Review of A Voice from Heaven

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
Shamara Munroe
Posts: 62
Joined: 11 Aug 2023, 12:18
Currently Reading: Rudi Caribou
Bookshelf Size: 53
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shamara-munroe.html
Latest Review: Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress by Gustavo Kinrys, MD

Review of A Voice from Heaven

Post by Shamara Munroe »

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Voice from Heaven" by Alexander V Girman & Cynthia J Girman.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


In the emotionally charged novel A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife, Alexander V. Girman and Cynthia J. Girman skillfully craft a narrative that captivated me with its poignant plot and relatable characters. The story explores themes of love, family, and the profound impact of life and death. The Girmans, who adopted Alec from Russia, share a transcendent conversation challenging preconceived notions about the afterlife. The book provides a titillating and emotional glimpse into Heaven, examining human purpose and enriching spiritual beliefs without attempting to alter them.

A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife is a poignant account of Alec, a young man who communicates from the afterlife through his mother, Cindy. The book delves into Alec's struggles with mental health, addiction, and the choices that led to his untimely death. Despite his challenges with ADHD and Asperger's syndrome, Cindy expresses overwhelming pride for Alec and vividly recounts his experiences in the afterlife, including a reunion with ancestors and heightened sensory perceptions. Cynthia's deep love for Alec is evident throughout the memoir, from his adoption to his tragic demise due to a drug overdose at age 22. The authors skillfully convey the vivid landscapes of Heaven and the emotions resonating off the pages, making the reader feel the peace, love, hope, and transcendent being described.

A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife introduces readers to a world where the protagonist, Cindy, discovers an extraordinary ability to communicate with the deceased. As she navigates this newfound power, they become entangled in a web of mystery and danger. The authors adeptly navigate the plot, maintaining reader engagement through suspenseful twists and turns without revealing major spoilers. Key events and developments are seamlessly woven into the narrative, creating anticipation for the next piece of the puzzle. Cindy's apparent clairvoyance and mediumship skills add intriguing elements to the story. While the concept of souls having different roles and levels of learning in the afterlife challenges the author's personal beliefs, discussions of family love, self-love, and the authors' views of heaven strike a chord. Alec's advice to his mother about balancing work and experiencing nature resonates universally, making it applicable to anyone. Despite differing beliefs, the book offers a touching exploration of love, loss, and the mysteries beyond earthly existence.

The characters in A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife are meticulously developed, with Cindy standing out as a relatable and multidimensional protagonist. Their struggles with the weight of their gift and its consequences add depth to the narrative. Supporting characters contribute to the story's richness, serving as catalysts for Alec's growth. The authors' ability to create realistic and complex characters enhances the overall reading experience, fostering deep connections and emotional investment. Girman & Girman exhibit mastery in prose, pacing, and dialogue. The eloquent prose vividly paints scenes and emotions, while the well-balanced pacing oscillates between suspense and revelation, keeping readers engaged. Natural and authentic dialogue provides insight into the characters' personalities, propelling the story forward. The authors' writing style elevates the reading experience, making the novel a captivating page-turner.

A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife delves into profound themes such as loss, redemption, and the power of human connection. The authors approach these themes with thoughtfulness and sensitivity, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences. The development of these themes throughout the story adds depth and resonance to the narrative, contributing to a meaningful reading experience. While the novel is not set in a fantastical world, Girman & Girman demonstrate skill in creating a vivid and coherent backdrop for the story. The book provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in Alec's views of Heaven, fostering empathy for Cindy's grief and longing for her son. The writing takes on a conversational style, including perspectives from both Cindy and Tom, Alec's stepfather, who details Alec's life from childhood to adulthood and his tragic death. Detailed descriptions bring the settings to life, immersing readers in the characters' surroundings and enhancing the overall reading experience.

The strengths of A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife lie in its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and skillful writing style. As someone who understands losing a loved one, I appreciate how the narrative skillfully combines rich emotions and vivid descriptions, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the mother's perspective. It transcends religious boundaries, addressing universal questions about the afterlife. As I empathized with Cindy's family and felt sorrow for Alec's untimely departure, the book offered a unique perspective on God, higher powers, and souls, challenging my non-religious beliefs and prompting thoughts about what comes after death. Beyond a tale of sorrow, it becomes a beacon of hope, emphasizing that love transcends life and death. The book effectively kept me hooked with moments of suspense, emotion, and revelation. Additionally, the unique perspective of co-author Alexander Girman, who communicates from the afterlife, adds an astonishing dimension to the narrative. There are repetitive lines in certain areas of the book, and this could be a potential area for improvement. However, these minor shortcomings are outweighed by the overall strengths of the novel as it explores the profound possibilities of the world, the afterlife, and beyond human perception. The raw and empathic emotions of the authors, Cindy's vulnerability, and the book's rarity further solidify its five-star rating. The noble cause of dedicating half of its proceeds to addiction research adds to its commendable nature, inspiring me to contribute to its popularity for the sake of the cause. I love this book; it resonates with the heart, shedding light on the journey through life's darkest moments and showcasing the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.

It is recommended for readers seeking an immersive and emotionally resonant literary journey. Whether readers have experienced the loss of a loved one or contemplated the mysteries of existence, the book encourages profound reflection and evokes a range of emotions. It poignantly portrays a mother's unwavering love that persists despite challenges. A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife is a great read for those who enjoy mystery, supernatural elements, and stories that explore human emotions. The book effectively caters to this demographic, providing an engaging and fulfilling reading experience.
With no discernible flaws serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of love, I would rate A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife 4 out of 4 stars. It leaves a lasting impression with its compelling combination of an engrossing plot, well-developed characters, skillful writing style, and thought-provoking themes.

Regarding profanity, sexual content, grammar, and typographical errors, the book maintains a moderate level of profanity and focuses more on the character's emotional journey than explicit sexual content. In conclusion, A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles To Thriving In The Afterlife is a non-fiction exploration of life, death, and the afterlife, serving

******
A Voice from Heaven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”