Beyond the Light: What Isn't Being Said about Near-Death Experience

Claiming to be a three-time near-death survivor, Atwater ( Coming Back to Life ) presents this study of near-death experience based on 700 interviews she conducted. She questions the accounts of a ``tunnel of light accompanied by feelings of well-being'' frequently reported; rather, she discusses the ``hell-like'' experiences she has discovered. She also delves into the psychological and physiological aftereffects--the ``brain is physically changed after a near-death episode.'' Unfortunately, Atwater does not clearly define death; only at times is she is in accord with the medical definition. The text roams over areas of theology, metaphysics and even touches on space aliens and their possible role in near-death experiences, leaving the reader to wonder how any of this applies to our spiritual development, as Atwater claims. Illustrations. 35,000 first printing. (July)