Perspective

"To Heaven and Back" by Mary C. Neal, MD, is a memoir and is written in the first person, narrated by the author. Mary's journey toward her faith in God could not have been written in such great detail and with such poignancy by anyone other than Dr. Neal herself. Mary's honesty shines through when she writes of being bored at Sunday morning church services and her fragile faith that at times she would abandon. But Neal makes a compelling case about death, angels, God and heaven and coming back to a life whose purpose had not yet been fulfilled. Neal provides an interesting and inspiring account of a woman who ultimately believed in God's promises and nurtured a faith that saw her through the worst of times.

Mary C. Neal, MD, is a certified orthopedic surgeon. While living in Los Angeles, California, Neal was named head of...