A Haunted Life: The True Ghost Story of a Reluctant Psychic

by Debra Robinson

Debra Robinson faced haunted houses, terrifying psychic encounters, shattered dreams, and a battle with evil. But nothing prepared her for the death of the two most important people in her life.

Born psychic and raised in a religious family, Debra Robinson felt conflicted all her life about using her gifts. And when, at an early age, she attracts something evil with a Ouija board, she embarks on a lengthy battle with darkness. With her career as a professional musician taking her on the road, she experiences brushes with fame and heartbreak that serve to strengthen her resolve. Struggling to come to terms with her psychic gifts, the tragic deaths of her only child and her beloved father--and their visits from the other side--finally leave her with a sense of understanding and the strength to love herself.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Debra Robinson is an Appalachian author of 8 books, fiction and non fiction, as well as many short stories.

Debra also created and heads a charity scholarship for the arts, given to a graduating High School senior each year.


Debra Robinson also writes under the pseudonym D.L. Robinson.

Reviews

[Lilo]

When I hear about paranormal phenomena, I am usually rather skeptic, as about 90% of what I hear can be explained with natural causes. Yet I do know that paranormal phenomena exist because I have experienced a number of them myself during the first 45 years of my life. And while some of these incidents could possibly be explained, others just simply couldn't.

Can Debra Robinson's ghost stories and tales of psychic phenomena be explained with natural causes? Some of them, maybe. Yet certainly not all of them. Do I believe Debra? Yes, I do.

"A Haunted Life" is a soul-baring memoir. Not only does it tell about Debra's life-long struggle with her psychic "gift", it also tells about the ups and downs in her life and the most terrible loss a mother can suffer, the death of her only child. Did Debra open a window to "the other side" and let darkness into her life when she carelessly played with this Ouija board she had wished for and received as a Christmas present while she was still a little girl? Did this have anything to do with the fatal accident of her son? Did it have anything to do with the other negative and tragic events in her life? Is this darkness still following her?

Read this book and find your own answers.

[Majanka]

Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-rev...

A Haunted Life is a tough book to review. It’s not just about ghosts and hauntings here. The author, Debra Robinson, lost her son in a terrible accident, and she’d had various sense of foreboding in the past and a few signs that something was out to get her son, James. His car was totaled twice while standing in front of their garage – in a normal road, so they could’ve hit any car – and once nearly burned down due to faulty heating in the car. She had a sense something bad was going to happen days before James’ accident, but couldn’t figure out what or who it would involve.

It’s impossible for me to understand Mrs. Robinson’s loss, but I had a better sense of understanding after reading her book. It must be terrible to lose a child, in any and all circumstances, especially if you feel like it may somehow be the result of your own struggle with the darkness, of your own psychic powers. While I understand the guilt and the pain (although not really, like I said, impossible to understand for anyone who hasn’t lost a child themselves, I’m quite sure of that) this isn’t the first time I’ve heard psychics blame ‘the darkness’ for major tragedies in their lives, and it always makes me frown.

First of all, I’m not sure why a psychic would be a better catch for the devil than any other regular person. I get tired of everyone blaming demons or the devil for what goes wrong in their life – unfortunately sometimes it’s just bad luck or destiny. Secondly, we all try to find reasons why. Why did this person I love have to die? But blaming “the darkness” never truly helps. All it does is make one afraid, come up with an imaginary struggle between good and bad, makes us believe that if only we fight for the good side, bad things won’t happen to us. It makes psychics afraid to use their gifts because they fear they might get drawn into the dark side.

That was the only thing that bothered me about this book though. Apart from that, it was an enjoyable, although at times saddening read. Debra Robinson portrays a lot of courage. She survived a haunted house on Fifth Street that tormented her day and night, she survived relationships with abusive boyfriends, the loss of her son and father and living with psychic gifts she never asked for. She’s a strong, admirable woman. I liked the passages about her clairvoyance and about the spirits the most, and sometimes they were much-needed breaks inbetween the sadness going on.

The sense I get from this book though is that it’s all true. People who’ve read my other reviews for ghosts and haunting books know that I tend to take these books with a grain of salt – some are just so spectacularly written that they make the plot of Poltergeist seem like an innocent ghost playing. But I got none of that here. Debra tells the story like it is, in a down-to-earth way that makes me relate to it all the more. The ghosts she describes, the clairvoyance she talks about, those are the kind of things I can believe in.

Just one warning before you start on this one though: keep the tissues ready

[William Dearth]

I am somewhat surprised at my reaction to this book. This is not the type of literature that I typically read though I have no particular opinion one way or the other about psychics. But I know this author and I knew who her son was, though I never met him. So, I was more than a little intrigued.

A Haunted Life turns out to be a very compelling story. To be perfectly honest, I put this book down for a day when I got to page 190. I had a huge lump in my throat because I kept seeing Reb and her son’s face in every page. I picked it up again today to finish it and still had much the same feeling. This is a sad, tragic and sometimes scary story. I had so many flashbacks of my own past issues as I read it that it was uncanny. Issues with the Ouija board, helicopter life flight, intubation, the prediction of possibly only living to the age of 36 and the struggle with perfectionism in her music all resonated with me because I have experienced them all myself. Even the Lady Diane story hit home for me because I was in a car with some friends in Paris during 2012 and as we were travelling under an overpass and entering a tunnel I pointed to my left and asked what was over there. It turned out to be the exact spot where the car with Lady Diane in it crashed. That caught me by surprise. I thought it was odd because I had inadvertently turned up at the Spencer mansion (where Lady Di was raised and is now buried) in England in 2008 while driving around with some friends from Duston, England.

I don’t know if it is because I know the locale where all of this took place, because I know the author or what, but I was able to visualize a tremendous amount of what was going on here. I cannot say that this happens very often when I am reading, and I read a lot.

So yeah, this book had an effect on me, not necessarily positive or negative, but one of melancholy and a lot of reflection. I am deeply sad of the events that took place to create this story. This book is a genuine “page turner” and not at all difficult to grasp, and I am sure that most will get something out of it.

Debra Robinson is a twenty-first century woman and a talent of magnitude. I wish you peace at last.

[Regan]

My Review:
I love reading books about psychic abilities, ghosts, hauntings, etc. I get completely involved and wrapped up in the story, whether it’s fact or fiction based. Debra Robinson’s story about her psychic abilities, haunted house, and life struggles was no exception. She truly was a reluctant psychic. I can relate in many ways. This is a personal story of a haunted house, abusive relationships, all eventually leading to the acceptance that she has a gift.

The most heart breaking moment in the book was the passing of her son. I cried, literally cried, when she realized “he” left his body. I don’t know what would be worse… being haunted by spirits asking for help….Or being haunted by your own child. My heart truly went out for her story.

This was a great book, well written, and very engaging. I enjoyed every chapter, every sentence, every realization that she was being communicated with by a spirit who hadn't crossed over.

Debra did a great job on the educational aspect. Many readers who may not be familiar with Paranormal Investigations or psychics, will be able to read this book with ease. She defines complicated sections, provides definitions and marries it perfectly with personal experiences.

Overall Feeling:
If you’re a ghost hunter, paranormal investigator, or psychic on the prowl for a quick entertaining book…

Read Debra Robinson’s “A Haunted Life: True Ghost Story of a Reluctant Psychic.”

[Celia Conrad]

I 'met' Debra through one of the groups here on Goodreads and, having exchanged a few messages with her and learned about her background and writing, was intrigued to read this book. I found it extraordinary - not just because much of what she writes about is somewhat out of the ordinary, but also because she has had an extraordinary life in so many ways and really is an extraordinary person - remarkable for how she has dealt with the problems she has faced. She has had more than her fair share of sadness and tragedy in her life but remains deeply grounded and positive with very strong convictions.

Debra makes it clear that aspects of the book were deeply painful and difficult to write and, as someone who has had a lot of personal tragedy and heartache in life, this struck a chord with me.

I also think that many of us have a very glamorous view of the life of a psychic, but Debra's story shows there are a great many burdens that come with the benefits such a 'gift' brings, and that is certainly food for thought...

All in all a fascinating and thought-provoking read.

[Kerry]

AHL isn’t a ghost story or an in depth look into the spirit world. It is a story of love, loss and discovery. While the book goes into short details about the authors spirit encounters in her early years (some spooky bits and pieces that reminded me of certain encounters I have had myself of which I had forgotten)and growing up as a psychic, The story is more about self-discovery and fighting what and who you are, while dealing with the ups and downs of life. Focusing on the light and dark of life, this is one book that could gage many 'spin offs'. For 'A haunted life' reaches for the joy and light found in success, family, motherhood and love, as well as the darkness founded from fear, the unknown,sadness,sorrow and the rage of loneliness,despair and loss.

[Carolina Montague]

I bought this based on the author's brutal honesty on her blog and read it in just a few days. My own experience in this realm in Northern California: Member of Foundation for Mind/Being Research and the late Dr. Ruth Inge Heinze's International Conference on Shamanism and Alternative Modes of Healing as well as the California Society for Psychical Research had me examining this book carefully and I have to say the author is the real deal.

Not only did she convince me with the specific physical detail of how her gift developed, how she ran from it and it kept finding her, but again with her brutal honesty about it. She lays out all her doubts despite the mounting evidence of haunting in houses in which she dwelt, the little things that add up to larger conclusions.

And yes, I cried. And cried. She did not flinch when she recounted the wrenching moments of a parent's worst nightmare: the loss through accident of a much beloved, and only son. She did not over-dramatize and yet the rawness of her grief and rage at God over the seemingly senseless vehicular slaughter of such a promising young man punched me in the gut. So I cried.

I may differ in my take on some of the good versus evil explanations for these kinds of phenomena, due to my own background, but in the end, am in alignment with her caution about going into this kind of endeavor with eyes wide open. It is not for the faint of heart, and after returning from what essentially was "spiritual boot camp" - the 28-day process in South India - last month, I have to repeat that this is not for the faint of heart.

So five stars. Bravo! And I was delighted to see that her fictional account of a haunting is available so I got that as well.

[Marianne]

A few years ago, I would never have picked up a book like this. However, I had a medium come into my life 4 years ago, and literally change my life. It was an amazing experience and made me a believer. Combined with the fact that my own daughter has unquestionable gifts, I have finally let go of my fear and started looking into other stories. With that in mind, I would like to thank Debra for her courage in sharing her story. I could relate to so many things (I found myself nodding my head going "i know what she means" several times throughout the book. I only read this book yesterday and I have already recommended it to several people. I am sorry for Debra's loss of her son and father, and everything she has been through, but it is obvious that she has come out a very strong individual with an unwavering faith. God bless her and her amazing gifts; may she bring healing to many (Including herself).

Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Moondust and Madness: A collection of Poetry
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
Behind Whispering Pines
Brian's Last Ride

[Jessica]

I've been intrigued by hauntings for as long as I can remember, which is the main reason why I picked up this book. I honestly didn't expect it to be such an emotional experience. This is the story of the author's incredible life; running the gamut from amusing to heartbreaking. Debra Robinson openly discusses her encounters with ghosts, her occasional discomfort with her abilities as a medium, as well as the tragedies that have occurred during her lifetime.

I've read many books by so-called psychics and more times than not I was struck by how "high and mighty" they sounded. I often felt as though I was reading a resume that was basically saying, "Look how awesome I am!" rather than any sort of story. I'm happy to report that I never once felt that way while reading A Haunted Life. The author seemed so down-to-earth and real that I believed her so much more than all of the other psychic authors I've read previously.

This book is well and thoughtfully written. I sat up all night reading it; I just couldn't put it down! There were moments when I laughed and moments when I cried... In short, this book was so much more than I was expecting it to be and I can't wait to read her upcoming release, The Dead Are Watching (due out in September of this year).

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Stephanie F.]

I enjoyed this book so much more than I was expecting.

The book tells the life of a woman who has psychic abilities and tormented throughout her life with not knowing if it is from evil origin or a gift from God and how to use it to it's fullest and most pure ability.

The reader learns about her experiences with spirits, ghosts, and a great deal of clairvoyant issues. As a practicing Roman Catholic I believe that some people are given these abilities (although never witnessing it personally) and that it is something to be taken carefully. I felt great sympathy for this woman as she struggled to understand this ability while dealing with all the struggles that life presents itself. This included abusive boyfriends, failed dreams, medical illnesses, death of parents, and then too early death of her son by an unapologetic drunk driver.

Possibly my favorite aspect of this book is how I feel the author really portrays what her life was like with this ability very thoroughly and eloquently.

[Mary Chrapliwy]

This is a tough one to review - it's part memoir about Debra Robinson's life and the tragic death of Robinson's son and father, and part ghost/psychic story. We know from the beginning that Robinson's son James is going to die - there is a dedication to him at the beginning of the book, so this is not a spoiler.

This memoir began intensely interesting with her ghost sitings and psychic experiences. I could relate to these, mostly from the perspective of the ghosts, since I lived in a haunted a little over 25 years ago. The psychic stuff, not so much, but I find it interesting subject matter. Later in the book I was reminded that I was reading a memoir about Robinson's life. My heart breaks for her and what she has been through.

Debra Robinson's book is far more of a memoir. If you're looking strictly for a ghost/psychic story, this isn't it. If you like reading memoirs, then this is the right book for you.

[Kim Ess]

This book was very emotional for me to read. It's a book that I keep thinking about days after reading it. The journey this author's life has taken so far is nothing short of amazing and tragic. It's a true testament that through faith we learn to carry on. If one is to believe that we choose our life's lessons before we get here then this woman has packed in enough for 6 lifetimes. I found it to be very insightful, unsettling, sensitive, and heart felt. It's a beautifully written book about a controversial subject. I believe!

[Gino Alfonso]

This book had me from its opening paragraph...(don't worry no spoilers- just a taste)...
The sound of a kiss rang out in the still room. The dark was impenetrable, like thick, black velvet you could almost touch. I woke with a start, suddenly clearheaded as though I'd never been asleep. Something was in the room-some living presence besides myself.

I don't usually read memoirs but every once in awhile one will jump out at me and say read me! That was this book...I haven't read such a heartbreaking story of family, motherhood and following your dreams only to have them shattered by life's little realities in a long time. Neither have I been so scared reading a ghost story since Peter Straubs Ghost Story...but what made this even scarier, it's all TRUE! Pick this book up immediately and read on Halloween night under the covers with the light low and the fire burning.... 5 stars....

This was a read to review....thank you Debra!

[Debra]

I wrote this book as a testimony to stay close to God, be salt and light, and avoid all paranormal/occult things. I think it warned people fairly well as written, but just in case you got something out of it other than a warning to stay away from occult things, then something has changed it. That's it, just a friendly warning from one who has seen enough darkness to last several lifetimes. May God bless you all.

[BRIAN DANIEL]

A Haunted Life is a captivating memoir that chronicles Debra Robinson's extraordinary experiences with the paranormal. Written with honesty and emotion, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges of living with unexplained psychic abilities. Blending mystery, personal reflection, and supernatural encounters, this compelling true story will appeal to readers interested in spirituality, ghosts, and real-life paranormal experiences.

[Sandy Carter]

Answers many questions I have always wanted to know. The connection of God and psycic

I have a strong faith in God, and always thought that the psychic abilities had to be a kind of gift, but only to those who would use them, to help others. It is not something that you use as a personal gain type thing. It can only be used to help others, in need of help.

[Shannon]

I misunderstood the title thinking it was about her being haunted by the paranormal-her life is haunted by events that happened to her in this realm. A fairly quick read, could use more editing-this feels more like a story to help her heal-rather than explain paranormal hauntings.

[Sonya Wanvig]

Interesting. Easy quick read

[Whisper]

This was an amazing book

[Jessica]

As someone who was brought up by devout spiritualists and mystics, this angers the blood and had my eyes rolling so much, I could see the back of my head.

[Connie Ferrell]

The black cover of this book did not do the book justice. it is sweet brave and sincere, and amazingly unusual also. if I were designing the cover, it would have been done in watercolor, wet on wet paper, with yellow pink and green and a boundary of blue which contained people and places in the inner worlds.
It would have shown in some color nuance the truth about being disciplined with a rare and powerful gift that is too easy to sensationalize. The story of her life is completely believable and for me, also with similar psychic choices to make, comforting. At one point she says "I'm too Christian to be psychic and too psychic to be Christian" an unfortunate reality in our present society. But perhaps less so as a pioneers like Debra Robinson step out and share their realities. She shared the death of her only son and her unfortunate father also with complete honesty among other situations she had some control over and all she learned and I have started reading it again that it may strengthen me further.

[Kathy]

This is a classic example of someone taking that old saw "You should write a book" just a little too seriously. � The writing is amateurish and would have benefitted from more editing and rewrites. �I picked this up because of its promise to relate incidents with the occult, but I feel the real message here was about the loss of the writer's son and her difficulties dealing with her grief. �It isn't fancy, this story, but it does seem heartfelt. �

[Claudia Loureiro]

Having learned about Debra's background and writing, I was intrigued to read this book. This is an emotional story of an amazing woman who shares her gifts, struggles and challenges in a way that reaches you personally. Debra makes it clear that aspects of the book were deeply painful and difficult to write and, as someone who has had a lot of personal tragedy and heartache in life, this struck a chord with me. It was a good read--fast and clearly presented.

[Roo]

I liked this book immensely. It wa a very open account of the authors life and was full of emotion and love as well as accounts of her encounters with the paranormal. Definately not your run of the mill ghosy book and worth taking the time to read

[Terri]

Not bad for a quick read. I liked it, but wouldn't say it's a memorable story.

[Lucie]

Honest, painful and a little spooky. Great writing style - couldn't put it down!

[Heathir]

Thoughtful, intense, and moving, I could not put this book down.

[Liz Donatelli]

A riveting read!

[Susan]

Okay, I'm not going to be a psychic.