BOOK REVIEW: _What Comes Next? An Investigative Reporter Uncovers Quantum Physics’ Hidden Afterlife Hypothesis_

On the plus side, I found the book to be an easy read. I found it worthwhile not only in explaining quantum physics for “dummies” but also in making the case against materialism and for the existence of a universal consciousness, given quantum physics and paranormal phenomena. Schmicker argued convincingly, yet perhaps a bit redundantly, that consciousness rather than matter is fundamental to understanding reality. On the minus side, however, careful analysis revealed the author fell short in arguing the case for his hypothesis: the existence of an afterlife and a meaning and purpose for us humans, both based on quantum physics. I found that in doing so, he exaggerated the ramifications of quantum theory, as others have, yet provided scholastic value in showcasing a flawed attempt to connect quantum physics to a conjectured afterlife. A flawed case for an afterlife based on quantum physics diverts attention from an afterlife that is not scientific to one that is—namely, the natural afterlife, which I briefly discuss in this review.