What Dreams May Come : A Novel

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Summary: A solid work of spiritual fiction.
Review: I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love the spiritual genre. Celestine Prophecy, Illusions, and Way of the Peaceful Warrior are some of my favorite titles. But I never did get emotionally involved in the story. I share Matheson's vision of heaven and hell so the book turned out to be more validation rather than revelation for me. I also have never had anyone close to me die, yet. Perhaps a re-read is in order when that time comes.

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Summary: This book has changed my life
Review: I just finished this book yesterday at work. I am an Emergency Medical Technician, and see things that have made me question my, and everyones elses existance. This book has given me a new veiw on life, death, and love. I will never treat anyone or anything in the same manner again. I am giving this book to my Grandmother, and will read it throughout my life when times seem unbearable, and I will always remember my feelings at this moment. I thank the author for the most moving and inspiring book I have ever read.

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Summary: New Age fluff
Review: I started this book with high expectations. Unfortunately, they were quickly dashed. What I had hoped would be an entertaining speculation on the hereafter was instead a primer on mushy new age thinking (if I read the word "vibration" one more time I'll scream). I think what I found most annoying was that this didn't seem like a novel; it was more like a religious tract. Characters are constantly telling the main character how to read auras, attune himself to "higher vibrational levels", etc. Of course, it becomes rapidly obvious that the author is desperately trying to convince the reader that all of this is *true*. There's even a bibliography listing an enormous amount of new age/psychic nonsense at the end! Look, I'm not too much of a skeptic to enjoy this sort of thing. If you want to read some really entertaining books on this subject, I recommend the following: "Job: a Comedy of Justice" by Robert Heinlein, "Inferno" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, and "The Great Divorce" by C. S. Lewis. Unlike "Dreams" these have as their primary goal entertainment, not enlightenment (OK, maybe not in Lewis' case...but it's still entertaning). That's not to say the "Dreams" was totally without merit; his descriptions of hell were quite vivid. Overall, however, the book's a dud.

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Summary: An extremely moving and intellectual book...
Review: I read this book for the first time last week. I have to admit that I have never thought so much about a book that I've read before. Not only was it emotionally moving and intellectually stimulating, but it was also spiritually uplifting. I reccomend this book to anyone who has ever been in true love, because they will truly understand it.

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Summary: A Soul-Enhancing Second Chance
Review: I read this book over 15 years ago. I could not put it down. Mr. Matheson painted such a powerful picture of the experiences and emotions of Chris and his family, I cried at the end because they would never be new to me again - the story would never have the same impact as reading it the first time. I was right, but the 2nd and 3rd time was just as powerful. 5 years ago my first husband lost a battle with cancer, and the hope that his "life" now is in any way close to what Mr. Matheson gives us hope for keeps me going. The story gives us a second chance to save our souls. To right our wrongs, to get life right the first time so that this incarnation, as well as the 2nd and 3rd, can be fully experienced.

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Summary: very entertaining
Review: Richard Matheson is nothing if not interesting and entertaining. What Dreams May Come is very interesting and entertaining because it deals with subject matter (life after death) that is not often put into the form of a love story. Actually, the subject of life after death is not often discussed in fiction form at all. So Richard's story is refreshing. I don't buy the theory that there is life after death because I've yet to see any credible evidence for it. But I do enjoy good storytelling, and Matheson is simply as master at that.

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Summary: Anyone who has experienced a love loss must read this book!!
Review: This is the most beautiful book I have ever read! This book is outstanding! I read this book many many years ago. I lent it out to a friend to read and somehow it had gotten misplaced. I have been searching for another copy for years. Thank God people will be able to read this and find peace about our afterlife. Anyone that has lost a love one needs to read this book. Throw away the tranqualizers and find comfort in knowing love can conquer all!! Thank you Mr. Matherson!!!!!

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Summary: My search has ended.......
Review: I read this book (recommended by my sister) when it was first published. Over time, we lost track of the book, and eventually forgot the title and author's name, but we never forgot the story. I've been searching book stores, flea markets, and garage sales, hoping it would just "show up." I was more than delighted to open the recent "Parade" magazine to see Robin Williams starring in this same story. Can't wait for the movie (and my two copies of "What Dreams May Come" (one for my sister, of course).

Rating:
Summary: breathtaking!!!
Review: I really wish I could give this book a hundred stars, not just 5! Actually...it even deserves more than 100. It's so amazing! After I saw a clip of the movie, I definitely wanted to see it. Then while reading a magazine article about it, I saw that the movie was taken from a book..so I rushed out to find it. I just finished reading it about 5 minutes ago... I'm speechless! It was such an amazing book.. I've never read a book that's touched me like this one! I plan on reading the book over & over again...and giving copies to everyone I know! I'm really looking forward to the movie.

Rating:
Summary: a book that has stayed with me for over 20 years!
Review: A friend of mine let me read this book over 20 years ago. I have searched for it many times, but was never able to find it. I have shared this story with many people over the years in hopes that it would bring them as much peace and understanding about death and afterlife as it has brought me. I'm glad now that they will be able to experience it for themselves.