As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Eben Alexander (pictured) knows a lot about the science of the brain. But when a rare illness put him in a coma for seven days, his own brain took him to places he never imagined. One of those places is commonly referred to as heaven. His book, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeons Journey into the Afterlife, is currently the bestselling book in the US for 2013. It is not without controversy, however. Dr. Oliver Sacks, no slouch in the brain business, wrote a lengthy article in the Atlantic, chastising Dr. Alexander for denying that there could be a scientific reason for his experience. On June 12, Banyen Books and the Vancouver chapter of the International Association of Near-Death Studies are hosting an evening with Dr. Alexander at the Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace (1825 West 16th at Burrard) on June 12 at 7:15pm. Seating is limited so its advised you buy tickets ($20) in advance. They're already sold out at the bookstore; buy them online here.
