who may not possess the essential qualities of emotion. I am one of those people who believe God in God's Absolute Condition is Pure Unconditional Love. Therefore, its very hard for me to imagine God creating beings who lack any concept whatsoever of emotion and need to learn it from us earthbound souls.

The alien races were here to witness a massive deathkill of humanity...so we are lead to believe, but instead, came away stunned with first contact with the experience of LOVE! Bruce calls this, the GroupGathering...a group of alien races gathered here to witness the massive deathkill (so they think) or massive reduction of the human race. I cannot say that this will not happen in my reality of experience here as the future is yet to unfold, and obviously, our world is headed for serious ecological turmoil as portended by the Climatologists.

I am a little doubtful that its necessary to boomerang ourselves to get to higher spiritual levels. TM in purest form of "I" allows for migration to the higher spiritual planes. I am thinking that the entire Monroe Method is designed to investigate the low and medium level astral planes immediately adjacent to Earth...while not being able to explore the higher relms of purer, lighter spirit.

I knew all along that Bruce was going to discover that the other lady was merely his feminine self expressed...what took so long Bruce for you to realize that Spirit can express as either male of female? There was no mention of reincarnation in this series...once again, a serious lack of interpretation in regard to the Divine and the purpose of the development of the Soul. While I consider these three books to be highly valuable in terms of their contribution to the enlightenment of who we are, I find the lack of context to the Divine and to the Soul to be a drawback. Bruce, you need to get into these areas to fully explain what its really all about that you are doing and experiencing! In Spirit, there is no room for agnosticism.

I look forward to Book 4, I hope it leaves out the tedious exercizes of jumping and other such things, and gets more into what is actually SEEN.

My grade is A- for this book, A+ for effort

Moen's book recounts an intriguing series of personal journeys undertaken during classes at the Monroe Institute (TMI). The classes there build on experiences by its founder Robert Monroe detailed a series of books written over a span of many years. In a sense the Moen chronicle (this is vol 3) picks up where Monroe leaves off using the same kind of annoying jargon. Fortunately there is a glossary to guide the reader. Many other authors have tried to capture the goings-on at Monroe, but Moen seems to have turned it into a career. If you are a current or prospective TMI student, these writings could be the ultimate guide (or puff-piece) to bring a new level of understanding. However, if you are the average reader thinking from the title that you are going to learn something more about the afterlife as depicted by books in the spiritualist tradition, forget it. Science fiction fans would probably find great enjoyment with the work. Moen is an effective writer who maintains a fast-paced description of his experiences, but the jargon-laden pages are a bit much to attract attention from a general audience. His fun-filled episodes with their never-ending sexual overtones are more reminiscent of a teen-ager at Disneyland than a metaphysical explorer pushing to new levels of understanding. The volume is a testament to Moen's amazing astral abilities and his mentoring of TMI students. If you would like a description that is an order of magnitude more useful try the "Life in the world Unseen" series from Anthony Borgia or free afterlife ebooks at spiritwritings.com

Bruce Moen deserves to be better known and this is why I want to write this short comment. Mind opener is an understatement; this book describes such a wider reality to the human condition that it truly causes one to rethink our being on earth and beyond. While at times the stuff seems incredible, Bruce still manages to remain the level headed person that we expect from a trained engineer. The concepts are exciting and they are often corroborated by others who have shared his experiences, thus validating much of it. I truly recommend it.

999 Officer Down transports the reader behind the scenes into the life of Phoenix cop Russ Reiker. Written by his wife, Catherine Marfino-Reiker, the narrative is heartfelt and poignant, describing great triumphs and losses in this man's life.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Reiker is not skilled in the craft of writing. She gets her story across, but without the help of a good editor. I frequently stumbled over mid-sentence tense or point-of-view changes. I was also left feeling unsatisfied at the end because she provided few details about the cause of Russ's accident.

For the story, this is great book. If you also read to enjoy creative language and vividly painted images, you're likely to be sorely disappointed.

999 Officer Down: The Russ Reiker Story is the true tale of Russ Reiker, an heroic street cop of Phoenix, Arizona who served for twenty-one years before suffering a life-threatening injury while on duty. Against all odds, he survived, but shortly thereafter one of his closest friends and fellow officers lost his life. 999 Officer Down vivdly recounts the career of this dedicated policeman and how his job was to change his life forever. Superbly written by Catherine Marfino-Reiker, 999 Officer Down is compelling and highly recommended reading.

I found this book to be very interesting, as it was my first experience reading of an Officers life. I found it intriguing the way the chain of command is initiated and followed through. There are rules and codes of procedures when even talking to your superiors. I thought that in itself had to be stressful for the officer, always having to know what to say and how you have to say it to your superiors, as not to ruffle any feathers. I find the officers are a close knit group, they look after their own, no matter what.I would recommend this book to all people in the field of law enforcement, their families and friends.

Never have I read a story which truly focuses in on the emotions and reality that an officer of the law must endure while in the line of duty. The corruption and crime on the streets never embraced me until I read this book. One can not imagine what it must feel like to be humiliated, harassed , and even hurt, while your main objective is to uphold the law and protect the people we live with. Think about the oath they take, the intense training, the Risk???? Always having to look over their shoulders. They all have families and lives just like you and I and yet their main objective is to protect the people, uphold the law no matter what it takes. Officer Reiker was a devoted Officer of the Law, a true inspiration to mankind, a leader. He not only enforced law and order, he took the time to educate children who were not as priviledged as some. Never did predujice play a part. In Officer Reikers career, he endured more than any average human could, and survived by only a miracle. Officer Reiker can be proud ,he can hold his head up high knowing in his heart that he always did the right thing, no matter what the risk. . Yes I highly reccomend this book to the people we live with, the people we talk to every day. Take a Walk in Officer Reikers shoes and see what it feels like. Hats Off to Officer Reiker........

I found this book to be the most compelling "Cop" story read to date. The book delved behind the scenes issues of life - and all that goes with it. I felt his story was at first hard to read due to emotional understanding of just how real it all became to me. My first thoughts were that we don't pay our law enforcement enough for what they must sacrifice for the rest of us. My second thought was how did he emotionally get through his tour of duty - I know that I could never had done it. Great book and a must read!