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The Happy Medium: Life Lessons from the Other Side
The world-famous medium and star of Lifetime Movie Network’s #1 rated show The Haunting Of . . . tells her story, shares some astonishing, never-before-revealed details of her celebrity readings, and teaches you how to harness your own energy and access the world beyond our own.
When she was nine years old, Kim Russo discovered she had an amazing gift—she could communicate with the dead. Deeply skeptical, she denied her talent for years. But as she gradually reconciled her ability with her religious beliefs, Kim embraced who she is—and ultimately accepted her soul’s mission as a voice for the spirit world.
Known as the “Happy Medium” for her authenticity, warmth, and her honest, positive readings, Kim has helped people from all walks of life to connect with those who have passed on. Now, this world-renowned medium demystifies the world of the dead for everyone. The key to understanding, she contends, is energy, which cannot be destroyed.
The Happy Medium interweaves experiences from Kim's life with some of the best, most astounding behind-the-scenes stories of her celebrity readings from episodes of her Lifetime show, The Haunting Of . . . . In addition, she gives you the tools to access the energy that is all around us, including the experiments and lessons she uses in many of her sold-out appearances and courses around the world.
Following her mantra, “Let them lead you,” Kim shows you how to let the world of the dead guide you to greater understanding of life’s biggest questions.
When she was nine years old, Kim Russo discovered she had an amazing gift—she could communicate with the dead. Deeply skeptical, she denied her talent for years. But as she gradually reconciled her ability with her religious beliefs, Kim embraced who she is—and ultimately accepted her soul’s mission as a voice for the spirit world.
Known as the “Happy Medium” for her authenticity, warmth, and her honest, positive readings, Kim has helped people from all walks of life to connect with those who have passed on. Now, this world-renowned medium demystifies the world of the dead for everyone. The key to understanding, she contends, is energy, which cannot be destroyed.
The Happy Medium interweaves experiences from Kim's life with some of the best, most astounding behind-the-scenes stories of her celebrity readings from episodes of her Lifetime show, The Haunting Of . . . . In addition, she gives you the tools to access the energy that is all around us, including the experiments and lessons she uses in many of her sold-out appearances and courses around the world.
Following her mantra, “Let them lead you,” Kim shows you how to let the world of the dead guide you to greater understanding of life’s biggest questions.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2016
316 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
Kim Russo
6 books166 followersKim Russo, also known as The Happy Medium, is a psychic medium who has been able to see the spirit world since the age of nine. She is a certified by The Windbridge Institute for Applied Research in Human Potential. She has appeared on hit TV shows including Paranormal State, Psychic Kids, Celebrity Ghost Stories and she hosted Psychic Intervention. As of 2016 she is the host of the long running series The Haunting of… on the Lifetime Movie Network. Russo takes a celebrity back to the place of their haunting to uncover the true story of why it took place and who may be responsible. She also provides private readings, lectures, workshops and seminars.
Russo is originally from Long Island, NY and is the mother of three boys.
Russo is originally from Long Island, NY and is the mother of three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 11, 2016
Oh my, where to start. Kim has done a wonderful job relaying the truths so many of us believe in. Kim book will make an unbeliever take a closer look at what he/she believes and why. As I write this my mouth is smiling thinking about how much I loved the part about being good to ones self. Treating yours e of with respect, love, and knowing that all roads will eventually get yourself to the path you determined before you were born. I love this book. My husband bought one for himself. Thank you Kim for helping me along with my journey.
I loved this book and I know I will devour it again in order to get every nugget of gold Kim wrote about. I am so thankful to Kim for her words of wisdom concerning how to treat ones self with love and respect. What joy to know we will reach our souls destiny even if we go down a road we did not originally plan before birth. Thank you Kim, I really love your spirit.
I loved this book and I know I will devour it again in order to get every nugget of gold Kim wrote about. I am so thankful to Kim for her words of wisdom concerning how to treat ones self with love and respect. What joy to know we will reach our souls destiny even if we go down a road we did not originally plan before birth. Thank you Kim, I really love your spirit.
May 30, 2018
I enjoyed the first half of the book but quickly lost interest at the half way point. It's a kind of memoir/how to book but lacks specific examples of how to do stuff. She claims to be a Christian, yet believes in reincarnation.... and that she can read the Book of Life, and that souls are continuously sent back to earth for do-overs and opportunities to get it right. Apparently before you're born, you pick your family and pre-choose your life. I don't understand why anyone would choose anything but being flush yet there are billions of poor and starving and suffering people. Sounds like a load of shit.
I DID get something very important from the book though. The souls she's heard from who have dies by suicide have ALL told her they regret it.
I DID get something very important from the book though. The souls she's heard from who have dies by suicide have ALL told her they regret it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2016
I've read several books on mediums and spirituality, and this book was really good. Kim has such an easy writing style that when reading the book you feel like she's sitting right next to you talking with you. The stories are personal, relevant and lead to a lesson or insight for the reader. There are also lots of extras on how to develop or reflect on ones own abilities. How to ground yourself, what the chakra system is, different guides one can have,etc. are bonuses that relate directly to her stories. I really enjoyed it and it was a fast read too.
October 21, 2019
The Haunting Of... series made me curious to know more about Kim Russo. I love that show, I lover her on the show and I love what peace she brings to visitors to the show. I loved this book even more. She explains her life, and how she struggled with the strange gift she found herself dealing with. She's grounded in God and faith, and I just loved every single thing she shared in this book.
February 24, 2023
I’m having a hard time with this one. I love her show, and find her psychic readings to be compelling and believable. I do not consider myself to be religious, or even spiritual (although I definitely believe there are spirits in the ghostly sense). Therefore my big struggle with this was all the talk of God and heaven and angels. I did find the subject matter interesting, but the religious and spiritual parts were too much.
March 30, 2017
"In time you will get where you're meant to be...we are not in this life to suffer and sacrifice. Instead, we are here to inspire others by utilizing the gifts from our soul and exercising our unique creativity."
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but rather, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but rather, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
July 15, 2016
It seems like she's repeating a lot of what Sylvia Brown wrote in her books :/
July 11, 2023
Love "The Haunting Of...", love this book, love Kim Russo. I found it fascinating to hear stories of her experience. What a gift, and sometime what a burden! Great book...kept me wanting more all the way thru so a quick read for sure.
September 1, 2022
I am on page 116 and it has been a chore to read this book. I purchased it on a whim due to the topic of mediumship. The conversational style of the story is not holding me captive. It seems that people who are a fan of her show enjoyed this book, however, as a nonfan I am bored. There is not enough substance for me. I will continue to read more and hope that the last 100 pages are better than the first 100 pages.
Update: I still stand by my 2-star rating. This book was like pulling teeth. I have read many many psychic medium books and this one is strictly for the fans of Kim Russo. Russo spent too much time talking about her amazing family and life. I am truly happy she is blessed, but I didn't feel like it contributed anything to the subject of mediumship. She also stated that other members of her family are psychic however, she is psychic because she was electrocuted as a child, um ok. I know it could be caused by both, but her bringing up that her family members are psychic wasn't necessary then. I was also really triggered by how much she talked about how normal she is. I am really tired of the dialogue of "I'm just like you, "clearly you are not, as you get to write a book about your amazing life.
There were a few exercises scattered throughout the book, but again nothing new to mediumship. I took some notes on pages 138 and 140, but overall nothing groundbreaking.
If you have never read a mediumship book before or are a fan of Kim Russo, you may love this book, but if you have any knowledge of mediumship then skip this book. This was truly a rough book to get through.
Update: I still stand by my 2-star rating. This book was like pulling teeth. I have read many many psychic medium books and this one is strictly for the fans of Kim Russo. Russo spent too much time talking about her amazing family and life. I am truly happy she is blessed, but I didn't feel like it contributed anything to the subject of mediumship. She also stated that other members of her family are psychic however, she is psychic because she was electrocuted as a child, um ok. I know it could be caused by both, but her bringing up that her family members are psychic wasn't necessary then. I was also really triggered by how much she talked about how normal she is. I am really tired of the dialogue of "I'm just like you, "clearly you are not, as you get to write a book about your amazing life.
There were a few exercises scattered throughout the book, but again nothing new to mediumship. I took some notes on pages 138 and 140, but overall nothing groundbreaking.
If you have never read a mediumship book before or are a fan of Kim Russo, you may love this book, but if you have any knowledge of mediumship then skip this book. This was truly a rough book to get through.
Read
December 26, 2020I can't even remember where I picked this book up. It was totally a whim. I started reading it on Christmas Eve because I'm going through my books to see which ones I'm keeping and which I'm tossing. Earlier this year I read a book on exorcism that was definitely headed to the latter pile, and i was pretty sure this one would end up there, too.
Nay, nay.
This is one of the better--if not the best--of the books I've read about being a medium. Its intention felt...purer? More heartfelt? Definitely, the ending where Russo exhorts all who read the book to reach for their higher callings and to use their gifts.
I did appreciate how she reconciled Christianity with her gifts, although I'm sure many will disapprove. I feel more as she does, though, that restrictive beliefs do more harm than good. Either way, I put down this book quite glad that I had picked it up and read it.
Nay, nay.
This is one of the better--if not the best--of the books I've read about being a medium. Its intention felt...purer? More heartfelt? Definitely, the ending where Russo exhorts all who read the book to reach for their higher callings and to use their gifts.
I did appreciate how she reconciled Christianity with her gifts, although I'm sure many will disapprove. I feel more as she does, though, that restrictive beliefs do more harm than good. Either way, I put down this book quite glad that I had picked it up and read it.
January 14, 2018
This was a wonderful read! Kim planned out the chapters well covering her early years and how she became e medium. She explains the types of psychic abilities and now they can be used together to enhance a reading. After sharing few of examples of her past readings she explains how you can develop or find to your own. I particularly enjoyed reading about her own fears, how they related to a past life and now she resolved it in this one. Thanks Kim! I also enjoy your real time chats on Facebook that's so much fun! God bless!😇
October 24, 2016
There were a few things I didn't quite agree with, but overall, the experiences and tapping into our inner talents to connect with those on the other side rang quite true. I believe there are more of us out there with these gifts and talents who fear them, and thereby, turn down the blessings available if only we'd open our hearts and minds. Insightful and thought-provoking read.
September 9, 2020
The Real Deal
A medium is a medium is a medium. One would think. But after seeing this lady in action I’d have to say that she is definitely NOT like any other psychic medium of whom I’m aware – at least based on the testimony of her clients, many of whom have allowed their accounts to be televised on her television shows such as the Lifetime Channel’s The Haunting Of … or A&E’s most recent iteration of Celebrity Ghost Stories. If you haven’t seen them yet, do yourself a favor and catch one or two. Or do what I did and binge-watch them (they’re that addictive!).
According to her clients she seems to be as spot on and mind blowingly accurate as the Sleeping Prophet, Edgar Cayce whose psychic abilities were so well known in the early to mid part of the 20th Century. However, while Cayce slept during the readings he gave, this lady is wide awake and engaged.
The primary attraction for me is how she ties the reason for the haunting into the client’s life and essentially helps them understand how they can heal themselves. In other words, it’s typically something that’s going on with the client that draws restless spirits to them. Ms. Russo is not just a medium, she is definitely a healer, since most of her clients walk away from their encounter feeling that their questions have been answered AND often that they’ve been healed from some emotional trauma (which manifests in the form of the hauntings) that may have followed them the majority of their lives.
This is not the only attraction for me, however. Although I’ve primarily been an astrological counselor for several decades, I’ve also been extremely drawn to learning channeling and mediumship. Especially after experiencing not only my own eerie occurrences, but also having been told by several psychics that I had that ability. However, while there are numerous practicing mediums, there are very few who teach the ability or are adept at doing so. And although I’ve read a few books by authors who purported to teach channeling, there has only been one other besides Ms. Russo who actually seems to teach channeling/mediumship, but even then the information is not arranged in as concise a manner as it is in this book.
So, is Kim legit? Even though I haven’t had the pleasure of one of her readings, based on her television shows, her books (both of which I’ve read) and the huge number of positive testimonials, I’d say that she’s definitely The Real Deal. And what’s more, she shows us how we can be, too.
Kudos to Kim Russo and her Spiritual Team for this contribution. It is greatly appreciated and so desperately needed.
A medium is a medium is a medium. One would think. But after seeing this lady in action I’d have to say that she is definitely NOT like any other psychic medium of whom I’m aware – at least based on the testimony of her clients, many of whom have allowed their accounts to be televised on her television shows such as the Lifetime Channel’s The Haunting Of … or A&E’s most recent iteration of Celebrity Ghost Stories. If you haven’t seen them yet, do yourself a favor and catch one or two. Or do what I did and binge-watch them (they’re that addictive!).
According to her clients she seems to be as spot on and mind blowingly accurate as the Sleeping Prophet, Edgar Cayce whose psychic abilities were so well known in the early to mid part of the 20th Century. However, while Cayce slept during the readings he gave, this lady is wide awake and engaged.
The primary attraction for me is how she ties the reason for the haunting into the client’s life and essentially helps them understand how they can heal themselves. In other words, it’s typically something that’s going on with the client that draws restless spirits to them. Ms. Russo is not just a medium, she is definitely a healer, since most of her clients walk away from their encounter feeling that their questions have been answered AND often that they’ve been healed from some emotional trauma (which manifests in the form of the hauntings) that may have followed them the majority of their lives.
This is not the only attraction for me, however. Although I’ve primarily been an astrological counselor for several decades, I’ve also been extremely drawn to learning channeling and mediumship. Especially after experiencing not only my own eerie occurrences, but also having been told by several psychics that I had that ability. However, while there are numerous practicing mediums, there are very few who teach the ability or are adept at doing so. And although I’ve read a few books by authors who purported to teach channeling, there has only been one other besides Ms. Russo who actually seems to teach channeling/mediumship, but even then the information is not arranged in as concise a manner as it is in this book.
So, is Kim legit? Even though I haven’t had the pleasure of one of her readings, based on her television shows, her books (both of which I’ve read) and the huge number of positive testimonials, I’d say that she’s definitely The Real Deal. And what’s more, she shows us how we can be, too.
Kudos to Kim Russo and her Spiritual Team for this contribution. It is greatly appreciated and so desperately needed.
February 6, 2021
Kim Russo's medium abilities can see the dead in her mind. In addition, she communicates with the dead more than the living as she stated her story in the entire chapter. I truly recommend to those who are skeptical in the after life that in our life is a full of mystery and possible that mysteries come into existence. Spirits DO exists without a doubt, and some are good and bad. Bad spirits can feed up your energy, and make their presence known (if you are scare of them or even if you are skeptical). Good spirits may come in your that in most instance, they can relate to them from the living. In general, spirits never crossed away because they get earthbound or they need to solve that never solve in the first place. Overall, you will be surprised in the end, that Kim Russo is all about closure and move the spirits to crossed into the light, and inspired many livings who are non-believers in the paranormal that our soul can also be earthbound. I truly recommend to those who's interested in the after life.
April 22, 2023
Just what I needed to know
It's true that when we're ready to learn something that can move us forward, the right information arrives. I'm not sure of what my contract entails yet, but Kim is a practical, logical, & down-to-earth teacher. I've had experiences communicating with the decreased but I'm not sure if that's my "thing" or main thing I'm here to do in this life. She has shown me how to quiet my mind and observe inside myself and my surroundings for the guidance I'm constantly being given but missing. Using herself as a great example helps me to see more places where I may find my clues. I bought her next book about finding our purpose so I should have a better idea of my path soon. If only Kim would be my mentor in person. For now she feels like my big sister who lives in my heart. This book is best for everyone who is ready to escape old trapping and critically judgmental ways of thinking. Also great for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
It's true that when we're ready to learn something that can move us forward, the right information arrives. I'm not sure of what my contract entails yet, but Kim is a practical, logical, & down-to-earth teacher. I've had experiences communicating with the decreased but I'm not sure if that's my "thing" or main thing I'm here to do in this life. She has shown me how to quiet my mind and observe inside myself and my surroundings for the guidance I'm constantly being given but missing. Using herself as a great example helps me to see more places where I may find my clues. I bought her next book about finding our purpose so I should have a better idea of my path soon. If only Kim would be my mentor in person. For now she feels like my big sister who lives in my heart. This book is best for everyone who is ready to escape old trapping and critically judgmental ways of thinking. Also great for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
March 16, 2019
In The Happy Medium, author Kim Russo details how she discovered and later developed her gift of being able to be a medium between individuals who have passed on to the afterlife and their friends and relatives still living in this life. Unlike most other books by and about mediums that focus more on examples of readings they have done, the author also provides a lot of detail about actually becoming a medium. She explains that everyone has the ability to some extent but most people never acknowledge or develop their ability; somewhat like strengthening a muscle through exercise and use. While I still consider myself skeptical on this subject, I do think there are things that happen that cannot be explained with logic and science. If you are a believer or just interested for entertainment value, in my opinion this is one of the better books on the subject.
February 13, 2024
DNF. I was really excited to read this book since I was told it’s not like all the other books by famous, psychic mediums. Spoiler…it is. Same statements. Same misinformation that can be found in a Sylvia Browne book. Russo lost me when she said that her sister didn’t get kidnapped as a child because her guardian angels were working overtime. I’m still waiting for a famous, psychic medium to discuss where our spirit guides are and where our angels are when bad things happen to people. Horrible things happen to people daily. So if we have a spirit team constantly watching over us then, how can Russo say that some people have a spirit team who helped them not suffer a horrible fate while others did not? It seems all psychic mediums are great at telling stories about people who have lead “blessed” lives.
February 14, 2019
I like these kinds of books - so I may be prejudiced. What I enjoyed about this one is the idea that we should remember to talk to the spirits that are continually around us. Ask for their help.
She also discusses how different people have different levels of empathy and the impact of taking that energy on and the importance of managing that. (I am fortunately or unfortunately not an empath, but I have people in my life who are.)
I would love to see her live... but not sure she comes to Australia.
She also discusses how different people have different levels of empathy and the impact of taking that energy on and the importance of managing that. (I am fortunately or unfortunately not an empath, but I have people in my life who are.)
I would love to see her live... but not sure she comes to Australia.
August 16, 2024
When she was nine years old, Kim Russo discovered she had an amazing gift—she could communicate with the dead. Deeply skeptical, she denied her talent for years. But as she gradually reconciled her ability with her religious beliefs, Kim embraced who she is—and what she can do.
*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•..★.
I should have done my research before getting this book. If I had known she was heavily into past-life regression and reincarnation, I would have passed on it. She seems really high on herself as well. I couldn't finish it.
*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•..★.
I should have done my research before getting this book. If I had known she was heavily into past-life regression and reincarnation, I would have passed on it. She seems really high on herself as well. I couldn't finish it.
August 5, 2019
WOW! very well explained of a medium. I have taken other classes basis on medium, psychics but this one is well explained, prayers, samples of pass lives, getting in touch of yourself and inner self. Maybe this book is not for everyone but it sure was for me. We psychics, mediums tend to live in the higher self and forget to come back down to human life. Kim Russo is living in both worlds. Which is what I learned to live in both worlds.
December 27, 2021
I'm not sure exactly what compelled me to read this book, as I am not a believer in mediums, but I did find much of it fascinating. I had never heard of Kim Russo but enjoyed her writing and the story. I believe that spirits live on after death, and I appreciate how Kim brings peace and hope and comfort to those seeking it. I don't fully subscribe to all the things she presented as fact, but that's okay.
February 28, 2024
Took a while but I finally found the time to sit down and read this book. And it did not disappoint! I have loved and admired Kim since I first caught her show The Haunting Of... I will need to keep this book handy as she recommends some exercises to help you develop your psychic abilities. She covers concepts the I have run across before but she writes so clearly - the words just flow - and its easy to understand. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2025
This is not my first book written by a medium but what’s unique about it is that it provides meditations, exercises ans advice on how to deal with energies. I liked that part, so I upgraded it to 3 stars.
💜💜💜. Other than that…Mother Teresa doesn’t enter my definition of a good person, but I know a lot of people don’t know she delighted in having the poor suffer from sickness.
I didn’t really connect to her way of viewing things, but I’m sure many people will.
I liked when she said “death is not the end of life. There is always forgiveness, trascendence, continued growth.” To me that alone makes the book worth a reading.
💜💜💜. Other than that…Mother Teresa doesn’t enter my definition of a good person, but I know a lot of people don’t know she delighted in having the poor suffer from sickness.
I didn’t really connect to her way of viewing things, but I’m sure many people will.
I liked when she said “death is not the end of life. There is always forgiveness, trascendence, continued growth.” To me that alone makes the book worth a reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2017
I love Kim! I love her energy and her heart. This was a really enjoyable read. I liked hearing about Kim's life and especially how she learned about her different abilities and how she got from one place to the next - and I enjoyed her general info about soul stuff, psychic abilities and her advice and exercises. A fun read!
May 26, 2017
This book isn't for people who think mediums are out to have fun. Kim Russo lets people know that she did not choose her path. She warns against dangerous spirits and how important it is to protect yourself when asking for help from the other sides. I don't want to mess with them, but I enjoy reading about people who do.
June 6, 2018
I had a reading by Kim and she told me I needed to read her book. I downloaded the Audible book and would sit down and listen, as I followed along, with Kim. I couldn’t put the book down, I couldn’t get enough. Kim was right, I really did need this. I learned so much from her lessons and stories. This is a book I will absolutely pick up again.
June 24, 2018
Kim does a wonderful job of sharing her journey into discovering her spiritual gifts. I especially love how she linked in her church experiences and eased the religious guilt of those who have also discovered their gifts, but have been taught through religion that it is demonic. I am thankful that I read this book.
May 25, 2024
I Am not a complete believer nor a complete skeptic, I started reading this book before I had known she had a tv show. I enjoyed reading about her upbringing and how she started her family. It is hard to explain non-empirical terms to people but I think she tries her best to be thorough and has a sense of humor about it.
December 18, 2016
It was a good book....she is easy to read and understand.....although I thought there were times when she went off track and I had to re-read to get the gist of what she was trying to get to. She did give me some new ideas to pursue, however.
May 14, 2017
Best book of this genre I have ever read.
Very enlightening and educational. Best book I have read in this genre. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a path to self-growth or understanding unconditional love.
Very enlightening and educational. Best book I have read in this genre. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a path to self-growth or understanding unconditional love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews