The Gate

April 15, 2013
Many wonder what it would be like to visit heaven before dying. With this in mind, Stouten tells the story of Sky Hunt, a man burdened by the weight of the life he's built. Needing some time away, he heads into the country to check out a cottage where he vacationed in his youth. What he finds when he arrives is so much more than he expected. Stouten ensures that Sky's heavenly experience is moving and believable by characterizing the Trinity as three distinct people who each teach Sky something different about the Christian experience. Where The Gate really excels, though, is with the portrayals of the visitors Sky receives during his time in heaven, residents there who had cared for Sky, impacted his life, and offer company and wisdom. Stouten carefully blends their histories with heavenly interactions and life lessons in this engaging Christian novel. For reflective readers, The Gate is a poignant look at life beyond earth and how to use the time we do have here to love others well.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)