Book Review - Growing Up in Heaven

Growing Up in Heaven: The Eternal Connection Between Parent and Child by James Van Praagh

I decided to buy and read this book because it had been recommended by numerous people as a great book for a grieving parent.

It was not a great book for this grieving parent.

Although the book is well written and is certainly an interesting read, to me it seemed more like a fiction book. The whole idea of mediums, re-incarnation, and many of the other concepts discussed are just so far outside of my belief system, that I sometimes found it more unsettling than comforting.

I continued to read because I thought the book was interesting enough to go on, and I knew there was a chapter for grieving parents toward the end. But as I continued to read, my skepticism outweighed everything else.

The one concept in the book that I did find reassuring is the idea that some souls are more advanced than others, and if a baby or child dies, they have a very mature soul and only needed a short time on earth to accomplish their purpose. That one idea did bring me peace.

But the idea of “soul school” in heaven, his belief on the souls of those who commit suicide or are aborted – while I am sure provide comfort to families who have suffered a terrible loss of this nature, seemed too farfetched and bizarre to me.

Overall, I think that enjoyment of this book really depends on your belief system. It does not coincide at all with Christian beliefs of one eternal afterlife and just depressed me at the thought of having to come back over and over and over.

However, if you are open to other views and beliefs, give it a try. But if you are looking for a book to bring you any kind of closure or peace after losing a baby or young child, this is not the book I would recommend to you.

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katbiggie

Freelance writer at Kat Biggie Press

Alexa B, who blogs as "Kat Biggie" is a wife, mother, and writer. She has three children and one in heaven. She recently self published a book entitled "Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother" which is available on Amazon. She blogs about life after the loss of one of her twin daughters to TTTS, motherhood, all things parenting, advocacy, grief support and social good.