What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of the Monarch: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Living a Better Life
In her newest book, Allison DuBois explains that the lives of people aren't much different than those of monarch butterflies--that we wouldn't be the people we are, make the choices we do, and in essence, live the lives we lead without the friends and family members that came before us and have passed over to the other side.
If you want to understand life, you must understand death. In Secrets of the Monarch, Allison DuBois shows readers how communicating with the dead has taught her important lessons about life and how readers can apply those principles to their own lives.
Although we are all products of our predecessors, Allison stresses that every person's life is part of a bigger story, stretching past family and friends to neighbors, community members and society as a whole. By making the most of your life now, Allison says, you can positively affect that story. It is your legacy to pass the fire in your eyes and heart to your children, your siblings' children, your friends' children.
After all, if you already know that the story will end, why not make the content a true masterpiece?
If you want to understand life, you must understand death. In Secrets of the Monarch, Allison DuBois shows readers how communicating with the dead has taught her important lessons about life and how readers can apply those principles to their own lives.
Although we are all products of our predecessors, Allison stresses that every person's life is part of a bigger story, stretching past family and friends to neighbors, community members and society as a whole. By making the most of your life now, Allison says, you can positively affect that story. It is your legacy to pass the fire in your eyes and heart to your children, your siblings' children, your friends' children.
After all, if you already know that the story will end, why not make the content a true masterpiece?
214 pages, Hardcover
Published September 18, 2007
About the author
Allison DuBois
13 books110 followersAllison Dubois's unique story, the inspiration for the hit NBC TV series Medium, started during her senior year at Arizona State University while she was interning at the D.A.'s office. Soon after, researchers at the University of Arizona validated her ability through a series of tests. Allison continues to support research as a medium, as a member of the Veritas Research Program Mediums Committee, and as a member of the Forever Family Foundation's Medium Advisory Board. In her short career, All
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 18, 2008
This book had a few interesting points to make, but overall, it just didn't do much for me. I think she could have said the things she needed to say in one long blog entry instead of trying to fill up a whole book.
October 17, 2008
This book is one of the very BEST I have ever read. In my field, Allison is someone I consider a mentor. This book epitomizes why.
You should definitely read her first two books, "Don't Kiss Them Goodbye", and "We Are Their Heaven", which will help you understand her writing style and why she writes what she does in this book. The first two books are fantastic, but this one is like the very best icing on your favorite cake.
Loss is something I've always had a connection to, and the same goes for psychic abilities. When you're born with abilities, you can either ignore them or honor your ancestry (which Allison touches on in this book, and which is why it is called Secrets of the Monarch. She explains how our ancestry ties in to the journey of the monarch butterfly).
When I read Allison's work, it's sometimes a lot like reading about my own life and experiences. She gives you a great sense of self, as well as a great sense of what she is telling you, and you immediately feel great energy from her.
This book is about living a better life, while remaining true to all the connections you have to those you love, be they living or deceased. Having just lost both of my parents in the last 8 months, this book helped me heal parts of myself that I didn't know were wounded. I finished reading it the day after what would have been my father's 64th birthday. I felt the presence of my loved ones as I shed tears throughout reading this book. Maybe this isn't the best review I've ever written, but it doesn't have to be. I recommend it as a must-read not just because I "get it", but because I would have read it even if my life were completely different. It will make a huge impact on you if you let it. Allowance in our lives means many different things.
You should definitely read her first two books, "Don't Kiss Them Goodbye", and "We Are Their Heaven", which will help you understand her writing style and why she writes what she does in this book. The first two books are fantastic, but this one is like the very best icing on your favorite cake.
Loss is something I've always had a connection to, and the same goes for psychic abilities. When you're born with abilities, you can either ignore them or honor your ancestry (which Allison touches on in this book, and which is why it is called Secrets of the Monarch. She explains how our ancestry ties in to the journey of the monarch butterfly).
When I read Allison's work, it's sometimes a lot like reading about my own life and experiences. She gives you a great sense of self, as well as a great sense of what she is telling you, and you immediately feel great energy from her.
This book is about living a better life, while remaining true to all the connections you have to those you love, be they living or deceased. Having just lost both of my parents in the last 8 months, this book helped me heal parts of myself that I didn't know were wounded. I finished reading it the day after what would have been my father's 64th birthday. I felt the presence of my loved ones as I shed tears throughout reading this book. Maybe this isn't the best review I've ever written, but it doesn't have to be. I recommend it as a must-read not just because I "get it", but because I would have read it even if my life were completely different. It will make a huge impact on you if you let it. Allowance in our lives means many different things.
August 12, 2022
This is the latest book by the author who inspired the tv show Medium. I've read her previous books, and this was equally as enjoyable. Even though DuBois is not a 'great' writer, the subject she writes about is fascinating enough to keep her on my 'must read author' list. It's a shame that her writing is all over the place, I really think she needs a better editor.
There are some great stories throughout the book of people Allison has met and provided readings for, and I really enjoyed reading about their special moments.
There are some great stories throughout the book of people Allison has met and provided readings for, and I really enjoyed reading about their special moments.
December 10, 2012
This was not a good book. unfortunate really. I am sure she's a lovely lady but writing was bland and repetitive. Plus the woman reading the audio book was annoying for me as well.
September 27, 2016
Thank you Allison for continuing to share your story. It gives us hope. Thanks again!
October 9, 2012
Less than two hours to read, so not particularly complicated or dense.
I was more curious about Allison DuBois than about her insights into living a better life when I picked this up. Her advice is good but standard: enjoy life, help others, let your loved ones know you care.
Learning about how her gift works and her impressions was much more fascinating than her suggestions. This may not have been the best book for that. Apparently she has two earlier novels which go into it more. The paranormal in real life fascinates me, especially when I can't easily dismiss the results.
It's a comforting idea to believe your loved ones aren't lost forever when the physical body dies. That there is more to life than missed opportunities and meaningless coincidences.
I might pick up one of her other books if I can find them at the library.
I was more curious about Allison DuBois than about her insights into living a better life when I picked this up. Her advice is good but standard: enjoy life, help others, let your loved ones know you care.
Learning about how her gift works and her impressions was much more fascinating than her suggestions. This may not have been the best book for that. Apparently she has two earlier novels which go into it more. The paranormal in real life fascinates me, especially when I can't easily dismiss the results.
It's a comforting idea to believe your loved ones aren't lost forever when the physical body dies. That there is more to life than missed opportunities and meaningless coincidences.
I might pick up one of her other books if I can find them at the library.
May 6, 2016
This is a quick, simple read and if you’ve read either of her other books, you’ve heard what she has to say.
I found this one a little frustrating, as she name drops in this book, when she has restrained herself from doing that in the previous books.
This is also a little repetitive, while the book is structured as if each chapter builds on the preceding one; it really just repeats or reinforces what has already been said.
Her message is basically that the dead are still around us and they send us messages, which we will hear if we are listening carefully; as well as, be good to others.
Depending on your current circumstances it would be a comforting book. I am sure if I'd read it not long after losing someone who matters to me I would have had a much greater reaction to it, as well as a more positive one.
I found this one a little frustrating, as she name drops in this book, when she has restrained herself from doing that in the previous books.
This is also a little repetitive, while the book is structured as if each chapter builds on the preceding one; it really just repeats or reinforces what has already been said.
Her message is basically that the dead are still around us and they send us messages, which we will hear if we are listening carefully; as well as, be good to others.
Depending on your current circumstances it would be a comforting book. I am sure if I'd read it not long after losing someone who matters to me I would have had a much greater reaction to it, as well as a more positive one.
July 27, 2008
I really liked this third book from Allison Dubois.(I have read the first book she wrote and really liked it!) I am amazed by all of the good things she has done in her life. This was such an uplifting book to read. I have always felt after we die our spirits live on. I especially felt this way after my infant son passed away, several years ago. Allison comfirms this is so many ways from her experiences.
If you want to read something that will touch your soul and help you learn how to live a better life, this is the book for you. This is a very pleasant read.
If you want to read something that will touch your soul and help you learn how to live a better life, this is the book for you. This is a very pleasant read.
February 16, 2014
"Secrets of the Monarch" by Allison DuBois. Since watching the TV show "Medium" I was very interested in Allison's thoughts of the afterlife. This book is very inspirational as Allison sees death as a natural process of life just like the Monarch butterfly. Most of us don't see the big picture of life and where we fit in so some of us struggle more than others to find our way. There will always be questions with no answers for the afterlife so all of us have to search and find our beliefs in the afterlife which will help us find our way in the circle of life.
November 20, 2017
This is the third book of Allison’s that I read and I thought it would be better than the other two and it wasn’t. I felt I was reading a memoir. There weren’t many stories of others connecting with loved ones, almost everything was about the author, her husband and her kids. There was only two paragraphs in this whole book that I found interesting. The rest was repeats from prior books and boring.
December 20, 2009
Amazing book. It really made me think of life after death and honestly I do believe my dogs are watching over me. Thank you Momo and Angel for popping up unexpectingly, but welcomed, in my dreams. I also believe that my granpas both may or may not be watching over me. Also my cat Cali. Read this book. It makes you think. :)(:
June 19, 2010
I really like the show Medium based on Allison DuBois but this book just wasn't that informative. I had hoped it would provide more information about Allison's life and provide tips on how to harness your own psychic potential. I was actually very psychic as a child and had hopes of rediscovering my abilities but this book didn't aid me in doing so.
Read
July 23, 2011Alison's advice to live three lifetimes in one is probably the best advice I've been given in recent years. I'm not going to pretend I thought this was well written, but it was certainly compelling and I'm surprised that over a year later I am still carrying her urging to lead a fuller life with me. I'd recommend this - I think it is particularly poignant if you have recently lost someone close.
July 7, 2012
This was an excellent book to listen to before my birthday. I especially appreciated the reflections on how the gifts of the older generations flow down through the generations --- and each generation has the opportunity to be better and stronger. I can see that in our family and it makes me happy when I'm with my children and grandchildren.
March 31, 2008
I have read Allison Dubois' two previous books and enjoy her style. I find comfort in her stories and I do believe that she has a special gift to share with the world. If you don't believe in her, don't bother reading this one. Read her first book, then decide for yourself.
April 15, 2008
Other than the last chapter, I was quite disappointed with this book. Some of it was interesting, but a lot of it seemed to be an opportunity to name drop. I think her best book is We Are Their Heaven.
September 27, 2009
This book was not like an episode of the medium. There were somethings that hit home in an eerie way. I do believe in an afterlife and wonder how i will be present in the lives of my family or whomever when i am no longer here.
May 6, 2010
The author's abilities to communicate with those on the other side is the basis of the tv series The Medium.
Basically, through examples of her communications the author stresses that those who pass along are still with us.
July 27, 2011
Allison DuBois always writes insightful books. I enjoy how she uses personal life stories to illustrate the concept or life lesson that she is addressing in a particular chapter. Very enjoyable and it gave me alot to ponder about my own life experiences.
January 13, 2011
Anything spiritual, being a spiritual person I love to read about other's experiences. Allison DuBois is an interesting, down to earth person she seems so loving and fun. I'd love to meet her at that bar she goes to when on vacation and learn more about her.
November 15, 2013
Just a rip-off. I felt like Marie Curie when she had to boil tons and tons of pitchblende to obtain ONE or TWO grams of radium. Bla bla bla, but not much substance here. Too bad, seems the lady has a good lead on commercializing her "product" but it's weak when compared to others.
November 20, 2012
Great book a bit short. Read in a day. But I love how Alison writes, like she is sitting in front of you telling her story, she is very candid and honest. Great author and someone I would love to meet one day, but prolly won't as she is the USA and I'm in Australia. Worth a read though.
December 9, 2007
I read this book because the author is the woman who inspired the show Medium and I like that show. The book was about practical life advice she wanted to share.
February 4, 2008
With each book allison writes they just get better and better.loved it
March 27, 2008
This is an interesting & inspirational book, teaching us how to live through the lessons of the dead. Allison Dubois is a fascinating person and the insite into her life was quiet extrodinary.
April 20, 2008
Not as interesting as her first book, this seems to be a little redundant. It does depict a few more instances on her ability to communicate with the other side.
July 23, 2008
She isn't the best writer, but I admit I'm a sucker for books by mediums, and this is a quick easy read.
September 17, 2008
I have a ticket to see Allison DuBois when her tour comes to Baltimore in September so I need to read this before then.
September 11, 2008
On of the best books I read all year, this is not a book about death but a book about living.
May 21, 2009
uplifting and encouraging
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews