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The Ghost Photographer: A Hollywood Executive's True Story of Discovering the Real World of Make-Believe
“A good primer on getting into the psychic realm, this is also, ultimately, a story of unconditional love and healing by a woman you might just want to have a drink with.” — Booklist
This inspirational memoir, told with uncensored Southern wit and guidance, recounts the story of a Hollywood film executive who journeys through the cosmic wilderness and, against all odds, discovers psychic superpowers that radically transform her life.
As a senior executive at one of the world’s largest movie studios, Julie Rieger spent her days marketing the imaginary stories of ghosts, faeries, superheroes, aliens, and more fantastical creatures. But after the devastating loss of her mother, the world of make-believe became reality when Julie captured her first ghost in a photograph and blew open a door to the Other Side.
The Ghost Photographer chronicles Julie’s wild ride down the spiritual rabbit hole. After a series of unexpected, mind-blowing, and sometimes frightening encounters with the spirit realm, Julie was forced to face this strange awakening, flying in the face of scientific dogma and her own die-hard skepticism. Ultimately, she discovered that what she thought she had lost with the death of her mother—unconditional love—was in fact the greatest superpower one can wield.
In a refreshing departure from traditional supernatural tales, Julie tells her story with bold humor and total candor. Her journey juxtaposes her down-home roots in rural America with the glam of Hollywood and her professional universe of hard, empirical data. As she fine-tunes her psychic abilities and comes to terms with the transformative power of grief, Julie is empowered to fearlessly tell her story, teach others, and invite them to share their own experiences of the paranormal and unexplained. She offers insights into our relationship with the spirit world, prayers and rituals for cleansing and protecting our homes from unwanted ghosts, and guidance on how to develop our intuition and sixth sense.
This inspirational memoir, told with uncensored Southern wit and guidance, recounts the story of a Hollywood film executive who journeys through the cosmic wilderness and, against all odds, discovers psychic superpowers that radically transform her life.
As a senior executive at one of the world’s largest movie studios, Julie Rieger spent her days marketing the imaginary stories of ghosts, faeries, superheroes, aliens, and more fantastical creatures. But after the devastating loss of her mother, the world of make-believe became reality when Julie captured her first ghost in a photograph and blew open a door to the Other Side.
The Ghost Photographer chronicles Julie’s wild ride down the spiritual rabbit hole. After a series of unexpected, mind-blowing, and sometimes frightening encounters with the spirit realm, Julie was forced to face this strange awakening, flying in the face of scientific dogma and her own die-hard skepticism. Ultimately, she discovered that what she thought she had lost with the death of her mother—unconditional love—was in fact the greatest superpower one can wield.
In a refreshing departure from traditional supernatural tales, Julie tells her story with bold humor and total candor. Her journey juxtaposes her down-home roots in rural America with the glam of Hollywood and her professional universe of hard, empirical data. As she fine-tunes her psychic abilities and comes to terms with the transformative power of grief, Julie is empowered to fearlessly tell her story, teach others, and invite them to share their own experiences of the paranormal and unexplained. She offers insights into our relationship with the spirit world, prayers and rituals for cleansing and protecting our homes from unwanted ghosts, and guidance on how to develop our intuition and sixth sense.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
45 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 4, 2018
It was an epic read about a ghost photographer, her work and her life. I would recommend this to people who would like to know more about people who live unique lives.
October 10, 2018
I listened to this book read by the author, Julie Rieger. It's heartfelt, entertaining and informative. I received a good lesson on the supernatural. But most of all, I loved hearing the story and learning about Julie Rieger's life.
Highly recommend. Smart, charming and most of all INTERESTING!
Highly recommend. Smart, charming and most of all INTERESTING!
April 1, 2019
Julie Rieger brought the subject of "ghosts" to a new level. She writes from her heart with a WICKED tongue to boot. You will be amazed, excited, laugh-out-loud and scared all at the same time.
May 18, 2019
It took me a while to realize how awful this book is. I kept giving it second and third and fourth chance, trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt. I really tried to find the humor in it but aside from using profanity when you might expect humility, Julie Rieger is just not funny.
Sometimes described as a primer for those who seek to encounter the paranormal, it is pretty insulting to those who are actually attuned. I think of other books that introduce the novice into sacred spaces and realms beyond the every day. They teach introspection, self-awareness and our own place in vast mystery that becomes less terrifying and more fascinating the deeper you allow yourself to follow. An old favorite of mine, Medicine Cards (and book) by Jamie Sams and David Carson (1988) doesn't make claims or try to be cute. It distills ancient stories and gentle rituals into a pleasant guide for each person to find their own connection to Great Spirit and every thing in this universe we co-create.
There was something so egotistical in The Ghost Photographer that began and ended each anecdote with her perspective. I kept waiting for some real insight or shared wisdom but the superficiality was mind numbing.
By the time I finished - and I did just to prove I did not make a snap decision and end before the good part began - I was annoyed that the author for assuming to herself some sort of spiritual accomplishment. If the whole thing was meant to be a parody, it still failed as it was not ridiculous enough for humor (like Blithe Spirit) nor charming enough to rank as a personal journey toward an unpredictable end. (funny, when I thought of this the first book that came to mind was Holy Blood/Holy Grail, 1982 by Michael Baigent and Henry Lincoln - should actually read: Royal Blood/Holy Grail - maybe I am just proving I do not know how to pick best sellers: I far preferred this long-winded chronicle to the Da Vinci Code)
but I digress: there are wonderful books out there that encourage the novice seeker to embark upon what will be a fascinating and rewarding quest, Women Who Run with the Wolves (1992, Clarissa Pinkola Estes) is one. Her wisdom stories and profound interpretations open doors so that you can begin your own adventure into the unknown. When you enter this realm, you should definitely feel energized and excited, but not necessarily comfortable. You are the protagonist; you face the challenges; you take responsibility for your actions.
The universe around us cannot be reduced to glib remarks and tourist attraction how-tos. Rieger does a disservice to the experience of magic that surrounds us all and is actually there for those humble and open enough to welcome it in.
Sometimes described as a primer for those who seek to encounter the paranormal, it is pretty insulting to those who are actually attuned. I think of other books that introduce the novice into sacred spaces and realms beyond the every day. They teach introspection, self-awareness and our own place in vast mystery that becomes less terrifying and more fascinating the deeper you allow yourself to follow. An old favorite of mine, Medicine Cards (and book) by Jamie Sams and David Carson (1988) doesn't make claims or try to be cute. It distills ancient stories and gentle rituals into a pleasant guide for each person to find their own connection to Great Spirit and every thing in this universe we co-create.
There was something so egotistical in The Ghost Photographer that began and ended each anecdote with her perspective. I kept waiting for some real insight or shared wisdom but the superficiality was mind numbing.
By the time I finished - and I did just to prove I did not make a snap decision and end before the good part began - I was annoyed that the author for assuming to herself some sort of spiritual accomplishment. If the whole thing was meant to be a parody, it still failed as it was not ridiculous enough for humor (like Blithe Spirit) nor charming enough to rank as a personal journey toward an unpredictable end. (funny, when I thought of this the first book that came to mind was Holy Blood/Holy Grail, 1982 by Michael Baigent and Henry Lincoln - should actually read: Royal Blood/Holy Grail - maybe I am just proving I do not know how to pick best sellers: I far preferred this long-winded chronicle to the Da Vinci Code)
but I digress: there are wonderful books out there that encourage the novice seeker to embark upon what will be a fascinating and rewarding quest, Women Who Run with the Wolves (1992, Clarissa Pinkola Estes) is one. Her wisdom stories and profound interpretations open doors so that you can begin your own adventure into the unknown. When you enter this realm, you should definitely feel energized and excited, but not necessarily comfortable. You are the protagonist; you face the challenges; you take responsibility for your actions.
The universe around us cannot be reduced to glib remarks and tourist attraction how-tos. Rieger does a disservice to the experience of magic that surrounds us all and is actually there for those humble and open enough to welcome it in.
October 25, 2018
The Ghost Photographer takes the reader along on Julie Rieger’s cosmic course of self-discovery. Her journey of is not always an easy choice, but she jumps in with both feet willing to take the ride wherever it takes her. But her newly found psychic powers allow her to be at peace with herself and others. Isn’t that about all anyone can ask for?
Julie is often bawdy, funny and willing to share both the good and bad parts of her life with her readers. She explores the reason for her grief, but realizes grief comes to others in different forms that are just as devastating as the loss of her mother was to her. She knows she needs to dig deeper to figure out the person she will be now that she is really on her own for the first time in her life.
Her journey begins when she discovers pictures of ghosts in photographs she has taken. (The pictures are included at the end of the book for you to decide for yourself). She works to develop her psychic gifts with close friends who have clairvoyant abilities. She also references famous people who were prophetic, second-sighted and/or were precognitive. They include Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill to name a few.
The thing that may surprise readers about Julie is her reliance on religion throughout her journey. She repeats how often she uses the power of prayer to protect herself and others from evil spirits. It should not surprise us that good and evil go hand in hand, and protecting yourself with a higher power is often necessary when delving into the unknown. There are a few things that might give you goose bumps. The chapter about “Old Scratch”, whom the Bible says is a stand in for the devil, is pretty creepy.
This is a very interesting, funny and thought provoking book. It is fast to read and full of things that you may or may not believe could ever happen. If so, take it at face value for your entertainment. That is okay, it is Julie’s journey to document and share. If you are a fan of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert or Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Sheryl Strayed you need to read this book. Journey and self-discovery comes to different people in different ways, each of them unique and interesting to read about.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publisher/author in connection with Killer Nashville in return for my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
Julie is often bawdy, funny and willing to share both the good and bad parts of her life with her readers. She explores the reason for her grief, but realizes grief comes to others in different forms that are just as devastating as the loss of her mother was to her. She knows she needs to dig deeper to figure out the person she will be now that she is really on her own for the first time in her life.
Her journey begins when she discovers pictures of ghosts in photographs she has taken. (The pictures are included at the end of the book for you to decide for yourself). She works to develop her psychic gifts with close friends who have clairvoyant abilities. She also references famous people who were prophetic, second-sighted and/or were precognitive. They include Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill to name a few.
The thing that may surprise readers about Julie is her reliance on religion throughout her journey. She repeats how often she uses the power of prayer to protect herself and others from evil spirits. It should not surprise us that good and evil go hand in hand, and protecting yourself with a higher power is often necessary when delving into the unknown. There are a few things that might give you goose bumps. The chapter about “Old Scratch”, whom the Bible says is a stand in for the devil, is pretty creepy.
This is a very interesting, funny and thought provoking book. It is fast to read and full of things that you may or may not believe could ever happen. If so, take it at face value for your entertainment. That is okay, it is Julie’s journey to document and share. If you are a fan of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert or Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Sheryl Strayed you need to read this book. Journey and self-discovery comes to different people in different ways, each of them unique and interesting to read about.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publisher/author in connection with Killer Nashville in return for my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
November 12, 2018
I have to say I truly enjoyed this novel. Julie Rieger made me feel as if I was actually having a face to face talk with her.
It's a story of loss and grief and mix in lots of humor as she gets in touch with "the other-side".
If you didn't or don't believe that people continue on in the afterworld, I would say read this book. It might prove to the doubters that "We just never know".
I choose to believe that my loved ones are just a "call" away!
It's a story of loss and grief and mix in lots of humor as she gets in touch with "the other-side".
If you didn't or don't believe that people continue on in the afterworld, I would say read this book. It might prove to the doubters that "We just never know".
I choose to believe that my loved ones are just a "call" away!
May 11, 2019
This is literally one of the worst books I have ever read. The author is up her own ass with her self aggrandizing bullshit. She wants to be a modern day spiritualist superhero, but all of her stories sound fake. The author includes “ghost” photos in the back of her book, but they just look like smoke. She even admits within the chapter about it that she has to doctor the photos to make them even look like ghosts. What a waste of time.
October 25, 2018
Whether you are a dedicated believer or not, this book is a fun and entertaining read with a lot to offer anyone interested in the things we don't quite understand fully, from a scientific or religious perspective.
Thanks to this book and this author, I now have a house full of black tourmaline crystals. I felt the author was very open and honest about her own struggles with belief and seeing the photos that she has captured were interesting, although I admit, I do not see them just as they are described in some cases.
Overall, I thought the important points in this book were that you can be different and it's okay. Not everyone has to agree with you to make something real or true and we should all live by our own personal code of belief. This is quite the story and would make for good reading for nearly anyone. I hope this author will continue to write. I look forward to seeing what else she has to say.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to this book and this author, I now have a house full of black tourmaline crystals. I felt the author was very open and honest about her own struggles with belief and seeing the photos that she has captured were interesting, although I admit, I do not see them just as they are described in some cases.
Overall, I thought the important points in this book were that you can be different and it's okay. Not everyone has to agree with you to make something real or true and we should all live by our own personal code of belief. This is quite the story and would make for good reading for nearly anyone. I hope this author will continue to write. I look forward to seeing what else she has to say.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2019
What comes out of this book is the spirit of the woman herself. An energy. Regardless of whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is plenty in the book to make you take a look and-believe in yourself. I am akin to the author's "black" truthful humor. Power comes out in the reading of this book like the author describes comes from crystals. The popular phrase right now is "own it". I cannot find it now, but the author starts out by stating humans "own it" above other life forms & energies - their lives that is, can heal and expand above other energies and forces - and she ends that way. This is a primordial truth in the book, the correct placement of the human in the scheme of things right now and to be pondered upon. I would only say that her "King Frog" to me I intuit as a "Foo Dog"-but that is what it is all about and the joy of it.
September 4, 2023
One night while visiting family, we started to talk about spirits, ghosts and what we all believed/wondered was real. My husbands aunt told me her friend had written a book about it and she gave me an extra copy. I devoured it! Mrs. Rieger is hilarious, genuine and relays her knowledge in such a way that it feels as if you are chatting over coffee. She is relatable and brings in stories from her life as well as her friends life in order to open your mind to other possibilities in this life and realm. I will be reading again, but this time with sticky notes and pens to make all the notes in the margins.
If you have questions about the after life or are interested in starting the journey of learning more about different possibilities, this is a great place to start.
I finished this wanting to learn more!
If you have questions about the after life or are interested in starting the journey of learning more about different possibilities, this is a great place to start.
I finished this wanting to learn more!
November 2, 2018
Pros: Really enjoyed this book ~ wasn't quite sure what I'd be getting myself into with this topic (and a debut author). I was able to glean some important tips and expand my thinking. With Julie Rieger's writing style, it felt like she was sitting right across from me, having a chat and drinking a beer. Rieger sprinkles information throughout the book as to why she she started pursuing the cosmic wilderness. That lead to the sharpening of her psychic abilities and thus, changing her life. The inclusion of her photographs, the list of "crystals that every human must have" and most importantly, the daily rituals and spiritual care a person has to do, makes this book not only a memoir, but, a reference book as well.
Found the book the book to be honest, humorous in places, informative and inspiring. Would like to meet Julie in person and have a real beer with her and learn more from her.
Cons: Nothing.
Book art: 5 out of 5. Great use of dark colors with the title in white to make it pop out.
Found the book the book to be honest, humorous in places, informative and inspiring. Would like to meet Julie in person and have a real beer with her and learn more from her.
Cons: Nothing.
Book art: 5 out of 5. Great use of dark colors with the title in white to make it pop out.
December 2, 2019
Wow. I had this for a bit and was just looking through all the many audiobooks I have and this one just jumped out and said "listen to me". Am I glad I did. I loved every thing about this and I have now ordered the actual book to use as a reference and listen and read at the same time. Highly recommend. I even felt inspired to send a message from my one daughter to my other daughter who I have not talked to for over 4 years (long story but is best for both of us. She scares me.) to listen to this. Her and her girlfriend may find some inspiration from this. Thank you Julie for writing a great book.
January 23, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially because I've binge-listened to the podcast (The Insider's Guide to the Other Side). Ms. Rieger is a wonderfully entertaining host on the show. Her story telling is fascinating and she creates many laugh-out-loud moments. Reading this book was like listening to her speak - I could hear her voice in the pages and even imagine the parts in the book where she would roar with laughter herself. I felt like I was having a conversation with her.
Although not imperitive, I would suggest listening to the podcast before or after reading the book as they complement each other so well.
Although not imperitive, I would suggest listening to the podcast before or after reading the book as they complement each other so well.
May 2, 2019
This book was great, I devoured it in a day. and it ticked all my boxes, except for the actual ghost photography part. I've seen some great ghost pictures, and ... these were not great ghost pictures. I think a lot of the images the author says are ghosts (or even, gods save us, aliens) are just the result of matrixing. The book is a fast, fun read. I liked the stories real well, just ... if you're going to write about ghosts and the afterlife, do that, great, awesome, I'll definitely read it, yes. But leave the aliens OUT of it. Bleh.
August 4, 2018
This book is fun whether you believe in paranormal phenomenon or you don't. Rieger has a funny, fast paced and witty writing style that draws in the reader, and the subject matter, to me at least, was interesting, full of personal anecdotes, and personality.
I would definitely read anything Rieger writes in the future, and also 100% want to believe her experiences.
Thanks, Edelweiss, for my e-galley.
I would definitely read anything Rieger writes in the future, and also 100% want to believe her experiences.
Thanks, Edelweiss, for my e-galley.
April 10, 2019
In "The Ghost Photographer", Hollywood executive Julie Rieger offers a surprisingly down-to-earth look at an unusual hobby that keeps her connected to another dimension: taking photos of ghostly apparitions. Drawn to the paranormal while grieving a loss, Rieger found comfort and healing by developing her relationship with the spirit world. Whether or not the reader finds Rieger's account convincing, it is hard to resist her pragmatic outlook and conversational, humorous style.
October 14, 2018
The story of Julie Rieger’s journey overcoming the grief of losing her mother and coming to terms with life events is equal parts poignant and guffaw-worthy. It’s a quick read because her style is so fun- it’s like you’re hust having a conversation with a very funny, very open and authentic friend. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this book with make you feel all the feels.
May 15, 2019
3.75: Quick, enjoyable read about one of my guilty pleasure subjects. I liked reading out protection methods and crystals. I wish there was more “Hollywood” in it. Ultimately felt like a collection of blog posts. Would recommend to anyone who finds the subject interesting and looking for a nice primer.
July 3, 2022
I really had to push myself to finish this book. The author's stories of being a Medium were more interesting than those of her Ghost Photography. The first half of the book was more biography and coming out as a Lesbian, than the topic of the book. The end of the book has some interesting metaphysical recommendations including crystals and self-care.
October 16, 2018
What a fantastic read! A unique look into the world of ghosts and beyond. Rieger's ability to connect personal experiences to her interaction with spirits makes for a deeply insightful and inspirational book. I highly recommend for anyone dealing with grief and/or looking to learn about what lies beyond our physical world.
October 15, 2018
I loved this book. It was very well-written. Each chapter had a great arc to it. I really enjoyed the author's humor and conversations with other people. She sounds like such a fun person.
The spirit animal chapter really intrigued me. I would love to know my spirit animal :)
The spirit animal chapter really intrigued me. I would love to know my spirit animal :)
January 31, 2019
I really loved this book. I thought the photos were really spooky. I also liked how Julie has different topic for each chapter. I especially loved the fact as she was writing, she disclosed about her loss and grief.
November 8, 2019
Enlightening, heartfelt and full of humor. Author Julie Rieger opens up about her unexpected journey into the spiritual world and opens the reader's mind (and chakras) along the way. Beautiful book. Really enjoyed it.
July 3, 2023
I really wanted to enjoy this book because I’m obsessed with anything spooky and spiritual but I felt like I was reading a boring autobiography about somebody I don’t know. Some of it was interesting but most of it wasn’t for me.
November 28, 2018
I enjoyed this since I can identify with the topics of this book. It's not for everyone.. or most. But it was definitely for me!
October 10, 2019
I'm skeptical of all things paranormal, and this book did not change my mind. However, Julie Rieger is a funny, engaging storyteller. Enjoyed this.
November 1, 2019
I want to believe. #freethealiens
February 8, 2022
Loved this book. Witty, insightful, down-to-earth. Just wonderful.
November 7, 2023
Honestly this is a great book. full of humor and positive energy. you want to be friends with Julie and her circle of people. it's good to know we aren't alone, and now I want her to see my animal!
November 30, 2023
a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews