What If God Were the Sun?

by John Edward

Since the 1980s, psychic and medium John Edwards has brought solace to millions by helping them to communicate with their loved ones who have passed away. In his debut novel, What if God Were the Sun?, Edwards uses his skills as an author and lecturer to tell the moving story of a family confronting death for the first time. Informative, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting, What if God Were the Sun? will appeal both to the readers of Sylvia Browne and to fans of visionary fiction, such as James Redfield's runaway bestseller The Celestine Prophecy .

Genres: Spirituality, Fiction, Ghosts

145 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this 141 page book in one sitting. I bought it recently for 25 cents at my annual book sale. I like John Edward so I decided to give it a try. In the cover of my copy was a post note : "To Del- Thank you for the book, I cried and laughed-often at the same time. De". Well I also cried and laughed at the same time. This is a story of an Irish/Italian family,Catholic but they also strongly believe in the afterlife as John Edward describes to us. I was raised Catholic as a child but gave up it up as a young adult. I found it interesting that many of the beliefs of this family were that of mine and the like of John Edward. In my days as a Catholic, I can tell you these type of beliefs got you in trouble with our church! There was no thinking outside the "box". But this family is quite open to all possibilities. This read was in fact inspiring and uplifting.I loved each of the family members.(I am half Sicilian so the Italian stories and relatives were hysterical and familiar to me. I do suggest this book to anyone that is a fan of John Edward. I would suggest this book to someone that is grieving. Birthdays and deaths are a part of this story and for me it made me cry a lot in those places since birthdays and father's day are so close for me right now.I did find this to be a healing read.and plan to keep it out for inspiration.The story and family are so nice.I will be reading more John Edward books,I was always a fan.AS much as I cried last night, I am smiling today. Our loved ones are never far away.

[booklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

A one day read. Given to me by a co-worker, I found the opening chapter intriguing. It's pop-spirituality and by a psychic at that, but nevertheless, I don't dis-believe that our emotions are strong forces for the good or harm of others we love. This book could well be helpful, a cathartic read for someone suffering a delibitating loss of a loved one, so long as it was moderated by theologically sound counseling.

[Gloria Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, a psychic medium, writes a novel about relationships, questions concerning death, and a remembrance of those who have passed to the other side.

The story begins when Tim, as far as we can tell, is visiting his dying mother in the hospital. Room 314. During a family gathering for his twin daughters' birthdays, he doesn't want to ruin it by mentioning his mother's approaching demise. But as the relatives gather for family movies, his memories carry him back to when a favorite uncle died, to when as a boy his dog died, and on to the deaths of other beloved members. And how as a boy he dealt with the mystery of death.

Later we return to Room 314 and learn the reason for Tim's preoccupation with death and the lessons he hoped to teach his children. I liked the ending, which was a surprise that added depth to the story.

This is a gentle story, without violence or rampant sex. What I call a welcome respite from such scenes. Instead, it tugs at the thought processes concerning God and the afterlife, in a reach for understanding. Not sure I would have equated God with the sun, however.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book...makes you think and cry. Gives you hope...

[Rana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as his first book, but I liked the idea that the book was based on.

[Benjamin Barr,]

I enjoyed this book and the story and connections with birthdays, family gatherings, and death. I would not rate this as great literature by any means, but a well done story nonetheless. The last two chapeters were quite difficult to read through as I kept going back to the emergency room and the ICU unit where my mother's last days on earth had taken place back in November; so it was particulaly poignant at this time; and yes, somewhat emotional.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about death and grief. It has inspiration to discuss it with children and deal with it as adults.

[Lori Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring your tissues. This book is full of emotions! Such a great read done in 2 days

[Kathleen Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author is debatable as a "medium", but picked this up at bk exchange because loved the title. Short "feel good" easy read.

[Mercurymouth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the target audience is teens who lost a loved one.

[Brittney Traudt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read about grief, love, religion, and the after life. Not quite as deep as I thought it might be but still a good read. Would be great for a younger reader struggling with grief.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful perspective of what happens when we die and a view on God being the Sun bringing us strength........I felt it was a little disjointed in the stories but was put together with the needed details as it wrapped up.......it left me feeling rather positive.

[Debbie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a short read. I read this while sitting in the hospital with a person who may be dying. Perfect timing for this book. It was much needed........

[Eirian Houpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Excellent Example of Letting Go With Grace

John Edwards in one of those extra-ordinary people who live their life in grace and consequently seem to be able to project that sense of calm at the passing of our loved ones, for we will all experience such a loss at some time in our life. What if God Were the Sun is a short novel that does just that... shows how to live, and let go, with grace and dignity, in love and joy. The novel does have a slightly 'semi-autobiographical' quality to it, but that doesn't in any way detract from the simple joy of reading the book, which is something that a reader could do over and over again, taking something different from the book each time they read.

The book is at once beautiful and sensitive, full of compassion as well as the hard realities of life, but is overall an uplifting tale, even though the ending of the book might leave you needing tissue, as well as being very cleverly done and a reflection of the beginning in a kind of endless circle kind of way.

[Mirrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly suggest this book for anyone who is dealing with grief. It doesn't matter if you have lost a family member, a friend, or a pet, grief is an emotion we all experience in our own way, but it is also universal. This short story covers many forms of passing in a heartwarming and touching way, following the family of one man, who certainly seems based on the author in many ways. This is a book that you will keep and be able to read whenever you need that uplifting reminder that life continues on after death, not only for those who have passed on, but for the living as well. I was especially touched and inspired by the conversation the main character has with his mother in his youth, how the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next could be a healing experience as well as a tradition. Some may need tissues, some may close the book on the final pages with a smile on their faces, but all will be moved in one way or another.

[Barbara]

A quick read. I bought this at a book store, The Third Place, in Seattle, thinking it would be a bit more philosophical or speculative. The story is a novel about death, family, and the strength and power of belief in God, as learned from an older generation and passed to a younger one. Many good quotes and observations. Many would consider it sappy; I thought it nice. And, yes, well written.

[Rhodora Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick easy read. I enjoyed it so much the first time, that I read it again sometime later... because I couldn't remember what it was about. It's been a couple of years since I read it now...and again... I can't remember much about it. I know I enjoyed it, but can't figure out why it doesn't stick in my head. Maybe I'll read it a third time?

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting tale of love and tenderness, several generations of the same family whose love guides them through heartache and loss. Beautifully written, a light style that is easy to absorb and so close to reality that one feels as if reading the story of our neighbors next door!
I loved it.

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon, 21st. October 2013.

[Lorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a good Book I recommend to anyone who lost someone they love, I couldn't stop crying, it such a surprising ending, and it was a very quick read. I read it in an hour and a half and I enjoyed it very much !:) and I want to thank my mom for nagging at me to read it because it's a favorite :)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be too painful for some people to read, but for me it was quite meaningful. It's not a book I would recommend to anyone if they've just lost someone though. It could bring forth a lot of emotional grief if you haven't given yourself enough time to heal even a little.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mooched this from Bookmooch.com thinking it was a non fiction by Edwards. It turned out to be fiction. I read it anyway thinking it would at least have his perspective. I think it did. It was a very quick read and I enjoyed it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent quick read. If you have ever lost someone who is close to you I think this book can help. It confirms what I already believe to be true...that our loved ones aren't ever really gone and that they do show us signs that they are still around watching over us.

[Panda1602 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at traditions and values that have been passed on through generations. Beliefs around life, death and God are weaved into the story. There is an in-depth look at passing between the two veils of lived and unlived, and how this may effect people. Good quick read.

[Susan Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not able to finish this book which is rare for me. It is depressing and I only read one chapter and did not want to continue. It may be that I am not in a place to read a book regarding illness and death.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving and spiritual book about life after death.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Would love to know that this is what happens when we are gone.

[BettyKay Carmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read quite a few books on the subject of grieving since I can't seem to stop grieving my mom's death. I wouldn't say this is the best book about grieving that I've read.

[Michelle Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing work from john..

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written. I love how Edwards describes heaven.

[Weezy805 · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book that John Edward wrote - good.