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Psychic: My Life in Two Worlds
“I have known Sylvia for twenty years, and I have the greatest respect for her. People seek her out for her much celebrated intuitive skills, however, I have sought her out for her friendship and kindness. I applaud her for the peace and solace that she has brought to so many.” — Montel Williams “An amazing woman, an amazing life, and a book I couldn’t put down. Sylvia is a true inspiration.” — Jeanne Cooper, star of The Young and the Restless Reaching deep beneath the surface of her life—then and now—renowned psychic and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Browne ( The Other Side and Back ) candidly discusses details of her professional and personal experiences that she’s never publically revealed before.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2010
46 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Browne
237 books598 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 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 9, 2010
I'm not sure I entirely believe in Sylvia Browne's experiences, but for some reason I'm hooked to her books. They are really expensive as far as books go, but I still can't help myself.
When I read Sylvia's books, I feel as if I'm listening to a long lost friend or something. Her writing (and that of Lindsay Harrison, her cowriter) is very down to earth and humbling. I feel very satisfied after I read one of her books. It would be a shame to learn that she made everything up.
I didn't give Psychic five stars because it contained a lot of information from other books. This is how many of her books are, and it seems like an easy way to make more money by adding information from previous books. However, there was some new information that I didn't know about Sylvia, so it was still informative.
Another set back was the book's tendency to skip from year to year, rather than give a chronological time line of Sylvia's life. I also felt that there was too much other information about the paranormal, rather than about Sylvia's actual life. She would go into detail about 'mystical travelers,' let's say, and she would omit many details about her experiences on television. It was more of a psychic encyclopedia than a memoir.
Despite all of the set backs, I'm still giving the book 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. It was very easy to follow and like I said, the writing style makes me feel very pleased during and after reading.
When I read Sylvia's books, I feel as if I'm listening to a long lost friend or something. Her writing (and that of Lindsay Harrison, her cowriter) is very down to earth and humbling. I feel very satisfied after I read one of her books. It would be a shame to learn that she made everything up.
I didn't give Psychic five stars because it contained a lot of information from other books. This is how many of her books are, and it seems like an easy way to make more money by adding information from previous books. However, there was some new information that I didn't know about Sylvia, so it was still informative.
Another set back was the book's tendency to skip from year to year, rather than give a chronological time line of Sylvia's life. I also felt that there was too much other information about the paranormal, rather than about Sylvia's actual life. She would go into detail about 'mystical travelers,' let's say, and she would omit many details about her experiences on television. It was more of a psychic encyclopedia than a memoir.
Despite all of the set backs, I'm still giving the book 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. It was very easy to follow and like I said, the writing style makes me feel very pleased during and after reading.
May 18, 2019
This is another of many books by Sylvia Browne about her dealings with the "other side" as a psychic. There are many examples that she shares from her multitude of personal experiences. What is different with this book is that it is essentially an autobiography of her life from her first experiences with spirits as a young girl through her growing understanding of what it is and many details she learned over the years. For example she introduces us to her personal spirit guide who she refers to as Francine. And she explains how we each have our own spirit guide although most of us are not aware enough to make contact. If you find or figure out that you have a spirit guide and can communicate both ways, you can work to further develop your psychic skills. As with her other books that I have read, I'm not sure I'm completely on board with what the author says; but it does make me think and, at the very least, it is interesting entertainment.
July 27, 2010
I'll give Sylvia Browne this much: She's got one hell of a sense of humor. I laughed out loud a few times reading this. I'm not convinced of her psychic abilities, but after reading this story of her life, I like her. I find her intriguing now.
She claims that her psychic abilities don't work on herself. And apparently she lacks some common sense, because she's on her 5th husband. Oh well.
I'm still skeptical about her visions and spirit guide, but that's just me. She is nuts, but harmless. I think what she tells people gives them peace, and so long as they're not going broke paying to hear that message, it's fine with me.
I didn't hate this book, like I said, it made me laugh. And I read it in a couple hours. Fans of Sylvia would really enjoy this.
And I ended up with a signed copy. ;)
She claims that her psychic abilities don't work on herself. And apparently she lacks some common sense, because she's on her 5th husband. Oh well.
I'm still skeptical about her visions and spirit guide, but that's just me. She is nuts, but harmless. I think what she tells people gives them peace, and so long as they're not going broke paying to hear that message, it's fine with me.
I didn't hate this book, like I said, it made me laugh. And I read it in a couple hours. Fans of Sylvia would really enjoy this.
And I ended up with a signed copy. ;)
July 30, 2021
An entertaining read. This book taught me that everyone has a different perception of the spirit world. There's a lot of conditioning and different believe systems at work, when it comes to perceiving spiritual concepts. I guess Sylvia was able to perceive things that were true to and made sense for her, but that's not necessarily how they might present themselves to another person. After all, we're the architects of our own world and destiny. I somewhat lost interest in the story at the end. At one point all supernatural stories started to sound the same. Everything appeared to be revealed so easily and clearly to Sylvia that I had to suspend a lot of disbelief. Maybe that's just how her experience was. I cannot judge her, I have no insight into the world she build for herself.
March 14, 2020
I originally pick up this book because I saw an excerpt from it, in which the author seems to predict the international health issue we are going through right now. I was pleasantly surprised but how much I enjoyed this book. I've never heard of the Mother God, Spirit Guide, the different levels of angels, silver cord that connects us home, etc. This will definite be a book I'm going to buy, I want to always be able to go back to it.
July 19, 2018
The writing style is engaging and many of her stories are interesting. The performer on the audio book does a great job bringing the book to life. I wasn't sure what to think of the psychic and philosophical ideas she has though.
December 20, 2023
I have tried twice to finish this book and just can’t. She purports to tell her life story, but gee, there are a lot of gaps in the record here. I really didn’t expect much more, but was curious about her side of the story. Too many books on the shelf to waste more time on this one.
October 3, 2017
I believe she believes.
January 22, 2018
I didn't feel there was enough new material, feels like a version of all her books.
December 31, 2021
An interesting look at her life.
March 16, 2017
This was autobiographical, which helped me understand her more. The book started out slow and then seemed to go quicker later in the book. I did skip over her repetition from other books.
June 16, 2016
A decade ago, I would have regarded any preternatural phenomenon with an eye of skepticism intense enough to put my present self to shame (and I don’t shame that easy!). But, having said that, it’s also true that I secretly found them very interesting. Perhaps it was my mind’s way of rubbishing it to soothe my scared little teenage heart? Fortunately the increasing digits of my age brought along the maturity required, an open-mindedness to acknowledge (if not accept) the presence of entities beyond the realms of physical senses. Fortunate because it would have been a shame to miss out on reading a book this interesting.
I don’t want to divulge the contents because it would be unfair to the readers to read anything but the version so beautifully penned by Sylvia. But I do want to say this: reading this book requires an open and broad mind, especially to comprehend an opinion and experience so different from the usual (but, by no means boring at all). So much so, that it also takes courage to come to terms with the stories presented. I hope the readers will keep in mind that although they have every right to disagree (or agree), it is also important to remember that it is someone’s life and experience — we don’t have to believe it to respect it and our rubbishing it doesn’t make it false either. Like everything else, truth is subjective.
Personally, I don’t think what I read is any different from what I believed deep, deep down, it is as though I am provided with a physical proof. Although I do not have an array of similar stories to add, I do recall lots of incidents which I can’t really brush off as mere serendipity. Like I mentioned before, it’s enlightening as well as scary, but definitely worth brooding over. Moreover, it is a testament to what we come to believe as faith and the fact that God (irrespective of who/what you believe in) has our back, whether we know it not. Last but not the least, how love transcends every emotion and the joy of extending it to everyone around — living or otherwise.
I don’t want to divulge the contents because it would be unfair to the readers to read anything but the version so beautifully penned by Sylvia. But I do want to say this: reading this book requires an open and broad mind, especially to comprehend an opinion and experience so different from the usual (but, by no means boring at all). So much so, that it also takes courage to come to terms with the stories presented. I hope the readers will keep in mind that although they have every right to disagree (or agree), it is also important to remember that it is someone’s life and experience — we don’t have to believe it to respect it and our rubbishing it doesn’t make it false either. Like everything else, truth is subjective.
Personally, I don’t think what I read is any different from what I believed deep, deep down, it is as though I am provided with a physical proof. Although I do not have an array of similar stories to add, I do recall lots of incidents which I can’t really brush off as mere serendipity. Like I mentioned before, it’s enlightening as well as scary, but definitely worth brooding over. Moreover, it is a testament to what we come to believe as faith and the fact that God (irrespective of who/what you believe in) has our back, whether we know it not. Last but not the least, how love transcends every emotion and the joy of extending it to everyone around — living or otherwise.
May 6, 2014
I've never known much about Sylvia Browne outside of the fact that she was a psychic and appeared on the Montel Williams show a lot. That lack of knowledge is the main reason I wanted to read this book and hear her life story from the source, not some tabloid you find at the supermarket checkout counter. For the most part I was disappointed, I felt that I cam away from this with a little bit of an understanding of who she is a woman who passionately loves her family and who takes her ability and the help that she can provide to people, seriously but with gratitude as well.
Throughout the book she comes across as a woman of strength who has overcome and lived through some truly horrible times, including an abusive husband. Growing up in a household where my father wasn't exactly the nicest person on the planet and who would show that on my mom, I have a great deal of sympathy and respect for women or men who come out of abusive relationships stronger for it and who are willing to give life a second chance.
The rest of the book has Sylvia explaining her beliefs on where we come from, where we go when we die, who the angels are, and various other segments of her beliefs. Now I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure how much of what she says I believe myself. I'm not even sure it matters, all I know is that she truly believes it. The odd thing, at least to me,is that her beliefs made more sense to me than I thought they would when I first started in on this book. The way she views life and the afterlife meshes to a degree with my own personal beliefs, though I think we may think of them in completely different terms. I will say this, my curiosity has been grabbed and I have every intention of checking out some of her other books.
Throughout the book she comes across as a woman of strength who has overcome and lived through some truly horrible times, including an abusive husband. Growing up in a household where my father wasn't exactly the nicest person on the planet and who would show that on my mom, I have a great deal of sympathy and respect for women or men who come out of abusive relationships stronger for it and who are willing to give life a second chance.
The rest of the book has Sylvia explaining her beliefs on where we come from, where we go when we die, who the angels are, and various other segments of her beliefs. Now I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure how much of what she says I believe myself. I'm not even sure it matters, all I know is that she truly believes it. The odd thing, at least to me,is that her beliefs made more sense to me than I thought they would when I first started in on this book. The way she views life and the afterlife meshes to a degree with my own personal beliefs, though I think we may think of them in completely different terms. I will say this, my curiosity has been grabbed and I have every intention of checking out some of her other books.
June 23, 2013
3 1/2 stars. I enjoy memoirs. Some of my favorites thus far include Janette Walls's The Glass Castle and Stephen King's On Writing (part writing instruction part memoir), and while I thought this was another good and interesting memoir, I know this wouldn't be a book for everyone due to who Sylvia Browne is and her chosen profession. That being said, I enjoyed it.
Sylvia Browne takes you from her very youngest years up until the present (2010), exposing her challenging childhood with an abusive mother, her first career as a schoolteacher, her many marriages, her strong faith, and her deep desire to use her gifts to help mankind in a positive way. But no matter what you're opinions are about this author, she certainly has had an interesting and full life.
Sylvia Browne takes you from her very youngest years up until the present (2010), exposing her challenging childhood with an abusive mother, her first career as a schoolteacher, her many marriages, her strong faith, and her deep desire to use her gifts to help mankind in a positive way. But no matter what you're opinions are about this author, she certainly has had an interesting and full life.
January 7, 2013
Sylvia does discuss her belief system about the spirit world, and there might be a tendancy while reading to go ‘Uh-huh, ya …. whatever you say, lady’. However, to her credit, she doesn’t ask you to believe what she knows to be true. She simply asks you to be open minded to the existence of other realms of being and energy. Fair enough, I say.
I found Sylvia to be honest and forthright, with a good does of self-depreciating humour thrown in. After all, the world may give her celebrity status, but she is just an ordinary woman.
Just like you and me.
To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...
I found Sylvia to be honest and forthright, with a good does of self-depreciating humour thrown in. After all, the world may give her celebrity status, but she is just an ordinary woman.
Just like you and me.
To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...
September 11, 2013
I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to psychics, but everything I've read by Ms. Browne has been riveting. She writes of an afterlife that is loving and nurturing and full of our relatives and friends and even pets who have gone before us. That's truly comforting! In this book, she made several references to mystical phenomona that resonated with me. While I remain a bit skeptical, I can't help but hope that what she says in her book is real and true. Thanks, Ms. Browne, for helping me look at death as simply another journey. I won't hasten my own journey, but it's not as scary as it might be.
November 29, 2010
I liked this book. It is a sincere biography and gives an in depth view at Slyvia's experience as a physcic. I don't believe everybody's experience with the spirit world is the same. The validity of her views and use of hypnosis is interesting and questionable. She has started her own church, which makes me a bit suspect. She claims a connection to God, so I suppose a church would be the next step for her, but I don't think I would join it. Ovearall I enjoyed her story and the explanations she gave supporting past lives and the afterlife.
June 8, 2011
....well....I come from a family deeply involved in hermetic/occult practices; so I've no problem with the content. I do think the book is an honest memoir. I just had a hard time with the amount or breadth of experiences Ms. Browne encountered. Though perhaps the condense timescale of the book led me to this feeling. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and did gain some insights into the private life of s psychic.
January 27, 2015
If you've read Adventures of a psychic then you know most of what is in this book. What she didn't include in that book, or any of her other books for that matter was the update in the last chapter or two. I now remember why I got bored with Sylvia Browne's books...I find her fascinating enough that I don't let this stop me, but honestly I'm really glad I didn't read her two memoirs back to back. I would have hated this book had I done it that way.
May 22, 2013
I listen to a lot of autobiographies on audiobook. This is the first of a psychic. It's not that I believe or not. I'm not even religious. I just thought it would be an interesting story. Four marriages and bankruptcy had to make for a decent story. I was not disappointed. Stories of her psychic experiences were great. She has a tongue in cheek style that's pretty funny. All in all a book worth your time.
December 28, 2014
This book is amazing. I had it sitting on my bookshelf for about a year and I picked it up and started reading it. It has helped me gain some new perspectives on some of the things going on in my life. Even if you are not a believer in the afterlife and such, there are valuable lessons to be learnt and helps you look at things in a different perspective. I would totally recommend it. I have ordered 3 more books from this author. I can't wait to read more of her books!
June 2, 2015
If you love Sylvia Browne like I do, or if you want to get to know Sylvia, read this book. It is a total background story of Sylvia, her life, starting with the first time she saw her gifts first manifest, to the later years. It is a beautiful comprehensive telling of her gifts and how she navigated them through her life. It is a lovely, interesting, comprehensive look at the woman we love. Definitely a must for any old and new fan.
January 19, 2019
She's hilarious, a great story teller no doubt, and it was a quick read because the style is effortlessly conversational and entertaining. Whether or not she has a gift is not what I was looking for. I wanted the biography of an entertaining professional psychic, and that's exactly what I got- plus some interesting perspective and explanations of what she says having her gifts feels like. After this book I wished I could just have a conversation with her and see where it would take us.
August 10, 2010
As a Gnostic Christian psychic, one might expect the author to have a unique point of view and she does. In this memoir she details her personal life from a human perspective, emphasizing repeatedly that psychics are as human as the rest of us. Especially appealing is the description of her long-time friendship with TV talk-show host Montel Williams.
July 11, 2011
Other than the last chapter, this book is basically just a bunch of stuff that seems to be copy-and-pasted from her other books. However, it's still a good book and a great "refresher" on her philosophy and story. Although, if you've read her book 'Adventures of a Psychic' you've basically read this one as if I remember correctly it's essentially the same in every way.
January 17, 2012
A look into her life as a psychic. Love the subject or not, you have to admit that it opens up questions we all ask ourselves about why we're here and what we are meant to do with our lives.
Her books are always easy to read, entertaining and I think they open up the opportunity for reflection and challenge one's self.
Her books are always easy to read, entertaining and I think they open up the opportunity for reflection and challenge one's self.
February 3, 2014
I love reading memoirs, and thought this would be fun, which it was. There's something irrepressible about Browne that I find appealing. I'm intrigued by people who go from one disaster to another but seem to stay optimistic. Then I got to the end and googled her and found out she'd died, which was depressing. Hope she's having fun in heaven.
May 30, 2010
I love Sylvia and have seen her live several times. I have almost all her books. This one is her biography but there isn't anything in here I haven't read before. The only thing new is that she got married for the 4th time in 2009. This time she got the right man though!
July 9, 2010
It seemed like the majority of the material in this book was a rehash of previous books. I enjoyed the new stories and the updates on the author's life. However, this seemed like a rush to publish a book. Surely the author could have filled a book this length with more new stories and fewer recaps.
September 17, 2011
Though this was an autobiography about her life, the book incorporated many stories that I've already read about in Sylvia's other books. It would be good if she could come up with some new idea's instead of recycling everything that she's already written about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews