90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper -- Review

My only complaint about 90 Minutes in Heaven is that I wished it would have lasted longer. And, I believe author Don Piper would share the same sentiment.

90 Minutes in Heaven tells the story of Don Piper’s miraculous return to life after a terrible car wreck left him for dead. His car was hit by a semi that crossed into his lane and medical personnel reported he died on impact. However, a faithful minister who was driving by decided to get out of his car, climb into what was left of Piper’s vehicle, and pray for 90 minutes. His prayers were answered and Piper literally woke up singing.

Through his book, Piper gives us details of his experience during those 90 minutes. The sounds, the sights and the emotions--Piper has a way of describing them all to make readers believe they were standing right next to him. A minister himself, he believed he went to heaven and was disappointed to return. After all, his return meant that now he had the opportunity to recover from his accident, which left his right leg crushed, his left leg shattered in two places, his left arm missing the major bones to hold his left hand into place, and thousands of shards of glass all over his body.

Piper’s recovery took an excruciatingly painful year during which time his faith was tested, his depression worsened and his family life was turned upside down. He was angry at God for bringing him back to life to suffer so much during his recovery. He was angry at God for giving him a glimpse of heaven and then taking it away from him. The reader finds it easy to empathize with Piper and I even found myself thinking, “Just hang on, it’s going to get better.”

And it did. Eventually, with the help of his family and friends, Piper saw his moments in heaven as a blessing rather than a curse. His appreciation for this gift grew and his resentment diminished. It was then that he began to share his experience with others in his life and when he decided to share this experience with the world.

His depression also relented, but only after Piper sought to seek help, which I think is a valuable lesson illustrated in this book. Before the accident, Piper was a self-sufficient, strong leader in his church. Others came to him for guidance and comfort. Now he was in a position where life had forced him to ask for that same guidance and comfort. His pride was his obstacle and once he learned how to overcome it, he realized that by asking others for help, he was giving them a gift. He helped others so much and now they had the opportunity to return the favor, and they were grateful for it.

Individuals who suffer from depression, whether it be acute or chronic, often have a difficult time reaching out for help. I have suggested this book to my clients who are feeling this way in order to normalize their feelings and hopefully discover that it’s okay to reach out to others.
I also offer this book to help individuals recognize resilience, and to explore their own resilience when experiencing the aftermath of a tragedy, such as the death of a loved one. For clients who have a strong belief system, it also provides comfort when they hear someone else’s testament that there is an afterlife.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to share in Piper’s strength, determination and triumph. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to cheer him on, or who needs a little cheering themselves. I recommend this book to anyone who has asked themselves “Why?” Piper asked why, and although he did not always find an answer, he did find peace.