Enjoyable Yet Needing DepthAugust 31, 2008 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am not a paranormal expert, but I do enjoy reading and learning about all things in the genre, so this book by James Van Praagh appealed to me immediately. Having just finished it this afternoon, I find that while it was indeed entertaining, it was lacking a certain depth that I was hoping for.
Van Praagh is a rather well-known medium, and is also co-producer of the CBS tv series Ghost Whisperer. The stories of dealing with the dead in this book showcase people he has helped come to terms with loss and lingering loved ones who need help moving toward the Light. Those stories are intriguing and filled with heartfelt emotion, and even if I have a bit of skepticism at times, I feel that Van Praagh truly wants to give solace and aid to those with whom he works. It's when Van Praagh moves from the titular "Ghosts Among Us" to telling us how he views the spiritual world that I found my interest wavering. It's not that I disbelieve his theories, but to be honest, that's not why I picked up this book. I wanted to read more of the interactions with ghosts and the experiences of regular people who had gone to Van Praagh for guidance. I also must admit that my skepticism hit a healthy high when Van Praagh began mentioning Abraham Lincoln as one of his spirit guides (we should all be so lucky!). Maybe it's true, maybe it's not; it just came away as bragging and unlikely to me.
This is not to say that I didn't enjoy this book; Van Praagh seems sincere enough in most respects and I do feel he must have some sort of gift for speaking with the dead. I admit to skimming the bits about chahkras and energies, though I did find the idea of ridding myself of negative energy a worthwhile idea. I just was expecting something more, and that may make my disappointment with the book more my own than Van Praagh's. The idea of the book just seemed scattered to me; Van Praagh should have done two books, one about ghostly encounters and one about spiritual guidance...and yes, they are two separate ideas.
Great Author and read!August 30, 2008 After I read this book, I ordered 6 more as birthday presents for my friends. My 23 year old daughter read it after me and loved it too.
Ghosts Amoung UsAugust 28, 2008 This book confirmed for me that there is a spiritual realm out there. I was so scared of death, but after reading this book I am no longer scared of death as I was before. As I live in Australia I was unable to get a copy of this book, so I am really happy that I was able to get it from you guys. Cant wait to read more of James's work. Thanks again.
Glaring FlawsAugust 25, 2008 4 out of 9 found this review helpful
The book is quite a page turner and provides a good bit of intellectual entertainment and diversion. I read it like one would watch a fictional movie, allowing for a "suspension of belief" in order to be entertained or simply to ponder appealing ideas. However I caught the author early on in what I consider to be a major error revealing utter fabrication. Usually in these types of books, the authors are clever enough to avoid any specific detail in recounting physic events or stories - that is, sufficient lack of detail such that the events or stories can not be verified. Early on in the book the author relates a real-life story about a young professional race car driver who was killed somewhere around 2006 (no later) and the car exploded. Now, the author should have realized that an event like this, in the age of blogs and instant historical archives of news would be easily verified. A detailed and thorough search reveals that no such event ever occurred. If it were true (remember we are talking about a Professional race car driver), as the author purports, such an event would have made the news instantly.
James at his bestAugust 25, 2008 James Has done a great job with this book if you are just beginning in the spiritual movement or like me who has been in the main focus of it for a number of years its worth the read he covers many areas from meditation to dark entities,a book you pick and find it hard to put down well done plus its easy reading
