Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life

Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12  ·  rating details  ·  380 ratings  ·  51 reviews
Based on over twenty-five years of spirit communication and thousands of professional readings, world-famous medium James Van Praagh shares with readers the personal regrets, misgivings, remorse, and, most important, the advice of the dead who have chosen him as a medium. These spirits have a great deal to say about what they have learned and discovered on the other side a...more
Hardcover, 256 pages
Published May 12th 2009 by HarperOne (first published January 1st 2009)
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Karen
I like to believe that James Van Praagh can really see the spirits of people who have died physically. When I read this book, I am persuaded that he does. Part of the persuasion is that his message is so positive. He is continually advising the reader to make amends for past mistakes, forgive wrongs, and understand that our thoughts create our realities. He is so good at explaining the power of our own thoughts and that we can change the experience of our lives through the choices we make about...more
Kristi
Some of my friends are going to roll their eyes at me for reading "voodhoo ***t", but this book is worth it. :)

Honestly, I liked this book.

I liked the insights, the all too common human psychological experiences, and how authentic and emotionally raw the stories are. I like how it shows what we think we understand, but really don't.

Like even if spirits are not real, does it even matter as long some very important and redeeming lesson is taught? Does the debate over what is true or not even matt...more
Natalie
I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't agree with everything he teaches but I do think there are a lot of important ideas he shares. Many things, such as taking your addictions with you when you die, are taught in (LDS)church doctrine. The idea that the spirits of those who have died are nearby was also taught by Brigham Young. Many of us have felt the presence of a loved one near. Some people are more sensitive to being able to see or hear from them. However, I also think that mediums can...more
Katy Major
Mar 14, 2011 Katy Major rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Katy by: Mom
I'm not generally into "self-help" books...in fact, the only reason I picked this one up is because I was more or less forced to. My mom, after buying a copy on impulse when she saw it on clearance, deemed it "life-changing," subsequently bought every copy the local Barnes & Noble had in stock, and distributed them to friends and family.

I figured I'd wait until her enthusiasm died down, and then read it, but she was adament. "Start the book! Start it! Write notes!" Finally, I caved. I cracke...more
Noelle
A friend's 16 year old recently drowned. I loved this kid and have known her since she was about 3. I've always known (somehow) that death is not the end but another phase of life. This book confirmed all I've always felt was true. I loved it. It helped me tremendously at this very sad time in my life.
Corinne
I'm really glad I read this book. It was a departure from my typical more literary reads, and at first I was a bit skeptical but by the end I was not only inspired, but had strong hope in an afterlife such as the one described by Van Praagh. I also could "hear" lessons that my very recently deceased father would be saying to me, if he could. Now I crave a psychic experience such as the ones Van Praagh describes. Additionally, in all my experience with yoga and meditation, I don't know that I've...more
Andrea Samadi
James Van Praagh writes a powerful work with "Unfinished Business" where life lessons are apparent on each page of the book. I have not been able to put this book down, and am re-thinking my behaviors after reading these life-altering insights. I don't want unfinished business in my life, and do want to accelerate towards my goals, so why would I not listen to someone with such insight for a peaceful, successful life. I suggest that you not only read this book, but listen to the messages within,...more
Mary
I went to one of Mr. Van Praagh's spirit circles in Laguna Beach. He spoke about this book and I've waited eagerly for its release. I was not disappointed. He delivers a message of love and freedom; that every single day, every monent we have a choice to be loving, compassionate and happy or the opposite. Ultimately though, its much easier to be positive than negative and we reap the harvest of our choices in the end.

One of the most striking parts of this book was his claim that when we die we...more
Bonnie
Having been loaned this autographed book by the author's niece, I knew it would be a kick to read. It was extremely fascinating to hear his perspective on the afterlife. He provides numerous accounts of messages he shares from those who have crossed over to their family and friends. The details are so rich and specific, you've simply got to wonder. I can't wait to see him when he comes to lecture in Boston this Fall!
Kate
Meh. Self-help in the guise of psychic ancedotes. Good points, but not very compelling. He tries to bring all the chapters together by slowing describing this important dream he had at the beginning of each chapter. This didn't work for me - I didn't care about his dream because it took so long to describe, and in the end it was not that amazing. The little stories about particular readings (psychic readings, that is) he's done were sweet and convincing and some will stick with me.
Lynn Marie
Sep 19, 2009 Lynn Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone looking to improve their lives
I thought this book was very well written. It provided some excellent insight on how one can try to be a better person now. The concepts that James discussed were not anything new, but were written in such a way that I felt truly inspired. While I was raised Catholic, I don't subscribe to any particular religion now. James had a chapter (or maybe it was part of a chapter) about the difference between spirituality and religion which was right on the mark for me. I think everyone can learn somethi...more
Susan
This is a book I could read again and again. Here are a few things for me to remember...

page 3: "It's all about being responsible for your thoughts and actions. Your thoughts have power. The life you are living right now is the result of your thoughts. Thoughts are energy- they are real things."

page 27: "Our regrets may serve as wonderful opportunities from which we can learn, or they may become slayers of our self-esteem and hold us back from future opportunities. When we rehash our past decisi...more
Ellen
I am giving this 5 stars because of what I got out of the book, not necessarily because of the way that it is written. It is an easy read if you are open to it, but I would stress to take your time to get the most out of the messages as you can.
Liza
I liked this one. Whether you subscribe to his belief system or not, the author brings useful wisdom from his perspectives. Read it and see for yourself. It's especially good for grieving individuals who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one.
Karen
I don't normally read these kind of books as I have several friends who talk to "The Other Side" - they keep me pretty well stocked in stories. But for some reason I decided to pick this one up. Good reminder that life is never what it seems.
Jennifer
I always feel like I take something away I can implement in my life from each of James Van Praagh's books. I was really moved also by many of the stories he tells in the book - especially the one of about his neighbor Violette.
Sandra Mckenzie
very readable! i've been very depressed for four years after losing my love. I have read a little over half and this book has helped me start changing my attitude and I want to, for the 1st tme in four years I can honestly say "life is good"!!!

Finished it today.. sigh... Just to good and does pertain to more than losing a loved one, just tons of HELPFUL information in it for all in every walk of life. Life is still good!!! Thank you so much Mr. Van Praagh! You are loved and loving.
Lori
My husband Steve and I saw James Van Praagh in Chicago for ALA. We attended his session and he signed two books for us. I loved his latest book. It is spiritual and talks about forgiveness and love.
Ann
more of a reminder of how to live your life well, as stories from beyond give you insight into what you know and they know and how we may be 'off' and how to gently 'get back onto it'.
Lynne
Interesting book about a medium who sees and talks with people who have died. Parts are quite convincing. Most importantly, he seems to give help, and hope, to people who are grieving.
Philip
This book will change your attitude about others, especially if you harbor grudges, and it may just alter your thoughts about death. Well written with an excellent ending.
Judy
Interesting book. I enjoyed the stories that were shared, and I really liked the message of the book which is that our energy doesn't die when our body does.
Lori Gertz
I really enjoy JVP's books. I love reading about the afterlife readings he speaks of, but I also love his philosophy on how to live life.
Sara
More of a self-help book than a look at life after death, although it does give many accounts of readings with people on the other side.
Virginia


A book containing wonderful lessons on how to live. This book had me hooked and I finished it in just a few days. Great read!
Celeste
So very informative, would recommend this book to anyone seeking answers to the question, "is the life after death".
Beautiful book!
Janeene
I did enjoy this book and found it easier to read and process than some others that talk about life lessons, crossing over, etc. A good book for others who enjoy these topics.
Zia
Another must read for those that think Reincarnation does not exsist. This book just may change your mind.
Sandy Neal
I picked this book up when I needed to hear its message. It spurred me to action after I inhaled the book!
Melissa
Everyone should read this, whether you believe in the supernatural or not.
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Unfinished Business 4 11 Mar 15, 2013 04:54pm  
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His very natural, easy-going style would lead you to believe that James Van Praagh is chatting with a friend on the telephone, not communicating messages from the grave. James is a survival evidence medium, meaning that he is able to bridge the gap between two planes of existence, that of the living and that of the dead, by providing evidential proof of life after death via detailed messages. "I'm...more
More about James Van Praagh...
Talking to Heaven: A Medium's Message of Life After Death Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side Heaven and Earth: Making the Psychic Connection Reaching to Heaven Growing Up in Heaven: The Eternal Connection Between Parent and Child

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“If you're on the path you're meant to be on, everything falls into place; the Universe is telling you that. If you are not on the right path, you will experience roadblocks all along the way, and this is also the Universe telling you to stop, look, and ask if this is where you are supposed to be.” 25 people liked it
“I'd rather look forward and dream, than look backward and regret. ” 11 people liked it
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