Review of A Voice from Heaven
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Claudia Angelucci
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Review of A Voice from Heaven
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Voice from Heaven" by Alexander V Girman & Cynthia J Girman.]
"A Voice from Heaven" encourages readers to release fears, live fully, and breathe deeply. It advises infusing every action with love, emphasizing that joy is inherent in the very word "enjoy."
Alec, a talented and bright 22-year-old who lived with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD, purchased Kratom online, resulting in his untimely passing. On the first anniversary of his death, his mother, Cynthia Girman, began writing this book, sharing messages from Alec in the afterlife. Predominantly in Alec's voice, the book challenges conventional notions of the afterlife, painting a vivid picture of an incredible place filled with colors, music, bliss, learning, and love, highlighting the interconnectedness of everything. Alec advocates seeking guidance from guiding spirits and cherishing life as an experience, not merely a happening.
The book also incorporates Tom's voice, Alec's father, acting as a grounding reality check amid celestial descriptions. Tom narrates Alec's struggle with addiction, revealing the pain and concern it imposed on the family. The depiction of Alec's Washington DC studio flat, adorned with drug paraphernalia and rolled-up bills, serves as a poignant and realistic glimpse into the lonely life of a young addict.
Alec, adopted, had a biological mother who was a heroin addict. Cynthia, a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, suggests a genetic link to addiction, a perspective I'm not entirely convinced by.
The millennial generation grapples with rising rates of autism, ADHD, increased social isolation, and a preference for digital connections over personal ones. Alec's "tech neck" symbolizes his excessive screen time, intertwined with risky behaviors like smoking potent substances, using crystal meth, misusing prescription tablets, and snorting them. The impact of COVID-19, lockdowns, and isolation further compounds Alec's challenges.
"A Voice from Heaven" immerses readers as Alec answers his mother's questions—queries echoing through the essence of humanity: Is there life after death? What does it entail? Does hell exist?
Whether it is truly Alec's voice speaking or the product of a grieving mother's mind remains unknown. Despite its potentially debatable and controversial content, particularly for religious individuals, this well-edited book offers comfort and hope to others experiencing grief. Although I identified a minor oversight, it's not significant enough to detract a star in my rating. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
My best wishes to Alec's family in their research on transcranial alternating electrical current brain stimulation (tACS) for addiction or substance use disorders.
******
A Voice from Heaven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"A Voice from Heaven" encourages readers to release fears, live fully, and breathe deeply. It advises infusing every action with love, emphasizing that joy is inherent in the very word "enjoy."
Alec, a talented and bright 22-year-old who lived with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD, purchased Kratom online, resulting in his untimely passing. On the first anniversary of his death, his mother, Cynthia Girman, began writing this book, sharing messages from Alec in the afterlife. Predominantly in Alec's voice, the book challenges conventional notions of the afterlife, painting a vivid picture of an incredible place filled with colors, music, bliss, learning, and love, highlighting the interconnectedness of everything. Alec advocates seeking guidance from guiding spirits and cherishing life as an experience, not merely a happening.
The book also incorporates Tom's voice, Alec's father, acting as a grounding reality check amid celestial descriptions. Tom narrates Alec's struggle with addiction, revealing the pain and concern it imposed on the family. The depiction of Alec's Washington DC studio flat, adorned with drug paraphernalia and rolled-up bills, serves as a poignant and realistic glimpse into the lonely life of a young addict.
Alec, adopted, had a biological mother who was a heroin addict. Cynthia, a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, suggests a genetic link to addiction, a perspective I'm not entirely convinced by.
The millennial generation grapples with rising rates of autism, ADHD, increased social isolation, and a preference for digital connections over personal ones. Alec's "tech neck" symbolizes his excessive screen time, intertwined with risky behaviors like smoking potent substances, using crystal meth, misusing prescription tablets, and snorting them. The impact of COVID-19, lockdowns, and isolation further compounds Alec's challenges.
"A Voice from Heaven" immerses readers as Alec answers his mother's questions—queries echoing through the essence of humanity: Is there life after death? What does it entail? Does hell exist?
Whether it is truly Alec's voice speaking or the product of a grieving mother's mind remains unknown. Despite its potentially debatable and controversial content, particularly for religious individuals, this well-edited book offers comfort and hope to others experiencing grief. Although I identified a minor oversight, it's not significant enough to detract a star in my rating. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
My best wishes to Alec's family in their research on transcranial alternating electrical current brain stimulation (tACS) for addiction or substance use disorders.
******
A Voice from Heaven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Brothers Bound by Bruce K. Berger
