First, the disclaimer - if you are hung up on the concept of reincarnation, this may not be the book for you. For the subject of reincarnation, Karma is an important concept as we look around for reasons, causes and explanations. Karma itself is very misunderstood topic, mostly as "an eye for an eye" or "what goes around, comes around".

This book shows that although we like things simplified into aphorisms, in reality things are not so simple and our lives are a complex interplay, interwoven with every person and situation we encounter in life who we influence or are influenced by. Such complexities would be most effective if there was some sort of planning involved, with gives and takes from all involved. That is exactly what is explored by this book with about 10 examples covering a wide range of challenges like physical illness, accidents, death of a loved one, parenting handicapped children, addictions, deafness and blindness.

In most of the chapters, the author keeps the introduction and conclusions brief, and instead presenting the reader with the actual sessions with the mediums exploring the respective pre-birth planning events. In my opinion, this works well to have the reader think through the new perspectives on life situations offered based on the insight into planning of these challenges and make their own conclusions instead of having to agree or disagree on the author's conclusions.

The exceptions to this style are the introduction, the first chapter on pre-birth planning and a very short conclusion, which almost feels like an abrupt ending. Personally, I did not like the "learning-through-opposites" idea (page 25) and instead prefer the explanation by Neale Donald Walsch in Home with God, for why we incarnate in general. However, for a better idea of Karma in action, its subtle inner workings, how it is not a punishment but instead is just another opportunity towards achieving a balance of our out-of-balance tendencies, this book provides the best read. The examples cover a variety of grave situations and even though these situations may not be applicable to every reader, the insight may help us lead a better balanced life and hopefully be less judgmental of others and instead appreciate and assist others who may be struggling.

The author is very humble in his approach to his subject. He, along with the reader, is in 'learning mode'. He takes a back seat to the real people and their real stories and is as awed by the information provided by psychics and channelers as we are. I will be using this book as a reference and will also be recommending it - highly - to others. For someone who has long believed in reincarnation and the healing it offers, I know what is important is the effect of what we believe. We accept that God exists but it is the extent of our faith which gives us strength and hope. Why scoff at the fact/concept of reincarnation, at the idea we've led many lives and even chosen the people, the events - beforehand - in them? A famous personage once opined that it is a miracle we've lived even one life. WE are not just 'one-hit wonders'; we have so many songs in our repertoire.
This book is so beautifully written and arriving at the last page was like leaving an old friend or ending a wondrous journey. I look forward to the next one and have emailed the author to share with him how much I loved his book. The heartbreaking stories, the insights and wisdom from the channelers allows us to feel a little bit more powerful, a little bit more knowledgeable and yes, even more humble to the greatness of our spiritual universe.

Whether or not you believe in reincarnation or spirit guides or even pre-birth planning, this book has something to teach you. The book helps us look at the negatives in our lives and turn those into positives - especially the negative people we encounter. Instead of harping on the negative lessons our parents (or anyone) gave us, we can thank them for being examples of how to and how not to be. It's a complete flip from the negative to the positive. I felt like a tremendous load had been lifted after I finished the book. Again, even if you don't believe in mediums, reincarnation, etc., you can still learn from this book. Give it a try.

If you have unanswered questions about why some of your relationships didn't work out, or why certain things seem to just "happen" to you, read this book! You will get a better understanding of how we chart our lives, prior to incarnation, in order to learn the lessons our soul needs to grow and perfect. Robert Schwartz does a wonderful job of researching!

With my mother dying I had a lot of questions about the journey of souls. This book is packed with a lot of wonderful information and gave me a sense of calm and made me felt more accepting of situations and people in my life.