To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story Paperback – Illustrated, 29 May 2012

Mary Neal is a surgeon who had an accident when kyaking in Chile, and this book includes an account of what happened to her during the accident, when she was dying: a 'near-death experience'. The book is also a form of autobiography, because this central experience is set within Mary Neal's story of her life, so you feel that you get to know something about Neal as an individual before and after a life-changing event.The most striking aspect of this account is Mary Neal's integrity. She leaves the reader in no doubt that she is telling her story as frankly, objectively, and clearly as she possibly can. She is very matter-of-fact, and there is a complete absence of flim-flam in this narrative.You are given the strong feeling that Neal's apparent encounter with another existence which we enter at the end of this life, was an absolutely concrete experience. What she describes is nothing like a fantasy or hallucination taking place within herself: this was something apparently outside herself, and it was perceived by her to be even more real than any ordinary reality. It changed her life. Her description is not only powerful for its integrity, but for its sense of well-grounded, objective intelligence.It is becoming more and more clear that experiences like this one which happened to Mary Neal, have to be considered more seriously by science and philosophy. Such experiences have been known about for centuries, and many more are constantly coming to light.Some people have been reluctant to speak of what happened to them because they have not been able to express, in ordinary words, the extraordinary power of the event. It is time for scientists of courage to face the reality of facts which are -it appears- completely reliable. These are facts not yet fully understood. They have not been explained -and are too often scornfully rejected by materialists.(This audiobook isn't read by Mary Neal herself, but is spoken by a sympathetic American voice that's easy to listen to.)

I read this book quite a few months ago but I have to say it's warm and comforting message has stayed with me. I found the book deeply moving in many ways and felt very emotional whilst reading it as well as much closer to God upon completing it. Dr Mary Neal has written the book in such a way that you feel you are hand-in-hand with her as you read of her joy in her relationship with God as well as the pain and heartbreak which life has brought her. Ultimately the book is a wonderful and uplifting journey and I would recommend it to anyone who is open-minded enough to truly appreciate it.

At times a very emotional read, at times an uplifting book, giving hope and reassurance. I admire the courage and honesty of Dr Neal, it can't of been easy writing, not only because of the great loss and pain Mary went through; also as a respected doctor, this is such a sensitive subject, that many find difficulty believing.I also enjoyed the bible inserts and wonderful readings at the beginning of each chapter.

I heard about your book on premier Christian line. I cried for you as I lost my son and thought what you had said is so very true, how could anyone who loses their son like you and I can continue without a faith in Jesus I just do not know. Faith is tested but when you have felt the presence God and he blessed you beyond anything you have ever known and you have felt of the holy spirit bring miracles to comfort you, no matter how angry and sorrowful you are at the loss of a son you can not deny the truth for it is real and so is heaven. for you and my own son I felt a fear all of his growing up there was something about his wonderful soul and fear underneath would be stay with me in this life. Thank you for this book so much. I have a memory to remember incidents that happened previously in my life that seems to have been said it done or watched that has given me a sign to many things that have happened later in my life, that I have been able to be helped with when looking for answers to upset and worried and grief. I lost my husband from cancer only 18 months prior to Our son and my brother died suddenly. what some think are coincidences - are not. If only they knew. I thank God for lifting me up. I have no fear of dying and an thankful for my other son and grandchildren but I cry with you for your lovely Silly like my Andrew first born son. I fear not to did because my grief at losing him will end. I love my son Jason his children and Andrew's children and I now cannott lose because I have them here and my on my husband and other family is in heaven and The love of God blessed us with a miracle a little grandaughter Isabelle. Always wanted a daughter and she is a miracle because I saw her in meditation before my son and daughter in law knew she was going to have another child they had tried 10 years for her and Andrew asked Jesus to give his brother Jason a daughter I had always said he would have. I prayed with my 9 year old grandson for him for Jesus to bring him a brother or sister. I told him that if this does not happen for him it does not mean Jesus didn't love him but it means Jesus k is what's best for him. How blessed are we in our grief and sorrow that we just learn to live with.

This book is amazing and gives a person faith proving that God and Angels are always there. I felt Mary’s sadness but I also felt her faith. I will keep this book and read it again. The best book to date about Angels God and sincerity

This is a well written and intelligent book which skilfully brings together the concept of the afterlife and a greater God. It answered many of my questions regarding the many mansions in my Father's house by its acceptance of all denominations. I truly loved this account of Mary's experiences and feel that many people will identify with them.