Please, her source is her spirit guide?? ( )

This was my first time reading anything written by Sylvia Browne, but having grown up in the 90s with a serious television addiction, I knew who she was. That was also one of the reasons I had always avoided her books, that and the fact that I'm leery of anyone who places a large photo of themselves on the front cover and isn't writing a memoir. However, while looking for books on certain secret societies, this book popped up and I figured "why not." It would at least give me a good starting point for my own research.

For the most part, this was an enjoyable read. The information seems well researched, as she mentions the many piles of paper threatening to bury her quite often. This research is supplemented by information attained from Browne's "spirit guide" Francine. I probably could have enjoyed reading about some of these groups if Francine wasn't name-checked almost once every paragraph. Also, Browne at one point seemed to diverge into the "truth about Jesus," only loosely relating it to the subject of the book. While what she writes is interesting and rings true for me in many ways, it felt a little out of place.

As I said, this is an enjoyable read and she does list several books she consulted in the course of her research for those interesting in further study. Probably a good book to have on the shelf for the blurb version of these groups' origins and purposes. ( )

Read 6.19.09-6.20.09
This is the first Browne book that I have read. She seemed to do her research, with exception to what her spirt guide, Francine communicated to her. She tells how many of these organizations, Skull and Bones, Freemasons, The Bilderberg Group, and The Trilateral Commission influence the world today. Many of the world's famous leaders, presidents, politicians, celebrities, and the wealthy are members of more than one secret society.

She also writes a section on religious organizations including Priory of Sion, Knights Templar, Opus Dei, and the Knights of Malta. There are chapters relating to Jesus, Gnostics, and the Cathars.

I looked at this book with an open mind, and more out of curiosity than trying to take any truth from it. The book is entertaining, and some of what Browne wrote made me go "Ahh." Much of what she said is brought up in other books regarding secret societies - and she gives references for the reader to look into. I am intrigued by her other books now, and will probably look at a few of them. If you are curious or interested in the topic of secret societies, this is a recommended quick read. ( )

Sylvia covers quite a few different "Secret Societies" in this book. I felt it was going to be a great book when I started to read it then she had to say it was through her "Spiritual Guide" that she had some sort of agreement with her information. I would believe more in her "Spiritual Guide" if her "Spiritual Guide" would lead her to some kind of documentation that is irrefutable into some of her research.
My spiritual guide is my conscience and as far as I can tell it does not lead me to proof of anything except to argue with my mind.
The book does have some good info that is already known but I would rather have read a book that did not rely on her spiritual guide agreeing with her. It is like the proverbial news reporter finding all of the less then credible witnesses of a UFO landing and interacting with the community. ( )

Kitchen reading. It lacks depth. Ms. Browne's "Spirit Guide" Francine, often quoted, fails to supplement Ms. Browne's research beyond a well read high school civics teacher.

The only intriguing information in Secret Societies was a very short chapter (two pages) discussing a "covert organization" referred to as "SCAN" or Secret Coalition for American Nationalism. This group of 22 allegedly seeks to manipulate the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission, Bilderberg Group and others so that the "new world order" is under control of Americans. SCAN, twenty-two Americans . . . worse things could happen. (Let's make it 23 - I am in the book.)

Don't bother buying the book or even borrowing. ( )