A review by aameem
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman

5.0

Sum, a collection of stories about "surprising" afterlives by neuroscientist David Eagleman, celebrates science, ideas, and the imagination, aiming to stretch the reader's. Eagleman presents various afterlife scenarios, nudging readers to think beyond the ordinary. He suggests imagining God in unconventional ways, like as a married couple. At one extreme, God exists as a microbe, unaware of our existence, while at the other, a towering Giantess, beyond our reach and comprehension. The afterlife accommodates a diverse array of beings and objects, from humble toasters to majestic grand pianos. Gods from human stories find a place in this book too. There's room for perplexity, such as when a committee, guided by angels, questions God's capacity to determine the fate of souls. Embracing a middle ground between belief and disbelief, Eagleman promotes exploring multiple ideas simultaneously, which if nothing else is an interesting position. Sum brings a light-hearted touch to discussions about the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of how we live our lives here and now, much like indirect call-to-actions in other favorites, such as [b:The Remains of the Day|28921|The Remains of the Day|Kazuo Ishiguro|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327128714l/28921._SY75_.jpg|3333111]. It encourages curiosity and reminds us to make the most of life on Earth, no matter what comes next.