Heaven Is for Real: New York Times #1 Best Seller Sets New Thomas Nelson, Inc. Record

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its release 16 weeks ago, sales momentum for Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent continues to surpass expectations. For the week of March 6, Heaven Is for Real will be listed as the #1 "nonfiction paperback" and #1 "print hardcover and paperback combined" on the New York Times Best Seller List – its seventh week at the top and a record for Thomas Nelson, Inc. Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw held #1 nonfiction hardcover spot for four weeks (October 2006).

Heaven Is for Real is listed currently at #6 (all books) by USA Today, #4 (nonfiction paperback) by Publisher's Weekly, #4 (nonfiction paperback) by National Public Radio, and #3 (all books) by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

In addition to top rankings on numerous best seller lists, the one millionth copy of the acclaimed title was recently printed.

"It has been incredible to watch the contagious enthusiasm of readers drive the success of Heaven is for Real," said Michael Hyatt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Nelson. "Colton's story gives a wonderful glimpse into what lies ahead for believers, and encourages us to embrace our childlike faith."

Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about a trip to heaven during surgery. The family was skeptical, but the evidence was clear.

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. His wife Sonja is a children's minister, busy pastor's wife, and mom. Colton, an active eleven year old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times bestselling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of nine books, Vincent worked for eleven years as senior writer, then features editor, at WORLD Magazine where she covered politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lynn is also a lecturer in writing at the World Journalism Institute and The King's College in New York City.

SOURCE Thomas Nelson

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