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The Hand on the Mirror: A True Story of Life Beyond Death
An unbelievably believable story about the afterlife, with documenting photographs from the former publisher of a major metropolitan newspaper.
In 2004, Janis Heaphy Durham's husband, Max Besler, died of cancer at age 56. The daughter of a Presbyterian minister, she practiced her faith as she struggled with her loss. Soon she began encountering phenomena unlike anything she'd ever experienced: lights flickering, doors opening and closing, clocks stopping at 12:44, the exact time of Max's death. But then something startling happened that changed Heaphy Durham's life forever. A powdery handprint appeared on her bathroom mirror on the first anniversary of Max's death.
This launched Heaphy Durham on a journey that transformed her spiritually and altered her view of reality forever. She interviewed scientists and spiritual practitioners along the way, as she discovered that the veil between this world and the next is thin and it's love that bridges the two worlds.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2015
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1034 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 94 reviews
July 22, 2015
I really wanted to like this book. It's a great one for readers who know little to nothing about the paranormal or metaphysics. A lot of the information has already been covered by people a lot more learned and experienced than the author. Also, it's very hard to relate to the author as she is obviously rather well to do and there are frequent reminders of this fact such as: impromptu trips across country, multiple homes, her early retirement, luxurious preoccupation with aging and body image, and also her inexplicable ability to have three very happy and ideal marriages to men seemingly without flaw and with endless funds. Maybe I begrudge her these things but the anecdotes and cutesy first-world-problems she likes to sprinkle in the narrative are distracting and serve to distance herself from her average reader.
That said, it was not boring and kept me interested and waiting for a big revelation or a final catharsis for her. I wanted her to take the advice of the handful of scientists she interviewed and be more discerning and dig deeper for information. Saying "huh that was wierd!" over and over gets old.
That said, it was not boring and kept me interested and waiting for a big revelation or a final catharsis for her. I wanted her to take the advice of the handful of scientists she interviewed and be more discerning and dig deeper for information. Saying "huh that was wierd!" over and over gets old.
August 19, 2015
Won this from a first reads giveaway
I wanted to like this book. I tried to think outside the box, and I also tried to keep an open mind. But it just did not happen. I will not say this book was unreadable, as I made it through. But..it was definitely not good. I am sure I will be one of the only ones giving this a one star rating, but this is what I won the book for. To read, and reflect. I am a HUGE fan of anything paranormal, mind you. I am not a believer, but the topic and study intrigues me. I felt that with this book, it seemed more like a hurting woman just trying to make the pain go away, by desensitizing herself with illusions of her deceased husband's still present presence. I do not want that at all to sound harsh. I know she says that she is only getting her story, or rather Max's, out there. She was not a believer before this. And if she wants ME to be a believer too, she needs to sell it better. I was so excited to get this book. But, I really feel like that excitement was let flat. I found myself making the "what the...what?" face a lot. There really isn't any spoilers I could be giving away..(SPOILER! HER HUSBAND IS THE HAND!!)...but I honestly cannot think of anything else I would change. I won't say spice it up, flip it and rub it down, but..it DEFINITELY could use something.
I was fortunate enough to win a free copy from goodreads in exchange for my honest review
I wanted to like this book. I tried to think outside the box, and I also tried to keep an open mind. But it just did not happen. I will not say this book was unreadable, as I made it through. But..it was definitely not good. I am sure I will be one of the only ones giving this a one star rating, but this is what I won the book for. To read, and reflect. I am a HUGE fan of anything paranormal, mind you. I am not a believer, but the topic and study intrigues me. I felt that with this book, it seemed more like a hurting woman just trying to make the pain go away, by desensitizing herself with illusions of her deceased husband's still present presence. I do not want that at all to sound harsh. I know she says that she is only getting her story, or rather Max's, out there. She was not a believer before this. And if she wants ME to be a believer too, she needs to sell it better. I was so excited to get this book. But, I really feel like that excitement was let flat. I found myself making the "what the...what?" face a lot. There really isn't any spoilers I could be giving away..(SPOILER! HER HUSBAND IS THE HAND!!)...but I honestly cannot think of anything else I would change. I won't say spice it up, flip it and rub it down, but..it DEFINITELY could use something.
I was fortunate enough to win a free copy from goodreads in exchange for my honest review
June 1, 2015
I was completely disappointed by the book. Maybe it was me but I expected some scientific basis for her to back what she believes were experiences with her deceased husband Max in the afterlife but instead got (and I'm para phrasing) "windchimes but there was not wind" & "a heavy door opened/closed with no one there, it never had before", "a clock was stopped at the exact time of Max's death then there was a power surge and it started again", notes popping out of notes that must be messages from Max and so on and so forth. It's like she's in some kind of oldtime free-form seance. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but lights flicker at everyone's house now and then but it doesn't mean somebody from the other side is trying to communicate.
I have to assume the author had clout to get this published. Either that or this is a market for people who desperately want to believe in the hearafter and will grasp at straws to do so.
I have to assume the author had clout to get this published. Either that or this is a market for people who desperately want to believe in the hearafter and will grasp at straws to do so.
May 7, 2016
Reflexões sobre Vida e Morte
Como encarar a cadeia de eventos que dá pelo nome de Vida?
Todos os desafios enfrentados!
Medos confrontados!
Batalhas travadas!
...
Serão alíneas dalgum Projecto para Desenvolvimento da Consciência?
E quando o corpo acaba?
Que sucede à Consciência trabalhada e refinada?
Morre com ele?
Mas a Consciência é imaterial!
Terá então uma existência própria? Independente do corpo?
Se assim é, para que necessita do corpo?
O corpo é o seu servo material!
Os 5 sentidos!
O instrumento de trabalho da sua Evolução!
E quanto à Evolução?
É Imparável!
Nasceu com a Vida e persiste com ela, continuando Sempre...
Mas então é legitimo perguntar:
Será a Consciência Eterna?
E a Morte ? Um Fim? Ou apenas um disfarce para um Recomeço ou Continuação dum Projecto que se revelou gorado ou inacabado ?
Mais uma daquelas estórias que cola Asas ao Pensamento! É um 4++
Nota: em português o livro intitula-se "A Mão no Espelho"
Como encarar a cadeia de eventos que dá pelo nome de Vida?
Todos os desafios enfrentados!
Medos confrontados!
Batalhas travadas!
...
Serão alíneas dalgum Projecto para Desenvolvimento da Consciência?
E quando o corpo acaba?
Que sucede à Consciência trabalhada e refinada?
Morre com ele?
Mas a Consciência é imaterial!
Terá então uma existência própria? Independente do corpo?
Se assim é, para que necessita do corpo?
O corpo é o seu servo material!
Os 5 sentidos!
O instrumento de trabalho da sua Evolução!
E quanto à Evolução?
É Imparável!
Nasceu com a Vida e persiste com ela, continuando Sempre...
Mas então é legitimo perguntar:
Será a Consciência Eterna?
E a Morte ? Um Fim? Ou apenas um disfarce para um Recomeço ou Continuação dum Projecto que se revelou gorado ou inacabado ?
Mais uma daquelas estórias que cola Asas ao Pensamento! É um 4++
Nota: em português o livro intitula-se "A Mão no Espelho"
May 17, 2015
I almost didn't read this book, because I have read so many books about life after death that I didn't need to read any more about it. Still, I felt it calling me, and I'm glad I answered the call. With this book, Janis took an investigative approach to figuring out what happens after we die, speaking to myriad experts on all facets of parapsychology. The skeptical newspaper woman in her made her the perfect person to conduct this investigation as she came into it with no preconceived notions - she had no idea how common these experiences were, and had never even heard of Life After Life by Dr. Moody! The idea that consciousness is separate from physical life is starting to gain momentum again, and this book could help to advance those studies and bring it closer to the mainstream. This book is not about a hand print. It is about the quest for knowledge and understanding that it inspired, and Janis' bravery to share her findings with the world.
July 28, 2017
I felt confident that the author was an intelligent person, not by any stretch of the imagination a kook or nutcase. I found the book completely believable. I like these sort of books and I found the first half mostly engaging. The author seems like she is probably a very nice lady, but her constant pedigree dropping really got on my nerves. It seemed important to her that we know how intelligent she and everyone she deals with is. I suppose she wanted to be certain to ensure credibility, but it was overdone. I really did not need to know where everyone she spoke of went to college and every bit of important research they had ever been involved in. The second half of the book just sort of fizzled out. I believe these paranormal events happened to her, but it would have made a better long magazine article than a full length book. I was skipping paragraphs towards the end and while I wanted to see what happened, I was glad when it finally came to an end.
May 16, 2020
I found this book to be so uplifting. The author has some strange things happen after the death of her husband and it sets her on a journey to find out about life after death. She combined personal experiences with scientific study by interviewing respected researchers in the field. So many people, myself included, have had experiences that just cannot be explained. This book had me in tears at time and was a great comfort...and a reminder to keep my mind and heart open. Loved the last paragraph..." In other words, death taught me about life. I rarely waste time anymore. There's less squabbling, and I don't judge those I love who choose to be different. I don't get distracted during the coveted times I have with family and friends. I live in the present, acutely aware of paying attention to all dimensions. I relish the brief glimpses into the mysteries of our existence."
June 30, 2017
-Originally posted on The Reading Room-
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.-
2.5 Stars
This book was interesting but a very slow read. I thought this book was going to be really fast-paced, but it was the complete opposite of what I expected.
Want a book on walls shaking?
Lights flickering?
Rugs walking? *cough* I mean sliding down the hallway?
And random hand prints and footprints appearing, appearing, and reappearing?
Then this is your book!
If not...then walk away slowly and hope it doesn't see you and jump into your basket.
Over half the time I didn't believe her story, but it still had a good plot.
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.-
2.5 Stars
This book was interesting but a very slow read. I thought this book was going to be really fast-paced, but it was the complete opposite of what I expected.
Want a book on walls shaking?
Lights flickering?
Rugs walking? *cough* I mean sliding down the hallway?
And random hand prints and footprints appearing, appearing, and reappearing?
Then this is your book!
If not...then walk away slowly and hope it doesn't see you and jump into your basket.
Over half the time I didn't believe her story, but it still had a good plot.
October 13, 2015
I received this book through GoodReads First Reads.
I intended to read this book on a whim. Being a sceptic, I did not intend this to change my views of the afterlife, but was interested in other views. Wow! The events and the scientific analysis from several well-respected sources really opened my mind to other possibilities.
This book is very well written, well documented, and believable. My limited experience with the afterlife was reinforced as true-to-life. I highly recommend this book, It is certainly a keeper on my shelves.
I intended to read this book on a whim. Being a sceptic, I did not intend this to change my views of the afterlife, but was interested in other views. Wow! The events and the scientific analysis from several well-respected sources really opened my mind to other possibilities.
This book is very well written, well documented, and believable. My limited experience with the afterlife was reinforced as true-to-life. I highly recommend this book, It is certainly a keeper on my shelves.
January 16, 2019
A journalist experiences paranormal activities so she goes on a quest to understand and explain their nature. Despite confusing free will with will power, the occurence of speciesism (Jim is a hunter and they buy a breed dog instead of adopting) and the fact that the writing is not amazing, this book is of value because her research is scientifically driven. There's a lot of very important research mentioned that should be way more mainstream.
January 11, 2018
Could not finish it. It was recommended to me since I recently lost my sister. I believe in signs, but this author is so self absorbed, selfish and narcissistic that I could not get past my dislike for her that I stopped halfway through.
January 26, 2024
Do you believe (or want to believe) that the soul lives on after death?
Janis Heaphy Durham, the former publisher of the Sacramento Bee, found strange things happening after her husband died, including his white powdery handprint on her bathroom mirror. This leads her down a path of researching and interviewing esteemed professionals studying paranormal activity and spirituality, to determine what science says about these occurrences, and whether or not she is nuts.
I posted on Facebook that, after a Celebration of Life for my friend who loved Great Blue Herons, I saw a Great Blue Heron on my way home. In my post, I mentioned that I wanted to believe that seeing the bird was my friend’s way of telling me that she was okay. A friend commented on my post, recommending this book, which she said would eliminate all doubt.
In the book, many strange things happened to the author, some of which seemed very compelling to me, and some of which did not. But as a newspaper professional, she adhered to scientific research to find out how common these events may be, and how experts were trying to disentangle fact from fiction, from bias. Janis kept an open mind, and was not seeking out studies that supported a preferred answer. I found the research and analysis that she reported to be very fair, and enjoyed reading the book. Janis became convinced that consciousness can and does live on after the body dies. This is what I want to believe, too, so I’m very glad my friend recommended this book. I recommend it too.
Janis Heaphy Durham, the former publisher of the Sacramento Bee, found strange things happening after her husband died, including his white powdery handprint on her bathroom mirror. This leads her down a path of researching and interviewing esteemed professionals studying paranormal activity and spirituality, to determine what science says about these occurrences, and whether or not she is nuts.
I posted on Facebook that, after a Celebration of Life for my friend who loved Great Blue Herons, I saw a Great Blue Heron on my way home. In my post, I mentioned that I wanted to believe that seeing the bird was my friend’s way of telling me that she was okay. A friend commented on my post, recommending this book, which she said would eliminate all doubt.
In the book, many strange things happened to the author, some of which seemed very compelling to me, and some of which did not. But as a newspaper professional, she adhered to scientific research to find out how common these events may be, and how experts were trying to disentangle fact from fiction, from bias. Janis kept an open mind, and was not seeking out studies that supported a preferred answer. I found the research and analysis that she reported to be very fair, and enjoyed reading the book. Janis became convinced that consciousness can and does live on after the body dies. This is what I want to believe, too, so I’m very glad my friend recommended this book. I recommend it too.
April 25, 2017
Ganhei este livro num passatempo de um blog "Páginas de uma Lua" (https://www.facebook.com/PaginasDeUma... ou http://tania-mac.blogspot.pt/).
Confesso que quando ganhei este livro tinha a ideia da história ser uma coisa, e afinal foi outra, totalmente diferente. Trata-se portanto, de uma biografia sobre diversos acontecimentos paranormais, a sua divulgação bem como o que fez para tentar compreendê-los. Não foi um livro que me entusiasmou, de todo, aliás, estive por diversas vezes a deixá-lo de lado.
Basicamente faz-nos entender, que há vida depois da morte, que os mortos tentam comunicar connosco através de algumas situações, e que precisamos de estar atentos ao que nos rodeia porque, como adultos, somos mais céticos e não acreditamos que algo desta natureza possa existir em interação com o nosso mundo.
Peço desculpa à autora, percebi a sua intenção ao escrever o livro (divulgar e tentar que mais casos do género sejam divulgados), para compreendermos e aceitarmos o que vem da outra dimensão, mas realmente o livro não mexeu comigo.
Confesso que quando ganhei este livro tinha a ideia da história ser uma coisa, e afinal foi outra, totalmente diferente. Trata-se portanto, de uma biografia sobre diversos acontecimentos paranormais, a sua divulgação bem como o que fez para tentar compreendê-los. Não foi um livro que me entusiasmou, de todo, aliás, estive por diversas vezes a deixá-lo de lado.
Basicamente faz-nos entender, que há vida depois da morte, que os mortos tentam comunicar connosco através de algumas situações, e que precisamos de estar atentos ao que nos rodeia porque, como adultos, somos mais céticos e não acreditamos que algo desta natureza possa existir em interação com o nosso mundo.
Peço desculpa à autora, percebi a sua intenção ao escrever o livro (divulgar e tentar que mais casos do género sejam divulgados), para compreendermos e aceitarmos o que vem da outra dimensão, mas realmente o livro não mexeu comigo.
January 30, 2016
I reall wanted to love this book. I wanted to be as fulfilled at the end of reading it as I was excited seeing a brand new copy in my local library and grabbing it as soon as I saw it. Unfortunatley this wasn't the case.
I am a very open minded and spiritual person although I dont have a religious undertone to my beliefs. I have read a lot of many different versions of paranormal, ghost stories, angel/spirit guide experiences etc over the years to get a sense of passion and contentment with an author.
Janis the author of this book unfortnately lost her 2nd husband to cancer, and a year later the 'hand in the mirror' happened (and a few other things...nothing crazy) and this book was her trying to "find out more and find herself".. I really dont feel she is any better off now than she was at the start of the book (maybe a lot richer though..)
What frustrated me was how throughout the book she constantly reminded the reader of her wealth, and high high powered job, and her beauty (she remarried within a few years of losing her 2nd husband) I really didnt warm to her. She then tried to find out more about the 'hand in the mirror', and as an 'average' reader I was getting very frustrated with the amount of Doctors she spoke to of higher class (oh yes he graduated at the top of his class from Harvard and then did a doctorate on this and that and taught at a university for 29 years before doing another 2 degrees...) about this, yet when she spoke to 'normal/ordinary' people, she just referred to them on a first name basis... yes this is Dave. He is a medium. For all we know 'Dave' could have had a law degree or anything, but to her he wasn't as important to mention as the Doctors (and got about 1% of the book compared to about 20% that the Doctors got in total). But these Doctors held more validity for for her than looking outside the box to different ideas and beliefs whilst trying to "find herself.."
However throughout all these Doctors I heard about (and lost count of...) I heard one name and wanted to stop reading there and then. Dr Eben Alexander. A man trying to make a quick buck who hadn't practiced neuroscience in many years and had a lawsuit against him whilst writing the book.(research this to find out more if you need validity.) It was definetley all about status for the author of this book, which is why I willed the last quarter of the book to go quickly just to end it.
Of all the 'afterlife' books to read, this was not one. If anything this was a memoir of how many Doctors Janis could travel in luxury to talk to and pick and choose her favourite version of a story to fit.
I am a very open minded and spiritual person although I dont have a religious undertone to my beliefs. I have read a lot of many different versions of paranormal, ghost stories, angel/spirit guide experiences etc over the years to get a sense of passion and contentment with an author.
Janis the author of this book unfortnately lost her 2nd husband to cancer, and a year later the 'hand in the mirror' happened (and a few other things...nothing crazy) and this book was her trying to "find out more and find herself".. I really dont feel she is any better off now than she was at the start of the book (maybe a lot richer though..)
What frustrated me was how throughout the book she constantly reminded the reader of her wealth, and high high powered job, and her beauty (she remarried within a few years of losing her 2nd husband) I really didnt warm to her. She then tried to find out more about the 'hand in the mirror', and as an 'average' reader I was getting very frustrated with the amount of Doctors she spoke to of higher class (oh yes he graduated at the top of his class from Harvard and then did a doctorate on this and that and taught at a university for 29 years before doing another 2 degrees...) about this, yet when she spoke to 'normal/ordinary' people, she just referred to them on a first name basis... yes this is Dave. He is a medium. For all we know 'Dave' could have had a law degree or anything, but to her he wasn't as important to mention as the Doctors (and got about 1% of the book compared to about 20% that the Doctors got in total). But these Doctors held more validity for for her than looking outside the box to different ideas and beliefs whilst trying to "find herself.."
However throughout all these Doctors I heard about (and lost count of...) I heard one name and wanted to stop reading there and then. Dr Eben Alexander. A man trying to make a quick buck who hadn't practiced neuroscience in many years and had a lawsuit against him whilst writing the book.(research this to find out more if you need validity.) It was definetley all about status for the author of this book, which is why I willed the last quarter of the book to go quickly just to end it.
Of all the 'afterlife' books to read, this was not one. If anything this was a memoir of how many Doctors Janis could travel in luxury to talk to and pick and choose her favourite version of a story to fit.
May 21, 2015
I've never read a book about "ghosts" from a mostly scientific-proof viewpoint, so this was a new take on the idea of communicating with loved ones from the other side (for me). Janis is a retired news journalist & editor, and her writing and research was very thorough and well laid out, easy to follow. I had no idea there was such a thing as a Masters in parapsychology...she really did her homework and shared such interesting information about the science of studying beyond the tangible. That was impressive.
Through 90% of the book, she was looking for proof that Max was really still with her...and I kept saying "Call Theresa Caputo!" Mediums were finally introduced at the end of the book. But much of this book delves into "is this for real" from a scientifically measurable stance. I didn't think I was going to like it because my focus is faith based and God focused, but this book ended up being too interesting to disregard, and I appreciate the new point of view!
Through 90% of the book, she was looking for proof that Max was really still with her...and I kept saying "Call Theresa Caputo!" Mediums were finally introduced at the end of the book. But much of this book delves into "is this for real" from a scientifically measurable stance. I didn't think I was going to like it because my focus is faith based and God focused, but this book ended up being too interesting to disregard, and I appreciate the new point of view!
June 19, 2015
I love this subject matter and am very open to paranormal experiences, as I've had quite a few myself. That said, this book was 95% the author patting herself on the back for being an excellent mother, wife, and solver of mysteries, 4% "paranormal activity" (like a door shutting...), and 1% justifying that she eats nothing but fruits and vegetables while her husband eats (gasp!) pancakes and Burger King! The chapter about losing a child was the most interesting part to me, as it was chock-full of legitimate paranormal experiences. Most of the book was a struggle to get through, as I'm more interested in paranormal subject matter than the life story of an author I've never heard of.
July 19, 2015
I really wanted to give more than 3 stars I just can't. If you want scientific facts then this is for you. However I was expecting a story and not a whole lot of story here just facts and people and their history. The " story" itself was about 1/4 of the book the rest was other info on research. Not for me. I have myself had several paranormal experiences and I wanted more story I suppose. It was a very slow read for me and a bit disappointing.
I received this book direct from the publisher for review.
I received this book direct from the publisher for review.
September 26, 2019
Lacking a clear sense of purpose, but written well enough to follow.
If you are a skeptic at all, I recommend you do not read this. This is a mix of biography and paranormal event hunter, with both sides not done justice, not enough details to be interesting to the average person. Thankfully, the book starts with the most significant event in the middle of the story, to give the barest of foundation, the Hand on the Mirror.
Regarding the paranormal parts, it felt very real, and not-embellished. Unfortunately, this also meant that is wasn't THAT unusual, and much of it could be explained if only those avenues of exploration were pursued! There was a lot of 1% syndrome. Talking about vacations, the choice to retire early, etc, little irrelevant setup details that no one but the author is likely to care about. There's a lot, a lot, a lot of waiting to get to the point. The last third of the book delves into psi and different people who study it. Hearing the tarot readings was especially painful, because it totally seemed like percentage guesses, prompted by an overeager client. I found myself more entertained by creating fanciful interpretations (like the housecleaner having an affair with the husband's ghost) or repeatedly singing Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror.
I really hope that writing the book provided some additional sense of closure to the author.
If you are a skeptic at all, I recommend you do not read this. This is a mix of biography and paranormal event hunter, with both sides not done justice, not enough details to be interesting to the average person. Thankfully, the book starts with the most significant event in the middle of the story, to give the barest of foundation, the Hand on the Mirror.
Regarding the paranormal parts, it felt very real, and not-embellished. Unfortunately, this also meant that is wasn't THAT unusual, and much of it could be explained if only those avenues of exploration were pursued! There was a lot of 1% syndrome. Talking about vacations, the choice to retire early, etc, little irrelevant setup details that no one but the author is likely to care about. There's a lot, a lot, a lot of waiting to get to the point. The last third of the book delves into psi and different people who study it. Hearing the tarot readings was especially painful, because it totally seemed like percentage guesses, prompted by an overeager client. I found myself more entertained by creating fanciful interpretations (like the housecleaner having an affair with the husband's ghost) or repeatedly singing Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror.
I really hope that writing the book provided some additional sense of closure to the author.
October 3, 2023
Hoy vengo a traeros la reseña de este libro 😊
Me lo compré hace muchísimo tiempo y lo tenía ahí en la estantería que nunca encontraba el momento de leerlo,hasta que hace poquito lo cogí.
La verdad que no me ha gustado mucho...Es una historia real sobre la vida después de la muerte.La parte que cuenta las cosas espirituales y que suceden en su casa me gustó bastante pero luego otras partes donde busca una explicación y habla con científicos y gente que sabe del tema pues no me molaron tanto y me parecieron súper aburridas.Tenia esas partes lentas que me hicieron aburrir y a veces me costaba cogerlo.Estuve a punto de abandonarlo pero como ya he dicho antes en alguna ocasión no me gusta dejar los libros así,sin terminar.
El libro tiene 24 capitulos y además trae fotografías que ella tomó como pruebas de los sucesos paranormales.
Me da bastante pena darle esa puntuación pero es que no me ha llenado por completo.
Me lo compré hace muchísimo tiempo y lo tenía ahí en la estantería que nunca encontraba el momento de leerlo,hasta que hace poquito lo cogí.
La verdad que no me ha gustado mucho...Es una historia real sobre la vida después de la muerte.La parte que cuenta las cosas espirituales y que suceden en su casa me gustó bastante pero luego otras partes donde busca una explicación y habla con científicos y gente que sabe del tema pues no me molaron tanto y me parecieron súper aburridas.Tenia esas partes lentas que me hicieron aburrir y a veces me costaba cogerlo.Estuve a punto de abandonarlo pero como ya he dicho antes en alguna ocasión no me gusta dejar los libros así,sin terminar.
El libro tiene 24 capitulos y además trae fotografías que ella tomó como pruebas de los sucesos paranormales.
Me da bastante pena darle esa puntuación pero es que no me ha llenado por completo.
October 9, 2018
I enjoyed this book for the wrong reasons. I read it with the mindset of it being a work of fiction. It definitely didn't pass my "sniff test" for any scientific or remotely scientific proof that what the author encountered was of another dimension.
The author attempts to legitimize her various mediums through their professions or higher education but that doesn't convince me. The most fervent religious and spiritual believers I know hold higher educations--proof of one's ability to learn isn't proof of logic or skeptical reasoning!
Overall, the message was a good one but I retain more wonder and thought provoking ideas from Deepak Chopra.
The author attempts to legitimize her various mediums through their professions or higher education but that doesn't convince me. The most fervent religious and spiritual believers I know hold higher educations--proof of one's ability to learn isn't proof of logic or skeptical reasoning!
Overall, the message was a good one but I retain more wonder and thought provoking ideas from Deepak Chopra.
May 30, 2018
A friend gave me this book soon after my husband died from Cancer. It was validating to read the author's accounting of contact with her husband's essence from the other side, as I was having similar experiences. Her book was a soothing balm to my sense of sudden separation, and gave me hope for my future during a time of loss and despair. Not just because of her ongoing connection to her deceased husband, but because of how she moved on and found new love, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has recently lost a partner.
February 25, 2024
I enjoyed this book and found it inspiring. The quotes and references to other books, movies and sources were useful to anyone reseaching the topic. The author did spend too much time describing her business connections and her career. However she wrote with honesty and authenticity about her family relationships and her personal spirituality. Her desire to open minds to the possibilty of the continuence of consciousness beyond death is commendable. I had trouble putting the book down - as it was very engaging.
April 4, 2024
This book was so hard to read. I wanted to love it, and there were parts I did and wrote quotes from it in my journal, but mostly I just wanted it to be done.
The biggest thing I got from my read was that I had a very similar experience as Janice, a true goose bump moment. I now know my “dream” may not have been a dream at all, but a moment, that for me, the veil between this life and the next was lifted.
Otherwise, there were so many people she interviewed, their academic backgrounds so detailed, I had a hard time focusing.
The biggest thing I got from my read was that I had a very similar experience as Janice, a true goose bump moment. I now know my “dream” may not have been a dream at all, but a moment, that for me, the veil between this life and the next was lifted.
Otherwise, there were so many people she interviewed, their academic backgrounds so detailed, I had a hard time focusing.
August 27, 2018
This book is about the paranormal experiences of a widow after the death of her husband. This is a true story. She took pictures of several phenomena her and her son, and then her and her next husband experienced. She was in charge of the Sacramento Bee for many years. She interjected facts about people who work in this field with her own story. That made this a very disorganized read for me.
September 23, 2019
Started slow but was gripping in the middle and the author lost me in the end. I have to admit was a little disappointed in the end. There was no concrete evidence that it was her deceased husband trying to communicate with her. She has quoted some valid sources and references from the field of paraphysics and metaphysics. But the book overall did not strike a cord with me. I did manage to read it till the end.
March 11, 2021
I have mixed emotions about the topic and the writings. I loved reading about the connection with the paranormal side, but I became bored with the details about certain people she met, including doctors, professors, and mediums, and about the scientific side of things. I’m glad that she found answers, for the most part, but it’s probably not a book I will read again because I want to.
March 8, 2023
Let me begin by stating that I do not agree with nor endorse the ideas presented in this book. However, I did find that this book was an interesting and eye opening read.
Considering the several academic theories talked about, it is still easy for laymen to comprehend.
It is a good book to read if one is interested in learning about the paranormal.
Considering the several academic theories talked about, it is still easy for laymen to comprehend.
It is a good book to read if one is interested in learning about the paranormal.
October 9, 2023
Sometimes the chapters felt very drawn out when they could’ve been shorter. Similarly in places where there could’ve been more detail to further hook readers, I felt as though we were left hanging for details. Didn’t enjoy the read as much as I wanted to. The pictures included were a very nice touch however.
December 28, 2016
Loved this book! The "science" got a little boring but her story is amazing, Told in a way that even the biggest skeptic would have to ne saying hmmmm. For anyone who has lost someone and doesnt believe that there's more once we pass, this book is a must read.
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