Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side Reviews

• Love might be the strongest force, but this book rates a 3

  
  By AWKS19GG8ZAQ2 on 2008-05-18
  Everyone knows "The Ghost whisperer" or maybe not. But if you didn't know James Van Praagh I don't think you'd be viewing this. My fascinations with ghosts led me to purchase this seemingly scripted version of his popular television show. This book discusses the various aspects of life and death. It discusses how spirits regret not living life to the fullest. Not spending more time with loved ones. Not fully reaching their potential. You know, the things in life we all would like to improve upon. But this book does raise a very good point: Don't wait 'til you're dead to tell your loved ones how much you love them! Don't take them for granted! Love is, after all, the strongest force there is. Those are all excellent and valid points.
  
  But the book begins to lose you when it begins to describe extra souls, the multitude of galaxies that we can choose to return to, the different forms of life we can come back as. James Van Praagh claims that earth is not the only choice we have. That we choose to return to this "unevolved planet" because of the opportunities available here. Because we have free will. I did enjoy the astral world. It seems that after we pass, we are delivered to an astral world. A life that is very similar to the life we live now. In this astral world, we are able to experience everything we experienced in life (on earth) and once we become familiar with this astral world, we die again. In this next death, we enter what popular religion calls "heaven"
  
  This book has some very valid points: The hardest parts of life usually deal with family, and through these hardships we are taught compassion, patience, and unconditional love. But this book does border on silliness. And if you don't believe what Mr. Van Praagh is preaching, then you are living in fear (his words, not mine). But just read what James Van Praagh has written in Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side because a lot of what he's teaching is how to live life in a spiritual way. And that translates to taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions.
  
  

• Excellent

  
  By A3TO9DTF30O3QA on 2008-05-25
  As soon as I knew about this book I bought it. I just knew it would be a fabulous read and I was not disappointed. I read it in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down. Thought about sending it to my Mom, but decided to keep it so I can read it again and again. I'll order my mother another one. I'm sure it will bring her comfort like it does me. It's very inspirational to live your life to the fullest and best that you can.
  
  I had a reading by James shortly after my father's death and in that reading he told me that my father was telling me where my mother had been and that he had been with her. I called my mother and told her and she was unable to speak. She had just been to their favorite place in Sedona, AZ with all the fountains and to know dad was there with her brought her to tears she was so happy. James also told me things NO ONE on earth including me could possibly have known. I am still in contact with my father and others who have passed thanks to James validating what I thought was true. Love you James. Keep up your fantabulous work!!
  
  Kay
  
  

• Down to earth (no pun intended)

  
  By A1TPYO3JD14O57 on 2008-05-17
  I have always like James for his humble, down to earth type style. I used to watch his show "Beyond" and I still watch "Ghost Whisperer" even though some of the story lines are kind of "out there". But I guess that's Hollywood. It's good James is setting the story straight with how he thinks things really work and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his latest book about the other side.
  
  

• Four Stars

  
  By A1HL84KOAB32ZI on 2008-06-11
  I have never seen JVP's tv shows but the title of this book attracted me so I decided to read it. It is written in very basic language, and illustrated with many stories from JVP's experiences. It should be easy for anyone to understand. In the book he discusses how the spirits of people who have died will sometimes hang around the Earth instead of moving into the "Light". He gives reasons they sometimes have for staying around; unfinished business, not realizing or accepting that they are dead, fear of crossing over into 'Hell', being too firmly invested in the material world, etc. JVP also discusses the many dimensions of the universe which exist and how the spirits of people who do too much evil on Earth become trapped in lower dimensions (what we think of as "Hell"). The topic of reincarnation is briefly touched on as JVP tells us that spirits tend to reincarnate in "family" groups and therefore we are around the same spirits in human form, century after century during our lives on Earth. Beyond ghosts, JVP also discusses the power of human and spirit thought, and how thoughts help create our world and our reality. Meditation is discussed briefly. There is little discussion of the entity that we call "God" and I wish JVP had shared more of his thoughts or impressions on that subject. At the end JVP shares some techniques regarding getting in touch with the spirit world, and protecting oneself from the influences of negative energy from other humans and spirits. Although I don't believe any one person has all the answers about the workings of the universe, I thought this book for the most part was an interesting, informative read. I think if there is anyone out there struggling with belief that they should read this book and also some books on meditation. There is nothing in my experience like practicing meditation to make one realize that there really is something out there besides the short life we experience on this planet.
  
  

• Interesting, informative read

  
  By A2CA64BQ3QR0K on 2008-05-19
  James Van Praagh has always written interesting, informative and accessible books and this latest offering is no exception. Whether you're seeking a higher spiritual truth or simply fascinated with the subject matter, this one delivers. Everyone will experience the death of a loved one at some point in their lives (I recently lost my father), and during those times Van Praagh's words will offer comfort, hope and renewal.
  
  
• A Spiritual Homerun !
  By A2W8W734EOCKPJ on 2008-05-19
  Mr. Van Praagh's book is very interesting, a good read, clearly and logically written. It is a homerun ! James tells us his personal experiences with spirit, and then he teaches us how to reach spirit ourselves. In this day and age of infommercials, when everyone wants to get people to pay big bucks to learn things, I find Mr. Van Praagh to be refreshing. He walks his talk and he teaches each one of us what to do to develope ourselves, the how to, with all the details. How to reach spirit because we all have the gift. This book is an immeasurable treasure to those who read it. For each of us, if we are honest, is yearning to go beyond, and to grow out of fear and pain and to grow forward in love. This book shows the way !
  
  
• Excellent book! A great read! Loved it!
  By ALEBGFOZMHYTA on 2008-05-23
  James Van Praagh has shown himself to be a great writer. I am an avid reader on all subjects and find only about 20 percent of all books I read are truly page turners. This book is one of those page turners. James Van Praagh seems to be intuitive not only when it comes to ghosts, but also when it comes to the readers next question and he answers those questions. I learned much that other books did not touch upon about the "other side". I now seek out the other books this author has written.
  You will enjoy this book, guaranteed!
  
  
• OK if you've never read anything else about spirit
  By A11S6DZLRR0C2W on 2008-05-31
  First of all - I really like James. I read his first book years ago when I was just getting interested in spirituality - and it was good. I even went to see him in person at Lily Dale and was very impressed. The problem is that this book is a quicky effort on his part and the writing is horribly elementary. I don't like how he calls all spirits ghosts - like he's trying to simplify the whole concept. There are a couple new personal anecdotes which were only slightly interesting and definately no new spiritual insights beyond typical/very basic new-age stuff. This book wasn't for me and I think you'll agree if you have a brain in your head.
  
  
• Don't waste your money!
  By APRGJLCA9CFXP on 2008-05-29
  Don't waste your money on this book, I wish I hadn't. Van Praagh is merely in the business of making money. He can no more talk to ghosts, which don't even exist, than I can talk to stones. He hands out bland comfort made up from the wasteland of his own imagination. His sole purpose is to separate the grieving from their money. In this he is a master.
  
  
• LOVED THE BOOK :)
  By ATUPZN6SZRZG2 on 2008-05-20
  I really enjoyed this book and just finished it. I could sit here for hours and explain many of my favorite points of the book but it would take too long. He is very open,direct,positive and detailed about everything. This book is one of those books where you can pick it up again and re-read you're favorite parts and chapters. I def recomend this book. If you liked this book I def rocomend Mary-Ann-Winkowskis book "Earthbound Spirits" that was an excellent book as well.
  
  
• VERY POORLY WRITTEN/EDITED.
  By A3CGFA8T1GAGU6 on 2008-05-30
  One must work hard to find the few bits of "meat" in this non-linear book. The author jumps around, never develops the interesting parts, and seemingly, indulges in a free-floating dialogue with himself.
  
  Very disappointing.
  
  
• James can't contact Mac users
  By AU0I62OT1DKLP on 2008-05-26
  I haven't bought the book yet. I visited James' website and, apparently, although he can reach people from the other side, he still can't reach Mac users with a Safari web browser. I'm intrigued by his claims, but I'd be more inclined to buy his book if I could view his website first.
  
  
• Useless blend of near death experiences and general psychic non-sense
  By AG4KQE2JUTRMT on 2008-06-28
  I want to start this review by stating that I am neither an atheist nor somebody who opposes the notion of the supernatural in general. Quite the opposite: I have always been very open to and interested in near-death experiences, parapsychological phenomena, etc. However, I am very sceptical when people claim that they can see things that are not visible to the general population. Whenever somebody asserts that he or she has a special gift, chances are that their special gift is limited to their ability to fill their pockets without doing real work. That seems to be very much the case with van Praagh. This book is a poorly written amalgamation of anecdotes and old "theories" that every 10 year old is acquainted with these days because they are so omnipresent that even Hollywood regularly uses them ("when you die, there is a tunnel and bright light and a loving superior being" -- oh wow, really, I've never heard that one before). And of course anything preternatural that could possibly happen to a person in their lifetimes has happened to van Praagh.
  Lastly, van Praagh constantly emphasizes his mistrust in the Catholic Church -- I am Catholic and offensive comments about a religion that's 2000 years old from a guy who thinks that Buddha and Luke Skywalker have had equally positive influences on humankind seem kind of inappropriate.
  Sorry guys, but if you want solid, well written and well researched books about life after death etc., grab the classics, i.e. Dr. Moody, Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross or Scott Peck.
  "Ghosts among us" is completely useless and obviously another attempt to cash in -- shame on me for having contributed to van Praagh's bank account.
  
  
  
• "I assure you that some ghost is always looking after you"
  By ABRNH7UX06PCT on 2008-06-05
  I enjoyed this book. What I like about James Van Praagh is that he shares his beliefs with us without demanding blind faith in what he says. So many times in this book, I was struck by how James himself is surprised at what he is seeing, spirit-wise. He seems to be continually growing and learning. Personally, I am not a fan of tv/movie ghost shows. I have no desire to learn techniques for reaching ghosts (although James does share some with us). I read this book simply to learn more about the other side, and to learn more about what it may be like for loved ones who have passed over.
  
  One thing I did notice about almost all of James' "connections" with famous people, and so many of his "connections" with famous locations, is that they are usually based on Western (as opposed to Asian or African, say) notions. For example, in describing life on the other side, he makes it sound like you will be living in a typical American town. I kept wondering how, say, an African or a South American Indian might see life after death. I would love to see Mr. Van Praagh completely outside of his comfort zone - perhaps in a place like India.
  
  If you are looking for "absolutes" or the "secrets of the universe", you will be disappointed in this book. James Van Praagh is just a man. But, if you want to gain insight into life after death as experienced by a very talented Medium, then you will enjoy (and learn a lot from) this book.
  
  
• Its not just another book about Ghosts
  By A28YSPZ4IPAX91 on 2008-05-31
  I will admit, if you were to search the internet there has been well over 100 books written about Ghosts !! James Van Praagh, has this way about writing, if you know his voice you can hear him recite his stories in this book, the compassion he has for those spirits on the other side, and the technics he shares, about how to be responsible with your Psychic Gifts. Although I do not feel James Van Praagh, shares his stories to gain glory, he shares them because it's about life, yours and mine, And the Spirit world.
  
  Thanks James another top selling book !!
  
  Tuesday Miles
  
  
• Great Book - Ghost Whisperer
  By A4VBOARJF8PFT on 2008-05-23
  I am a great fan of James Van Praagh. I have read his other books. I saw him on Dr. Phil with Jennifer Love Hewitt. That was the first time that I saw him do cold readings of the audience. I love this book. It answered a lot of questions about ghosts. The CBS show the Ghost Whisperer is based on the life work of his friend.
  
  
• Well worth reading
  By AKKQ7LNIBPY4Y on 2008-05-29
  Inspiring, thought provoking, motivating. This book makes you pause to evaluate your outlook on life here and now and your spiritual self.
  
  
• Too Many Contradictions to Be Believable
  By AZ4GJKGPWF453 on 2008-06-05
  I thought this would be interesting - and it was. But so much of it is new age, and there's a lot of contradictions.
  
  It was disturbing to hear that he researches places before he does his "thing".
  
  Buy it for the entertainment value and if it brings you, or someone you know, peace of mind. Just be prepared to be disappointed.
  
  
• Ghosts Amoung Us
  By AAZZPQU1TRYZ4 on 2008-06-19
  I found the author to be pompous at times in his style of writing. The narrative itself, from the author's perspective, was interesting, but should not be taken as fact. I think the material is of a more subjective nature, and those who wish to read his book should read similar material by different authors to gain a collective perspective.
  
  
• Glaring Flaws
  By A1NW1KWZWGO81C on 2008-08-25
  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.
  
  
• Ghosts are among us.
  By A2W2CCB5MABXXT on 2008-06-13
  This publication follows the same format as his previous books and is a fairly quick read. Knowing James personally, I can say without a doubt, he's the real deal. I do believe and "Ghosts Among Us" will make you a believer too.
  
  
• Guess Who Came to Visit?
  By A2A6MUHW4SXNF4 on 2008-06-15
  My Mother passed away when I was ten (never saying "Goodbye") and over the last 49 years I have wanted to make a connection, but never knew how. While reading "Ghosts Among Us", I asked my Mother to give me a sign that she was with me. I told her that I would be aware of the sign or signs....well.....she has sent me many signs and I love knowing that she is with me.
  "Ghost Among Us" has given me a comfort of death and what is on the other side. If you love The Ghost Whisperer, you will love "Ghost Among Us".
  
  
  
• A most enjoyable and satisfying read
  By A1AKS7HDFDJ2IW on 2008-06-20
  Having had parents who, like Van Praagh, were clairaudient and clairvoyant, reading this book was like hearing them tell their entertaining stories about the spirits they could both see and hear. Only Van Praagh takes it a step further and describes the Astral plane where many find themselves after dying. He tells the ways in which our loved ones try to communicate to us that they are still with us. This book is a wonderful gift for people who desire to know more about what happens to us when we die, and will take away the fear of death.
  
  
  
• a rehash of his other works
  By AKMEQVEGXMT63 on 2008-06-23
  I have two concerns about this book. First, when I purchase a new work, I expect that the majority--if not all--of the book will be new, not to mention compelling. While I'm a fan of Van Praagh and believe he truly has a gift, I was disappointed by the number of anecdotes in the book which sounded eerily familiar (no pun intended.) I've heard or read these same stories before. My second objection to James' latest book is more theoretical. He contends that each of us creates our own version of heaven--kind of the "we create our own reality" idea, only James asserts that this ability extends to the afterlife. If this is so--and I'm not saying it isn't--then how can he be so certain that what he writes about the afterlife is "correct"? He is, after all, basing his understanding on what he's heard from spirits who have crossed over, and who may simply be relating what they have created there. So, James, what IS the "Truth About the Other Side"?
  
  
• Good Information
  By ARV3VGUE65AZ0 on 2008-05-30
  The book is not heavy reading; most of it is fun and good diversion. But there was one part that was, at least I hope, good for my job. I work for an agency that has jurisdiction over some "Haunted" historical sites and we sometimes get calls from "Ghost hunters" who want to search. The chapter on how to tell a good ghost hunter from a fly-by-night was interesting. I saved that section to clipping and gave to my supervisor so if/when we decide to allow someone in for that purpose, we will at least know how to tell it they are reputable.
  
  
• More To Life Than Mere Mortality
  By A215ACAAUTYSXP on 2008-06-18
  I love books about this sort of stuff, and this one was intriguing. While no one can truly know for certain exactly what lies in the spirit realm (without being a spirit themselves), this book comes close to revealing what can be learned ghosts, spirits and aparitions. Definitely worth a read whether you believe in ghosts or not.
  
  How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
  
  Real Life Dramas - Volume One
  
  Darren G. Burton
  
  
• A Beautiful Book
  By A1ED9ARETH53AK on 2008-10-10
  If you are ready to hear it, GHOSTS AMONG US is what the afterlife is truly like. I make this claim based on my own extensive research, experiences by family members who have seen their loved ones after death and in the manner described by Van Praagh. But he summarizes and presents the information in the best manner I've seen. And its not at all frightening. In fact it is much more hopeful than most religious dogma I've heard.
  
  Covering everything from those who don't believe they are dead, to those who choose to return to earth (reincarnate), Van Praagh presents the most extensive view I've read so far, including a discussion on other dimensions. And you don't need a physics degree to understand.
  
  Do not hesitate to purchase this book. Another in the same vein but from a vastly different perspective is Imbrogno's INTERDIMENSIONAL UNIVERSE.
  
  
• Couldn't Put it Down
  By AA7C257556J75 on 2008-05-31
  My fascination with the paranormal drew me to this book and I couldnt put this book down. In fact, I read it in a few sittings. James Van Praagh delivers a fascinating look into his experiances as a medium and provides readers with information about the spirit world and our encounters. Of particular comfort to me was the explanation of life after death. The reading is light and easy and content fascinating. Even though I'm now left more questions that before I began the book it really has opened my mind and I look forward to more from the author.
  
  
• Ghosts Among Us
  By A1YRLBM9J9BVH9 on 2008-06-09
  This book is a well written and informative as James Van Praaghs other books. For anyone wanting to know how it 'works' on the other side and share in his experiences you can not go wrong by purchasing this book. I would not hesitate in recommending this book for reading. He writes with a passion that is amazing and explanation that is easy to understand and take in. Number 1 reading in my view
  
  
• ghosts among us
  By A13LHWSYVWODBV on 2008-06-13
  One of the best books I've ever read. Couldn't put it down. Read it in 3 days. Very interesting and informative about life after death. Very well written and easy to understand. Gives yo a new perspective, when life doesn't go as well as we'd like
  
  

• Talking to Heaven: A Medium's Message of Life After Death
• Do Dead People Watch You Shower?: And Other Questions You've Been All but Dying to Ask a Medium
• Life Among the Dead
• Meditations with James Van Praagh
• End of Days: Predictions and Prophecies About the End of the World