Phenomenon: Everything You Need to Know About the Paranormal

by Sylvia Browne, Lindsay Harrison

For nearly 50 years, New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Browne has been giving millions of readers and listeners spiritual advice, psychic predictions, inspiration, and emotional connections to a world on "the other side." Now, in this fascinating A-Z compendium, Browne delivers to her fans a complete guide to all things paranormal, ...and much more, in this easy-to-use reference that helps readers to understand the phenomenon of the other side.

Genres: Spirituality, Paranormal, Nonfiction, Reference, Audiobook, Book Club, New Age

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2005

About the author

Sylvia 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.

Reviews

[Katie Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book from front to back, it is set up like an encyclopedia but in her own words. I am a big fan of Sylvia as I am a fan of her ability's. I watch her on Montell and I believe that her insights have inspired me in many ways. To say about the book a bit, I will say that if anyone has any questions about the paranormal, the meanings for divination, the differences between a ghost and a spirit, so many things she discussed has a connection with all of us nomatter what belief you have. I sincerely think that this woman Sylvia Browne can bring peace and love to any being that is tortured with the unknown, meaning if someone has lost someone dear to them and hasn't figured out how to just "know" that person is okay and has crossed over peacefully. In this book I have learned that everything she does is through patience and passion. I am right now practicing divination, and part of it is being patient you won't always know or see anything very fast and the passion you have to do this is where you will get the patience to wait on something to come to you. This book is mostly about ghost, the other side, spirit guides, the devil(if you believe or not)her thoughts on that... the boogieman and other real or not real things we always have doubts on. The book was made to inspire inquisiting minds. I know I loved it and keep picking it up just to reread something I already read a million times. It's just that cool of a book. You have to read it to know.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needs to be taken with a huge grain of salt. As another reviewer has commented, there is no bibliography or list of references given to other sources. IF the author had inside knowledge of details of The Other Side (afterlife), is this from first-hand experience, documented evidence, conjecture, visions, hearsay? Most readers may have experienced some hint of the supernatural and may find some resonance in some of Sylvia Browne's recounting and 'definitions' of supernatural phenomenon. In this light it may be helpful to have affirmation in hearing of similar experiences here. As one example, the author's theory of the nature of ghosts is interesting and even plausible. The overall sense of the book is affirming in that one need not fear supernatural phenomenon. Still, I would say that this volume is seventy-five percent fantasy and twenty-five percent possible, plausible and helpful.

[Danice · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book fits in the category of "open-minded reading." I picked it up and thought it would be interesting to see what the great psychic Sylvia Browne had to say. Sadly, my mind was not changed, nor my thoughts on psychics, after reading this book.

The book jacket says: "this book is devoted to both defining and describing, with examples, many words that are commonly used in the world of the paranormal." My assumption was that this tome was meant to be a resource of the paranormal. Unfortunately, it was not. It is merely the paranormal according to Sylvia Browne.

I hold prejudice against any book which an author claims as their specialty. When an author, a self proclaimed expert, writes a book about their self-declared specialty, which cites the author themselves as a source of answers, on any subject, I am critical. I question any author whose expertise or specialty is NOT one which, in truth, the author is the sole expert of all subject matter regarding their declared specialty in the universe.

Sylvia Brown may have been a psychic, and may have been a trusted representative of her field, but I do not believe that she was an unquestioned fount of all of the information in her book, Phenomenon.

The lack of a bibliography, despite making historical references, or noting other sources (whether to debunk or to validate) is not only unprofessional of a writer, but of any author who publishes a book advertised to be a source of definition and or description of any subject. The author alludes to her authority on a subject, without supplying sources for the information which was not proprietary content (all references used for descriptions or examples which were not drawn from her clients or herself or family.)

Honestly, I do not believe that Sylvia Browne was an authentic psychic or paranormal authority. Not being familiar with who she was, never seeing her on tv or having read any of her other books, this book was my first exposure to her. I do not believe that she had the authority to represent the phenomenon in this book without providing the reader with a bibliography beyond her opinion.

I am glad that I read this book because the paranormal terms in the book are part of the mainstream vocabulary, but I am saddened that Ms. Browne did not feel that her expertise was convincing and compelling enough to include a bibliography; crediting others who have contributed to mankind's unique supernatural and cultural phenomena.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all let me say that I am cautiously skeptical of psychics. I’d really like to believe they’re real but I don’t believe anything that I haven’t seen personally. This book did not help. Sylvia has some very interesting ideas. Her very specific ideas of Heaven (the Other Side) as she calls it are particularly interesting. And my interesting I mean malarkey. I don’t like to make light of other people’s beliefs but seriously. Some of these entries I found interesting but some of them were just ridiculous honestly. I felt like half of this book was just an opportunity for her to preach her beliefs.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible, just horrible. Ten types of crazy. And the writing sucks, too. Just painful.

[Elisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring book

I've read many books but this one by far it the worst book ever. I believe when this lady was alive life was way different and she wasn't all the way awake. She uses her beliefs still with religion claiming things that you will only hear in church. I remember she clai!ed one girl was missing she told the police she was already dead and 20 years later they find that same girl alive ..

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been revisiting Sylvia's writings lately. What troubles me now is that she infuses so much of her opinion into them. I'm not looking for her opinion on spiritual matters - I'm curious what her spirit guide has to say! Every time she writes "I think", I wish she'd consult her guide and share that with us. Meanwhile, this is a strange little volume. I'm not sure how much of it I buy, but I enjoy considering the ideas presented.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never heard of her and was not prepared for this book format. It is a dictionary of "psychic terms. I was intrigued by her take on the whole weird world of paranormal. She is very Christian yet has some odd takes on the afterlife that makes it sound very orderly with rules for everything mixed in reincarnation stuff. i will probably try another of her books that is more than just a reference book.

[Moonshadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, I don’t recommend it be read at cover to cover at a few sittings like a regular book. It has some really interesting takes on the occult, spirituality, lots of historical information. Some I believed, some I thought “this is just Sylvia”. She’s a bit controversial in some circles, but I recommend You give it a try.

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting book that gives some food for thought and definite enlightenment. I really enjoyed it and would have read it faster if I didn't have it as a hardcover. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Sylvia Browne's books.

[Debra Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for the paranormal and I am thankful that someone with her exceptional abilities put it in writing. However, there is little to learn about normal and there are gaping holes in the usual unanswered questions comparing the two.

[Miss Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating!!! An extremely helpful tool and a must read if you are studying the paranormal world.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very interesting book to read with a very open mind.

[Pamela Rowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. I learned about several supernatural ideas. it was a good read.

[Ace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend with an interest in the paranormal; because my grandfather is fascinated by mediums and the paranormal, I decided to leaf through it, though I've never experienced anything out of the ordinary myself. Phenomenon is an encyclopedia-type book that offers explanations on a number of different paranormal terms. Some entries are short and to the point; others are much longer and span pages. For folks (like me) who don't have much background knowledge on the paranormal, this is a great reference. If readers already have the basic information on these topics, this book might be a little redundant.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really expecting to read a dictionary on all things paranormal, but that's exactly what this book is. Only Sylvia Browne could make that a pleasurable experience! I really enjoyed how she threw in her own opinions, and stories. This book might just be one of the best for someone with a newly sparked interest in all things spiritual/paranormal.

[Melrose Park Library]

Este libro define y describe muchas de las palabras que frecuentemente se utilizan en el mundo de lo paranormal. Por suerte, algunas de ellas se han convertido en parte del vocabulario corriente, pero otras son desconocidos o se emplean a menudo de manera errónea.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say, I'm not fan of Sylvia (most psychic I find questionable), but she's converted me with this one. It's dictionary style so if you don't agree with the definition you can pass to the next.. very interesting and it's creeped me out. Life will be viewed in a different light by this reader!

[Juanita Baltz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is best thought of as a dictionary of paranormal terms. It is a nice reference when a word just needs a quick refesher. Enteries run from half a page to three pages and are written in Slyvia Brownes chatty friendly style

[Tara Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting things to think about that mirrors alot of other books of this sort say. Not sure I agree/believe in all of it and she says 'what can it hurt' quite a bit, but in my opinion, it could hurt spriritually trying some things. Still gives quite a bit to think about.

[Kate Zirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good if you're into ghosts and whatnot.

[Kristen Overton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I love the broad scale knowledge that Sylvia adds to her books. Any interest in Metaphysics or the Paranormal, a fascinating book, overall.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a like a dictionary or enyclopedia of all things spirtual and psychic.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. All about ghosts and demons. Spooky but informative.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very information packed. If you are interested in the paranormal, this is the go-to book for all of your questions. You'll find yourself refering to it more than once.

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book!

[Kellyttf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This explains In-depth about any questions you may have about the paranormal. Very interesting.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, lots of different topics

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reference this book all the time for Life Themes and anytime I experience something or read about a phenomenon I want to get a little more information about. Love this book!

[Natajia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this one i really liked.
Cant repeat stories from your other books if this is practically a dictionary.