Life After Life: A Groundbreaking Exploration of Near-Death Experiences and the Transformative Insights into the Afterlife, Backed by Scientific Study and Personal Testimonies

This book was written by Raymond Moody, who at the time of the writing, was in a doctoral program studying to become a psychologist. He presents the stories of dozens of people that he has interviewed who have had a near death experience. That is, the people have suffered a serious illness or accident and were pronounced dead but were ultimately resuscitated. The subjects described a very similar experience of leaving their bodies, coming into contact with a “being of light “ which was a beautiful, reassuring, and enlightening experience. They were all sure that they were not dreaming and that they actually had this experience. The author comes from a scientific background and the modest way he approached these experiences makes him all the more believable. An excellent quick read that can’t help but make the reader think of the deep questions surrounding life and death and what follows death

I truly enjoyed this fascinating book. Dr. Moody explores near-death experiences (NDEs) — a term he coined — by identifying striking similarities across many personal accounts. He presents his findings in a clear, methodical, and very approachable way, using real firsthand stories that make the subject vivid and easy to follow. What stood out to me most was his open-minded curiosity and sincerity. He never claims to prove life after death, instead, he gently invites readers to reflect on what these experiences might mean. The book is engaging, well-written, and insightful, with something to offer just about everyone — from general readers to academics, doctors, spiritual seekers, and skeptics alike. Although it was first published in 1975, it still feels completely relevant today. Life After Life remains a classic and a great starting point for anyone curious about spirituality, the afterlife, or the mysteries of the human mind. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, skeptical, or scientifically minded, this book offers a careful, logical, and deeply humane exploration of one of life’s greatest mysteries. Highly recommended!

I found this book to be interesting, but also oddly comforting. I ordered this after watching "The OA" on Netflix after learning that the story was loosely based on the interviews of those who had an NDE with a doctor. Of course, the show is mostly fiction, and the author of this book never kidnapped folks to do his research! This book is a collection of stories that have remarkable similarities, across cultures and religions, that tell of experiences with near-death experiences (or in some cases, an actual clinical death). After the death of my mother, and not being a deeply religious person, I struggled with questions about what may happen after death, and I feel this book gave me some clarity and comfort; maybe even some answers.

I really enjoyed reading this book - a quick and informative dive into NDEs. I found the tone of the author to be honest, personally based yet open-minded and non-conclusive, and of a logical framework. This book includes a relatively large collection of NDEs that show a shocking consistency in testimony and individual features across experiences. For those interested in learning about the repeating themes seen in NDEs cross-culturally and temporally, this book provides a first examination with ample supplementation through specific examples. These experiences tie us together, regardless of our individual histories, and provide a framework irrespective of religious affiliations that suggests a reality beyond that currently preached by scientific "consensus". I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning more about the lesser known aspects of our reality.

I remember first reading this in the 70’s. It was considered so “out there”. Really considered crazy belief and ridiculed by many. It just touched me at a young age because I BELIEVED the author at the time and it transformed my ideas and fear of death. Over the years, due to the internet and easy access to so many people who have studied this phenomenon, I noticed the stigma slowly receding. Sure, there are people who do not believe there is life after death. After reading and watching these accounts for so many decades, I am fully convinced. I decided to return to this original book and author who risked his entire reputation so long ago and give it a re-read. My own elderly parents both have cancer right now and I am caring for them. I think this book can bring tremendous relief to someone suffering the loss or potential loss of someone simply by presenting a lot of evidence that death is not necessarily the horror we believe it to be. There are simply too many people coming forward even today with these experiences that cannot yet be explained by science. And Raymond Moody is a man of science who has tried to understand the people who experienced this phenomenon for many decades. His approach, relentless research and commitment to science make this book required reading for anyone interested in NDE’s (Near Death Experiences) They are called “near death” but in many cases the people who experienced them were declared dead by medical doctors before suddenly being aware they were “returned” to their bodies. Fascinating.

Life After Lifeは、ケイト・アトキンソンによる心に残る小説。主人公のアーシュラは、何度も生まれ変わり、さまざまな人生を繰り返しながら、家族や歴史、戦争の中で運命に立ち向かいます。 単なる輪廻転生の物語ではなく、「もしあの時違う選択をしていたら？」という普遍的な問いを、巧みな構成と豊かな人間描写で描き出していてとても印象に残る本でした。

Absolutely nothing new in this book. Just the same old rubbish peddled out to grieving people to make money. People lie and make up stuff all the time and the 'experiences' that this author mentions have been added to I'm sure. This is the last time I'll buy anything even remotely related to this subject. A total waste of money and time.

I read this book because I wanted to know more about how the “near death experiences” got their name, and how Raymond Moody became such an icon in the community. I was not disappointed. This is a well written book, that also convinced me that there are “evidences” that supports peoples stories.

Wow! What a FANTASTIC read. This is the 3rd book on this subject that i have read since the passing of my Dad, and this one has been the most helpful - by far! I loved the way it was written, it was straight to the point - giving examples of NDEs right from the start. The previous books i have read (Embraced by the light & Guided by Angels - there are no goodbyes), although enjoyable and quite touching at times, have given alot (probably too much for my liking/that was necessary i.m.o) of background info until it got to the main points of the subject, which i thought was a bit boring at times. I guess that's because this book is more like a study of accounts rather than one of the writer's personal experience. I was pleased to find that the book wasn't heavily related to religion, my other reads sadly left me believing that some some of "Faith" or religious belief was necessary in order to have such wonderful "passing overs". I found the short passage about suicide induced NDE's particularly interesting in comparison to "natural" ones. Although this book didn't dissolve the feeling of loss i have for my Dad - I've since ordered another book that i hope will deal with such issues - it DID reassure me that my Dad's final moments were ones of happiness and joy, not fear and pain. It was so uplifting to read how loved ones that had already passed over were there to welcome him, he had lost his partner a few years ago and to think they have been reunited is just amazing - and it makes me very happy. This book has completely changed my view of my Dad's "death", and i believe it is a stepping stone in dealing with and coping with the grief i feel. A highly recommended read.

I haven't read this book yet, but I firmly believe it will provide incredible value—offering hours of meaningful and enjoyable reading. I'm expecting a truly uplifting and encouraging experience! Without a doubt, this is a must-have for Christian believers seeking inspiration about heaven