The second read book in this series. And this one is all about Draculaura, and, as you can probably guess, about movies and Hauntleywood (Hollywood). There is quite a bit of backstory as well, which I just loved.

The last book (for now) in this series. Hopefully there will be more specials/movies soon so that there can be more books about it. :D

A Memoir
By Suzan Saxman with Perdita Finn 

ISBN: 9781250047717
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 01/27/2015
Format: Other
My Rating: 4 Stars

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Suzan Saxman shares a powerful and compelling memoir of her life and challenges, with special psychic gifts, both positive and negative in THE RELUCTANT PSYCHIC.

Suzan lived in fear with her special powers and abilities, throughout her childhood, as afraid her parents may send her away thinking she was strange. At night time it was difficult for her to sleep with all the voices, visions, and spirits surrounding her. She was in constant state of pulse-pounding adrenaline; a fueled state of high alert.

She did not have an easy childhood – growing up in a severely dysfunctional family, with a disturbed abusive mother who recruited Susan to keep the identity of her real father (and mother's lover) secret. She was compulsive and almost blind and worried about everything. She tried to keep her abilities to herself, especially at school as she was teased and bullied at her Catholic school (your heart goes out to her). She dreamed of going back to England and going to school to study literature, history and psychology; however, her mom continued to put her down.

From childhood to adulthood, with struggles along the way to a clairvoyant. I do believe certain people have gifts, and as mentioned some artists and highly creative people see the world differently from their eyes.

On a Personal Note:

Being highly creative myself (not a psychic); however, very intuitive. My limited experience with a psychic years ago in New Orleans was quite interesting. A woman read my tarot cards, seeing a huge legal battle ahead of me which would last for years and she could see tons of paperwork, legal papers, etc. It would be emotionally draining. I had no legal problems at the time, and was an associate publisher with a great job in Atlanta. However, about five years later, I took a job in Florida and became involved in a high profile Whistleblowing SOX case. It was non-stop depositions, interrogatories, attorneys, legal battles, lasting about five years. (So, you could say, I do believe she had a gift).

I was intrigued by Suzan’s genuine story, her mentors, her life, and her courage to share her story. Told with compassion and humor, you will sympathize with her many obstacles having to attempt to live and survive in a world not always, so accepting of those with special unique gifts.

THE RELUCTANT PSYCHIC was engaging, and the tidbits at the end of each chapter with brief anecdotes from respective readings with clients, and the black and white photos added a nice touch. You do not have to agree with her lifestyle, the supernatural, or her choices to enjoy the book. (also listened to her videos).

I found the memoir rather fascinating, as she manages her gift and her journey to find peace, and the ability to use her gift and talents wisely. Nicely developed, and the collaboration between Finn and Saxman was magical -- with a nice of mix of personal family drama and memorable moments with her clients in the psychic role.