The Gift: The Story of an Ordinary Woman's Extraordinary Power

by Mia Dolan

The extraordinary life story of psychic and clairvoyant, Mia Dolan, the new Betty Shine.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Memoir, Autobiography

432 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2003

Reviews

[Laura Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up and instantly felt drawn to read the blurb. After that I had to read the prologue and from there I couldn’t put it down.
Mia’s paranormal and spiritual experience is amazing to read about, she doesn’t try to prove to anyone what she can do and to start with thought she was going crazy. You can tell it took her a lot of time to accept her gifts and went through a lot of hardships throughout her life which have knocked her confidence in both her life and her spirituality.
She writes with such clarity that I could feel the emotions of each of her life events as if I was there experiencing it along with her.
The one thing that I think will stay with me is when she spoke about souls and why people have a harder life than others, the answer? An older spirit who has been on earth a number of times has the ability to deal with the harder lessons of life.
This was a beautifully written memoir and something I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in spirituality and psychics.

[Sulav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading memoirs. They are my kind of books. I chose not to question the psychic abilities of Mia Dolan and read it as any other memoirs. It definitely taught me many things and also, caused some trouble while sleeping. Lol.

[Helen Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. Literally! I was at something of a crossroads when I picked this up, and it helped me make sense of so many things. Partly because of Mia's gift, but also because of her intense, heartbreaking life story. I've endured hardships - who hasn't? But Mia endured far more than any one person should have to. Yet she's such a positive person who can find the silver lining in any situation, and find the good side in the worst of people.

It's a gripping read, incredibly well-written, and above all, believable. I knew very little about the concept of spirit guides and so on before this book but by the time I reached the end, the concept made so much sense to me and this book had me wanting to find out more.. Thank you Mia for opening my eyes to a whole new world!

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. When I bought this I was expecting it to be something like one of Sylvia Brownes books where she basically explains things about the unknown. I was pleasantly surprised that the title of this book was misleading.
This is Mia Dolans incredible life story! This book started a whole new genre in my love of memoirs. I now love to read about psychics lives more than their investigations and thoughts on the unknown.
If your looking for the answer as to why we are here it will not be found in this book, but if your wanting to read about a very interesting true life story about how a woman survived hardships and discovered her psychic gift then you wont want to miss this book!

[Bridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

22nd April 2011 -halfway through the book- This book is wonderfully interesting! One night I was so caught up in it I lost track of time (I often do this) and saw it was 1am! I reluctantly went to sleep but not before I finished the chapter. This bookso far for me is absolutely amazing and to think one woman went through all that and is still sane.... its unbelievable. I mean she's had so much happen to her. Horrible teen years! Men who were cruel to her. And yet this gift seems to be the healing point for her. Eric, her guide, is veru interesting. When he talks about God and heaven its fascinaating. And Mia Dolan, an atheist, believed him and I believe him. It was truly amazing and to hear those answers from a spirit is truly .... indescribable!

[Elisa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this story I was hoping for a lot. Having contact with spirit myself and not fully understanding it, I hoped that this book would give me a lot of guidance.
The prologue was fantastic.
When the first chapters started though the focused on Mia's early life and very little on her psychic ability.
As I read further, we found out about Mia's relationship troubles, the birth of her children.
Then eventually got to her experiences with spirit. It was great to read about her relationship with her spirit guide.
Hearing of readings she has done and reading about her growth as a medium.
The final chapters of the book broke me. The experiences Mia had in those final chapters were heart breaking but that helped Mia to come to a deeper understanding and to value her gift.

[James Koppert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone bought me this and told me to read it, not sure of what to expect I did. I loved it. My heart still aches for this women. What things to go through but as a medium and having that gift she must be close to spiritual enlightenment where you are meant to suffer. Brilliant autobiography but sadly further proof there are an enourmous amount of vile men out there.

[Lavinia Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sceptical of first and not because of the afterlife or ghosts etc, I fully believe in all that and have had some experiences myself. I can’t really explain why I was sceptical but I could not put the book down and found it fascinating.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has opened my eyes to so much. Really loved it

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book reading all the hardships Mia have had in her life as well as her amazing gifts she possesses

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down. Mia has experienced great trauma in her life as well as coming to terms and learning to manage her clairvoyancy. She is a remarkable lady

[Lynn Rainsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and easy read. It is fascinating to note that no psychic can know his/her own fate, nor that of anyone close to him.

[Kay Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Would recommend.

[Linda Tilling · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting look at how Mia discovered her gift of psychic powers and her guide Eric. The story follows her through from childhood to adulthood with many revelations, instances and sadnesses along the way.

An honest story which I liked.

[Devone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story, well written.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Reading this memoir of the English clairvoyant medium, Mia Dolan was a beautiful, transcendent experience. Her sight is like a blazing torch, which she shines into the darkest corners of the human soul, bringing great healing to those she meets (whether they are alive or in spirit form). An important message she shares is that each one of us has the innate ability to see with our third eye, or as many people say, use our “sixth sense.” We all have a higher self within each of us now, purely divine and magical! Guiding us through this Earth School and elevating our soul growth. There are so many things that go unseen to the untrained eye, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We can lift the veil and let in the light of peace and wisdom. I believe that it is the only way. I hope this book finds its way to all of you. 💫

[Galileia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ive always been a fan of mystery genre and paranormal stories more so when the book falls under the non-fiction section. As i read the prologue, i was instantly captured by her experiences that has turned me instantly into an eager reader. Little did i know, she had already completely laid the story of her life in the open. It all started when she heard that voice - not inside her head, but a voice that's part of her world which later on revealed itself as her guide. For most part of it, the story went on as a wave of flashback - a biography of her own life.

[Sharon Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, a very easy read, that makes you want to keep reading just so you can find out a little more. Very inspiring and IF what is written about her gift is the truth, and not just made up for a good story, then it is amazing. The explanation about God etc, and the explanation as to what it is, was quite mind opening, and interesting. Would love a reading from this lady, that would be amazing!! Recommended read.

[Debbie Johansson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hooked me in from the beginning and I found it quite an interesting and easy read. The things that went on in this woman's life is quite remarkable. At times I really wondered if some of these events actually happened in order for this woman to remain sane. A true strength of character from a woman with a remarkable gift.

[Catherine Laraia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one a while ago and I was surprised by how much I liked it. Mia is very likable and her whole life is interesting. The writing is fast paced and somehow is a total page turner. It's turmoil, it's emotional, but it's comforting. It makes you want to believe in something bigger, connectedness and light. I don't know, I got something good out of it.

[Zippy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just didn't get on with this book at all, but I think that was because I didn't find Mia to be a likeable character at all, so found myself not caring about her story - whether it be truth or fiction didn't even matter in the end.

[Sherry Cogburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The memoir of one of England's most reknown clairvoyants. I don't read much about the psychic phenomena, but I do like memoirs, and this was really good. Very interesting story, fast-paced!!! I read this book in one sitting.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have enjoyed this more if it was just about her psychic work but a bit of a misery memoir as well.

[Chel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psychic awareness and development of this English author.
A bit self indulgent but a good basic book on psychic development working with Spirit guide.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really admire Mia's courage from when she was 14. She really handled her ups and downs very well.

[Mysticpaganwitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down, I was gripped from the first page. Although Mia's programmes get on my nerves a bit, and Chris French?.... she needs to get rid of him. He has a closed mind.

[Melanie Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think i read this in a DAY!! amazing!!

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was okay i wanted to know more about her pyschic encounters. more of life story

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story.

[Pamela Jamieson-smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and sweet.