Conversations with the Other Side

by Sylvia Browne

A dissertation on life, afterlife, and reincarnation given by the author's spirit guide, Francine. It presents a 'gnostic' view of the world and the reason for life.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Paranormal

174 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Sylvia Browne was an American author and self-proclaimed psychic who built a lucrative career through books, television appearances, and psychic readings. Known for her frequent guest spots on The Montel Williams Show and Larry King Live, she claimed to communicate with angels, spirit guides, and the deceased, and said she had psychic visions from the age of three. In 1986, she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a Gnostic Christian church, and ran a variety of businesses, reportedly earning millions annually.
Browne wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and maintained a dedicated fanbase throughout her life. However, her career was marked by controversy. She made numerous high-profile predictions about missing persons and criminal cases that were later proven false—errors that drew widespread criticism and scrutiny from skeptics and media outlets. A 2010 study by the Skeptical Inquirer concluded she had not been accurate in any verifiable case. Her reputation suffered further after her 1992 conviction for securities fraud.
Despite criticism from figures like James Randi and John Oliver, Browne retained a devoted following. Her vague prediction about a “pneumonia-like illness” spreading around 2020 drew renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remained a polarizing figure—revered by some, discredited by others—until her death in 2013 at the age of 77.

Reviews

[Katie Followell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a paranormal investigator, I wanted to read a Sylvia Browne book. I think it's important to hear all theories in the grand questions of life like "why are we here?" Or "why do we suffer?"

If you read Conversations with the Other Side at face value, almost everything she says makes perfect sense and almost leaves you with this super motivated "God loves me and this will all make sense one day" kind of vibes.

But maybe you're also a salty bitch like me who doesn't like being told that horrible stuff happens for a reason and that things like my friend dying young in a car accident was her decision on the other side. Or that some people choose to be murdered. I am genuinely insulted by that, and I am an advocate for encouraging people to not be insensitive when someone they know is grieving by not saying things like "well there is a plan for this." Because ultimately it can affect the person in the way you didn't intend--like making them question their relationship with God. BUT I DIGRESS

But ultimately--there was one line I bookmarked in the book that I think applies to our current culture whether the book is bullcrap or not-- "if you become too zealous in your fight against the negativity, you can ultimately perpetuate it."

Anyways, a quick thought-provoking read, even if you don't believe it.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not think this book was concise enough to be of value. It was confusing and hard to understand what "Francine’s" point was. It was not well thought out – I felt there was a lot of rambling. Also the reasoning behind why re-incarnation could be true was silly: because you can't prove it isn't true (Really? That's your best argument?) and because 2/3 of the world believes it is (If the majority thinks something is right it makes it right? Like when everyone thought the world was flat?) Bottom line - it was a waste of time.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out interesting, then started to lose it's credibility when she started describing the other side. There are much better authors on this subject.

[Nicole R · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not into this book. Not what I was looking for and not sure how reputable Sylvia is… much more religious than I anticipated.

[Jane Night · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sylvia Browne is extremely hit or miss for me. I like exploring new ideas about faith and her books often are food for thought. I try to be open-minded when reading her books even when there are huge issues with logic in the ideas discussed (a common problem with any faith-based book).

Francine tries to explain why people live and what life is like between lives. While the ideas presented are interesting I had a hard time really comprehending what she was trying to explain. Much of it didn't make sense and some things in the book contradicted other sections of the book or of Browne's other books.

As someone who is alive, I can't have an opinion about the accuracy of the claims made in the book but I did think some things touched on were problematic (and often contradictory). For instance, people consent to the way they die, even if they are murdered, but only people who hate themselves can get cancer (page 29). Animals go to the other side, unless they are animals people don't like such as rats (not sure if there are exceptions made for domesticated pet rats but if there isn't there certainly should be).

I won't even go into Browne's explanation for homosexuality and miscarriages. Let's just say I really was bothered by the contents of this book and felt that there were huge leaps in logic and commentary on issues that perhaps would have been better left alone. I don't know if Francine knows what she is talking about or not but, at the very least, the way the information was presented could have been significantly improved.

I also am wary of how often Francine mentioned the Gnostic Faith having the "real" answers to life's questions.

I don't want to dissuade anyone from reading this book. It is possible you will genuinely enjoy it and it will be a rich spiritual experience for you. It might give you comfort and answers about the meaning of life. Just go in knowing that some of the answers are problematic and may make you cringe.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a view of The Other Side in the words of Sylvia's spirit guide, Francine. Having read a later book in which Sylvia corrects one part of this one caused the three star rating, rather than four. I am very interested in this topic which is a challenge for me. If one could only read one of her books on this topic, I'd recommend Life on the Other Side, the later work. That one is in Sylvia's words and I gave it a five star rating.

[Mish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. I very much enjoy Sylvia Browne’s books. This one, however, is being channeled through her spirit guide, Francine. Each and every time I read one of her books I learn more and validate more of my own thoughts on the subjects she touches. This earth side incarnation really is for the soul to experience negativity and all trials and tribulations in the human form.

[theothersid3 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed her book to the Other Side and Back more. This book is framed as a message from the author's spiritual guide.

I strongly advise to read this one very critically, but there are gems to provoke thought and spiritual development here and there.

I do not vouch for the author's character, but her books are interesting thought experiments to wrestle with.

[Krystal Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. I can feel its truth when reading. I also like how, in the beginning, she states to take as much or as little from the book as you want. not everyone is open or ready for its information.

[Ghine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Whether I 'believed' or not wasn't the point. The book was very intriguing & such an interesting read. A look at the other side with details I never imagined. Yet it could all be cross referenced with the many NDE's I have read. Completely fathomable and no part of me objects & says that's just craziness. I'm sure much of this comes from my own evolvement in the process of my 'enlightment.' Either way, I really enjoyed the read and breezed right through it. Awesome read Francine!

[Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I have never met her, but she has played such an important role in my life. The closest I got to meeting her was a reading over the phone and every single detail she said has come true so far!! Every single one! There are fakes out there but she is not one of them. I loved this book. I love most of her books and probably have read almost every one permitting time allows. This is one of the books I still read over and over again when I need guidance.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. However, I found it hard to believe on some parts. Like, that each planet has it's own "otherside". The other thing was that we all pick our own destiny. wierd-o-rama. Why would I choose to be murdered in a lifetime?!?! Oh yeah, "to perfect my soul". Nothing "perfecting" about being murdered - in my opinion.

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, the book is poorly written. Random ramblings. Secondly, the content is clearly fictional. I am pretty open minded, which is why I picked up this book in the first place. But her descriptions of the other side just don't ring true to me. My sense is that she is making it all up for the money.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything Sylvia writes is good, so I would recommend ALL her books. This one explains how the Other Side/Heaven/Nirvana, whatever you refer to it as, works. It answers direct questions asked by people, and it gives insight as well. If you're interested in the afterlife, I recommend this book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Sylvia is fun to read and she provides an interesting perspective. She is passionate about her beliefs and passes tidbits of useful insight to readers whether they agree with her views or not.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

#31
Own in paperback.

FS: "You're all messengers from God, sent to Earth to carry a message."

LS: "Do all of this, and you'll fulfill your destiny and stand proudly before God when you return Home."

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://pennilessbookworm.wordpress.c...

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting...still pondering on it...read it twice.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of her early books, talk of the other side, temples in Heaven, etc.

[Chrissi Gesme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love. Must read. Especially if you are trying to heal after the loss of a loved when. Many tears shed reading this gem.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Sylvia's books always guide me into the right direction. - always feel at home and calm when I read her stuff b/c it all makes perfect sense.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot deeper than I originally thought it was going to be. This is a book for both believers and non-believers. It really made me stop and examine my own beliefs.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting

[Amanda Antoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK but not sure that I believe it all

[Linda Hartlep · Rating 2 out of 5]

not very believable to me

[Jennifer B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't remember this one very well, but it obviously talks about the possibility of life after death, and where we go, and what it's like.

[Bobbi Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOAH..

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fairly awful, regurgitated mumbo jumbo. No need to validate your premise by so much religion and theology. ugh