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The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts: How to Make the Paranormal Normal
TikTok favorite Rebekah the Ghost Guide makes the paranormal normal—and a little less spooky—for the growing number of folks who like their ghosts more friendly than frightening. With fun and easy instructions for finding and communicating with ghosts, along with real-life stories from Rebekah’s paranormal investigations, this guide is perfect if you want to find out what goes bump in the night!
Ever wanted to explore the spooky unknown—without getting too scared? The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts is your ultimate companion to uncovering the mysteries of the spirit world. Let popular TikToker Rebekah the Ghost Guide teach you how to be a paranormal investigator with confidence and curiosity and just the right amount of whimsy.
Inside, you’ll find beginner-friendly tips for finding and communicating with ghosts. Adorably macabre illustrations add a touch of lighthearted fun, while enchanting ghost stories transport you to places where the veil between worlds is delightfully thin. Each tale offers just the right balance of goosebumps and giggles, keeping you entertained at every turn.
Whether you’re setting out on your first ghostly adventure or you’re a seasoned medium looking for fresh inspiration, this book is filled with thrills, chills, and a whole lot of fun.
Ever wanted to explore the spooky unknown—without getting too scared? The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts is your ultimate companion to uncovering the mysteries of the spirit world. Let popular TikToker Rebekah the Ghost Guide teach you how to be a paranormal investigator with confidence and curiosity and just the right amount of whimsy.
Inside, you’ll find beginner-friendly tips for finding and communicating with ghosts. Adorably macabre illustrations add a touch of lighthearted fun, while enchanting ghost stories transport you to places where the veil between worlds is delightfully thin. Each tale offers just the right balance of goosebumps and giggles, keeping you entertained at every turn.
Whether you’re setting out on your first ghostly adventure or you’re a seasoned medium looking for fresh inspiration, this book is filled with thrills, chills, and a whole lot of fun.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 10, 2026
Very fun and interesting indeed. The audiobook felt like a podcast, very easy to follow.
July 31, 2026
I am very new to my spiritual and paranormal journey. I have been called an empath as well as clair sentient and I found this helpful in the fact I am not going to crazy. I would love to be able to connect with Rebekah on TikTok just to help validate me but also she said trust yourself 😂 but if you want to reach out, I follow you @heatherm1224 ♥️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One line review: Interesting and entertaining, but not particularly helpful.
Detailed review
I am a believer and seeker of the mystical, but this book, however, wasn't for me. I would have liked a more scientific and evidence based approach (like the works of Dr. Ian Stevenson and Michael Newton)
Why I couldn't get behind this work or find it particularly helpful
Chapter 1
1. A ghost is, in the author's own words, a piece of sentient memory, a part of a soul. But in the very same chapter where the author says this, she also describes two ghosts eating actual pies that she and her friend bought for them.
2. The author states that psychic mediums believe different things about the afterlife based on their own biases and experience. Understandable. However. If there is no consistent data available, how can there be a guide to help readers understand correctly? Isn't it simply a decision about who we choose to believe (because we like the person or because the beliefs of that specific medium is consistent with what I already believe, so it's more of a validation of my understanding rather than a learning experience)
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an opportunity to access an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chapter 2
3. The author encourages a beginner to believe they know more than they think they know (not sure about such an assumption) and simply go with their gut. Going with the gut is sound advice, but again this only tells me that there isn't an actual guide. We just hold on tight to common sense, our own senses and choose to believe what feels right.
4. I have mixed feelings about some of the author's recommendations (the "if you think it's right, go with it... if something feels too unpleasant to consider, nevermind, you don't need it" approach). Yes, our peace of mind trumps everything else, but would this approach help us really understand?
5. The story about Gertie the ghost was entertaining, but it also raises a few questions that weren't addressed: Are buildings that are situated between burial grounds always likely to be haunted? How could the author hear or sense Gertie? Does that mean we need to be born with psychic powers for access to the spirit world? If so, is access to the paranormal world limited only to some?
I'm really not sure about this. A lot of it simply seems to involve imagination more than anything else
Detailed review
I am a believer and seeker of the mystical, but this book, however, wasn't for me. I would have liked a more scientific and evidence based approach (like the works of Dr. Ian Stevenson and Michael Newton)
Why I couldn't get behind this work or find it particularly helpful
Chapter 1
1. A ghost is, in the author's own words, a piece of sentient memory, a part of a soul. But in the very same chapter where the author says this, she also describes two ghosts eating actual pies that she and her friend bought for them.
2. The author states that psychic mediums believe different things about the afterlife based on their own biases and experience. Understandable. However. If there is no consistent data available, how can there be a guide to help readers understand correctly? Isn't it simply a decision about who we choose to believe (because we like the person or because the beliefs of that specific medium is consistent with what I already believe, so it's more of a validation of my understanding rather than a learning experience)
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an opportunity to access an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chapter 2
3. The author encourages a beginner to believe they know more than they think they know (not sure about such an assumption) and simply go with their gut. Going with the gut is sound advice, but again this only tells me that there isn't an actual guide. We just hold on tight to common sense, our own senses and choose to believe what feels right.
4. I have mixed feelings about some of the author's recommendations (the "if you think it's right, go with it... if something feels too unpleasant to consider, nevermind, you don't need it" approach). Yes, our peace of mind trumps everything else, but would this approach help us really understand?
5. The story about Gertie the ghost was entertaining, but it also raises a few questions that weren't addressed: Are buildings that are situated between burial grounds always likely to be haunted? How could the author hear or sense Gertie? Does that mean we need to be born with psychic powers for access to the spirit world? If so, is access to the paranormal world limited only to some?
I'm really not sure about this. A lot of it simply seems to involve imagination more than anything else
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rebekah Carmichael's The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts is a charming and entertaining read that blends humor, mystery, and the supernatural into an accessible and engaging story. With a lighthearted tone and endearing characters, the book offers a refreshing take on ghostly encounters without relying on heavy scares or dark horror elements.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its balance between whimsical fun and genuine emotion. Carmichael creates a cast of relatable characters who navigate unusual supernatural situations with humor, courage, and heart. Their interactions feel natural and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences.
The ghostly elements are imaginative and enjoyable, adding intrigue and adventure throughout the story. Rather than focusing on frightening moments, the book emphasizes curiosity, discovery, and understanding, making it appealing to readers who enjoy paranormal themes without intense horror. The mysteries surrounding the spirits provide enough suspense to keep the pages turning while maintaining the story's overall light and inviting atmosphere.
Another highlight is the author's approachable writing style. The narrative flows smoothly, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments keeps the story balanced, while themes of friendship, empathy, and personal growth add depth beneath the supernatural premise.
The reason for the 4-star rating instead of 5 is that some plot developments are fairly predictable, and a few secondary characters could have benefited from additional development. While these aspects slightly limit the story's impact, they do not diminish its overall charm and entertainment value.
Overall, The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts is a delightful paranormal adventure that offers humor, mystery, and heart in equal measure. It is a fun and satisfying read for anyone looking for a lighter take on ghost stories.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its balance between whimsical fun and genuine emotion. Carmichael creates a cast of relatable characters who navigate unusual supernatural situations with humor, courage, and heart. Their interactions feel natural and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences.
The ghostly elements are imaginative and enjoyable, adding intrigue and adventure throughout the story. Rather than focusing on frightening moments, the book emphasizes curiosity, discovery, and understanding, making it appealing to readers who enjoy paranormal themes without intense horror. The mysteries surrounding the spirits provide enough suspense to keep the pages turning while maintaining the story's overall light and inviting atmosphere.
Another highlight is the author's approachable writing style. The narrative flows smoothly, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments keeps the story balanced, while themes of friendship, empathy, and personal growth add depth beneath the supernatural premise.
The reason for the 4-star rating instead of 5 is that some plot developments are fairly predictable, and a few secondary characters could have benefited from additional development. While these aspects slightly limit the story's impact, they do not diminish its overall charm and entertainment value.
Overall, The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts is a delightful paranormal adventure that offers humor, mystery, and heart in equal measure. It is a fun and satisfying read for anyone looking for a lighter take on ghost stories.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This ended up being more about being a psychic medium and how to develop those skills in regards to ghost hunting than about paranormal investigation. I did like some of her ideas, especially that ghosts used to be human and they deserve respect and you shouldn't be automatically scared of paranormal activity. The only ghosts I allow myself to see are ghost cats and ancestors and I'm not really interested in developing more, but its still an interesting personal experience. And I did like how, while she referenced her business, it didn't come across fully as an ad. If you like psychic medium things, maybe you'd like this.
This ended up being more about being a psychic medium and how to develop those skills in regards to ghost hunting than about paranormal investigation. I did like some of her ideas, especially that ghosts used to be human and they deserve respect and you shouldn't be automatically scared of paranormal activity. The only ghosts I allow myself to see are ghost cats and ancestors and I'm not really interested in developing more, but its still an interesting personal experience. And I did like how, while she referenced her business, it didn't come across fully as an ad. If you like psychic medium things, maybe you'd like this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts is a complete guide to communicating with ghosts and exploring paranormal experiences. The language is simple and approachable, and the many anecdotes help illustrate the concepts clearly. The book never feels patronizing and acknowledges that people hold different beliefs about the paranormal, encouraging readers to explore what feels right to them as long as it causes no harm. I would definitely recommend this book as an accessible introduction to the paranormal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebekah Carmichael, and the publisher for granting me access to this ARC.
I'm not sure if my Kindle was messing up the formatting, but my specific file of this ARC was unfortunately incredibly difficult to read. Everything was jumbled, making it hard to keep track of where any sentence I read ended. I am going to try to re-read this one when it is released.
I'm not sure if my Kindle was messing up the formatting, but my specific file of this ARC was unfortunately incredibly difficult to read. Everything was jumbled, making it hard to keep track of where any sentence I read ended. I am going to try to re-read this one when it is released.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wish I could have read this years ago. The author makes it so simple and concise that you don’t feel like an idiot trying to grasp what is going on. Best of all are the ghost stories shared throughout the book. Both side of this book, stories and how to, delivered for me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews