Customer Reviews

We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

"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.

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.

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!

This book helps us see more clearly what we cannot touch or feel. It is also a great comfort and reassurance for anyone who has lost a loved one or who works in a field dealing with deaths of all kinds and grief. Allison writes in such a style that you feel like you're relaxed and having an informal conversation with an old friend. It is an easy read and answered alot of questions I had about life after death. Her answers are backed up by the fact that she has been researched by an Arizona university and she works for the police department so she's the real thing.

If you're a fan of the TV show "Medium," you'll enjoy We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us, by Allison DuBois. Chapter 3 compares basic premises of the television show with the real medium's life. If DuBois forbade the writing of the show unless everything about her, her husband (Joe), and their three daughters was accurate, the writers couldn't be closer except for using the girls' real names! They even wrote an episode just like an experience DuBois had but never told them!

The insider's look at readings was what I especially appreciated. Most of the text recounts reading experiences in the words of those who sought out DuBois for a reading. Each section relate what the client heard and experienced, then repeats the incident from the medium's point of view. Particularly interesting is how living people who do not know each other are brought together because their loved ones have met on the other side and seemingly "conspired" to communicate with someone left behind. DuBois is constantly surprised by the intricacies exposed.

If you've watched John Edward or another public medium, you'll already know that what some of those who've crossed over say seems remarkably insignificant. "Say the word `Jellybean.'" The value of DuBois's book is that she tries to explain why these choices are made.

She specifically states that no one she has ever seen or heard from "across the vale" has done or said anything to hurt anyone. What she does not report is what happens on the other side to people who are wicked here and now. Yes, murder victims forget their perpetrators as inconsequential. But is there no hell? Is everyone good--even the fathers who neglected their families?

Her objective is to bring comfort and connectedness. If you think you're being reminded of a certain thing by someone who has passed, you are. If you hear a song on the radio that makes you think of them, they put it on the air. The deceased are much better at moving objects, skewing pictures and blinking lights than they are at simply appearing and saying Hello to all but the most sensitive among us. Hence the heavenly collaborations.

When I have issues involving the loss of my Mother, this book gives me renewed belief and strength that there is indeed live after death.
Loved this book!!

Enjoyable, easy reading, and, interesting book. One can read this book in one-sitting, or, it can be read leisurely. If you believe in mediums, this may be too elementary for you. If you are looking for an introduction to mediums, this book will be an inspiration to you. If you just want to relax and read a good book, this is a book for you.

I can't begin to tell you how much this book has helped me. Allison is a wonderful writer. By the time I was done with her book I felt a peace I haven't felt in awhile. I now know my mom and dad are with me. I don't feel so alone. Even though I can't see them, I know they are with me. Thanks Allison.

A conversationalist style, as if Allison had been talking next to me. I got to understand my mom and aunt who are also mediums.
It has nothing to do with the series, but it is highly recommended!
Touching, tear-jerking, I could not put it down.

Allison DuBois is a medium and a famous one at that; many people know her through her link to Oprah Winfrey and the television show based on her life, Medium. This book gives more insight into what a medium does, and what Ms. DuBois feels that those who have passed on are trying to communicate to us.

I thoroughly enjoyed the readings Ms. DuBois recounts; her chapter on people who had lost children was extremely poignant. She relates how her own daughters seem to be developing these skills, and she gives us glimpses of her own personal life. I found it interesting that she has had difficult reaching her own father who has died; she explains that she is too emotionally involved, though it is coming easier to her now. Ms. DuBois provides enough information to make even skeptics wonder how she accomplishes the details she gives her clients.

This book is quick reading; Ms. DuBois has an easy style in both her writing and her readings. Occasionally she gives great nuggets of advice that would apply to both the living and the deceased, such as making peace with one another as soon as possible. At times, however, she does become a bit didactic. I also would have preferred more examples of her police work and less of her philosophizing, but overall this is indeed a thought-provoking book that can be easily digested for both skeptics and believers alike.