One Last Time: A psychic medium speaks to those we have loved and lost

by John Edward

Looking back, John Edward now sees the early signs that he was destined to become an acclaimed psychic and medium. "There were times when I knew things I shouldn't have known," he writes. "Simple things like who was coming over, or who was on the phone." He knew events in family history that no one had told him about. He was inexplicably fascinated with television characters that possessed supernatural powers. He'd see auras around schoolteachers and hear voices that whispered true information in his mind. Eventually his gifts expanded into hearing the names of spirits "who'd gone to the other side." Finally, as a teenager Edward began to claim rather than question his psychic abilities and committed his life work to pursuing and learning about his gifts. Now that he has become a renowned medium (appearing on numerous talk shows, including Larry King Live), Edwards has written an entertaining "my life as a psychic" type of autobiography, packed with fascinating true stories. At the same time, Edward offers an engaging self-help book, teaching readers how to visit a medium and even showing seekers how they can recognize and develop their own psychic abilities. --Gail Hudson

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paranormal, Memoir, Biography, New Age, Autobiography

265 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

Reviews

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son in law surprised my daughter with tickets to see John Edward when he was in Ohio a few months ago. A skeptic, my son in law came away believing that the John Edward has a very real gift.

In this book the author tells his journey, beginning with experiences when he was four. His mother was very spiritual, and it came as no surprise when later in life she connected with him after her transition.

Told in very simplistic terms with an honest integrity, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the authors style. Never defensive or pushy, he tells instances of when spirits connect with him and the many lessons he learns by helping others. I got the sense that while he periodically taps into a higher plain, he is indeed a very down to earth, non self aggrandizing man.

On a personal note, I was interested when he noted how to discern when loved ones communicate with us in dreams opposed to simply dreaming about that specific person. Many years ago my great grandmother appeared to me in a very vivid dream. To this day, I still remember the love that shone through and her message to me.

Even skeptics might take a look at this book and dip their toes into the clear water of understanding there is another place after we are finished here on earth.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

My curiosity was piqued - how does John Edward know n amazing amount about people's lives and more specifically their dead relatives? This book was interesting in that it explained how he is able to "communicate" with what he believes are the dead. He did a great job explaining his experiences, I thought. And what was especially nice is that he did not draw conclusions about the afterlife. He leaves that to the reader.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of how John Edward discovered his special gift. I definitely enjoyed this. It has some good insights into what it is like having his gift, how it works for him, what he brings to others' lives when he gives a reading to that person. I've been to see John Edward at one of his larger gatherings, it is very moving, and very special.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the stories of the links to the spirit world. I have had my own experiences that rang true with this book. These were my favorite quotes and thoughts:

Other side is about our souls climbing to higher levels. One presumption many people have is that the instant we cross over we immediately acquire ultimate wisdom. But spirits don't have all the answers. Whether they learned the lessons they were supposed to learn and where they are in their soul's progression

Current physical life is only a brief stop on our soul's journey to higher levels of Godliness

Skeptical is someone who is thinking

They are spirits living in the spirit world, which mean that their emotions are tempered by the happiness of being there.

They're most interested in assuring us that they are all right, they know this is really what we need to hear. Time as we know it has no meaning.

Not every dream of a dead relative is a visit; many are our way of dealing with the loss. A visit is profound, a gift. It feels incredibly vivid and real, and stays with us much longer than a standard dream. While the details of most dreams dissove from memory within a few hours a visit will be remembered clearly years later. But it doesn't ,ean that everything in a dream visit will make perfect sense.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, this book fell upon me for a reason. A spirit is pushing me to undestand their world....but who? I really don't know that many dead people (thankfully).... This book got my attention and had me thinking, but it is not written by a writer....but a medium. Don't expect flowery sentences or amazing images. Expect a book written as if John is talking to you....I enjoyed his TV show, Crossing Over, so I was not a sceptic reading this book.

The story has some pretty freaky stories....and it makes you wonder how it all works in the end. I would recommend for those looking for another explanation to what happens after you die.

Oh----and I looked into seeing John Edward in person. $176 to see him do a reading. Ouch.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been passed around our family and has been sitting on shelves for a number of years now. I happened to pick this up to finally read a month or so before John Edwards happened to be doing a public reading in MN. I bought my parents tickets to see him thinking perhaps someone had me read this now and look up his tour schedule. Well they went and no one had anything to say to them... but it was still an interesting read and a subject matter that has intrigued me and will continue to intrigue me for years to come.

[Dezirea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading about his experiences and I liked his honesty and making it clear that what you've seen about mediums and readings in movies is misleading - readings aren't always good, you can't expect a reading to have a major revelation, unlock hidden secrets etc. He makes it clear that the fact that your loved one comes through for a reading at all is an amazing act of love and that anything they have to share is important and should be appreciated.

[Amanda Turenchalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being unsure of John Edward's true powers, it was still a good story whether or not it was a memoir or a work of fiction.

[Stephanie Ziegler]

What I loved the most about this book were the stories he told. Yes, learning how Edward started with his abilities and how they adapted throughout the years was very interesting. But the stories of how people’s readings can become so intertwined with other people and even their readings is remarkable. I do not even want to give an example because I want you to read it for yourself.

I first heard of John Edward when he had his television show. I do not know where he has been the past few years, but I came across this book and it was like it was calling my name. I found it shocking that what Edward believes about the “Other Life” and what happens to us when we die is exactly the way I think it is. I grew up grappling with faith and thought when you are dead…you are dead. However, within the last five years my feelings began to change and I held a belief that was different from the norm. I felt a sense of satisfaction and peace knowing there is someone else out there, even of his ability, who believes the same things that I do. I believe picking up this book thirteen years after it was published was a sign to me, to continue to have faith.

If you don’t believe me, check it out for yourself!

Until next time, take life one page at a time!

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed TV Psychic John Edward's memoir of how he became someone who talks to dead people. I confess I've been enthralled by many episodes of the tv show "Crossing Over" where Edward's apparently translates messages from the other side. I've also been enthralled watching a confessed charlatan do a very similar act on some TV special I flipped to. So can John Edward receive sounds and symbols from spirits? I don't know. If so, we have a case of transposition in the sense C.S. Lewis uses when discussing tongues. In short, the existence of a purely physical phenomena that closely mimics a purported spiritual phenomena does not disprove the possible existence of the spiritual phenomena. Oversimplifying Lewis's argument, he states that while he suspects most cases of speaking in tongues is merely acting and hysteria, that fact would not disprove the possibility of people speaking an angelic language. Applied here, that charlatans can do quite convincing sham readings for a willing audience, that doesn't disprove some people may actually be able to contact the dead to some degree. Is John Edward one of those people? It's possible even he does not know for certain.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by this whole medium thing and have watched John Edward on tv a lot. The scriptures say that we are all given gifts, and I think John Edward has the gift of talking to the dead. Hey, do the research: they tested him at U of Arizona and he was 80% correct. The control group got like 10% or something. Anyway, I think he's a very sweet, very soft-hearted good Catholic boy who just wants to help people communicate with lost loved ones. What's wrong with that? Would I spend the big bucks to go for a reading? Probably not...but hey, this is a really interesting look into the life of a psychic medium.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book before I attended an event of his. This really provided some insight into his background and an explanation of how his ability works. Fascinating, although not nearly as fascinating as seeing him in person, that was incredible. I'm certainly a skeptic, but I'm open minded enough to recognize that he has a very real ability that is quite intriguing.

[Dianna (SavingsInSeconds blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read One Last Time because I'm interested in hearing stories about the afterlife. This was such a positive, uplifting book. In several examples, the author was able to draw correlations between seemingly unconnected individuals he'd met. That was so fascinating to me! It's a worthwhile read, and one that might offer a little peace for those suffering from grief.

[Margee Fagelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for self-education purposes. I expected it to be lousy or new-agey or preachy. In fact, it was intelligent, articulate, amusing and extremely well-written and fast-paced. Far superior to the books he'd read on his journey.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing account of John Edward's skill of communicating with people who have passed on, told with humour and compassion, very moving accounts of healing given to people who are grieving for lost loved ones and hard-core cynics being convinced that it is for real.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can't benefit from wise words that make it clear to us that we should love and appreciate those around us. And, given a choice to lose our connection with loved ones who have passed away, or to feel that connection around us as we live our lives, I chose the second option.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiographical account of psychic medium who "sees dead people" who want to send message to loved ones that they are OK. Started as a teenager.
Also provides an extended reverie or meditation script for the reader to record for themselves.

[Cheryl Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved John Edward's candid way of relaying his history and desire to convey the message that there truly is more to this world than is seen by most of us. I recommend this book not just to believers but to everyone. I'm now reading his second.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting perspective. John Edward is a very good writer regardless of how you feel about what he does. He is a very likable person and unlike MOST in his field makes no attempt to sway your beliefs one way or the other. Refreshing!!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read his books just to read them, they are very controversial, but I have an opened mind and thought they were an easy read and well written.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Interesting

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look into medium abilities.

[Gayle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and enjoyable book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you will love or hate. I recommend it to anyone with an open mind.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe John Edward has the gift to speak to the dead. He explains how he got into the "business" and how "the boys", his guides have helped shape his career. He is a very interesting read.

[Mysticpaganwitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again was ok, still prefer 'Crossing Over'.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychic medium speaks to those who have loved and Lost. I liked this one. There is a lot about his mother who gave him trouble from the other side.

[Patricia Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just like John Edward, I think he's for real, so I found this interesting.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read, very good book, helps a lot when you have lost loved ones to know they are okay.

[Wes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read for the author to explain the gift of mediumship to a doubting world, an attempt to bring the controversial practice into the legitimate limelight.