Review of SIGNS
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In the curious compendium that is "SIGNS: The Secret Language of the Universe," Laura Lynne Jackson invites us to embark on a journey that teeters between the comforting warmth of spiritual solace and the cold scrutiny of skepticism. As a psychic medium, Jackson attempts to weave a narrative that suggests our dearly departed are not so departed after all, communicating with us through an intricate tapestry of everyday signs and symbols. If nothing else, this book is a testament to the age-old human yearning for connection with the beyond—a yearning as old as storytelling itself.
Jackson, certified by the Windbridge Institute and a darling of daytime television, brings an aura of credibility to her ethereal claims. Her appearances alongside Oprah and Dr. Oz have no doubt helped cement her status in the realm of contemporary spiritual guides. Yet, one cannot help but wonder if such endorsements are the spiritual equivalent of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—impressive at first glance but lacking in substantive weight. Her narrative is peppered with personal anecdotes and stories from clients, which, while engaging, often tread the line between anecdotal charm and empirical vacuity.
The book feels like it wants to be both a guide and a gospel, offering not only solace but also a set of practical exercises to cultivate one's ability to interpret these cosmic communiqués. Jackson's prose is undeniably engaging, akin to being gently guided by a spiritual concierge through the metaphysical corridors of existence. However, the skeptic in me cannot ignore the lack of empirical underpinning—a flaw that critics have been quick to point out. It is as if Jackson has placed all her chips on the emotional resonance of her tales, wagering against the analytical demands of skeptics who might prefer their spiritual insights served with a side of scientific rigor.
In the grand tapestry of spiritual self-help literature, "SIGNS" stands alongside works like Gabrielle Bernstein's "The Universe Has Your Back" and Brian L. Weiss's "Many Lives, Many Masters." Each of these authors taps into the universal human quest for meaning and connection beyond our mortal coil. Yet, while Bernstein and Weiss bring trust and past-life regression into the mix, Jackson focuses on a more accessible form of communication—one that readers might find easier to incorporate into their daily lives.
What makes "SIGNS" compelling is its ability to resonate with those seeking comfort in something greater than themselves. It offers an alternative narrative to our existence, one where coincidences are not mere happenstances but messages from the other side. For readers willing to suspend disbelief and embrace the possibility of post-mortem communication, Jackson’s book is likely a source of hope and introspection.
Ultimately, "SIGNS" is a literary séance—a gathering of stories that invites us to commune with what lies beyond our immediate perception. While it may not sway the empirically inclined, it does offer a balm for those grappling with loss or searching for purpose. In Jackson's universe, we are never truly alone—a sentiment that, regardless of belief, remains universally appealing.
Purchase Link: SIGNS on Amazon
