The Next Place

Right now, my thoughts are with those who have passed away from the recent tornadoes in the South (United States). I feel bad for all those individuals who lost their loved ones, along with all their homes and material possessions, through the recent tornadoes. I really think that this book by Warren Hanson could provide some comfort right now for those who are suffering. I understand that a lot of people are suffering through hard times and hard losses right now, and that sometimes this current existence wasn't what they envisioned for themselves. Just like the billions of people on this planet who watched the British Royal Wedding of William and Kate, I truly felt glad that the both of them were healthy and happy and that they experienced a beautiful and out-of-this-world wedding ceremony. But in the back of my mind I was thinking about the people who died from the recent tornadoes who passed away young and never had the chance to have a wedding of their own. Sometimes bad things happen to you that are way beyond your control that alter your life, health, and existence for the long run. When I was 19, a routine surgery gone bad altered my health and life for the long haul. I honestly never dreamt that something like that would happen to me. All I can say is that sometimes life doesn't go the way you envisioned or planned, and then you experience frustration and anger. Ever since the age of 19, I honestly never feared "the next place". From a lot of things that I have experienced on this Earth, I always knew and felt that "the next place" would be a beautiful, perfect, and happy place with no pain. And it makes me happy to know that Warren Hanson feels the same way about "the next place". Warren Hanson's book is perfect. It captures everything that I feel and sense about "the next place". The words in Warren Hanson's book are very calming, soothing, and tranquil. The imagery and artwork in this book are beautiful, happy, and peaceful. I think that Warren Hanson's book is an essential gift to give for people grieving after a funeral, for people who are suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses, for people who have lost loved ones to war, natural disasters, senseless crimes, etc. One of my three college degrees is a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling with a certified rehabilitation counselor designation, and I feel that it would be a great idea for counselors to have this book handy for the people they counsel. I really think that this book is essential for each household. It's a fact that each person dies, young or old. And this book will help both kids and adults understand that death is a transition that each person faces, and that death and the next place we go to is not an ugly place or thing to fear.

It's hard to describe what a powerful book this is. A friend who lost her son in a car accident shared this book with me and halfway through, I had tears in my eyes, which didn't stop until well after the story was over. I lost three of my grandparents in recent years, and it's still been hard for me to think of any of them without hurting. This book changed all of that in an instant. "The Next Place" reads like a letter written by one who has died to a loved one left behind. It is a poem, and the words flow together beautifully. The illustrations capture the feel of the words on each page and take you along on a peaceful journey as you turn the pages. The message is poignant and precious, and is written in the voice of a person who is still very much alive and thriving, just in a different way - one that is far superior to the limitations of life in a human body. It does not lean toward any specific religion, yet is appropriate for people of all faiths, and all ages. I have found this book to be such a great comfort that I ordered additional copies as Christmas gifts (as well as Mr. Hanson's "Paw Prints in the Stars" book for those who have lost a beloved pet). I couldn't even wait for Christmas and gave them away already - and all have been well received. Thank you so much, Mr. Hanson, for sharing such a beautiful message with the world in "The Next Place." You have changed the way that I remember my grandparents and have given me a solid foundation for coping with other losses I'll face in my life.

This is just the nicest book for help in talking to children about death. It also is a thoughtful narrative for adults. It's really lovely with very nice illustrations.

This is way more than a children's book. It is a beautifully written and illustrated for anyone who has lost a loved one. I have bought at least 20 copies and given it to many who are grieving. It is so much more meaningful than giving flowers or such to anyone who has lost someone dear. I cannot tell you how much it meant to the receiver. It is especially helpful for parents to read to the very young who lose a parent or grandparent to help them understand death and be presented it in a beautiful way which they can understand. As an adult it is also very comforting to think of those who have passed in the way the author presents life after death and yet never mentions the word heaven so it is excellent for believers as well as non believers. It is my favorite book. I have read and re read it and never tire of the beautiful thoughts. I do not know of anyone who isn't touched by Warren Hansens book.It is truly more than a 5 star rating.

I’ve ordered a few of these sweet books. I give them to friends when I feel they may be needed. Very comforting in my opinion & illustrations are beautiful

Before I review this book, I should give a bit of background on myself. I believe in God and an afterlife. I am not Christian, Catholic, etc. However, I am open to and respectful of religious beliefs that differ from my own. I have raised my now 11 year old daughter in the same manner. With that being said, I'll continue with my review. I came across this book in the little library at our doctor's office. I loved it so much that I eventually ordered a copy for my daughter and I. The illustrations and words are beautiful. We have lost a few loved ones in the past few years and I found this book to be very comforting. I asked my daughter what she thought of this book. She said, I really like this book because it's beautiful and makes me happy. It talks about Heaven and I think the pictures are really cute. My favorite part is this: "Though I will know the joy of solitude... I'll never be alone. I'll be embraced by all the family and friends I've ever known. Although I might not see their faces, all our hearts will be as one, And the circle of our spirits will shine brighter than the sun. I will cherish all the friendship I was fortunate to find, all the love and all the laughter in the place I leave behind. All these things will go with me. They will make my spirit glow. And that light will shine forever in the next place that I go." I asked my daughter if this book made her scared of death and she said no. She said this book talks about a happy place. Some of the Christian reviewers did not find this book comforting, as they were looking for something closer to their beliefs. This book does not mention God or Heaven specifically, but I believe that if you read deeper into the text you'll find that the book is describing a beautiful afterlife that everyone can relate to, regardless of denomination. I did not feel empty or depressed after reading this book, as others did. This book opened my eyes to an idea that can be hard to grasp for some. As humans we cling to our emotions, so much so that the idea of not having any is unfathomable. I believe this book touches on that subject a bit. I suppose it's all up to the reviewer's interpretation. I hope you find this review helpful in deciding whether or not this book is for you or your family.

Very touching and helpful book I have given them to many people who have loss someone in their lives

Beautiful pictures and just the mood you want.