The Next Place

Rating:
Summary: Healing and inspirational
Review: After losing the love of my life, I ordered a book for his mom that helped me through another tough loss (Tear Soup). The Next Place was recommended, so I bought it for myself. I read it aloud to myself regularly because it allows me to "picture the next place." Absolutely beautiful and a must for those who are in mourning-regardless of age.

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Summary: The Best Answer....The Next Place
Review: When our Christian Education Director died unexpectantly, I found myself praying for the right words to share with the 125 preschool children she had done chapel with over the past school year. A friend answered that prayer with this book. With each small group of children, I was able to tell them about our friend and reassure them with beautifully-written words and peaceful, calming illustrations. And, while it is a children's book, every adult that was present during our chapel time found it comforting and encouraging. I will always have this book ready to give to anyone who needs that comfort and encouragement.

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Summary: Helped My Daughter Deal With The Loss Of Her GrandMother
Review: My Mother received this book as a gift from my Aunt and Uncle when we all realized that we would not be able to beat the cancer my Mother had. It helped her come to terms with what was happening. My Mother would read The Next Place to my Daughter every night before bed until her strength ran out and that is when my Daughter started reading it to my Mother. That book helped my entire family but I am most grateful for how it helped my Daughter.

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Summary: The Next Place
Review: I was given this book as a gift after my husband died. The content is so hopeful and and the artwork so beautiful. I read it aloud to both his family and at a memorial service. Everyone who hears it is moved to a place of peace and awareness that our loved one is only in another dimension - living in freedom and love. It's a wonderful book for someone whose loved one has passed on. It's not just for children!

Rating:
Summary: What we're searching for: Hope
Review: Since finding this book several years ago I have purchased many copies and give them to grieving people of all ages. I have given this book to members of my family at the loss of my father-in-law, to parents who have lost children (born and unborn), to adult children at the loss of parents and grandparents. With it's wonderful, soaring artwork; it's message of peacefulness and hope expressed in simple yet meaningful words; this book touches the center of children of all ages. I treasure my copy and have been told by many others that they too treasure their's. I heartily recommend this book if you're searching for hope, peace, and meaning for yourself or for those you love.

Rating:
Summary: nice book
Review: We usually look for books that are good to read to all of our children and this is one of them. Whether your children are 2 or 8 like ours I think they too will appreciate how special this book is.

Rating:
Summary: Very comforting for someone who has lost a loved one
Review: This is the sweetest book to by yourself or with your children. My mother passed away and my son wanted me to read it to him. we both ended up in tears. To this day I can't read it without getting a lump in my throat.
It's not a sad story but just the most beautifully written book I've ever read.

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Summary: No reference to "Heaven"
Review: I bought this book with hopes that it will help me to discuss with my children the approaching death of their Grandma. We are a Christian family and I was really hoping this book would directly regard Heaven as the place believers go after we die. There is no such direct releflection, but just "comforting words" that there is a better place. There is also no reference to God, nor to Jesus. I am happy that this book has helped others with this sensitive issue, but I have to say I am a bit disapointed.

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Summary: IT REFUSED TO LET ME GO & WITH GOOD REASON.
Review: On September 10, 2001 Warren Hanson's book, The Next Place chose me. Its' beautiful artwork and compelling words held on and refused to let me go. I realized I must purchase it for the unpredictable future when I would have to explain death to my two children, ages 4 and 2. This was also the exact message I would want my children to hear should anything ever happen to me. On September 11, 2001 our world fell apart. Within a week a handful of strangers from across the country came together and started a grass roots, nonprofit organization, The Next Place Network. Each one of us so moved by the powerful message within The Next Place we came together with the sole purpose: to collect and distribute copies of The Next Place to those directly affected by the tragic turn of events of 9-11. The response has been extraordinarily heartening and encouraging. To date, through donations and gifts, we have presented over 6250 copies of The Next Place to the children, families, loved ones, shell shocked rescue workers and guilt stricken surviving coworkers of those who died on that tragic day. The incredibly effective and universally spiritual message is supported, appreciated and accepted by a myriad of September 11 organizations, religious leaders, death and dying professionals, family crises centers, Hospice, NYFD, NYPD, NYPA, NY National Guard, Salvation Army, NYSEMO, United Airlines, American Airlines, teachers, parents, and children who were directly affected by the terrorist attacks in America. Several copies have also been distributed to the families of the postal workers who lost their lives as a result of bio terrorism. The words and images have given an incalculable amount of emotional comfort and spiritual renewal during this most trying time. Through the expressions of The Next Place we are comforted in the understanding that our love, memories and friendships from this lifetime will carry our loved ones through to the 'other side'-making their light shine brighter in the next place that they go.

Rating:
Summary: very touching - truly a good book
Review: ...
Well, as a devout atheist, I too have no hesitation in recommending "The Next Place."
My wife got it for our 8-year-old daughter, who's still struggling with the death of my father several years ago. Ironically, my daughter's pet hamster died a week before Christmas, and then my wife's grandmother died on New Year's Day. (some might say "God works in mysterious ways" while others would say "hamsters live about a year and a half, and 89-year-old women often die after a fall and a heart attack...")
My daughter read The Next Place tonight, came downstairs with tears and we sat and talked.
The book is comforting without the religious -uh- slant that many other books have. I'm pleased that the devout also recommend it. It's rare to find a book that reaches us both so well.