Healing Grief is divided into four sections: The first part addresses "The Process," how humans cope with grief, including personal ruminations on the classic four stages. In part 2 Van Praagh speaks to "When Someone You Love Dies," offering specific essays on losing parents, grandparents, siblings, lovers, best friends. In part 3 he recognizes the numerous other losses that we grieve over--divorce, midlife crisis, losing a home or a job. In the final section Van Praagh speaks to reclaiming our lives, calling upon all that he believes of the after-life as well as listing specific rituals and activities that promote healing. Fans will appreciate his characteristically smooth writing style and the numerous fascinating anecdotes from his clients. --Gail Hudson

Product Description
James Van Praagh, renowned medium and bestselling author, reveals how the devastating sorrow of a loss can lead to incredible opportunities for spiritual growth and bring a sense of renewal and focus to our lives. This deeply felt, wise, and compassionate book offers hope for a true healing of the mind and spirit, as we move beyond grief and loss-to a life of freedom, joy, and purpose.

I've watched a number of programs with this man and noticed a number of interesting things. 1.) He misses his guesses on deceased people as much as he "gets" them (that's a 50% average, folks,) 2.) He blurts very common names out to the audience (i.e., I feel a "Mary" out there) 3.) He dodges very skeptical questions and makes plenty of excuses 4.) When he is cornered by a skeptic and can't weasel his way out of the question, he makes some phoney excuse about "Only God knows..." 5.) He can't give ANY feedback to people who don't respond to any of his questions -- only the ones that do.

I've also done plenty of research on him, including finding some interesting information on him on the Internet. Apparently, a small TV station who first put him on the air said, "When we first met him, he was very nice, he drove his little car over and talked to a lot of people. But now, if we want him to come back, he demands a limousine, specific foods, and is very, very expensive, let alone nasty." Start searching the internet, people, you'll find all kinds of stuff on this guy.

His background consists of being an ACTOR and a writer. He's "always" had the gift. Sorry, but I've seen enough to know this guy is just a liar as well as watching the infamous debunking on 20/20. When he was cornered, he got all snooty and said, "You roll back your tape and you'll see that I never asked that woman anything about her grandmother." Well, guess what? They did roll back the tape. Between takes, apparently he didn't think they were still filming and he DID ask her if she had a grandparent who died. He didn't say too much after that. James could have easily gotten his "messages from heaven" from general beliefs such as the tunnel of light, the great city, and he is not convincing... he's copying and boring.

People, if you really want to read a great book on a good medium, read "Lessons from the Light" by George Anderson. THIS guy is phenomenal. Never heard of him? That says volumes to me. James Van Praagh knew how to "market" himself -- George is more humble than that. To give some background on this guy before I go into the book, I have seen George Anderson in action and find him believable to the point of amazing. When he speaks to the dead, he insists on not getting any feedback from the person he is speaking to -- simply yes or no answers only and he goes into great detail about the loved ones who have moved on. But that isn't the part that is phenomenal... George has a habit of giving people "gifts" from the deceased. One event in particular I remember would be when he was on the Howie Mandel show and he was councelling a Jewish man (Howie's producer,) about his deceased mother. He then pulled out a very unique small box with designs on it that was apparently Orthodox-Jewish and told him that it was from his mother who wanted to prove to him that she was there. The man was shocked and said that his mother owned one exactly like it when she was alive. Howie went on to say that when he met George Anderson he was surprised when George blurted out: "Your dad says that you should be taking your pills." Howie explained that no one knew about these pills he stopped taking and it was impossible that George knew it -- he believed that his father really did tell him through George. Plus, I don't see any news stations trying to call him a fake.

You want a real medium, check out George Anderson. His work helped us tremendously when we lost my father. In fact, this guy changed my life for the better. Trust me on this one. If you skip this charlitain and read George I guarantee you'll be satisfied.


THANK YOU JAMES   April 9, 2000
 28 out of 32 found this review helpful

I BORROWED THIS BOOK FROM A FRIEND AFTER LOSING A SPECIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE.. NOW I HAVE TO OWN IT .. IT IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LOST A FRIEND, LOVE, OR FAMILY MEMBER. JAMES ONCE AGAIN OPENS YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND TO KNOW THAT YES THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH AND ONE CAN STAY IN TOUCH WITH IT DURING LIFE HERE ON EARTH


BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED!   September 12, 2000
 28 out of 28 found this review helpful

I wish this book had been in print years ago, the first time I had to cope with the loss of a loved one, and was floundering in pain. "Healing Grief" is overflowing with helpful information from simple exercises to help you heal to a special section of the more frequently asked questions. The author says his desire is for the reader to " get back to living your life with an added awareness of loss and grieving". You may find situations very similar to your own challenges. His list of ways to help yourself on pages 263-264, are beautifully crafted to comfort, ease the pain, and move you through moments daily. For example: "carry on your loved one's memory by finishing an activity that he or she started but wasn't able to complete:"and make a list of things that make you laugh. Know that the person who passed would want you to be happy;" and say something nice to a stranger today;" and remember that everyone grieves differently, and some not at all. Each of us is a unique, individualistic creature of God; "and forgive yourself for being upset or angry. The most important thing is to feel. It is okay if someone else doesn't understand your hurt;" and get a little more sleep and look forward to your dreams." James Van Praagh shares his own anguish and recovery from his mother's death, as well as stories of others, and how they handled the healing process. Yes, he attributes the wisdom contained in the book to his "guides, and those on the other side of heaven". This book far surpasses his previous "Talking to Heaven" and "Reaching to Heaven". I gave copies of this book to my five step-daughters who are experiencing the recent loss of their beloved mother. It says what I would like to say; but James Van Praagh says it better. Highly recommended! Wonderful spiritual stories and lessons to help heal the heart. Beneficial to those who need to remember that they are not alone.