The Truth About Psychics: What's Real, What's Not, and How to Tell the Difference [Hardcover]

Sylvia Browne (Author), Lindsay Harrison (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2009

How do psychic abilities work...and how can you tell if they're real?

In this fascinating look into the history of spiritualism, celebrity psychic Sylvia Browne tells all: what's real, what's not, and how to tell the difference! Starting with her own personal odyssey, Sylvia covers the history of psychics dating from biblical times and reveals the truth about everything from witches and talking boards to angels and astral projection. Did you know...

• If someone tells you that an object is "haunted"...they are probably fooling you. Objects can retain impressions of prior owners, like a photograph, but they don't contain the spirits of those on the Other Side.

• If you get rid of one item in your house...it should be the talking board. Using one is like leaving your front door unlocked, inviting anyone (good or evil) to waltz right in.

• Why Sylvia didn't believe in "living ghosts"...until she had a terrifying experience that changed her mind. The phenomenon called a doppelgänger happened to her more than forty years ago.

• How to tell if a psychic is giving you a good reading...or just followiwing a script. There are a few key phrases that can give away a fake.

Through a wealth of personal stories and research into the lives of great psychics, Sylvia offers solid advice on how to put valid procedures to use and ignore the rest. The Truth About Psychics explains how you can spot a fraud and shows you how to tap into your own spiritualism and develop legitimate psychic skills!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

People who think psychics are bogus won't touch this book, but the uncommitted, the curious and the convinced will find something they didn't know in the newest by prolific bestselling author and psychic Browne (Psychic Healing). The book's premise is a can't-lose proposition that bolsters Browne's trustworthiness: yep, says the psychic author, some psychics really are frauds, and I'll tell you how to spot them. One chapter debunks the notions of possession and curses and offers information on tricks mediums can play. Browne knows what she knows and offers a whirlwind tour of world religions as background for a more in-depth presentation of spiritualism and practices—and practitioners—of divination using various means. The author also tells the story of discovering her own psychic powers, writing about the paranormal in a disarming commonsense way. Browne's view of an afterlife as home makes death less fearsome for a death-averse culture. This book is particularly good for those who are curious about the psychic trade, because it covers so much ground. (Nov.)
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About the Author

Sylvia Browne grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and revealed her psychic gift at the age of three, announcing that her grandfather was dead (he was) and predicting she would have a baby sister in three years (she did). Browne began her professional career in 1973 with a small meeting in her home. Within a year Browne’s practice had grown so much that she incorporated the business as the Nirvana Foundation for Psychic Research.

Browne is a true professional: she maintains required business licenses, is a member of a national consumer protection agency, and donates a large portion of her time to charitable organizations and also works with police to investigate missing persons and other criminal cases. She has consulted with police and FBI on several high-profile cases, including the disappearance of Chandra Levy and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Currently the president of her business, now known as the Sylvia Browne Corporation, Browne also founded her own church, the Society of Novus Spirit. Her most recent business venture is The Sylvia Browne Hypnosis Training Center, where her unique, proven hypnosis methods for personal and professional use are taught.

With twenty-two New York Times bestsellers, Browne is an accomplished author of more than 46 books. She appeared regularly on the Montel Williams Show for seventeen years, and has been a frequent guest on Larry King Live, travels the country at sold-out lectures, and regularly appears in the print media. Browne continues to do readings, and her son, Chris DuFresne, is also a psychic. She lives and practices in California.

Lindsay Harrison grew up in Massachusetts, and attended Brown University and Columbia School of the Arts. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.  This is her first book.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; First edition (December 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439149720
• ISBN-13: 978-1439149720
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #757,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Information!, December 6, 2009

By 

B Strong (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth About Psychics: What's Real, What's Not, and How to Tell the Difference (Hardcover)

I have always loved the fact that Sylvia Browne talks about God, not many psychics do that. I have been helped in many ways by all of her books and this book is no exception. I loved the information about Sylvia's roots as a 3rd generation psychic and how we all can hone our own psychic skills and learn to trust our instincts.
Good job Sylvia!

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars * A Good Read!! *, December 5, 2009

By 

Jose Gonzalez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Truth About Psychics: What's Real, What's Not, and How to Tell the Difference (Hardcover)

Very good book Sylvia, it's too bad there are others who purposely try to slam your integrity with meritless nonsense. But overall this book is very resourceful with info on what to look out for on readers. Delightfully inspiring and rings true to my soul. Yes unfortunately there are many bad apples from other 'psychics' who gives the good ones a bad name, but the truth within you Shall set you free no matter the obstacles. Good job! :)

11 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sort of a misleading title, January 17, 2010

By 

opheliac (naples, fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth About Psychics: What's Real, What's Not, and How to Tell the Difference (Hardcover)

This is a good starter book for those new to religious and metaphysical topics, as the majority of this book is spent giving a brief description of each. Only the very last (and small) section of the book deals with the title subject. Those who are familiar with her past work should pass this one by, since it is just a rehash of what she has written before.