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

This book is written by Don Piper, a pastor from Texas. It tells the story of his wreck in 1989, and his subsequent "visit" to heaven. The title of the book is almost misleading. There is only one short chapter devoted to his time in heaven; the rest of the book is spent reliving his time rehabbing his various injuries and the effect that the accident and "visit" had on his spiritual life.

I keep referring to his "visit" in quotations because I don't think he actually died or went to heaven. I know this makes me a faithless unbeliever, but I the facts just don't add up. First of all, he was declared dead by EMTs that worked for the prison system. I'm not sure how much experience they would have had in accidents. Also, EMTs don't have authority to declare deaths. So he was never officially declared dead. The second issue I have is that he never actually went into heaven. The title should be 90 Minutes Right Outside of Heaven. He just has a meeting with relatives that have died before. I feel as if maybe this was all a hallucination as a result of the shock from the severe injuries he incurred.

The positive of this book is that it has inspired others to become closer to God. I personally don't believe that Piper went to heaven and came back to Earth. There is a lot of Biblical evidence to prove that this isn't possible. However, I am not going to say that miracles like this can't happen. I don't know everything. I just don't think it happened in this case. I don't think Piper ever died.

If you want a sugarcoated book about Christianity, this would be a good read. I don't think it will really harm anyone, as no one is going to want to have a wreck that will maim them for life just for a short vision of heaven. But I wouldn't spend too much money on a book that really doesn't help your spiritual walk.

This book is truely inspirational. When I first started reading this book it captured my attention to the point I could not put it down. The fact that it is a true story is intriuging. It is very well written. The author almost makes you feel as if you are right beside him step by step. I would reccommend this book to anyone.

I also think the title of this book is misleading. This book was given to me as a gift after my parents were in a car accident (Easter Sunday 2006) that killed my father, and left my mother seriously injured. I couldn't bring myself to read it until now. What a let-down. I expected to read about a heavenly experience, and instead read about the trials and tribulations of a pain-staking recovery. Most offensive is the reference to Hell and how many of us seem to be headed in that direction. Hmmmmm - interesting. No offense to Don or his fellow Baptist ministers, but the only judgement I am worried about is that of God. If you want spiritual uplifting, try reading The Shack. Although fiction, it made me feel closer to God, and gave me this intense desire to nurture my relationship with Him.

Don Piper truly and sincerely relates his "death" as a result of a head-on collision with an eighteen-wheeler in January of 1989. As the story goes, Don was left for dead for 90 minutes while EMT's and rescue crews cleared through the horrific rubble of the accident. Piper's account of heaven is soothing and welcoming as he first encounters his grandfather and then other family and friends that had been taken in death prior to his arrival. The majority of the book talks of Don's painful recovery and delves deeply into describing the bone growth device (Ilizarov) used to help save his severely damaged leg. Don is a Baptist minister and very devoted to his position and his faith. I was greatly impressed with the last chapter of the book where he states "he does not have to defend his experience, he knows what he experienced." We are all free to believe or not believe, however, I can only hope and pray that Don is correct in his description of heaven. It all comes down to the bible and our faith. This book is a comforting read, particularly if an individual is dealing with illness and/or near death. Read it and believe what you may; it could help bring you inner peace.

My uncle lost his wife of nearly 50 years to cancer in February 2008. He has really been feeling down and out until the doctor told him to read this book. After purchasing this book, my uncle has a better outlook on life and death. Great purchase and would recommend to anyone that has lost one.