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Mary Ann Winkowski
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When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits Kindle Edition

by Mary Ann Winkowski (Author), James Van Praagh (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 724 ratings
In the bestselling tradition of Rosemary Altea and John Edwards comes the memoir of Mary Ann Winkowski, the real life "Ghost Whisperer" and consultant on the Top 30 CBS show "Ghost Whisperer" starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Lights flicker on and off for no good reason. You feel drained and inexplicably irritable. Your four-year-old is scared to enter her bedroom.

Tell these things to Mary Ann Winkowski, and she'll tell you that you have a ghost.

A happily married, devout Catholic, suburban mother and full-time paranormal investigator, Mary Ann Winkowski has been able to see earthbound spirits, spirits that are trapped on earth and haven't "crossed over," since she was a little girl. Mary Ann works with these spirits to help them make peace with what keeps them here - whether it be people they can't let go of or homes they love.

In When Ghosts Speak, Mary Ann will tell the amazing story of growing up with this gift, and will share tips on how to recognize when you're not alone, and what to do if you are in the presence of a ghost.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    September 27, 2007
  5. File size
    3.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"She clarifies the very notion of ghosts and enables readers to explore this subject without the oversimplification or sensationalism often attributed to ghosts in movies." --Library Journal Reviews―-

"WHEN GHOSTS SPEAK lends an interesting perspective on our popular concept of ghost stories."--The Daily Record―-

"One part spooky, one part inspirational and all-around fascinating, it makes for a spine-tingling read." --Bookpage―-

"A how-to book for all of us who are fascinated by the unknown... I found it compelling and enlightening." --Chattanooga Times Free Press―-

"Her neighborly, conversational presentation of a subject that has been shrouded in mystery and controvery for centuries make for an enjoyable and refreshing look at the subject of the afterlife." --The Roanoke Times―-

About the Author

Mary Ann Winkowski was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and works as a paranormal investigator. She is the consultant on the hit CBS television show Ghost Whisperer. To find out more about Mary Ann, you can visit her Web site: www.maryannwinkowski.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000WE2LNI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (September 27, 2007)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 27, 2007
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 724 ratings

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Mary Ann Winkowski

Mary Ann Winkowski

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
724 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable, with great information that answers many questions and curiosities about paranormal phenomena. The writing style is easy to read and understand, and customers appreciate the interesting stories and knowledge about ghosts. They find the content not scary, with one customer noting it opens eyes to the supernatural world of death. The heartwarming aspect receives mixed reactions, with some customers noting an upsetting lack of compassion.

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80 customers mention "Readability"75 positive5 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful to read, with one customer noting it's better than James Van Praagh's work.

"...important things I can't forget to do and I loved that, I loved every part of this book, it sounds strange but this author's gift if it was a skill..." Read more

"...with the author on several key points above, I did very much enjoy the bulk of this book and I do belief the author has a special talent...." Read more

"...This book is even better than James Van Pragh. Highly recommend." Read more

"...the most incredible book ever and Mrs. Winkowski has some God-like powers (and we all need her badly),..." Read more

77 customers mention "Information quality"77 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening, providing great information about spirits and answering many questions and curiosities.

"Mary Ann is incredibly talented and her book is so helpful if you’re looking to understand and learn about ghosts...." Read more

"I think this is the best book on earthbound spirits. Mary Ann is the best. I have read all her books and have watched her podcasts...." Read more

"...Therefore I found this book a highly interesting read, and I would give it 5 stars if not for a few sticking points...." Read more

"...I found this book to be interesting and informative on the subject of ghosts who are still Earth bound...." Read more

48 customers mention "Writing style"48 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it concise, easy to read and understand, and down to earth.

"...It reads as conversational and as someone who hasn’t read a book in entirety in an embarrassing amount of time, I read it in full for a few hours..." Read more

"...thankfully I was knowledgeable in that, it was nice to read about the experience, the advice, it even helped remind me of important things I can't..." Read more

"...The book is filled with short stories of some of what she has witnessed over her life time including her early childhood and the grandmother who..." Read more

"...Mary Ann also has a fun style of story telling and a long history of working with people who need help with troublesome spirits...." Read more

15 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book, finding them interesting, with one customer highlighting the true encounters and another mentioning the funny ghost encounters.

"...Mary Ann's stories are quite interesting, and the reader learns why she is a rock star among the world of ghost communicators...." Read more

"...I still recommend it for the stories and, at least for me, a few paranormal tidbits I hadn't come across before like about using quince to keep..." Read more

"There are some interesting fun stories and useful tools, and just for that, it's worth it. But there's some misinformation...." Read more

"...Winkowski was the idea behind the "Ghost Whisperer"...very strange anecdotes and stories of her interactions with earth bound spirits........" Read more

11 customers mention "Knowledge of ghosts"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's content about ghosts, with one mentioning it includes photographs of supposed sightings.

"...and her book is so helpful if you’re looking to understand and learn about ghosts...." Read more

"...is organized into three parts covering the following areas: “The ghost phenomenon, my story discovering a gift, the truth about ghosts, the white..." Read more

"...paranormal tidbits I hadn't come across before like about using quince to keep ghosts out...." Read more

"...What I liked most about the book is that it gave me perspective on ghosts I had never even thought of and I learned things about earthbound spirits..." Read more

7 customers mention "Scariness level"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's scariness level positive, with one customer noting how it opens their eyes to the supernatural world of death, while another mentions it provides a wonderful perspective on life and death.

"...so much about what happens between the living and the dead, not scary things, just what can happen if they don't go into the light...." Read more

"...She has other books as well. This book will open your eyes into the supernatural world of death!..." Read more

"...This book is a wonderful read about people who die and are "Earthbound" - Mary Ann can see them and communicate with them...." Read more

"...Answered lots of questions and curiosities that I had. Not scary or off the wall just the authors experiences and observations written in an..." Read more

6 customers mention "Heartwarming"4 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's emotional content, with some finding it heartwarming while others express concern about its lack of compassion.

"...merely a work of fiction, this would be a phenomenal book, but as a heartwarming, entertaining and biographic tale of the author's life, this book..." Read more

"...It's like a lack of compassion or sensitivity that transpires through some stories... made me very uncomfortable." Read more

"Fun to read. Cool stories. Loved the author's honesty in admitting what she doesn't know. Smooth narrative...." Read more

"...She's got so much heart y it really shines thru in this book! Loved it!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • J. Gilbert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most Helpful Book I’ve Ever Read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Mary Ann is incredibly talented and her book is so helpful if you’re looking to understand and learn about ghosts. It reads as conversational and as someone who hasn’t read a book in entirety in an embarrassing amount of time, I read it in full for a few hours over the course of 3 days. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you Mary Ann for sharing your knowledge and gift with the world!
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  • Paula Gamble
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I think this is the best book on earthbound spirits. Mary Ann is the best. I have read all her books and have watched her podcasts. A few years ago I did a zoom with her and discovered an earthbound spirit in my home. She’s the real deal. I love that lady. I plan on doing another zoom session with her in a few months.
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  • Natasha
    5.0 out of 5 stars For me it was Perfect
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I will admit, I watched ghost whisperer first, I absolutely loved the show and I was not aware of this book until many years later. I'm an energy worker myself, I'm a Reiki Master but I also do oracle card readings, it was nice to read about protection practices, thankfully I was knowledgeable in that, it was nice to read about the experience, the advice, it even helped remind me of important things I can't forget to do and I loved that, I loved every part of this book, it sounds strange but this author's gift if it was a skill would be something I wouldn't mind learning with proper practice and techniques. I can at least feel intuitively if someone is earthbound or has crossed over at least that's what I think, I think in the future I would love to meet some day. Congratulations on your success and I wish your family many future blessings. Thank you for this read, it's officially now one of my favorites.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • a viewpoint
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and enjoyable read...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    In order to really enjoy this book, I think you have to accept the premise that the author really does see and talk to ghosts (i.e. earthbound entities, which are people who died but failed to "cross over" into the light). I know that this is possible because I could do this to some extent when I was a child and so I had no trouble accepting that the author is capable of doing this. Therefore I found this book a highly interesting read, and I would give it 5 stars if not for a few sticking points.

    There was one point in particular that made me question the author's motivation and credibility, and that was her repeated mentioning of the magic of quince seeds as a protection against any disembodied entity that might invade our space. Not just any quince seed will do. Only the ones from the author's distant relatives in the old country (Italy) will do the trick. The author has no idea what her family does to these seeds (that mystery seems to strengthen the magical aspect) but she knows for certain that they work. And incidentally she has a website where she sells them encased in silver charms.

    The author also provides spells for cleansing and protection. These require obtaining an assortment of items and carefully following a ritual (in other words, casting a spell, in this case white magic). I know enough about witchcraft to know that the "power" is not in the object (quince seeds, bat wings etc.) but in the belief. If you believe 100% that you are protected, then you don't even need a charm or talisman. All magic spells consist of the same type of process. There is a building up of energy (through the acquisition of quince seeds and other materials) and then the channeled release of that energy toward its intended objective (through following the ritual of casting a spell). But it is the practioners belief in the process that produces results.

    All of us send energy out (thoughts, prayers, feelings of ill will) but few of us consciously practice witchcraft. I don't think many readers will be interested in reading about how to cast protective or healing spells. Our culture is attuned to prayer and if the author had cited a few prayers for protection that would have been more helpful.

    The author conveys the impression that hauntings of both people and places are much more frequent than I would have thought. At one point she writes that she has seldom met a police officer who didn't have an entity attached to him. She also gives the impression that our privacy is often invaded by unwelcome entities (apparently especially if you are a very attractive woman, like Jennifer Love Hewitt). That is a disturbing thought. Yet I have my doubts that hauntings are as common or as troublesome as she seems to contend.

    I also question the author's claim that she needs to "make the light" in order for earthbound souls to cross over. I have read/spoken with paranormal investigators (such as psychics, priests and shaman who work as part of a team to offer relief from hauntings), and they describe a different process. They urge, command, shame and/or gently persuade (depending on the person) the entity into going into the light (or to just go away, perhaps even into the darkness if that seems to be where they belong). I've never heard any of them say anything about "making" the light.

    I'm not saying I think the author is lying. But I do think she is mistaken if she believes that her imagining the light is critical to the process of encouraging the entity to go forward into the light. She may be correct that after the funeral the light fades and it then becomes more difficult or less tempting for the entity to go into the light without assistance. However I believe the entity can call the light to themselves simply by thinking of it or by calling out to God, Jesus, an angel or any loved ones who are in the light. Perhaps that light is nothing more than the presence of a being who has approached from a higher sphere (e.g. heaven) to offer the chance to escort the newly deceased home to that peaceful realm.

    I think the author is mistaken in some of her other contentions as well. For example, she states that "ghosts know they are dead". Not all ghosts do. The ghost of the elderly curmudgeon I used to see when I was about 5 to 8 years old did not know he was dead. He was old and confused when he died and remained that way for a time after death. I believe it is not so uncommon for ghosts to not know they are "dead" and that it depends on how one died, his/her beliefs about an afterlife and his/her state of mental health at the time of death.

    I believe the author is also mistaken when she writes that ghosts don't announce their presence with cold spots; that they can't walk through walls, people etc.; and that we can't walk through them. I don't think they make cold spots to announce their presence, but that the cold spots are just an unintended effect of their presence. I find it odd that the author sees earthbound spirits on a daily basis yet never sees them pass through solid objects. I once saw an entity's face peering into my bedroom window, and within an instant his face was directly above mine. He had passed through the closed window without breaking the glass. And I don't think that was a being that had passed into the light and had returned from a beautiful, peaceful place just for the sport of frightening children.

    Although I took issue with the author on several key points above, I did very much enjoy the bulk of this book and I do belief the author has a special talent. I therefore offer my qualified recommendation.
    78 people found this helpful
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  • Joseph J. Truncale
    5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing and informative book for anyone interested in ghosts.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As someone well into their senior years and who has been a voracious reader for more than 7 decades, I am always seeking new, unique and unusual books to read. This is why when I saw this 285-page paperback book while browsing on Amazon (When ghosts speak: Understanding the world of Earth-bound spirits by Mary Ann Winkowski) and I decided to purchase it.

    Even though I have been more into the traditional sciences; nevertheless, as I have grown older I have also begun to research the esoteric topics. I found this book to be interesting and informative on the subject of ghosts who are still Earth bound.

    This book is organized into three parts covering the following areas: “The ghost phenomenon, my story discovering a gift, the truth about ghosts, the white light, why some souls stay behind, funerals, murders and suicides, children, animals, evil spirits, asking for trouble, signs that you are not alone, how to deal with ghosts, and curses and other negative energy.”

    In conclusion, if you are interested in this topic this is a book you may want to check out. I found it to be an intriguing read and entertaining.

    Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Zen Poetry Moments: Haiku and Senryu for special occasions).
    5 people found this helpful
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  • wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Say Enough Good Things!!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love this genre but often have so many questions or feel like the author goes off track. This book is even better than James Van Pragh. Highly recommend.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thin7gs we9 don't know
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting book! Learned so much about what happens between the living and the dead, not scary things, just what can happen if they don't go into the light. I found this book very informative. Many should read it.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • PathR
    5.0 out of 5 stars When Ghosts Speak
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Truly enjoyed the honesty and simplicity of Mary Ann's writing.
    Mary Ann takes the mystery and fear out of this type of work.
    She is insightful and quite honest in the process of learning by
    interaction and that each discarnate soul is quite different.

    I also appreciate the easy to follow format of protection
    which is necessary in this work.

    I have been doing this type of work for years and agree
    with Mary Ann in her approach. There are diffent ways to work.

    In the UK Sue Ellen is considered a differnt approach
    and does not believe in negative energy. She believes,
    energy is neither good nor bad. She was an instructor
    at a School in South Kensington which I attended in the UK some years ago
    so I heard her beliefs first hand.

    I do not recommend Spirit Release: A Practical Handbook by Sue Allen.
    She deals with spirit attachments which seems to be her priority.

    For spirit attachments an ok book: Practical Psychic Self-Defense
    by Robert Bruce.
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  • bookreader
    5.0 out of 5 stars 翻訳本がないので、自分で翻訳を出したいくらいです
    Reviewed in Japan on March 4, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    米国ではドラマ化もされたシリーズ「ゴースト 〜天国からのささやき原題：GHOST WHISPERER」の著者で実在の霊能者。ドラマのプロデューサーに、本当のおばけはドラマみたいに人を脅かしたり暴れたりしないよ、と伝えると「これはおばけのドキュメンタリーじゃないんだ、エンターテイメントなんだ。文句あれば、自分で本出して。」と言われ、実話本を書くことに。実話のため、リアルに面白い。
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  • Matt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and interesting read
    Reviewed in Australia on March 25, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book, I have an open mind already so nothing in here surprises me but it’s really nice to hear it from someone who defiantly has this gift.

    I enjoyed these stories and some bits even made me cry, happy and sad tears, mainly hoping I’ll see beloved animal friends when I one day cross over and missing their presence.
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  • JasonFeng
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hey, you never know
    Reviewed in Canada on October 7, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This book is not for everyone, most people are not ready. I can write 10 reviews about this book and they can be totally unrelated to each other in subjects and their peripherals for discussion, that's how deep the water is.
    I understand the fear behind the negative reviews. By birth we are psychologically programmed to reject this type of information. We freak out like in traumatic shock and jump right into the phase of denial.
    That being said, we are also wired into this weirdo called curiosity. For this reason I recommend this book as a must read, five star. (wanted to give it a six to make more sense but...)
    This book tells you exactly what will happen when you die, or when anyone dies and how you should deal with it. You really don't have to give a damn if it is a pile of lie. Besides the obvious 5-star review point that it's great read and deadly intriguing, for your own safety, you do need to prepare yourself with some useful-tip package, just in case it tells the truth. It wouldn't hurt carrying a first-aid box into a zone with no signals to call 911. For instance, once you stepped over into the oblivion, by memory you know you can fool around a bit but should not linger longer than a few days when the white lights fades away from you, or better yet, remember to catch the next Polar Express by joining another light always available at the funeral site. By that time you might have had the opportunity to fulfill the wildest fantasies in your last lifetime, and complete this journey with no regrets. Without this knowledge, you could be earthbound for the infinity of time, even though you are bored to death to get out of here and move on into the next dimension. Or, you may choose by your right of choice and stay around, avoiding the possible judgment for what you feel guilty of doing when alive (even though you really don't have to). Making more sense now, right?
    You don't have to train yourself on how to kill a bear before going into the woods, but it helps to learn some knowledge of how to outwit the 500 pounder just in case. So open up your mind and read this book when you still have the chance. Hey, you never know.

    couple of questions - May 16, 2013
    1. Mary Ann met with ghosts from 100 years ago, maybe older...where did the ancient earth-bound spirits go? Vanished? Bored to death?
    2. If you put quince seed on the doorstep, a ghost cannot enter the house. Can't they go through the wall or simply think they are inside?
    Couple of suggestions
    1. If you love to travel, hey, imagine the free ticket and jumper like feel when you travel around the entire world..
    2. Major religions offer definite source of positive energy and a soul bath to clean off negative energy or curses..you know what I mean..
    I bought this book 2 times (hardcover/paperback), and it's on top on my must-read book list.
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  • Sybil
    4.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, yet patronizing
    Reviewed in Spain on June 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Whether or not you believe in this, the book is the kind of reading that you cannot put down. However, I can't give it the 5 stars because it has a terribly patronizing tone that makes me cringe.
    Report

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