We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us

If you're a fan of the TV show "Medium," you'll enjoy We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us, by Allison DuBois. Chapter 3 compares basic premises of the television show with the real medium's life. If DuBois forbade the writing of the show unless everything about her, her husband (Joe), and their three daughters was accurate, the writers couldn't be closer except for using the girls' real names! They even wrote an episode just like an experience DuBois had but never told them! The insider's look at readings was what I especially appreciated. Most of the text recounts reading experiences in the words of those who sought out DuBois for a reading. Each section relate what the client heard and experienced, then repeats the incident from the medium's point of view. Particularly interesting is how living people who do not know each other are brought together because their loved ones have met on the other side and seemingly "conspired" to communicate with someone left behind. DuBois is constantly surprised by the intricacies exposed. If you've watched John Edward or another public medium, you'll already know that what some of those who've crossed over say seems remarkably insignificant. "Say the word `Jellybean.'" The value of DuBois's book is that she tries to explain why these choices are made. She specifically states that no one she has ever seen or heard from "across the vale" has done or said anything to hurt anyone. What she does not report is what happens on the other side to people who are wicked here and now. Yes, murder victims forget their perpetrators as inconsequential. But is there no hell? Is everyone good--even the fathers who neglected their families? Her objective is to bring comfort and connectedness. If you think you're being reminded of a certain thing by someone who has passed, you are. If you hear a song on the radio that makes you think of them, they put it on the air. The deceased are much better at moving objects, skewing pictures and blinking lights than they are at simply appearing and saying Hello to all but the most sensitive among us. Hence the heavenly collaborations.

This book helps us see more clearly what we cannot touch or feel. It is also a great comfort and reassurance for anyone who has lost a loved one or who works in a field dealing with deaths of all kinds and grief. Allison writes in such a style that you feel like you're relaxed and having an informal conversation with an old friend. It is an easy read and answered alot of questions I had about life after death. Her answers are backed up by the fact that she has been researched by an Arizona university and she works for the police department so she's the real thing.

I read both books this weekend. I enjoyed Allison's easy style; She writes from the heart, with sensitivity for the grieving. Both books answered questions I had about some experiences I had: How to welcome visits and identify those undeveloped gifts in others and myself. I especially liked Allison's sharing about her family, the MEDIUM series, and her discussion with a Catholic priest who is also a medium. Excellent work! I certainly will buy Allison's next book!

When I have issues involving the loss of my Mother, this book gives me renewed belief and strength that there is indeed live after death. Loved this book!!

"Medium" is a great television show...but this book is the reality. No hollywood effects or twists here, this is the life of a real deal woman with an extraordinary ability. Allison DuBois tells of her gift in such a matter-of-fact way you can't help but be fascinated...her writing reads like someone's journal or diary, just personal recollections in no particular order...a stream of remembrances, much like her first book "Don't Kiss Them Good-bye". She also expresses an uncommon belief that it is a natural gift and not necessarily something that can be learned, so there are no "do this exercise and you too can be a psychic" promises. Also refreshing in her writing approach is the audience she seems to be writing for...Mrs. DuBois takes a particular interest in young mediums and beginning mediums, shows a great concern for them and seems to write from a "been there, done that, learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of others" mindset...this motherly approach is appreciated and quite endearing. Her concern for her clients and their well-being is paramount to her and that comes through as well. She peppers the text with personal accounts from her clients', sharing their stories and experiences with her. Personal stories of loved ones lost are explored repeatedly through the chapters...these stories are sometimes enlightening, sometimes saddening, sometimes inspiring, sometimes reassuring and other times painful...they are all difficult to read, you feel so much pain for her clients, I can't help but wonder how she copes with helping people with their pain so much on a regular basis. Another thing I really like about her is that she doesn't get too detailed in regards to her clients and doesn't get wrapped up in trying to "prove" herself and her abilities. She is often criticized for not giving too many specifics in her books in an effort to "prove her abilities" and "legitimize her work", however these same critics would not expect the same from Pastors or Ministers who counsel the grieving, or anyone else who claims to have a connection and relationship with the Divine. So, it's okay for a Baptist Preacher to say that they speak to God and God speaks to them, but it's not okay for Allison and other Mediums to say they've spoken with loved ones from the other side? Pastors and Ministers should not have to "prove" themselves by breaching client confidentiality and neither should reputable Mediums and Psychics like Allison. Her work ethic is simple proof (in my mind) that she respects her clients' privacy and genuinely cares about them, her credentials and history should be all the "proof" you need of her "legitimacy". Science can only prove so much anyway...there comes a time when you simply choose to have faith and believe in the unbelievable or question and refuse that which you cannot see under a microscope. Emotional, fascinating, and easy to read.