How to write

Allison DuBois is best known for her contribution to the NBC Series, Medium, starring Patricia Arquette.  The series was inspired by DuBois’ work as a medium with various law enforcement agencies.  Don’t Kiss Them Good-bye is DuBois’ personal account of her experiences; growing up with psychic abilities; overcoming self doubt and skeptics; and finding a way to contribute using her gift. 

The book begins with Allison grieving the loss of her father and frustration with her inability to save him, despite a premonition of his death years earlier. She explains that sometimes intervention is possible, but other times, death is necessary. 

Her first experience as a medium occurred when she was just six years old and her deceased grandfather appeared to deliver a message: “”I am okay, I am still with you. Tell your mom there’s no more pain.” Her mother dismissed the encounter.

Allison is able to offer tips for parents who may have a child expressing psychic ability, so they are able to avoid the pain and self doubt she experienced.  The book is peppered with stories from both her professional life and her personal life; presenting the extraordinary and ordinary in stark contrast.

Unfortunately, Allison DuBois failed to organize her book in a cohesive manner and many of the examples provided do little to illustrate the points she is speaking to.  The transitions are abrupt and disjointed.  The writing is bland and unsophisticated.  There is little depth or detail provided and the anecdotes do not lend credibility to her claims. Despite her repeated attempts to “prove” her abilities, including participation in scientific studies, DuBois seems to lack conviction.  

There are a few rare moments of clarity that do provide honest insight into her life as a psychic:

“If your dishwasher breaks, you’re asked, “Didn’t you see it coming?”… It takes a lot of energy to turn up our volume, so we aren’t always paying attention; we are busy living, and we are only human. Also, psychics don’t see everything. Yes, we have a sixth sense, but our other five senses are fallible, so why is our sixth sense not permitted any leeway?”

Despite the intriguing subject, the poor writing and superficial story telling reduces this book to a laundry list of experiences.