The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven: A Remarkable Account of Miracles, Angels, and Life beyond This World [Hardcover]

Kevin Malarkey (Author), Alex Malarkey (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 2010

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad.

But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus.

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

“God is amazing. I’m just a kid.” Alex Malarkey

We were made for so much more than the things of this world. Sometimes we can sense it . . . we have a restless, dissatisfied feeling that we don’t quite belong here, that this is not our final home.
Yet who do you know who has been to the next world? Sure, you may have heard stories of white light and tunnels and near-death experiences. But what if there was a person who had been to Heaven—who had actually walked through the gates—and stayed long enough to learn about the things of God? Would you be interested in what he had to say?
Meet Alex Malarkey. Alex and his dad, Kevin, were in a car accident so horrific that emergency workers recommended calling the coroner to the scene for Alex. For the next two months, Alex lingered in a coma. When he finally awoke, he revealed something amazing: He had spent time in Heaven with Jesus while unconscious and had come back with astonishing revelations about what he had seen, heard, and experienced.
You may be intrigued. You may be skeptical. You may be hungry to know more about what lies beyond life on earth. Join Alex on his journey . . . and your life may be changed forever.

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Mark 10:14

From the Back Cover

An accident.A miracle.And a supernatural encounter that will give you new insights on Heaven, angels, and hearing the voice of God.

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered a terrible car wreck. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and it seemed impossible that he could survive.
“I think that Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad.
When Alex awoke from a coma two months later, he had an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. Of the angels who took him through the gates of Heaven itself. And, most amazing of all . . . of meeting and talking with Jesus.
The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see Heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale Momentum; Paperback Book edition (June 24, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414336063
• ISBN-13: 978-1414336060
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (491 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #88 in Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Audio & Video Accessories > Media Storage & Organization

More About the Author

Kevin Malarkey is a Christian therapist with a counseling practice near Columbus, Ohio. He attended the College of Wooster and earned a graduate degree from Ohio State University. He and his wife, Beth, have four children (Alex, Aaron, Gracie, and Ryan) and attend a nondenominational evangelical church.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

320 of 326 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Miracle August 5, 2010

By L. VanderStel

Format:Hardcover

In November 2004, just one month before our son unexpectedly left for heaven, the author, Kevin Malarkey and his son, Alex (age 6) were in a serious accident. I remember reading the CaringBridge updates during our dark days . . . and theirs. I lost track after awhile, until I read that this book was coming out and those memories rushed back. In reading this book, I wonder . . . did my son and little Alex Malarkey cross paths in heaven?!?!?!

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is an amazing, true story. Kevin is told by a church member who offers to drive him to the hospital that it looked very bad, and that he did not think Alex had made it and probably had gone to heaven. However, after two months Alex woke up from a coma. The details he could tell about the accident, could not be made up, from what people were wearing, procedures that were done and a man praying over him. He remembered seeing five angels carry his father, and later seeing him put on a flat board and cutting off his clothes. The angels told him his daddy would be okay. Little by little Alex shares stories of heaven, about the music, talking with Jesus and continued sightings of angels.

I so appreciated the honesty of Kevin. Having spent many weeks in ICU with our daughter who has now had three open heart surgeries and having buried two children . . . it's not easy, even for the Christian who knows Scripture and knows God is there. There is spiritual warfare and great weariness. Kevin shared how their marriage took a battering and was "stretched to the breaking point." It gripped my heart to read with having-been-there-understanding, as their pastor friend also shared in the book:

" . . . Kevin and Beth greatly struggled in their marriage.... Many times I came to the house to speak with them, counsel them, and pray with them. Those were dark days . . .
. . . It is an absolute miracle, an absolute proof there is a God in Heaven, that their marriage survived and that they are together today. Without God, there is no possible way their marriage would have survived."

Alex is a quadriplegic who has made amazing progress. He was also the first child to receive the "Christopher Reeve Surgery", allowing him to breathe without a ventilator. Their van license plate reads, "Wil Walk". They have hope that is undeniably sustained through their faith in Jesus.

This is an easy reading book, that will keep your attention and in awe. I highly recommend The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven.

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven was provided to me free of charge by Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Read more ›

297 of 305 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars The boy who came back from heaven August 20, 2010

By Roz Humphreys

Format:Hardcover

For those who have lost a child due to a tragedy or have a child that is currently fighting for their life, this will be a tough read in the beginning. It is about a boy named Alex that was in a car accident at the age of 6 and becomes a quadriplegic. Once he regains conscientiousness and the ability to communicate, he tells his parents of his experience which includes his visit to heaven.

Kevin Malarkey, the boy's father, is very transparent. Throughout the book, he shares with the reader his deepest fears and his shortcomings, including spiritual. In chapter 5 he expresses it with raw emotion - something I admired because not many of us would admit this. "My son couldn't function in the physical world, but it was difficult for me to function in the spiritual world. Who had the greater disability?"

Mr. Malarkey even shared the struggle that all marriages face during the hardships and changes that come with these types of tragedies. It was refreshing to hear a Christian brother share his heart and keep it real.

There is very limited information on Alex' account of heaven but enough for the reader to have a glimpse of our home and most importantly, God's love towards Alex, his family and us all. Some readers may have a tough time with Alex' decision to be obedient in his limited sharing, but it shows that spiritual maturity is not based on age. His greatest concern was to keep it about him - God - and not him - Alex.

The stories about angels were fascinating and will probably challenge the beliefs of many readers. However, for those of you who know that angels are real, his accounts will bring a smile to your face and a tear to the eye....

One thing is for certain, Alex has gone through a life-changing experience and that change has impacted his circle of influence which has grown wider with time and will continue to do so with this book.

I do look forward to the continuation of this story where Alex walks again. However, the reader should be aware that this book is more about this family's struggle then Alex accounts about heaven. It's a good ministerial book for families that are struggling with similar situations. Read more ›

97 of 104 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Young Man July 2, 2010

By W Elliott

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read the book in one sitting. I could not put it down. Even for those of us who are believers, this is an amazing story. I believe that this young man is truly blessed by God and that his story is true. He is able to go beyond his physical handicaps which many are not able to do. I highly recommend this book.

49 of 54 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not at all what I expected August 20, 2010

By Marci

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have to say this book is captivating and I got through it pretty quickly. I think the reason I did get through it so quickly was my anticipation of finding out what Alex had to say about heaven.

Unfortunately, very little was said about heaven and what it is like. The word is repeated over and over but no real information is given.

I do feel for the family and know that when going through tough times we search our faith more and more to get us through. I wish them the best in the journey.

So, if you are buying this book with the hopes of someone telling you what heaven is like this is not for you. This is really a personal story of one's journey through a traumatic experience in my opinion.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I am a pessimist at heart... August 15, 2010

By denise

Format:Hardcover

"The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" is an amazing book. Kevin Malarkey writes this book about his son, Alex. While fighting for his life in a coma, Alex sees so many amazing things in Heaven.

I purposefully don't want to give too many details of the book. I don't want to spoil it for you! Honestly, I could not put this book down. For my friends that truly know me, I can lean more towards the pessimistic side of things. As a firm believer in Christ and His miracles, this sometimes does not gel with the rest of the church as a whole.

As I read this book very critically, I sobbed. Reading the words that Alex says gave me chills. Then reading with Kevin wrote made my heart as a parent grieve with him. I appreciate his candor on how difficult this has been on him and his marriage. I relish the words written by their friends and family that also show themselves as "real" and would not believe it themselves if they were not there to witness it.

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to see a minuscule glimpse of heaven through the eyes of a 6 year old boy.

Thank you, Alex, for letting us see through your eyes. Thank you, Kevin, for sharing this with us.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.