FINALLY, A Writer Who Redefines 'Ghosts'
Louis Charles has the most gentle manner of writing that he immediately, from the first page in HELPING GHOSTS: A Guide to Understanding Lost Spirits, ushers us into a realm of thinking that should provide solace and wisdom to everyone who reads this fine book. Charles is not a quirky guy who is out to make a buck on 1) the current infatuation with paranormal activities as played out in the obsession with vampires/werewolves/ or main characters from popular novels who guide the earthbound family or friends along the path of discovery of a savage deed or 2) play on the vulnerability of people who have suffered loss of a loved one and are seeking communication with them in the world of spirits. No. Charles comes form a background of scientific investigation and research and many hours and years of studying his topic and is not out to provide Hollywood explanations, but to help us rethink the world of 'ghosts/spirits'. Yes, he uses some religious references: who in the usually debunking crowd of zealots fearing what Charles is doing as work of the devil would dare to deny one very important aspect of the Trinity - the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost, depending on the translation of the scriptures the reader knows well? But since indeed there are religious etiologies for the concept of spirits, then approaching what Charles has to share should be simple.
Louis Charles presents the concept that there is no 'other side', no hokey vaporous world where moaning ghosts abide, spurred on by imaginations of children who in turn get their concepts from adults. Charles explains that ghosts are disembodied human or animal spirits and his explanation of this concept he shares in such a warm reassuring manner that it is nearly impossible not to agree with him. When people 'die' - leave this transitory corporeal vessel - the spirit within them stays present, seeking release or permission by verbal or emotional communication with loved ones still living so that they may travel on to the universe of all souls. He cites many experiments performed of visualized spirits, captured on camera or in sound wave changes, and has worked with many people who have had experiences with seeing ghosts and discovered why they are chosen: there is something in that spirit's being that needs resolution in order to place both spirit and those visited at peace. He has interviewed many people with near death experiences, found the common aspects of those events such as a feeling of peace, of seeing loved ones, of perceiving the beaconing 'light', to encourage us to believe that when people actually do die their spirits remain until they are ready or are given permission to finally leave.
In writing a review about a book as tender as this, written by a man with such a love for his fellowman that he is driven to dispel the misconception that ghosts are here to haunt us, to terrify us, to cause fear, it is difficult to communicate to others the sincerity herein. Louis Charles is a compassionate person and writer who simply wants to introduce us to another way of viewing spirits that are around us needing us, befriending us. This is a beautifully written book that deserves a very wide reading audience.
Grady Harp
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