(for the book’s web site click on pic above)
Mini Synopsis:
Bruce and Andrea Leininger married in the late 90s. This was his second marriage and her first - he a well paid top executive and she an ex ballet dancer. Soon after being married the couple gave birth to a healthy little boy. Everything was normal until James, their son, started having unusual and violent nightmares. In addition he displayed unexplainable knowledge of a technical nature regarding WWII air planes. To add to the family’s distress, Bruce’s personal belief system was at odds with the idea that his son could be a reincarnated soul.
This is the story of a skeptic (Bruce) and his wife and their in-depth search for the truth. As the Leiningers find evidence that their little boy is experiencing the terrors of a man who was killed during an air attack on Japan during WWII, questions arise which invariably change the way they think about life and what they believe to be the meaning of death.
My Thoughts:
This books was wonderful. I even enjoyed the historical parts, although I disliked history in high school and college and for the most part still do. Amazingly, because of the Leniningers’ process and their in depth research, they begin to connect with a number of surviving and aging veterans and their family members, and they find it difficult to ignore the information connecting their son with the pilot’s death.
As the veterans' connection with James and what is understood to be his previous life evolves, and the evidence keeps emerging it becomes difficult to disbelieve. I like to think of myself as rational and not prone to support things that are unexplainable. However, as the facts are brought to light, and experiences are remembered, the story becomes heartbreaking, undeniable, and ultimately redemptive. It was very close to the end that I cried which is very rare for me. I give this book 4.5 Stars.
For Amazon purchasing links, further information on this book, and regarding the Leinengers please see Layers of Thought’s Preview of Soul Survivor.
10 comments:
I must admit that I am fairly skeptical of this subject matter, but I do try to keep an open mind. This book sounds intriguing,
DC/Kim -
I have a bit of an Eastern bent to my belief system at times - so it was not too much of a leap for me.
I am sure real skeptics could tear this book apart but I have an open mind about things like this.
The author Bruce he is a devote Christian and even he himself was finally a convert.... amazing!
I'm not a big fan of history either, but this story sounds fascinating! Will put it on my wishlist and give it a try. Thanks for the great review!
Alexia -
It took me some time to get this review together. It sat in my writer suffering from multiple upon multiple edits for a month before I could post it. It just would not flow......
Its a cute story and as they get into depth with the experiences of the veterans its heart wrenching.
I just respect the men and women that fight for our country so much.
Thanks :)
Since this is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, I'm happy to hear it's good. The story sounds fascinating, and I can't wait to give it a try.
Would it be okay to link to your review on War Through the Generations?
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Anna -
Absolutely you are more than welcome to. I would be honored. I would love to be involved in your challenge but am so overwhelmed at the moment with challenges and noted it was about to end. Will you be continuing it?
It was a very easy read, up beat, positive considering the subject matter. I think you will enjoy it considering your challenge site.
Thanks for stopping by.
The WWII reading challenge will end on Dec. 31, but we'll be starting a one-year Vietnam reading challenge on Jan. 1. We'll be doing a different war every year or every 6 months, and we'll be sure to revisit WWII at some point. We'll have more info about next year's challenge on the blog in the next month or so.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Anna -
Very cool.
I would like to be part of this new challenge. At least to make sure all Layers of Thought's reader know about it.
Thanks Anna.
This does sound like a compelling read! It sounds as though the history part is set within a very human context, which would make it more palatable for those of us who are not history buffs!
I like the idea of reincarnation.
Laurel -
Yes me too.
It seems to make more sense to me - rather than an inferno a "hell on earth" type of learning process. Where we learn from our mistakes and transgression - kind of a cosmic check and balance....
I really enjoyed this book.
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