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50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Emotional and Fascinating, June 1, 2006
This review is from: We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us (Hardcover)
"Medium" is a great television show...but this book is the reality. No hollywood effects or twists here, this is the life of a real deal woman with an extraordinary ability.
Allison DuBois tells of her gift in such a matter-of-fact way you can't help but be fascinated...her writing reads like someone's journal or diary, just personal recollections in no particular order...a stream of remembrances, much like her first book "Don't Kiss Them Good-bye". She also expresses an uncommon belief that it is a natural gift and not necessarily something that can be learned, so there are no "do this exercise and you too can be a psychic" promises.
Also refreshing in her writing approach is the audience she seems to be writing for...Mrs. DuBois takes a particular interest in young mediums and beginning mediums, shows a great concern for them and seems to write from a "been there, done that, learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of others" mindset...this motherly approach is appreciated and quite endearing.
Her concern for her clients and their well-being is paramount to her and that comes through as well. She peppers the text with personal accounts from her clients', sharing their stories and experiences with her. Personal stories of loved ones lost are explored repeatedly through the chapters...these stories are sometimes enlightening, sometimes saddening, sometimes inspiring, sometimes reassuring and other times painful...they are all difficult to read, you feel so much pain for her clients, I can't help but wonder how she copes with helping people with their pain so much on a regular basis.
Another thing I really like about her is that she doesn't get too detailed in regards to her clients and doesn't get wrapped up in trying to "prove" herself and her abilities. She is often criticized for not giving too many specifics in her books in an effort to "prove her abilities" and "legitimize her work", however these same critics would not expect the same from Pastors or Ministers who counsel the grieving, or anyone else who claims to have a connection and relationship with the Divine. So, it's okay for a Baptist Preacher to say that they speak to God and God speaks to them, but it's not okay for Allison and other Mediums to say they've spoken with loved ones from the other side? Pastors and Ministers should not have to "prove" themselves by breaching client confidentiality and neither should reputable Mediums and Psychics like Allison. Her work ethic is simple proof (in my mind) that she respects her clients' privacy and genuinely cares about them, her credentials and history should be all the "proof" you need of her "legitimacy". Science can only prove so much anyway...there comes a time when you simply choose to have faith and believe in the unbelievable or question and refuse that which you cannot see under a microscope.
Emotional, fascinating, and easy to read.
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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but ...., July 13, 2006
This review is from: We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us (Hardcover)
Like most people who have watched the tv series, I was eager to read this book.
Things I liked: reading more about people's stories and what happened to them. I liked the honesty in the book.
Things I didn't like: not having read the first book, I found the writing style hard to comprehend. Right up until the last pages, I found it difficult to understand who was writing. Was it Allison, or one of the people she had helped. Whilst it was interesting and necessary to put both perspectives, I would have been more comfortable with a different style of editing, where it was really clear what the incident was, and who was writing - either Allison or some other person. Sure, as you read you work it out, but I found it stopped the flow of the story as I had to stop and think about whose perspective it was. I almost took out a pen to mark the book in a way that the next reader could work out easily who was who.
Summary: overall a good read for those interested in more of the work of Allison DuBois, and particularly helpful for those who have lost a close friend or family member. It's only due to the editing that I've rated it less that a 5 star. That being said, that style of writing and editing might suit others.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WE ARE THEIR HEAVEN Why the Dead Never Leave Us, July 16, 2006
This review is from: We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us (Hardcover)
I read both books this weekend. I enjoyed Allison's easy style; She writes from the heart, with sensitivity for the grieving.
Both books answered questions I had about some experiences I had: How to welcome visits and identify those undeveloped gifts in others and myself. I especially liked Allison's sharing about her family, the MEDIUM series, and her discussion with a Catholic priest who is also a medium. Excellent work!
I certainly will buy Allison's next book!
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