Looking for the Other Side

Journalist (New Woman), author (Secrets of a Very Good Marriage) and admitted skeptic Cohen here explores the world of psychics, mediums and channelers, in an effort to communicate with her dead mother. The experience soon leads her to explore herself, too. Written in fast-moving, breezy, sometimes flippant prose, the book relates her encounters with experts in many disciplines of the paranormal, including with astrologer Matt Locasion and Rick Jarow, Tarot readers Deirdre O'Brian and Cassandra Saulter, numerologist Ken Nelson and channeler Claudia Cusson. She explores past-life regression as well. Each chapter begins with a brief sketch of the discipline to be examined, followed by Cohen's personal experience and assessment. Helpful lists of names and phone numbers are provided for psychic organizations and paranormal experts in each field, along with recommended readings. Although the book is marred by a light (not serious) tone and a failure at times to adequately identify the experts described, it does provide a quick, entertaining introduction to the various types of paranormal consultation available in the marketplace today. Author tour. (Mar.)