I've Never Met A Dead Person I Didn't Like: Initiation By Spirits

by Sherrie Dillard

The extraordinary travels of a young, alone and broke psychic. The heart-warming and adventurous true story of a young woman on her own at age seventeen, broke and surrounded by talkative spirits that don’t want to go away. Living in-between the physical world and the spirit realm, yet feeling a stranger in both, Sherrie Dillard criss-crossed the country by bus, train and hitchhiking in a search for answers. Along the way she was led to help the poor and homeless on skid row, install water systems in Mayan Indian villages, live alone in a tent in the mountains and make art with juvenile offenders. It was in these diverse environments that she came face to face with saints, angels and dark spirits and learned to trust her psychic ability. From her early secret encounters with spirits who guided and ultimately saved her life, Sherrie Dillard finally accepted that what made her different and odd, was also her greatest gift. I’ve Never Met A Dead Person I Didn’t Like, is a powerful story for anyone who listens to - or doubts their own intuition and the presence of their loved ones on the other side. Even in our darkest hour, in the depths of loneliness and overwhelming challenges, divine guidance and miracles are always present.

Genres: Memoir

200 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2019

About the author

Psychic since childhood, Sherrie has been a professional psychic, medium and teacher for over twenty-five years.

Drawing from years of empowering others to develop their intuitive ability, Sherrie wrote her first book the best-selling Discover Your Psychic Type, (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2008 to help others better understand and identify their innate intuition. Business Reed Information said of the book: “Lifelong psychic Dillard (intuition development, Duke Univ.) offers up a genuinely satisfying work on developing psychic abilities well beyond the typical if-I-can-do-it, you-can-too!”

Her book Love and Intuition, (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2010) explores how to develop intuition in one of the most spiritual aspects of life: love and relationships. Of the book, SingleWomenRule.com wrote: "The book that can turn your love life around,” and Suite 101 wrote, "This book is a keeper!"

Her newly released book is The Miracle Workers Handbook: Seven Levels of Power and Manifestation of the Virgin Mary. This book revels the seven energy phases of Mary's life -a blueprint for living each day as a magical adventure of synchronicities, intuitive insights, sacred encounters, divine intervention and miracles.

Sherrie's writing has also appeared in national magazines such as Glamour, New Age Journal, Belief.net and on the Yahoo! home page. She has been featured on radio and television for her innovative books and her work as a psychic detective and medium. Along with musician Kenni Hairston, Sherrie has recorded three popular CD meditations and visualizations.

With a lifelong devotion and dedication to be of service, Sherrie has worked with diverse populations in unique settings. Along with her work as a professional intuitive she has helped to house and feed the poor and homeless in New York City, and in San Jose and San Francisco, CA. She has built simple water systems in Indian villages in the mountains of southern Mexico and Guatemala and created art therapy programs in treatment centers for troubled youth in North Carolina and Georgia.

Sherrie's love of service combined with her intuitive ability has catapulted her intuitive practice around the globe. She has given over 50,000 readings worldwide.

Sherrie holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.Div. in New Thought pastoral counseling. She has taught intuition development classes at Duke University, Miraval Resort and in Europe, Costa Rica and Mexico. Her passion for the fusion of intuition, spirituality and conscious self-growth has made her a popular speaker and teacher at retreats and conferences both nationally and internationally.

Originally from Massachusetts, Sherrie has made Durham, North Carolina her home for the past eighteen years and can often be found walking along the river with her two dogs, Busta and Holland. Her daughter, Mariah, a high school English teacher, and a granddaughter also live in North Carolina. Her son, Aiden, a film maker, lives in Miami, Florida.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Goodreads plot description actually makes the book sound much better than it is. I had high expectations and was disappointed. I received this book from a publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I think that I received the book because I had written a good review of Haunted: Horror of Haverfordwest. My review of that book is here.

I did not know that this book was a religious book, otherwise I never would have read it. I was totally open to believe that the author saw ghosts, until that is, she said that she sees the spirit of “Mary”, angels and saints. I was immediately turned off and became a disbeliever in her “psychic” ability. I also found her Mayan spirit “Tetchuwatchu” to also be unbelievable. I googled the name and literally nothing came up. Is it even possible that google doesn’t know something? The author claims that the name means “teach you watch you”, but I mean come on. Are we really supposed to believe that the ancient Mayans had names that sound like the English meaning of their Mayan name? “Techtu” in Mayan means “teach you” in English? Highly doubtful.

Do I believe that the author has stronger intuition and instincts than most people? Sure, it’s possible. Who doesn’t get bad feelings sometimes when danger is present. I could even believe that the author believes she sees these spirits, but it just didn’t seem realistic to me.

I am going to have to give this book 2.5 stars. I am really on the fence as to whether to give it 2 or 3 stars. In the end I really just struggled to finish this book. I definitely would have given her book 3 stars had it not been for the religious aspect. Overall the book was, for my taste, too spiritual and not paranormal enough. However, if I were open to religion or spiritual topics, then maybe I would have liked this book better. That is to say, please don't totally discount this book based solely upon this review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Emily Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and couldn’t put it down! In fact, I finished in one weekend. I’ve read several of Sherrie’s books and love how she opens up about her personal journey in this one. It’s incredibly validating to those of us working to connect on a higher spiritual level. The book is written in a digestible format, with short, well organized chapters. It will be an enjoyable read for all, from the most enthusiastic readers to those who “aren’t really readers.” I highly recommend it!

[Ginae B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without regard for what she's putting out there, I cannot get enough of Sherrie Dillard.

I've Never Met a Dead Person... is no exception. She's living a life that I cannot help but wonder if I could even handle.

This title offers almost a fly-on-the-wall vantage point of the life of a psychic. Dillard is honest and real. The lessons are not fabricated. They are as real as the human herself.

The book is telling in a lot of ways. For example, it was just today that I read on Quora. Well, I read because a reader had asked myself and others if psychic so-and-so were real. I hadn't heard of this person. So, I ignored the request. I can't spend all day every day reading Quora.com, just because it's one of my favorite websites.

Nevertheless, there's a naturally ugly side of other-side communication and Dillard doesn't run from that. Well, she does, as is humanly possible. But, that's another aspect of this type of communication. We give in. We hesitate. We over-analyze. We get overwhelmed.

Sighing.

I've Never Met a Dead Person...

It's real.

It's generous.

It is.

[Producervan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've Never Met A Dead Person I Didn't Like: Initiation By Spirits by Sherrie Dillard. John Hunt Publishing Ltd. 6th Books. Religion & Spirituality. Publication date is set for 26 July 2019—01 August 2019. (Paperback: 200 pages.) Format: Kindle ebook. 5 Stars.

Enthralling memoir that fascinates, inspires and instructs. I truly enjoyed reading about the author’s hard-won journey to mediumship, her years of service, her connections with the Mayans, and her strong spiritual bond with Mother Mary. Likewise I felt it amazing that the author was able to heal from the shocking and distressing events which she has recounted here. She is a true spiritual warrior. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The extraordinary travels of a young, alone and broke psychic. The heart-warming and adventurous true story of a young woman on her own at age seventeen, broke and surrounded by talkative spirits that don’t want to go away. Living in-between the physical world and the spirit realm, yet feeling a stranger in both, Sherrie Dillard criss-crossed the country by bus, train and hitchhiking in a search for answers. Along the way she was led to help the poor and homeless on skid row, install water systems in Mayan Indian villages, live alone in a tent in the mountains and make art with juvenile offenders. It was in these diverse environments that she came face to face with saints, angels and dark spirits and learned to trust her psychic ability. From her early secret encounters with spirits who guided and ultimately saved her life, Sherrie Dillard finally accepted that what made her different and odd, was also her greatest gift. I’ve Never Met A Dead Person I Didn’t Like, is a powerful story for anyone who listens to - or doubts their own intuition and the presence of their loved ones on the other side. Even in our darkest hour, in the depths of loneliness and overwhelming challenges, divine guidance and miracles are always present.

This was a really nice read.
The author has taken us on a very personal journey of her life.
Nice to get a glimpse into the life she had and how it has made her who she is today.
A very honest and emotional account of life for her personally.
Very well written.

I received this book free from NetGalley; Review copied to Amazon UK but link not available yet.

[Grant Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

NB: I received a copy of I’ve Never Met a Dead Person I Didn’t Like for review.

Probably should just preface this by saying it is not the kind of work I would stumble upon of my own accord. Even so, I’m glad I had the chance to read this. Part autobiography, part instructive text and part novel, it offers some vivid insights into death and the means through which we process this and learn to live side by side with it. There is no sense of self-importance here and no shying away from uncomfortable details. The writing is personable and vivid, and the stories from the author’s life are embellished with details in a way I wouldn’t have expected here. Example:

"When we spotted a new-looking black car turn down our street, we knew this had to be him. Everyone in the neighbourhood drove junky cars. With the snow and salted roads in the winter and large families with working-class paychecks, most of the bottom halves of the cars were either covered with rust or chunks of it had rusted off."

The passages about growing up poor in Florida with family members dying around her has touches of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to it. I was intrigued by the father, too, a high-functioning alcoholic with tales of being raised near logging mills that emitted a “foul-smelling black suet powder” and who is prone to outbursts of black violence. Definitely has more of a narrative quality than might appear at first glance.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's understandable that some people will be skeptical about Sherrie's experiences, but no one was more skeptical about them than Sherrie herself. She has written a lovely, personal and touching autobiography about a person who just wants to do good, be the best she can be and, most importantly, with a really strong desire to help others. There is nothing more admirable than this quality in a person, especially one who has had such a tough upbringing, and struggles which continued into adulthood. Those who take issue with her psychic side need to understand that these abilities are unpredictable and often unwanted. You also need to understand that the messages arrive symbolically and in ways that are culturally appropriate for the receiver. See Jung's work on the collective unconscious through to the work of modern science on the primacy of consciousness. With any luck some of Sherrie's infectious positivity might rub off on the doubters and they'll have a closer look at the nature of mind, especially their own.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've Never Met A Dead Person I Didn't Like is a heart-warming adventure story based on one woman's experience. Living in-between the physical world and the spirit realm, yet feeling a stranger in both, Sherrie Dillard crisscrossed the country in a search for answers.

Along the way she was led to help the poor and homeless on skid row, install water systems in Mayan Indian villages, live alone in a tent in the mountains and make art with juvenile offenders. It was in these diverse environments that she came face to face with saints, angels and dark spirits and learned to trust her psychic ability.

From her early secret encounters with spirits who guided and ultimately saved her life, Sherrie Dillard finally accepted that what made her different and odd, was also her greatest gift. I’ve Never Met A Dead Person I Didn’t Like, is a powerful story for anyone who listens to or doubts their own intuition and the presence of their loved ones on the other side.

[Gretchen Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Sherrie’s books and this one is by far my favorite. Unlike her other books, this one is about her as a person and a psychic. More specifically, it’s about her psychic journey and the difficulties she has endured as well as the growth she has experienced. I’m not sure how or why, but reading it and understanding her journey has somehow made mine more understandable and meaningful. I can only imagine how difficult it was for her to open herself up like this but, boy, is it ever worthwhile to her readers. This book is powerful and meaningful. I will, I’m sure, read it countless times in an effort to better understand my journey and to feel comforted by the difficulties - and feel gratitude for the joys - that make up my life.
Added bonus is that this is a quick and easy read (and I am not an avid reader). I highly recommend this book. Happy reading!

[Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Sherrie Dillard's voyage of discovery. From a childhood of abuse, through her discovery that she could speak with spirits, Sherrie lets us accompany her as she discovers herself and her powers.

Sherrie is a gifted story teller who doesn't shy away from the darker elements of her life. This is a powerful telling of somebody coming to terms with being different and finding acceptance and love for who they are along the way. It will not be a story for everyone, it builds upon religion and spirituality, but even as an agnostic I found it compelling and moving.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how we discover ourselves, or to anyone who likes powerful biographies.

[Darcysmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and John Hunt Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
Sherrie Dillard's memoir is a quick, engrossing read. Her tone makes it easy to feel like you are having an intimate getting to know you conversation. This is a bit of a double edge sword though, like all getting to know you conversations, a lot of depth is left out. I would have liked to know more about her experiences and the people she met, both living and dead.
I read I've Never Met a Dead Person I Didn't Like in nearly one sitting and enjoyed slipping into the author's world.

[Lora Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very autobiographical account of the author's life, as of course it's meant to be. What distinguishes it is the incidences of psychic perception of spiritual entities.

A lot of people are sceptical about spirits, ghosts, afterlife or what have you, but taken at face value, it's an interesting look at how someone who does see spirits has their life affected by it.

Though much of it seemed to be unrelated and just a story about incidences in the author's life, I found it strangely interesting and well expressed. This would appeal to people who are curious about the spirit world or psychic phenomena.

[shanna washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is such a captivating memoir and I was immediately hooked! The author has a fantastic writing style and her story is so adventurous and insightful. I hardly knew anything about psychics prior to reading this book but found it totally accessible for a novice like me. It was the first book I've read by Sherrie Dillard but its already inspired me to check out her other books and I'm really enjoying them. I feel like its opening me up to a whole other world, I'm excited to explore!

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit I read a lot of medium stories because I'm curious. Most are interesting, but occasionally the timing or editing hurts the tale. Not so with I Never Met a Dead Person I Didn't Like. what impresses me most is how authentic it is and how the author manages to keep a positive outlook when besieged by spirits who want to talk to her plus her own personal trials. Thanks for putting it down for the rest of us to read. :)

I received a free copy of this book as an early reader for a honest review, but I was far from being early. At least, I was honest.

[Becky Morlok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Sherrie Dillard and have read all of her books which truly are outstanding. This book is a step away from her others in that it is quite personal to the events of her life. These events, one on top of the other, have you holding your breath in fear and suspense. Hers was not the best of childhoods.

If you don’t believe that Angels and guides are with you trying to support and guide you every day, you will after reading this book. Thank you, Sherrie! Well done!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, eminently readable book. Sherrie Dillard writes in an easy, no frills style that just draws you in and warms your heart. I found this book very difficult to put down as I felt I was travelling alongside Sherrie on her psychic (and geographic) journey.

I have never read anything else by this author before but I will now be seeking out her earlier books.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest and enlightening insight to the other side of our lives. Sherrie's memoir recalls her early encounters with the spiritual dimension, and reflects on a childhood complicated by visitations, doubt and eventually acceptance of her life as a psychic. The author’s style is very readable, unpretentious, and believable. A great read for anyone possessing the gift of an open mind.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author opened up to let us into her world. It was comforting to read about the emotions she experienced on her journey, and even though it was tough at times, she followed her intuition. I feel inspired to continue to hone into and connect with my intuition.
Looking forward to checking out her other books!

[Nancy Knezevich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and captivating

This was a lovely story of a woman's journey of discovery, finding her authentic self as a psychic medium and surrendering to her life's purpose. It makes you reflect on what is really out there in this world. What's it all about and how does all this fit together with what the mainstream has taught us is real and worthy of belief.

[Jill Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this inspirational memoir down. Sherrie Dillard's story should be heard. She has suffered abuse as well as personal growth. I can't wait to start reading her previous books.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

[Ed Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

I too struggle with living with "friends" on the other side who like to tap on my shoulder and want my attention. Sherrie's guides explained many things for me and I am grateful.

[Beatriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. But the title and Goodreads description is not what I was hoping for. The plot, suspense and narration was entertaining.

I’m still learning to write reviews with no spoilers.

For this reason, my review is short today.

[Ashleigh Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jesus, Mary, and…Elvis?? I find mediums’ stories fascinating, but I don’t know what to think about this memoir.

[Jennifer England · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was ok. Felt I needed more.

[Gio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've Never Met A Dead Person I Didn't Like is the empowering story of how a broken girl came to accept her psychic gift and vocation. Dillard comes from a broken homes and had to learn from a young age how to care for herself. Left alone, she embarked on a journey that took her to help the poor and homeless both at home and abroad. All the way, dead people, spirits and angels were talking to her, helping her to develop her psychic abilities. Like many people in her situation, Dillard resisted them for a long time. Do I believe her story? That's beside the point. This is an emotional account of strength and resilient. If you're into this kind of thing, give it a read.

[Cyd O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at Ms. Dillard's life. You'll be surprised too!

I am in the midst of reading Sherrie's book on medical intuition (found here: Develop Your Medical Intuition: Activate Your Natural Wisdom for Optimum Health and Well-Being https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738742015/...) and saw this book as a recommended read. I thought "That'll be good after I'm through with this one." But my guides had a different idea. I felt strongly that I should go ahead and buy it now.

I have to say they were right. I started reading, and couldn't put it down. This account of her life is so fascinating. I never would have guessed she went through so much. My impression is that she's a very put-together person. Of course, having a life of trials doesn't preclude that, it just shows that I hadn't considered it.

My heart is touched by the things she shares here, and more than one night I have settled in to read, only to find that the new chapter ran right along with something I'd been struggling with, or wondering about, that day.

To be honest, I'm not quite finished with the book, but I love it. Whether you're navigating a spiritual awakening, or you simply like to learn through the experiences of others, I highly recommend this book. I am certainly glad that I temporarily put down another book to read this one.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational and honest

Love how down to earth and honest Sherrie's story felt. Being a spirtual person myself I relate to her struggles and I'm glad she found the courage to share her story so people like myself don't feel so alone. Love all her books and she has been a part of my spiritual journey from the beginning without even knowing it.

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. I listened to it on audible and the narration was great too. I could relate spiritually and would recommend this book to anyone who not only enjoys books like these, but also who may have experienced spiritual interactions of any kind. Loved it!

[Deborah Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Inspiring account of Sherrie's experiences with the spirit realm and her growth as a psychic. I couldn't put it down.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essentially a memoir of a psychic. It was interesting reading about her life, her struggles and her ultimate success in overcoming the issues she faced.

Well written and easy to read you feel a connection to the author as she recounts the events of her life and can only admire her strength and determination as she faces her own unique events.