Customer Reviews

Ghosts, Spirits, and Hauntings

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The thing I love about this book is it is NOT a ghost story book but a "how to" (which the reviewer below might have gathered from the back cover copy). The idea is to show readers how to recognize what might be a psychic imprint, what may be a ghost, and would could be nature.. all very good bits of wisdom and logic by which to judge uncommon situations. I love this approach - there's been enough ghost stories in the world. This is about dealing with ghosts and hauntings proactively!

A very balanced look at ghosts and hauntings, including loads of information for skeptics and believers alike. From the various types of ghosts believed to exist to ghostly imposters that fool our senses - this book covers it all.

The book helped me to differentiate the spirits from other phaenomena not caused by them. It is an aid in this wide subject, neatly written and wonderfully explained. It also provides alternative explanations for the phaenomena from an sceptical point of view as well as practical advice when facing ghosts or spirits.

I have only one complain bout it: I had expected it to be far thicker!

This book was enjoyable to read. I like the way it was set up without too-much superstition or hard to believe stories.
I would recommend a related ghost hunting book titled: HUNTING THE DEAD Methods of Ghost Chasing.

This is a great, down-to-earth look at ghosts (um... maybe that's the wrong way to say it). I really like the balance of what we know against what we believe to be true in this book... and the stories from people around the country are really terrific! They show how our experiences with ghosts bind us together and provide some "universal" foundations to our beliefs.

Ghosts, Spirits and Hauntings is not a book of ghost stories, but rather a simple "how-to" book on recognizing the differences between hauntings, psychic phenomena and natural occurrences. Ms. Telesco also makes it very clear that she is writing from the standpoint of an "ardent believer" and she does not expect anyone else to hold her views, but rather use their own discernment.

She starts off the book by talking about different cultural perspectives on what the soul may possibly do outside of the body (including images of the hereafter and reincarnation). She talks about near death experiences, out of body experiences and spirit communication through dreams.

She also talks about ghosts, and whether they may be angry, fettered or fearful and what you can do to help these ghosts along their way. I also found her section on the energies accumulated around homes very interesting, and she even gives some simple steps for clearing a haunted house.

In each chapter she has a section called "The Skeptical Advisor" in which she gives possible alternatives to what may be perceived as a ghostly encounter or haunting.

She also has a small section dedicated to spirit communication, which is not so much about teaching the "hows" but rather just describing the different means through which spirit communication can take place (i.e., ouija boards... automatic writing... mediumship and channeling)

Ms. Telesco's writing is enjoyable and easy to understand and the book is very well laid out. It's a very quick read (only 154 pages). All in all, this was a fun little book designed for those inexperienced with the ghostly realms and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about hauntings and ghosts.

Ghosts, Spirits and Hauntings by Patricia Telesco offers a balanced, comprehensive look at the subject, all while remaining fun to read. Trish begins the book talking about souls, final resting places, reincarnation and the cases for and against. The book is scattered with personal accounts from many different people, and also a "Skeptical Advisor" that provides more sensible explanations for some of these phenomenon. OBE's and NDE's are outlined, with definitions and accounts of each.

The next section, The Spectral Register, explains and describes the different types of ghosts, their characteristics and reasons for being the way they are. (EX: angry ghosts may harbor fury toward one who's still living.) False Faces covers other astral beings, such as angels and faeries, who may be mistaken for ghosts. This chapter is well-written and offers a ton of information. The next chapter gives signs of, protections for, and remedies for suspected hauntings.

The last chapter, Communicating with the Dead, gives information on channeling, mediumship, Ouija, and other types of communication, giving methods and warnings about each. The appendices cover Spirit Superstitions, Historical Haunts, and a glossary. For anyone interested in a well-researched book about ghosts without sensationalism, Ghosts, Spirits and Hauntings is the book to acquire. I highly recommend it for its comprehensive information, detailed summaries, and healthy outlook.

I have to honestly say that this is a quaint little book that's basically a compiled list of one lady's experiences with ghosts. It's entertaining at times but I honestly expected much more. Overall I was pretty dissatisfied. If you get it as a gift then consider reading it but I'm not sure I would drop my own money on this title.

I was severely disappointed with this book. While it is not hard to read, it is not about ghosts/ghost stories. It is about categories of ghosts. This is fine if one is writing about dogs, but seems overly intellectualized for ghosts. Since the "objective evidence" is sparce, it seems recounting and analyzing stories is better use of the page. If you want a treatment of ghosts similar to a treatment of dog breeds, buy this book. If you are looking for interesting ghost stories, avoid it.