A Travel Guide to Heaven (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "When you ask people what they think heaven will be like, most struggle to find a clear answer..." (more)
Key Phrases: Easter Sunday, God the Son, Garden of Eden (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Forget angels playing harps. In this fascinating, comforting book, DeStefano takes the reader on a tour of heaven, painting it as a dynamic place of unlimited joy, and using Scripture and dramatic imagination to fill in details about the afterlife. "God doesn't throw away the good things he creates," he writes, an idea which is the basis of many of his speculations about heaven. Heaven is a tangible place, believes DeStefano, and at least part of it will be a transformed new earth. People will have their own recognizable bodies, only perfected. DeStefano tackles tough questions about heaven, including the role of angels, the measurement of time, marriages and whether pets will be there ("Of course!"). Fears of boredom are dispelled with his depictions of possible activities ("How about a tour of the Andromeda galaxy?") and creative work ("Books will be written and read, public structures will be built and utilized"). However, he writes that nothing will compare with the thrill of meeting God, the source of true happiness. DeStefano persuasively argues that the idea of heaven is a positive force on earth, since "faith in God and heaven makes you more interested in what you do in this life-not less." He is neither an academic nor a professional theologian, which gives the book its delightfully conversational tone and frees him to conjecture without restraint. Many readers will find DeStefano's solid Christian framework reassuring and his exciting picture of heaven compelling.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

A recent Newsweek poll reports that 76 percent of Americans believe in heaven. Yet even avid believers have difficulty conjuring up more than vague images of halos, harps, and wispy angels in flowing robes. Anthony DeStefano knew there had to be a more complete, meaningful, and comforting vision of what heaven is like, and A TRAVEL GUIDE TO HEAVEN is the entertaining and enlightening result.

Using the Bible as his guide, the author notes that heaven is not only a spiritual place, but also a physical place, a fabulous “luxury resort” more sumptuous than any on Earth. The residents are real, their bodies transformed into their most perfect selves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By making a spiritual subject immensely physical, the book provides a picture of amazing places to visit, things to do, luxuries for pampering—not to mention deep, abiding joy.

Combining the clarity and logic of C. S. Lewis with a terrific sense of fun and adventure, DeStefano creates a brilliant, reassuring portrait of heaven, a place that has intrigued and puzzled humankind throughout history. With its clear view of the afterlife, A TRAVEL GUIDE TO HEAVEN might best be compared to James Van Praagh's Talking to Heaven or Betty J. Eadie's Embraced by the Light in its tremendous message of comfort and reassurance.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Religion; 1 edition (September 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038550988X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385509886
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #496,931 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An uplifting view of Heaven, and a great read, too!, September 22, 2003

By	Lisa (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

Wow...I bought this book on a lark, and I'm so glad I did. I've read other books that explore the subject of the afterlife, but none was ever as uplifting as this one. Other books on life after death were always either a little scary or strange. This author doesn't claim to have actually been to Heaven, but instead uses solid research to back up his vision of life after death. After I finished the book, I was left with feelings of hope and security. I can see how it would be comforting for someone who recently lost a loved one, or someone who is struggling with illness themselves. I've already purchased this book for two of my friends--it's the kind of book that, once you read it, you want to share it with others. Overall, a great read!

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read, September 17, 2003

By A Customer

An extraordinary work that sits directly at the intersection of inspiration and entertainment. In this charming, witty, uplifting work, Anthony DeStefano did for me what 30 years of church couldn't: he made me believe in Heaven.

With chapters like "Luxury Accomodations," "Our Tour Guides," and "A Heavenly Makeover," the author of this book paints a picture of the afterlife that's equal parts comforting and edifying.

But by far, my favorite chapter is "Do All Dogs go to Heaven?" Having just lost my golden retreiver, my best friend for 13 years, the author's answer ("Of course!") gave me hope that one day I might see him again.

Everyone I know is getting a copy of this book for Christmas.

46 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone, October 20, 2003

By	R. Pince - See all my reviews

I was touched and delighted by this beautiful work. This book does more than anything I've ever read to make heaven real and accessible to the average Christian. I loved the logical speculations and imaginative ideas, and I admire Mr. Destefano's attempt to make this book as ecumenical as possible, focusing on what all Christian sects teach in common about the afterlife. Devoid of jargon and full of hope, A Travel Guide to Heaven is something I recommend for anyone who wants to know the basis for Christian optimism.