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Adventures of a Psychic: The Fascinating and Inspiring True-Life Story of One of America's Most Successful Clairvoyants
In this uniquely fascinating book, world-renowned psychic Sylvia Browne recounts her captivating life as a clairvoyant, telling of her earliest "readings" as a young child in Kansas City, and of her first contact with "Francine," her spirit guide. In engrossing detail, Sylvia tells how her "gift" has assisted police departments in their search for missing children and dangerous criminals—and how her predictions of deaths, plane crashes, and momentous world events were sometimes heeded—or tragically ignored. But more than anything else, this is the remarkable story of one woman’s psychic odyssey, for it offers illuminating insight into how we can better understand ourselves and our own psychic abilities. ADVENTURES OF A PSYCHIC may give you an entirely new outlook on life, death, psychic phenomena, and the "other side!"
270 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 1990
65 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Browne
237 books596 followersSylvia 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 75 reviews
December 5, 2018
I always felt religion had things wrong. Our souls ping when we encounter concepts that resonate. I cherish viewing God and religion separately. We know loved-ones remain near us but most of us can’t sense them across spiritual vibrations. We can learn to tune into them and people like Sylvia, just do. All people and animals have guardian angels but she could speak with hers and naturally, thought it important to share the insight. Her many successful books discuss intriguing subjects, anecdotally and humorously.
Main details about what led her to become a medium reappear but I was delighted that “Adventures Of A Psychic”, 1990, which I believe is her first book, was an entirely fresh autobiography. Here, she really seemed to start at the beginning. A particularly nice note is that we knew she was not close to her Mom; whom she dubbed a hurdle rather than a nurturer. However, going back to her childhood and early marriage; Sylvia wrote about Celeste as a normal Mother. Both of Sylvia’s parents occupied a side-by-side townhouse with her while they lived. We learn she was pressured to marry her sons’ Father and whom she did love from earlier days.
Apparently published as “My Guide, Myself” in 1986, my hardcover from 1998 treats us to updates: about her Grandchildren, with photographs and announcing her marriage to Larry Beck, whom she had loved a long time. Always coming across as a plain-speaker, I appreciated reading that she gradually raised her consultation rates with reluctance. A contention among naysayers, her fee apparently covered her staff but scarcely left herself a salary. Catapulting my interest as high as it can go: there are even chapters about famous haunted locations she investigated! This is a wonderfully-diverse introduction about numerous spiritual elements; fuel that I find encouraging.
Main details about what led her to become a medium reappear but I was delighted that “Adventures Of A Psychic”, 1990, which I believe is her first book, was an entirely fresh autobiography. Here, she really seemed to start at the beginning. A particularly nice note is that we knew she was not close to her Mom; whom she dubbed a hurdle rather than a nurturer. However, going back to her childhood and early marriage; Sylvia wrote about Celeste as a normal Mother. Both of Sylvia’s parents occupied a side-by-side townhouse with her while they lived. We learn she was pressured to marry her sons’ Father and whom she did love from earlier days.
Apparently published as “My Guide, Myself” in 1986, my hardcover from 1998 treats us to updates: about her Grandchildren, with photographs and announcing her marriage to Larry Beck, whom she had loved a long time. Always coming across as a plain-speaker, I appreciated reading that she gradually raised her consultation rates with reluctance. A contention among naysayers, her fee apparently covered her staff but scarcely left herself a salary. Catapulting my interest as high as it can go: there are even chapters about famous haunted locations she investigated! This is a wonderfully-diverse introduction about numerous spiritual elements; fuel that I find encouraging.
January 25, 2016
This book gives us tons of insight of the life of Sylvia Browne. This is the first of Ms. Browne's books that I have read. I stayed glued to each and every page. Wanted it to go on longer. In my life time, I have had a few things happen that I would classify as odd but they were true. After having read this book, I discovered that it was not such weird occurrances afterall. If you've never picked up a Sylvia Browne book like me, then you will be enlightened. Recommended!
June 11, 2010
I decided to stick with this book, even though it was very much like Psychic, which I just read. Although it contained a lot of the same information about the medium Sylvia Browne, it was much more detailed.
At first I didn't like the fact that the book was written in 3rd person, rather than 1st, which is how Sylvia's books are usually written. I got over that fast and flew through the book.
At first I didn't like the fact that the book was written in 3rd person, rather than 1st, which is how Sylvia's books are usually written. I got over that fast and flew through the book.
October 27, 2021
Sylvia Brown is one of my favorite psychic mediums and I have been making a point to read through all of her many books. Some of them I absolutely loved and some like this one just drags on and are pretty much pointless/boring. Most of the stories shared in this novel repeated stuff from her previous books and I just was not feeling it because I had already known about pretty much everything she spoke about previously. While it's not the worst book I have ever read it's not necessarily that great or memorable either, to be honest. I love all psychic, medium/spiritualistic life after death books and this one just did not do it for me. At times in the book, Sylvia even seemed cocky to me about her gifts.... which kind of annoyed me.
October 20, 2007
This is one of my most favorite books ever. I sometimes feel ashamed admitting this, because of what it sounds like, but Sylvia is not only one of the brightest lights on earth, she is a wealth of knowledge and love. After reading this book, I found where I stood with God and religion. If you dare to challenge yourself and look beyond your boundary of ideas, you will at the very least, enjoy this book.
April 25, 2008
Sylvia Browne was my introduction to the life-after-death kick I've been on for about two years. I'm glad I started with her, because everything else I've read on the subject has been SO MUCH more believable. There are psychics (lots of them) who've demonstrated their abilities in double-blind studies. She isn't one of them.
May 25, 2013
I initially doubted her abilities to see the lives and struggles of different people. But having read most of her books, I am convinced that she has wonderful insight. She is an amazing psychic and this book inspires the reader with hopeful insights.
April 27, 2017
I really wish I would have read this sooner, like when I first got it. I'm pretty certain I wouldn't have gone down certain paths had I just read it..
I am curious about Novus Spiritus as well. This book really gave me some things to ponder about as well as more understanding of things.
I am curious about Novus Spiritus as well. This book really gave me some things to ponder about as well as more understanding of things.
March 9, 2008
This is the first Sylvia Browne book I've ever read. It drew me in from the very beginning. Extremely fascinating.
November 27, 2008
The first book which explains the beginnings of the psychic Sylvia Browne. Lots of really great stories. A wonderful and pretty quick read.
August 8, 2009
I enjoyed this book..a little different than her other books..but allowed you to see where Sylvia has come as she also describes her journey
January 22, 2019
I've read a lot of Sylvia's books, in non-chronological order. So this one stood out a bit for it's third person voice; typically her books are first person. I would characterize this one as a very upbeat, optimistic book. The daily mantras, her religious tenants, and the overall tone is warm and positive. This is in contrast to other books, which do touch on darker matters.
The only thing keeping it from five stars is, there are some pretty glaring discrepancies between this book and some of her others, and this is getting to be a significant issue with me regarding all things Sylvia Browne. Maybe in later books she had more knowledge from the other side, or maybe it's a matter of being unable to be correct all the time... but when you put statements in writing, it creates opportunity for people to compare the entire body of work, and discrepant "truths" chip away at credibility. A few examples: This book suggests that persons committing suicide go to heaven. Don't get me wrong, she doesn't come out and say this, but look at the tenants and the totality of the book. In later books, she says that this is not true. More glaringly, this book flat out states that demons and devils do not exist. Later books specifically address dark entities. I'm also pretty sure (could be wrong) that later books say that her sprit guide Francine did not appear to her until she was a teenager, in the living room, in the presence of family. This one says the spirit guide appeared to her as a child, alone, in Sylvia's bedroom. Later books say that Raheim is her secondary spirit guide, but this one says that Raheim is her (former) husband Dal's spirit guide.
So, if you want a spiritually upbeat book, this is perfect. If you want to apply some critical thought among her many volumes, be prepared for a bit of discomfort.
The only thing keeping it from five stars is, there are some pretty glaring discrepancies between this book and some of her others, and this is getting to be a significant issue with me regarding all things Sylvia Browne. Maybe in later books she had more knowledge from the other side, or maybe it's a matter of being unable to be correct all the time... but when you put statements in writing, it creates opportunity for people to compare the entire body of work, and discrepant "truths" chip away at credibility. A few examples: This book suggests that persons committing suicide go to heaven. Don't get me wrong, she doesn't come out and say this, but look at the tenants and the totality of the book. In later books, she says that this is not true. More glaringly, this book flat out states that demons and devils do not exist. Later books specifically address dark entities. I'm also pretty sure (could be wrong) that later books say that her sprit guide Francine did not appear to her until she was a teenager, in the living room, in the presence of family. This one says the spirit guide appeared to her as a child, alone, in Sylvia's bedroom. Later books say that Raheim is her secondary spirit guide, but this one says that Raheim is her (former) husband Dal's spirit guide.
So, if you want a spiritually upbeat book, this is perfect. If you want to apply some critical thought among her many volumes, be prepared for a bit of discomfort.
May 5, 2021
In this uniquely fascinating book, world-renowned psychic Sylvia Browne recounts her captivating life as a clairvoyant, telling of her earliest readings as a young child in Kansas City, and of her first contact with Francine, her spirit guide. In engrossing detail, Sylvia tells how her gift has assisted police departments in their search for missing children and dangerous criminals--and how her predictions of deaths, plane crashes, and momentous world events were sometimes heeded--or tragically ignored. But more than anything else, this is the remarkable story of one woman's psychic odyssey, for it offers illuminating insight into how we can better understand ourselves and our own psychic abilities. ADVENTURES OF A PSYCHIC may give you an entirely new outlook on life, death, psychic phenomena, and the other side!
Heather's Notes
I read this book for a challenge and I didn't really have a problem with it, until it started in on religion. Sylvia's views on religion greatly differ from mine and were so ridiculous I actually had trouble finishing the book. The book also left out a great many things. There was a picture of her and her husband "Larry" in the middle of the book, but we never even got to her marriage with Larry. I had to Google who he was (I could not find out much about him). There was also no mention of her fourth husband either. There was no mention of predictions she got wrong (which should have been added for accuracy). Overall, I felt the book left much to be desired and was just a woman tooting her own horn.
Heather's Notes
I read this book for a challenge and I didn't really have a problem with it, until it started in on religion. Sylvia's views on religion greatly differ from mine and were so ridiculous I actually had trouble finishing the book. The book also left out a great many things. There was a picture of her and her husband "Larry" in the middle of the book, but we never even got to her marriage with Larry. I had to Google who he was (I could not find out much about him). There was also no mention of her fourth husband either. There was no mention of predictions she got wrong (which should have been added for accuracy). Overall, I felt the book left much to be desired and was just a woman tooting her own horn.
October 17, 2018
KİTAPTAN NOTLARIM:
Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker, kansas, 1936.
Sylvia Browne (1936-2013)
Iena / francine: sylvianın ruhsal rehberi, bir kızılderili.
yazar, kitabında otobiyografisini verir.
anneannesinden aldığı kalıtsal medyumik yeteneklerini nasıl keşfettiğini, nerelerde ve nasıl insanlığa hizmet ettiğini, ailesini özel yaşamını boşanmalarına değin, tüm samimiyetiyle anlatır.
gerçekten bazı insanlar, hayatın tüm zorluğunu yaşar; refaha kavuşana dek, geçirdiği tüm tecxrübe, onu pişirir, olgunlaştırır, göreve hazırlar, bilge yapar. yazarımız da, bizden hiç de farklı olmayan hayatın zorluğunu yaşamış, görmüş geçirmiş, "feleğin çemberinden geçmiş".
okuduğum diğer kitapları tematik idi; gizemler, ufolar, eski medeniyetler. bu eseri ise, tüm yaşamöyküsü.
yaşadığı tüm tecrübeyi bizimle paylaştığı, asrın son yarısındaki spritüel dünyayı da önümüze serdiği, anlattığı için, teşekkürler ediyorum, ellerine sağlık. ruhu mutlu olsun.
ifade ettiği gibi, "ruhların ileri tekamül düzeyi REHBER olmaktır." inanıyorum ki, şimdi kendisi de, yeniden insan olarak enkarne olmak yerine, daha ulvi bir göreve, kozmik havuzdan yardım isteyene, buna hazır olana bir ruhsal rehber olarak dönmüştür.
13.9.2018
Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker, kansas, 1936.
Sylvia Browne (1936-2013)
Iena / francine: sylvianın ruhsal rehberi, bir kızılderili.
yazar, kitabında otobiyografisini verir.
anneannesinden aldığı kalıtsal medyumik yeteneklerini nasıl keşfettiğini, nerelerde ve nasıl insanlığa hizmet ettiğini, ailesini özel yaşamını boşanmalarına değin, tüm samimiyetiyle anlatır.
gerçekten bazı insanlar, hayatın tüm zorluğunu yaşar; refaha kavuşana dek, geçirdiği tüm tecxrübe, onu pişirir, olgunlaştırır, göreve hazırlar, bilge yapar. yazarımız da, bizden hiç de farklı olmayan hayatın zorluğunu yaşamış, görmüş geçirmiş, "feleğin çemberinden geçmiş".
okuduğum diğer kitapları tematik idi; gizemler, ufolar, eski medeniyetler. bu eseri ise, tüm yaşamöyküsü.
yaşadığı tüm tecrübeyi bizimle paylaştığı, asrın son yarısındaki spritüel dünyayı da önümüze serdiği, anlattığı için, teşekkürler ediyorum, ellerine sağlık. ruhu mutlu olsun.
ifade ettiği gibi, "ruhların ileri tekamül düzeyi REHBER olmaktır." inanıyorum ki, şimdi kendisi de, yeniden insan olarak enkarne olmak yerine, daha ulvi bir göreve, kozmik havuzdan yardım isteyene, buna hazır olana bir ruhsal rehber olarak dönmüştür.
13.9.2018
October 2, 2020
Odd did not remember reading this book . Sometimes we should the book again because if it did not make sense then it makes more sense a second time around.
WOW! this book makes more sense now, so many issues how she came to meet her guide Francine/Iena and how her name was change. Talks about our blueprint, prayers to ponder on, her trip to Kenya how she got her name Mumbi, Akasisk Records, life themes, prayers and so on.
I have read so many different books about psychics history but this one says it clearly.
WOW! this book makes more sense now, so many issues how she came to meet her guide Francine/Iena and how her name was change. Talks about our blueprint, prayers to ponder on, her trip to Kenya how she got her name Mumbi, Akasisk Records, life themes, prayers and so on.
I have read so many different books about psychics history but this one says it clearly.
August 16, 2025
Interesting read - really not sure about the detailed after life. All sounded really complicated but there must be something in it I suppose.
Looked you tube and there seems to be lots of videos calling her a fake but hey ho.
Looked you tube and there seems to be lots of videos calling her a fake but hey ho.
September 13, 2017
This book was weird as hell. The main reason I kept reading was because you just never know what she is gonna say next.
January 5, 2018
This was utter bollocks. Fantasy from start to finish.
October 10, 2018
Audio version unfortunately read by Sylvia herself and she lacked the same enthusiasm she has in her'Angels and Spirit Guides' book.
December 3, 2018
Fun little read - and a nice introduction to her and her work if you're totally unfamiliar (such as I was).
June 23, 2019
It was abridged.
October 29, 2019
Makes Me Miss Her
Not my favorite of her books, but worth the read if you are a fan. A little bit of everything, childhood, backstory, things she was doing at the time and hopes for the future.
Not my favorite of her books, but worth the read if you are a fan. A little bit of everything, childhood, backstory, things she was doing at the time and hopes for the future.
January 20, 2020
It was entertaining but I lost respect for her when she organized her own religion. In my mind she was supposed to help people not create a following for her own benefit.
did-not-finish
November 7, 2022Overall I was enjoying this until page 96 when Jesus Christ was mentioned. At least the language they speak in the 'other dimension' is Aramaic and not English. Will not finish reading.
December 30, 2023
I could not finish this one
January 19, 2024
I always found her interesting on Montel Williams.
She also helped lots of people so I admire that.
She also helped lots of people so I admire that.
April 16, 2024
Nice, light listen as I followed along the audiobook. It’s a bit like an autobiography with psychic twists. I did learn a bit about my own guides and life which leads to the 4 stars 🫶
November 2, 2013
Whatever you're doing, stop and read this. I finished this book in three days. It's remarkable. The real-life stories and accounts from Sylvia Browne will reel you in. Through her work, she has taken the biggest skeptics (like doctors and cops) and turned them into avid believers. She's solved crimes, discovered diseases, and brought comfort to millions. Her story is riveting.
The only thing about this book that potentially limits its audience is the fact that it's religious. Certainly, any person (believer or not) could open their minds and read this book just to learn something. However, I'm afraid that most non-religious people might scoff at this a bit. I would encourage all to give it a shot! Even at face value, it teaches some very important life lessons.
The only thing about this book that potentially limits its audience is the fact that it's religious. Certainly, any person (believer or not) could open their minds and read this book just to learn something. However, I'm afraid that most non-religious people might scoff at this a bit. I would encourage all to give it a shot! Even at face value, it teaches some very important life lessons.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 75 reviews