Customer Reviews

The Other Side and Back

5 star:		(151)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(23)

 

 

Sylvia Browne takes a different approach in "The Other Side and Back" by making it a guide to achieving and understanding the lessons she's become famous for teaching the world. It has a few repeated items items from "Adventures of a Psychic", only because those facts are important to know for the in-depth study of the lessons in the new book. I thought I had found out all Sylvia had to teach(from watching her lectures on TV, reading her biography, and attending a live lecture), but I learned SO MANY new things, I was astonished and somewhat embarrassed that I had assumed I knew it all already. "The Other Side and Back" tells us all about the dark side,where the bad people go since there is no flame-ridden hell like we had assumed, how to astral travel in our dreams, interesting (and humorous) ideas and stories about the mind and its potential.I loved this book because it gave an all around revitalizing look at how we can control our mindset and vocabulary to lead more positive, learned lives and finally reach our home with God.

this book actually did "change my life". I am a recent college graduate who is very scientific minded, but I grew up in a very religious household, so I am at a point in my life where I am quite skeptical of anything pertaining to "God" or "angels" or "spirits", etc. But I have seen Sylvia on Montel Williams, and I was curious enough to buy this book. I am so glad that I did, because whether or not any of it is true, I came away with such a feeling of peace, self-worth, and control over my life, that it was more than worth the price of the book. I have more insight into things I always felt may be true, and I also understand and accept with much more peace things that happen around me and to me. I try now, more than ever, to learn from every experience. The guidance, humor, and warmth make this book a wonderful read. Highly recommended. Thank you, Sylvia!

I highly recommend the book, "The Other Side and Back" by Sylvia Browne, but can't say the same for the audio cassette edition. A LOT is missing in the audio version; I found one section where 10 complete pages were omitted. Also, there is not a single one of the 'exercises' in the audio version. A severe omission in my opinion.

After reading the book, I purchased the audio version for a friend who is blind. I was surprised when in a conversation a few weeks after giving my friend the audio 'book', he did not share my enthusiasm for it. One of his biggest critiques was the lack of continuity of the 'book'. I did not understand that at all, and asked if I could borrow the cassettes to listen to. After listening for about a half hour, I too felt a lack of continuity in the book. I then tried to follow the book as the cassette played, but it was next to impossible. The changes and omissions are that great; such a shame. (By the way, I have since read the entire book to my friend. He now appreciates and shares my enthusiasm for the book - the hardcover that is!)

BUYER BEWARE - The audio version is NOT the same.

I purchased three copies of this book; one for myself, one for my daughter, and one for a friend who had recently lost a loved one. This book does help you find some solace when you are "searching" as I was, and still am, after the loss of my son. Sylvia does present certain insight to allow you to identify and find your own way to your personal quest for answers. Sylvia is very matter-of-fact in her writings, and it's easy to relate and understand the scenarios she presents to get her point across. I did also purchase the audio tape set relevant to this book. However, if you plan to attend one of her lectures, do not bother to purchase the tapes, as the lectures are almost verbatim, except for audience questions, to what is on the tapes. In fact, if you want Sylvia to autograph your book, don't buy it until you attend the lecture. She only autographs the books she and her "ministers" sell at the lecture. In Sylvia's book, "Adventures of a Psychic," she makes comment about a psychic she herself went to see when she was only beginning to do more than private readings. Sylvia was diappointed with the non-sympathetic, show-biz demeanor of the psychic that was bluntly answering heart-felt questions from the audience and saying virtually..."Next!"...without even taking the time to pause and be sincere with the person asking the question. Unfortunately, I must say, Sylvia is guilty of this very same thing with her lecture audiences...too much show-biz...not enough respect for the person truly seeking answers to questions that are heart-wrenching. I attended her lecture "To The Other Side and Back" in Seattle, in August after my son passed on in April. The lecture encompassed no more than the tapes I had bought just previous to the lecture. My daughter, my son's friends, friends from my work place,and I went away that night very disappointed in Sylvia and her lack of concern for the audience. Her granddaughter, although adorable, was not only a distraction to the lecture but an unnecessary part of such a serious gathering. I am writing Sylvia and Montel Williams about my disdain with the "show-biz" aspect of Sylvia's lectures. I urge her to stop touring for the dollars if she is truly tired of touring. She is doing none of us a favor by continuing, just for the money.

I found this book to be refreshing. Syliva helps you learn to love your spirituality. She gives advice on how to be more in touch with God and your angels and spirit guides. She gives a beautiful prayer at the end and many little daily prayers to say throughout the day. This book answers many questions we all sometimes wonder about. Questions Syliva knows through her God given gift. I belive she is telling the truth and simply wants to help all of humankind live their lives according to God's plan and also most important she wants us to know that God loves us all.

I received this book as christmas gift. I spent 2 days totally buried in this book, I couldn't put it down. I t really addresses the topics we have questions about. I felt very reassured that life is not just a pointless happening. God does love us all. I would highly reccomend this book if you want to know more about why your here and what the meaning of it all is. Sylvia is an inspiration to us all, and her book gave me some comfort.

I can't speak for the rest of you, but what I can speak of is the preparation of my mothers death. My Mother passed on January 9th, 2000, she died on my fathers 68th birthday, and Sylvia, I ordered your book on Monday the Jan 3rd and received it on the 5th of Jan, I do have to say your book prepared me for my mothers death, I now know she isn't dead only her body is, I look forward to seeing her in my dreams, I can't wait until we meet on the other side, I am so sad that I miss my mother, but then again happy that she is in a peaceful place. Mom I am here for you if you need me.... So is sylvia.... Mom I love you

Like many others who have bought this book my interest was initiated by seeing Sylvia on the Montel Williams show. I find her writing persona, just like her TV one, to be very genuine. Whether you believe all she has to say or not I think this book is extremely thought provoking about the after life. I personally believe none of us truly know what lies ahead. We need to search for our own meaning and focus in life. Sylvia's version is a very optimistic one. What she has to say in her book has left me very positive as I approach each new day and has renewed my interest in putting more effort into re-establishing my spirtuality. I'm a non-practicing Catholic and Sylvia's philosophy gave me much to think about in terms of why I left the church and how I'd like to have God back in my life.

People will never again have to worry about loved ones or even themselves passing on to the otherside. I know for a fact that Sylvia Browne is right on the money. Things that I have thought to be, have been validated in her writings. She can bring peace to your life if you are willing to open up and recieve, not only her information, but information that comes from the GOODNESS of God. Sylvia invites debate and provides accurate, undeniable answers. If she is not a self-proclaimed Prophet, she damn sure should be. BUY THIS BOOK AND LET YOUR SELF-DEGRADATING WAYS GO!

I had three major issues with this book. It was uncomfortable reading that every one on the other side is 30 years old and that we get 5 exit points. These seem too convenient and almost childish. Sylvia has done a disservice to herself and her readers by peppering her book with Christian teachings. By taking this approach, she severly restricted its universal appeal. I strongly believe that religion has nothing to do with spirituality and I don't think Sylvia has learned this lesson yet. Spirituality transcends religion and is beyond petty religious differences. Spiritiuality is broad and deep, very broad and deep. You have to lose your identity, before you can experience spirituality and that is a lesson that religion does not teach us. Religion thrives on differences, while spirtuality emphasizes interconnectedness. Just witness the turmoil throughout this wonderful world and you will realize that for most religions spiritualism is dead.

Finally, Sylvia why did you include that chapter on predictions? You did yourself a great disservice. This chapter alone destroyed your credibility in my eyes. You made no reference to: September 11 2001; the Taliban's fall, Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda's terrorism; Sadam Hussien's ungraceful fall; North Korea's leader; the Colombia disaster; the Iraq war; the successful Mars landing; the Bush, Gore presidential fight. And why did you think it was necessary to predict the events in the lives of some Hollywood celebrities? Pretty petty stuff in the light of what you missed.

Sylvia, I hope, these constructive criticisms will not compel you to cast me in the role of a Dark entity.