Near death experience books are the topic of our blog post today!
Welcome to this heartfelt collection of what I believe to be some of the best books on near-death experience. As I sit down to write this introduction, my emotions waver between heartache and hope, for these books are far more than just titles on a list for me. They’ve been my companions, my solace, and my beacon of light in one of the most challenging times of my life.
Four years ago, my mother fell into a coma. This tragic event upended my life, thrusting me into an unknown territory where I grapple with questions about life, death, consciousness, and the soul. These are not easy topics to broach, and the fear of losing my mother amplifies the anxiety, leaving me with a restless mind that often spirals into despair.
[Related: Best Books on Death and Grief]
In these desperate times, I’ve sought refuge in literature, particularly in the writings that explore the realm that exists beyond the veil of death. The themes they discuss – the afterlife, the spiritual journey of the soul, the continuity of consciousness – resonate with my present circumstances and have provided me with a renewed perspective. They’ve helped me cope, to find a sense of peace amidst the storm.
I’ve carefully curated this list of near death experience books not only based on the depth and insights they offer into the near-death experience but also on the comfort they’ve provided me during this personal crisis.
Whether you’re dealing with a similar situation, or you are on a spiritual quest, or perhaps just seeking answers to some of life’s most profound questions, these books can be a source of guidance and solace.
There is a Youtube video at the bottom of this page featuring my top 6 near death experience books, check it out!
Near Death Experience Books
Here are our top picks for near death experience books (i.e., NDE books):
1. Dying to Be Me, by Anita Moorjani
Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing, by Anita Moorjani explores Moorjani’s personal journey from battling cancer to experiencing an incredible near-death experience, which opened her eyes to her own worth and the cause of her disease. Awakening with a rapid and miraculous recovery, Moorjani shares the profound insights she gained on the other side, and her story illuminates the power of self-healing, the miracles of the Universe, and the magnificence of every human being.
2. Imagine Heaven, by John Burke
Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You, by John Burke delves into the mystery of life after death, drawing on over a hundred riveting near-death experiences. Burke draws connections between these accounts and biblical promises of Heaven, offering a thrilling journey into the afterlife that promises to forever alter how we perceive the life to come and live our lives today.
3. Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent
Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent presents the amazing account of four-year-old Colton Burpo, who visits heaven during emergency surgery. Emerging with tales of meeting his miscarried sister and great grandfather, and observing his father praying in the waiting room, Colton’s experiences convey an enchanting and powerful message: Heaven is a real place, Jesus loves children, and we must be prepared for a coming last battle.
4. Between Death and Life, by Dolores Cannon
Between Death and Life: Conversations with a Spirit, by Dolores Cannon is a compelling exploration of the death experience and what lies beyond, derived from sixteen years of hypnotic research and past-life therapy. Cannon brings forth commonalities from hundreds of reported experiences during clinical death, making this book a fascinating exploration of the spirit realm and rebirth.
5. Life After Life, by Raymond Moody
Life After Life: The Bestselling Original Investigation That Revealed “Near-Death Experiences”, by Raymond Moody is a pioneering work that has shaped our understanding of death and the afterlife. Through studying one hundred individuals who have experienced clinical death and revival, Moody introduces us to recurring elements in these experiences that have since become cultural memes.
6. Search For Hidden Sacred Knowledge, by Dolores Cannon
Search For Hidden Sacred Knowledge, by Dolores Cannon continues the narrative of the relationship between humans and Extraterrestrials begun in her previous works. This book highlights the secret knowledge passed down generations, once protected and shared among only a select few in secret Mystery schools, and now available for all to learn.
7. Proof of Heaven, by Eben Alexander
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife, by Eben Alexander tells the extraordinary story of Dr. Alexander, a neurosurgeon whose own brain was attacked by a rare illness. During his seven-day coma, he journeyed beyond this world, encountering an angelic being and speaking with the Divine source of the universe. Alexander’s account is revolutionary, as it bridges the gap between science and faith, asserting that death is not the end but only a transition.
8. Heaven, an Unexpected Journey, by Jim Woodford, Dr. Thom Gardner
“Heaven, an Unexpected Journey: One Man’s Experience with Heaven, Angels, and the Afterlife” by Jim Woodford and Dr. Thom Gardner is a captivating account of Woodford’s afterlife experience. As an airline pilot and businessman, he experienced a profound existential emptiness despite his material success. Following a near-death experience where he was clinically dead for 11 hours, he experienced the realms of heaven and hell. This spiritual journey fulfilled his soul’s yearning, providing him with the missing peace he had been seeking.
9. Journey of Souls, by Michael Newton
“Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives, Fifth Revised Edition” by Michael Newton is a groundbreaking exploration into the afterlife. Dr. Newton, using hypnosis to uncover hidden memories, presents the accounts of 29 individuals and their experiences between physical deaths. These insights into the spirit world provide detailed understanding of what happens after death, the existence of spiritual guides, soul groups, reincarnation, soul advancement levels, soulmates, and the purpose of life.
10. My Descent Into Death: A Second Chance at Life, by Howard Storm
“My Descent Into Death: A Second Chance at Life” by Howard Storm provides a unique near-death experience account. As a self-proclaimed atheist, Storm found himself in a terrifying encounter with evil beings after his near-death experience. After enduring horrific torments, he was transported to heaven, conversed with divine beings, and returned with a new understanding of life’s purpose, particularly addressing challenging questions like why the Holocaust occurred.
11. Embraced by the Light, by Betty J. Eadie
“Embraced by the Light: The Most Profound and Complete Near-Death Experience Ever” by Betty J. Eadie provides an extraordinary account of Eadie’s near-death experience following a surgery. Eadie presents a vividly detailed experience of the peace and unconditional love that awaits in the afterlife, offering reassuring insights into our spiritual destiny and the importance of living a life filled with love, joy, and abundance.
12. Waking Up in Heaven, by Crystal McVea, Alex Tresniowski
“Waking Up in Heaven: A True Story of Brokenness, Heaven, and Life Again” by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski is a compelling autobiography of McVea’s near-death experience and unexpected journey to heaven. Her experience provided her with a renewed faith and deep understanding of divine love and forgiveness, offering hope and inspiration for those struggling with their own spiritual journeys.
13. 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life, by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey
“90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life” by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey is an inspiring account of Piper’s miraculous recovery from a fatal car crash. After being pronounced dead, he experienced 90 minutes of heavenly peace before miraculously returning to life following prayers from a passing minister. Piper, initially reluctant to share his experience, offers a glimpse of the afterlife’s bliss and the difficult recovery process on Earth.
14. To Heaven and Back, by Mary C. Neal
“To Heaven and Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story” by Mary C. Neal narrates the extraordinary near-death experience of Dr. Neal during a kayaking accident. She shares detailed accounts of her journey from life to death and back, including her experiences in heaven, interactions with angels, and a profound sense of disappointment when she had to return to Earth. The experience left her with a deepened sense of purpose, and closer relationship with God.
15. Destiny of Souls, by Michael Newton
“Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives” by Michael Newton is a continuation of his groundbreaking work in exploring the spirit world. Through 70 case histories of individuals experiencing their lives between lives, Dr. Newton provides more in-depth details about the afterlife. This book enriches the understanding of life on the other side for both newcomers and readers of his previous book, “Journey of Souls”.
16. The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments, by Hadley Vlahos
I recently stumbled upon “The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments” by Hadley Vlahos through an enlightening interview with the author in the New York Times. Naturally, I immediately snagged a copy, eager to explore her fresh perspectives on the afterlife. The book is a compelling tapestry of narratives and firsthand accounts that delve into the mysterious junctures between life, death, and what may lie beyond.
Hadley examines these liminal spaces with a keen eye for nuance and emotional authenticity, from moments of grief to fleeting glimpses of ethereal realms. The stories resonated deeply with me, especially as I navigate the emotional landscape of caring for my mom, who’s been in a coma for nearly four years. My own journey has made me ever-curious about topics like afterlife, consciousness, and grief, and this book was an enriching experience that broadened my horizons in more ways than one. Highly recommended for those on a similar quest for understanding.
17. Flight to Heaven: A Plane Crash…A Lone Survivor…A Journey to Heaven–and Back, by Dale Black
Dale Black’s “Flight to Heaven” recounts an extraordinary survival tale and a profound spiritual awakening. As a young aviator, Black’s life was irrevocably altered by a devastating plane crash of which he was the sole survivor. This event was not the end but a gateway to a profound experience of heaven, which he describes with remarkable detail and emotion. The impact of his near-death experience extends beyond his own life transformation; it has also provided solace and inspiration to countless others grappling with the mysteries of life and death.
18. Near Death in the ICU, by Laurin Bellg MD
In “Near Death in the ICU,” Dr. Laurin Bellg presents a compelling exploration of near-death experiences (NDEs) through the lens of a critical care physician. Instead of dismissing these profound occurrences, Dr. Bellg champions the transformative power they hold for patients. With narratives drawn from her medical career and a compassionate call to integrate these experiences into patient care, Bellg challenges the skepticism surrounding NDEs, suggesting that the real value lies not in explaining them but in acknowledging their profound effect on human consciousness and the potential for personal growth.
19. Heaven Is Beautiful: How Dying Taught Me That Death Is Just the Beginning, by Peter Baldwin Panagore
“Heaven Is Beautiful” is Peter Baldwin Panagore’s heart-stirring account of his own death and the transcendent experience that followed. Stricken by hypothermia and exhaustion on a treacherous ice climb, Panagore encounters what lies beyond this life—hell, forgiveness, and a love so unconditional that it alters his existence. This is not just a story of survival but a spiritual odyssey that prompts Panagore to delve into theology and mysticism, shaping his vocation and compelling him to share his insights about the beauty of heaven and the boundless hope it offers, especially to those facing death or bereavement
20. A Place Called Heaven: Your Journey Home, by Dr. Larry Ollison
“A Place Called Heaven” by Dr. Larry Ollison serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding heaven from a biblical perspective. Dr. Ollison, with scholarly rigor, delves into the Scriptures to address common queries about the afterlife, such as the nature of death, the reality of paradise, and the appearance of heaven. He also contemplates the form our heavenly bodies will take, and whether we will reunite with loved ones. This book aims to replace fictional misconceptions with a biblically grounded, magnificent depiction of heaven, instilling a sense of eager anticipation for believers regarding their eternal home.
21. My Time in Heaven: One Man’s Remarkable Story of Dying and Coming Back, by Richard Sigmund
Richard Sigmund’s “My Time in Heaven” recounts his profound near-death experience and subsequent return to life. Declared legally dead after a serious accident, Sigmund was granted an eight-hour sojourn in heaven, which he describes as a place of incredible joy and beauty. Brought back to life with a divine mandate, he shares detailed visions of heaven’s splendor, including encounters with Jesus, biblical figures, and loved ones. His testimony, filled with miraculous signs including healing and resurrection, serves as a witness to the reality of heaven and a sobering reminder of the existence of hell.
22. My Journey to Heaven: What I Saw and How It Changed My Life, by Marvin J. Besteman
In “My Journey to Heaven,” Marvin J. Besteman shares his unexpected glimpse into the afterlife during a painful hospital stay. His detailed account of meeting angels, conversing with St. Peter, and recognizing departed friends and family outlines a profound narrative of heaven. Besteman’s experience offers comfort to those mourning or contemplating the afterlife, emphasizing that everyone has a purpose to fulfill on earth before being called to heaven. His book is his mission, completed before he passed away, to provide reassurance and solace about the journey home.
23. Nine Days in Heaven: A True Story, by Dennis Prince and Nolene Prince
The book “Nine Days in Heaven” relates the historic vision of Marietta Davis, who, in the 19th century, fell into a trance-like state for nine days and emerged with extraordinary revelations of heaven and hell. Updated for contemporary readers, her detailed descriptions of paradise, the divine teachings for children in heaven, and the grim fate of the damned are preserved. This account transcends a mere anecdote from the past, providing readers with a vivid and thought-provoking depiction of the afterlife, and serves as a spiritual travel guide for the life to come, supported by scriptural references and practical wisdom.
Here is a YouTube video I created featuring my top 6 near death experience books:
Final thoughts
So, whether you’re like me, seeking some form of understanding in the face of personal loss, or you’re purely inquisitive about what lies beyond this life, this curated list is a treasure trove. You’ll find narratives that challenge your perceptions, studies that question established norms, and most importantly, stories that make you wonder about the cosmic ballet that keeps us spinning from one life phase to another.