Eben Alexander will talk about his New York Times best-selling book, Proof of Heaven, at noon Tuesday, Nov. 19, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

A highly trained neurosurgeon who had operated on thousands of brains in the course of his career, Alexander knew that what people of faith call the “soul” is really a product of brain chemistry. Near-death experiences (NDE), he would have been the first to explain, might feel real to the people having them, but in truth they are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress.

Until he was stricken with meningitis and had a near-death experience himself.

Then, like any scientist, he set out to explain his experience through research. He formed hypotheses and tested them. He read reams of literature on NDEs and, over time, he started to fathom the connections between this monumental religious encounter and the science to which he had devoted his life.

“Dr. Eben Alexander's near-death experience is the most astounding I have heard in more than four decades of studying this phenomenon,” says Dr. Raymond Moody. “In my opinion, Dr. Alexander is living proof of an afterlife.”

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI- sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this reading, call Jan Weissmiller at Prairie Lights in advance at 319-337-2681.

For a UI arts calendar and details about upcoming events visit the Arts Iowa website.