Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits - When Ghosts Speak

Absolutely wonderful book, very helpful, as I am grieving mother, looking for answers. I was very surprised at the condition of the book that I received, for the price I paid. It was used, and stated that it was "gently worn". In fact, it was in excellent condition. I will no longer go to the mall bookstore, when I can order in the comfort of my home, and receive my purchases in just a couple of days...Very satisfied!

The author repeats the traditional lore about ghosts.Some information is offered in different forms and is repetitious. What is new lies in her claims of being able to see ghosts in the room of a person she is having a phone conversation with. She also claims the ability to create the 'white light' at will, much on the order of mentally opening some spiritual gateway into the next world.
The author makes claims that can neither be proven nor disproven.
She offers no validation to her claims other than alledged experiences. Belief is up to the reader.

Ann Winkowski seems to suffer from the delusion that she is some arbiter and judge of ghost truth, and even qualified to send ghosts into the light. Sorry, but only God has that prerogative. And I disagree with some of her ideas. Just because a ghost detector does not fall in agreement with what Ann may detect (or not detect) does not mean she is the correct one. Maybe she hallucinates or is deluded? This field is incredibly subjective, and requires much humility.

There was alot of insight about earthbound spirits and going into the light that was useful, but the author seemed a little detached and a little cold about getting spirits into the light. It may be from having dealt with them for so many years but it seemed insensitive to lie and tell them anything to get them in there.

very good read some very interesting tips to help you easy to read could not put it down read in a day she has had a very interesting life would recommend this to any who is into metphyics or having problems with things not going right in there life

I found this book very fascinating. I had Maryann come to our house about 10 yrs ago and everything in this book is very true. I totally believe in earthbound spirits have lived with several, some nice and some not so nice at all....

I found that I have had experiences and had questioned if they were real. I believe that I will be more aware and believe my gut instincts going forward. Fantastic read, I wish the writer lived closer to me, I would ask for assistance. I would love for her to write more books.

Full of misinformation. Contradicts my own 33 years of experience, the experiences of all of the mediums I know, and pretty much every book I've read on the subject. On top of it she admits to being a bully to earthbound spirits and some questionable ethics. Also her view on people who commit suicide is uneducated, and deplorable. Just about any book on the subject out there would be better than this one. She's just riding the coat tails of the show.

I developed the initial feeling that this was a very specially gifted person providing a very special book until about half way through. I do agree with the critical reviews here, actually I feel..."how could you not" ? Some others articulated skepticism very well, Just apply even a little common sense here please. There is too much to collaborate to the side of inconsistencies building a case for the very questionable, and "not making any sense" while going down that path. The photos are in line with big foot and the Loch Ness monster. Every single photo leaves you struggling to see what she is claiming it to be. I am a true believer in that there is a place for our souls after this physical life, and I have witnessed indicators of my own that make me feel this way. I feel this author actually works against the building of believers in the after life and truth about spirits, ghosts,etc. How did all the other millions upon millions of misplaced spirits ever cross over before she came around, and we better hope she is still available when our time comes! Why would God appoint only one to do this work? And Just like one other reviewer stated about those seeds... no explanation, some sort of magic seeds, it seems so fairy tale like. I am totally astonished at the many who are buying this story.

Could not be more straight forward and concise. A pleasure to read the spiritual experiences, facts as they are experienced by the author and others in this writing, and receive very specific yet simple instruction on how to approach and carefully deal with the subject, all minus the new age mystical verbiage that so often is so unfounded without a central anchor, which can leave a person wide open to real spiritual danger. Conversely, the author empowers the reader with confidence to understand the subject with clear, concise, easily understood concepts and vocabulary to assist a wide range of backgrounds and ages. Without drama or undue attention to herself, the author succeeds in truly teaching and guiding the reader in the subject(s) for exactly what it is, without the distraction to either hype or sell something -- refreshing, honest, valuable, spiritually level-headed, and void of all pretence. Thanks for a valuable read and valuable source!

I am three quarters of the way through this book - although I am feeling more and more that I should not even bother finishing it. I don't honestly know whether this author sees earth-bound spirits or not - but I don't care much for the way she talks about bullying spirits into the white light - and that she feels okay with this. She comes across as pushy and also aggressive. I don't like her ignorant take on suicide - her opinions are thoughtless and obviously quite ignorant re the reality of suicide and why it happens. I had mixed feelings about purchasing anything written by this lady - now I know why. Think her writing is very "Hollywood" and a "grab for attention". There are some truly excellent books out there about this subject and more - but this one is definitely not one of them.

Many books on the subject of ghosts are either silly and trite or leave the reader with many unanswered questions. This book is different--and better. Mary Ann Winkowski claims to see ghosts (earthbound spirits) and is able to speak to them. If you accept that premise then the book's content is fascinating and answers many questions. Readers can and should be skeptical about such claims but if one reads the book with an open and curious mind it will be an enjoyable and enlightening read. It certainly makes you think. What happens to us after we die is always a compelling topic. "When Ghosts Speak" approaches the topic with ideas many people have not fully considered before. If you enjoy an easy, page-turning read about a topic that has always fascinated humankind, you will not be disappointed reading this book.

I just finished this book and enjoyed it very much. I want to start by saying that Mary Ann truly is "the real deal". I have had the good fortune of having her help me out with earthbound spirits on a couple of occasions. She DOES what she says she does! Imagine being at work, somewhere she's never been, she didn't even know what I did for a living, and she described the place to a T, warehouses with shelves of paper, a small room with no windows and a metal door. I was working for a printing company and my office was in a small room with no windows and a metal door. She told me that the female ghost who was there had come into the building when the printing presses were moved from another building (which they had been) and that she had been in the printing industry when few females were and that she was pretty harmless and (unusual for Mary Ann) she did not send this one into the light saying she was happy there and not causing any trouble. So, you can believe everything you read here. Also, living in her community, I have talked to many, many people who will attest to how amazing she really is.

Anyway, the book will certainly tell you everything you ever wanted to know about ghosts. It is very interesting reading, well organized and definitely holds your interest. It's not creepy, it's not scary, it's just Mary Ann relating her life experiences! It's like having a chance to sit and chat with her. The last few chapters in which she tells you about protection from earthbound spirits (and protection you can use for any type of metaphysical work as well) and how to deal with an earthbound spirit yourself and how to learn to create the white light in which she helps the spirits cross over, are well worth the price even without the rest of this very interesting book. But that's certainly not intended as an encouragement not to read the rest. You build your knowledge of the subject as you read, so start from the beginning and the end will make more sense. You'll love the whole book! I did! Highly recommended!

I just finished this, and for someone who has had otherworldly experiences since childhood, as had family members, this was one of the most useful books of this type I have ever read (I should qualify by saying I haven't read a lot in this area).

I stumbled upon it and after reading it immediately shared it with a good friend who has suddenly been experiencing a host of odd phenomena since she began therapy work with hospice members as well as others in distress.

I had no idea who the writer was, and had never seen the 'Ghost Whisperer' show that is based on her life.

I think the book is most useful for people having personal experience with the supernatural, or who have a strong feeling they have.. otherwise, you will be understandably skeptical. If you're one of the many who have - you may be like me and go "Ohhh...so THAT's what that was all about!"

I have known since my grandmother passed 20 plus years ago and made herself known to me visually (before I actuallly knew she HAD passed), that spirits often lingered around in the immediate period after passing; I never knew why some remained.

The mind blowing part to me was that the trivial grudges and attachments, even to mundane objects, would go with someone who passes. The author makes a clear distinction in being an 'earthbound' spirit, and 'crossing over', and she says she has no special knowledge of what 'the other side' once crossed over is. As a traditionally raised Catholic she alludes to beliefs in the common folklore. I think you could be of almost any persuasion however and get something out of reading this book, of the process of passing, why some linger, what makes people linger, etc.

And when one thinks of famous cases of 'poltergeists', often the cases revolve around households where there are teenagers, or intense emotion going on, the author claims that intense/disturbed energy can attract these spirits who energize themselves from it. I have personally seen this in my own family too, so it resonates for me. '

I tend to believe this author and find her credible, and I certainly don't find credible some of her peers.

I did find some of the introductory parts of the book overdone, repetitive, but I guess that is par for the course with mass market publications, but the content and some of the anecdotes are riveting, as well as enlightening, if you have ever been witness or subject to these kind of happenings.

Ms. Winkowski can see and "talk" to a certain kind of ghost. This type ghost is a deceased person who decided not to go on to Heaven or wherever. According to the author, if the deceased doesn't go on he/she will still have wrinkles, and be the same age etc. as they were when they died. But those who step through the light and go on, will be as they were in their prime. She cannot see those who come back from this spiritual realm, but she knows mediums who can and have. Ms. Winkowski tells us we stay behind for a "human" reason. We want to know what they did with Mama's ring or we need to tell someone we made a new will and no one knows where it is or the antique dresser that has been in the family for years is being sold at auction and we can't bear to part with it. She can usually convince those earthbound ghosts she meets that "life" is much better on the other side. I found it interesting that a ghost stuck in the now and unable to go on to where they are supposed to be, can find a funeral home and when that departed one goes, it can go along through the same portal. She says most deceased people with the exception of small children stay around for the funeral and or burial. The author lends her expertise to the TV producers and writers of the Ghost Whisperer. The book is very interesting and leaves this moral (I think). Don't place too high a value on things of this earth or you may get stuck here while everyone else is having a great time on the other side. Eunice Boeve, Author of Ride a Shadowed Trail

I believe in a spirit world. I believe spirits can communicate through certain people called mediums. I believe Mary Ann Winkowski, the author of this book, is a medium. What I have a hard time believing, however, is that she is as good as the stories in this book suggest. She seems to get names, personal information, and even computer passwords from the spirits without too much difficulty.

I have a pretty high boggle threshold, but this book exceeded it and left me shaking my head and wondering if she embellished some of the stories. It may be that she just mentioned the best cases and made no mention of her failures, but I remain skeptical. It would have really helped my skepticism if she had included an appendix of some kind with testimonials from the various police departments and other agencies or persons she states have been clients.

Most clairvoyant and clairaudient mediums, including James Van Praagh, who wrote the Foreword to the book, struggle to get names and they just get bits and pieces of information, often through symbols. But it is as if Mrs. Winkowski is sitting there talking to them over a cup of coffee, jotting down their verbatim words. She does state that she communicates only with earthbound spirits, i.e., those who have not yet gone into the light, while mediums like Van Praagh, John Edward, Lisa Williams and others known to the public apparently communicate with those who have gone into the light. Perhaps the vibrational level for earthbound spirits is closer to ours and that makes it easier to get information. I have done much study and reading in the area of mediumship and don't recall coming across this division before, i.e., those who can receive communication only from earthbound spirits and those who receive communication only from spirits who have gone into the light. It was a very interesting and educational read for me.

I don't rate a book down just because it exceeds my boggle threshold. It gave me much to think about and ponder on. I look forward to hearing more about Mary Ann Winkowski, but do hope she will offer some testimonials in a future book.

This book is easy to read and well written. Mary Ann Winkowski's sincerity is evident. I ended up feeling that I was listening to a good friend tell me her life over coffee while we share some coffee cake.

If you're looking for a different slant on ghosts or information that isn't readily available elsewhere, this book is enjoyable.

I find it hard to accept that Mary Ann can see and talk with so many ghosts, "make the White Light," and convince them to cross over. Maybe that's my limitation, not hers. I am opened minded in that respect. I'm not one for superstitions and charms so the last chapters on removing evil spells or whatever didn't do anything for me.

What I learned for myself is that I am not interested in having a talent like Mary Ann's. I'll continue to watch Ghost Whisperer because it's entertaining, too, but where I want to make my connections is with spiritual rhealm. Earthbound spirits won't help me with my personal growth, but it's nice to hear what someone else has to say about them. This book has been enough for me in that respect.

The book is a good read - something that you might take to the beach with you or read a few chapters every night before you fall asleep. Don't worry. There is nothing scary in the book. You'll sleep just fine.

This was a very interesting book! Mary Ann Winkowski is the inspiration for the show The Ghost Whisperer. Mary is not a psychic who can look into the future or visit crime scenes and get visions of what took place there, but she can see ghosts!
In this book you will learn about the many reasons people choose to become ghosts and how it effects those being haunted. You will be shocked by some of the reasons that people would choose to be ghosts instead of moving on to be with their loved ones in the light.
The only complaint I have with this book and others like it is that it only told a little bit about possible non-human spirits (what some call demons). I understand that she can't talk to them because they simply refuse to talk to her but she did say that she convinces some to move on into the light. It would have been nice if she could have told about getting one of those non-human spirits into the light, and her first encounter with one.
Over all this was an excellent read that held my interest until the very end.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, or believe that Mary Ann can speak to earthbound spirits or not, this is as much a book of human interest stories as it is about ghosts. About what concerns people when they die and why they stay (as varied as there are ghosts), what they want their relatives to know (whodunit), and what their relatives want to know (where's the silver, do they like their funeral plans/clothes). It's fascinating to think most folks stay around to attend their own funeral, and really sad to think people prefer to hang on to their possessions instead of going into the Light after their burial. It was also interesting to see how some of her stories became Ghost Whisperer episodes (made the episode where the mother wouldn't let her dead 4-year old son go even more tragic). I couldn't put it down.

Few books do I read straight through with hardly any breaks. This is definitely one of them. No matter how you feel about Spirits and the Spirit Realm this book is very interesting and highly readable. I have seen Spirits so I have no trouble believing Mary Ann's stories. Always glad to read accounts of other people who see Spirits.

I first met Mary Ann Winkowski when I interviewed her for my book, Ghosthunters. I was completely charmed by her humble and warm Midwestern personality, not at all what I expected from someone who can see and talk to dead people. If you've ever watched CBS' Ghost Whisperer, you may already know something about Mary Ann since the program is loosely based upon her experiences. In fact, Mary Ann is a consultant to the producers of the show.

Mary Ann's new book, When Ghosts Speak, is a candid and thoroughly engrossing biography in which she explains her unique abilities. The book is written as though the reader was seated at Mary Ann's kitchen table, talking with her over coffee and biscotti. Yet, the amazing stories that she tells about her conversations with ghosts tells the reader that this is a woman with awesome, if not frightening, powers which have helped her to aid countless families who needed to communicate with recently departed loved ones. She also writes about her work with various law enforcement agencies throughout the country as she helps them solve crimes by talking with the dead crime victims themselves!

I enjoyed reading When Ghosts Speak and I recommend it to any readers who want to know about the real Ghost Whisperer.

John Kachuba
Author: Ghosthunters: On the Trail of Mediums, Dowsers, Spirit Seekers, and Other Investigators of America's Paranormal World

This book has already received many positive reviews, but since it is square in my filed of study and experience I thought I might add some fresh perspectives.
You already know of Mary Ann's connection to Ghost Whisperer, so I won't bother with that. She says quite plainly that she only sees and talks with earthbound spirits and that once they move into the light, it is up to mediums like James Van Praagh to do the communicating. Yes, there are different grades of mediumship. Clairvoyance comes in many colours. Mary Ann is an expert at her level, of that there is no question in my mind. You will find no clearer accounts of how spirits look and talk when still earthbound than here.
As a practitioner myself, although my area of expertise is the "complete obe" as it were, where I am completely gone form my physical body, I still encounter earthbound spirits all over the place, but my connection is more purely telepathic than strikingly visual. I can manifest the light, as she talks of doing, particularly in old graveyards where there are many firm believing Christians from the 19th century still waiting for their version of Judgement Day. This light manifesting is not quite as miraculous as you might think. Once obe many things are possible once you are shown the ropes. My new novel "An American In Heaven" goes into this in detail.
I cannot share Mary Ann's need for protection from, well, whatever it is you think you need protecting from. But many psychic's, although talented and sincere, still carry the baggage of old superstitions from past lives, and one should understand and accept that. But there is no need to share it.
Mary Ann's take on "modern suicides", that they don't really care about the consequences of their actions, and certainly don't give a toot about religious belief systems about what's supposed to happen to them, is, as far as I'm concerned, right on the money.
Finally, this is definitely a fine addition to your ghost bookshelf.

gordon phinn (wordofgord)

I have always been interested in the concept of ghosts or spirits, and I love the television series "Ghost Whisperer", but I was never sure if I really believed in them. This book will really get you thinking. It's very interesting and a good read, simple to understand. It sure makes sense, and it also gives you hope for yourself in knowing what happens after death. It takes away all the thought of ghosts being these scary chain rattling entities. They are simply as they were while they were alive, just they haven't crossed over. I would reccomend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about the spirit world.

"When Ghosts Speak", by Mary Ann Winkowski has been on the market for a short time, but has apparently made the reviewer's take note. I initially purchasd the book for my wife as a "Christmas Stocking Stuffer", but ended up reading it before she even "got it out of the stocking!":

I realize that Mary Ann Winkowski is a consultant to CBS's "Ghost Whisperer" but, that's hardly a selling point for me.

Mrs. Winkowski's paranormal experiences seem far more interesting and enriched than any televison program could ever portray. Her stories and work with police agencies, and surviving family members of deceased souls is reason enough to purchase the book.

Even if, you are a total disbeliever or, at very least...a high caliber skeptic; You will find these stories and events as intriguing and exciting as any bed time story you ever heard as a child, or...Murder Mystery you read as an adult!

All things are possible, and I can readily accept that this "bene strega" (good witch) grandmotherly figure known as Mary Ann Winkowski does in fact, see and talk with ghosts. However, I was a little disappointed not knowing if, she was able to see and speak with her beloved Italian grandmother in whose footsteps she obvioulsy followed.

Tonight I think I will crawl up in my bed with a good historical novel and perhaps...just a few "quince seeds" hidden under my pillow ...just to be safe, you understand.

Interesting read, although there are parts I don't agree with and I had a real problem with how lightly the author kept admitting that she outright "lies" to the spirits she is trying to help in order to get them to do what she wants. If she finds it so easy to lie to them, why would it be any harder to lie to us?

This book is fairly interesting with facts I had not read before. I purchased it because the author is connected with the Ghost Whisperer program and I am a devout fan. I am fascinated that Mrs. W, John Edward and Lisa Williams all perceive spirits in a different way. I wish I had the ability === so I read. The one "off-putting" item about the author is that she has a web site where she sells her quince seed protectors. You cannot purchase the seeds in bulk but must pay $40 for a small silver charm with one quince seed inside. I am dubious about individuals who sell their charms at such a high price to readers and such a profit for themselves. I've seen small silver charms for one third the amount and surely a quince seed (which she claims can only be purchased from her relatives in Italy) cannot come so dear. The book was interesting and I am not sorry I purchased it - but hold off in buying her trinkets -- and ALWAYS keep an open mind.

When Ghosts Speak
By Mary Ann Winkowski

This book is the story of Mary Ann Winkowski and how she became the inspiration and advisor for the TV show Ghost Whisperer. Mary Ann began seeing ghosts as young as two years old and continued in the tradition of her grandmother. Her family was old world Italian and the grandmother had the ability to lift curses as did preceding generations. This gift skipped a generation with Mary Ann's mother. As Mary Ann grew up she was coached and taught and her gift was utilized in talking with the dead of relatives and friends. The grandmother would drag young Mary Ann to funerals and such and would have her communicate with the grieving people. As time went on Mary Ann grew to understand and figure things out and became, as much as possible, an expert on earth bound spirits.
The book was easy to read and very fascinating, almost bordering on science fiction or fantasy. It would be easy to dismiss her as a fraud or crazy, but you don't get that idea from the reading. For example, she doesn't ask for money, and everything is logical based on the idea that earthbound spirits are real and there are certain rules that go with them. To put it simply, it just doesn't have the flavor of a nut-job. Now, I know that all the skeptics and anti-supernaturalists, deniers and mystic busters can recreate everything she does, but that doesn't deny she could have something.( I would love to know what the Skeptical Inquirer would have to say.) Most of her claims could be investigated. One of the things I enjoyed about the book was her knowledge and discussion of pop culture's view of ghosts such as Ghost, Amityville Horror, Ghostbusters, The Sixth sense, etc. She uses them to address misconceptions about her abilities and the hereafter.
Mary Ann using the book to discuss her experience, obviously for entertainment value but also to instruct and enlighten us to what really goes on behind the scenes of earth bound spirits. She states that when a person dies they with them "the Light" which is described as like a doorway or portal. This light stays with the deceased for about 72 to 80 hours and then disappears. If the person has not gone into the light they are stuck and must find another Light to use, which can be found with someone else who has recently died. Mary Ann discovers that she is able to create this Light using visualization and she coaxes, cajoles, pleads or even lies to the earthbound spirit to get them into the Light.
In the process of learning and growing with her abilities she teaches us some truths about earthbound spirits:
1. Earthbound spirits know they have died.
2. They have no supernatural abilities but they do apparate
3. They have no higher knowledge or wisdom
4. Ghosts do not draw energy from TV or other electrical devices
5. Ghosts cannot draw energy from other earthbound spirits
6. Ghosts do not announce their presence with cold spots, scents, sounds or slime.
7. Ghosts can interact with the living to create harm
8. Ghosts draw off of emotional energy. The more and stronger the better.
9. Because of this, they don't hang around cemeteries but places where there is a lot of emotional energy such as rock concerts or hospitals.
10. She cannot communicate with those that have crossed over into the Light. This is where other spiritists or mediums come in.

Another interesting thing she discusses is staying away from those things that invite or conjure up other worldly entities such as Ouija boards, automatic writing, black magic or other dark practices. She says that doing these thing will attract earthbound spirits but at the same time evil ones or even spirits that have crossed over. She has a short chapter on evil spirits and possession and dealing with dark entities. These dark entities are not clearly identified but described as "not of the Light" and "I do not believe they were ever human". She gets rid of these evil presences by a number of practices such as visualizing the Light, quince seeds, smudging or getting a religious blessing.
Some other generally interesting but random points:
1. Quince seeds. She uses these seeds sent over from her family in Italy and the block a ghost from crossing over whatever threshold the seed is on such as door or window.
2. The ghosts and their power, ability and hold on the earth are connected to energy and so she uses the idea throughout her work. "Strong energy", "weak energy", "send the energy back to the universe", "negative energy", etc.

When I first started reading this book, I was intrigued by the premises she put forth. I thought I had stumbled upon something new, different or unique. Perhaps she could shed some light ( no pun intended) on the world of the supernatural. But no. By the end of the book she appears the same as any other psychic that I've read about in the past 20 years. Curses are real and can be placed on a person, object or piece of land and can be removed. To protect oneself there is a long list of items needed such as candles, glass dish, powders, oils, incenses, protective amulets, talismans, totems, Holy water and procedures to use them. She says the herb dill can be used for neutralizing envy. I didn't know envy was such as evil energy that could be repelled by an herb. Mary Ann comes from an old word, Catholic background with some references to heaven and hell and judgment and God and she gives a warning on page 212 "Don't Touch The Holy Water" . "Do not, under any circumstances think you can dispel a ghost by throwing Holy Water around. If you are a layperson, you should not be determining how to use something meant for a blessing in another kind of service. This sort of disrespectful behavior really ticks spirits off. If you have an ordained minister or a priest visits you to offer a blessing that's one thing. If you, as a lay person, just start sprinkling the Holy Water around, you are simply asking for trouble. I have seen spirits become so enraged that they will use their energy to break things, move things and otherwise display as much of their physical presence as possible." Really? Perhaps she should consult with a Protestant. She repeats and teaches the same doctrine that psychics have done for 50 years.
In conclusion, she is a true shaman, mystic, communicating with a supernatural world as many have done before. This world is complete and has its rules and ways of doing thing. Unfortunately, it is not a biblical worldview and followers of Mary Ann would do well to consider which worldview they want to be in. Just because it's real, doesn't make it her view of it correct.

Great book - the suggestions for removing curses seems to work quite well. Also did the smudging which has improved the atmosphere of our home. Think we did have a ghost, but a gentle one. Helped me understand much more about ghosts and rings as true.