An Explosion of Being: An American Family's Journey into the Psychic

by Doug Dillon, Barbara Dillon

A true life account of a family's exploration of the paranormal over a number of years. Join Doug and Barb Dillon as they probe the depths of their dreams, gather evidence of an afterlife, examine the purpose of existence, and investigate the very nature of reality.This leap into the unknown is one you'll never forget and it definitely stands as a reliable map for those on similar quests.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1983

About the author

Doug Dillon is a husband, father, grandfather, author, blogger and former educator living in Central Florida. He writes for both adults and young people, mostly in the arenas of history and the paranormal. Doug has written for Prentice Hall, Harcourt, Boys’ Life, Learning Magazine, the Orlando Sentinel, Mitchell Lane Publishers and Old St. Augustine Publications.

The paranormal thread in this author’s work stems not only from extensive research but personal experience as well. In fact, his first published work, a book co-authored with his wife, Barbara, is a family history of paranormal discovery and understanding. Titled, An Explosion of Being: An American Family’s Journey into the Psychic, it was first published by a division of Prentice Hall in 1984.

Two of Doug’s articles for Boys’ Life were selected for use in student assessment programs. One of those articles titled, “Gentle Pioneer: The Life of Johnny Appleseed,” was implemented through Educational Testing Service for the state of Washington from 2010 through 2015. The other article, titled, “Walt Disney: America’s Fun Maker,” was implemented through Harcourt Assessment for the state of Michigan from 2007 through 2015.

Doug is a recipient of a Disney Teacheriffic Award for his efforts as part of an innovative middle school program, and his book, Where Are Saigon, Kampuchea and Burma? A Brief Political and Geographic History of Asia, for reluctant readers ages 11-14, won first place in the history category for the Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palm Literary Awards program.

Reviews

[Kewwy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is my very first review and I have no idea what to say. Don't mind my writing as I am not the best writer! But first I would like to thank Doug for giving me this book. Thank you, Doug! This is my very first winning copy from goodreads giveaways. :D
I am not going to give away too many details about the book so I won't spoil it for you guys. The reason I like this book is the true story itself. Also, that it left me thinking while I took a break. Doug's family started experiencing some strange stuff after the death of his father. The part that kept me thinking was his dad's truck. I can't believe it but still it happened. Who can explain?? I don't even know myself. Once you read the book you'll know what I mean. Anyways as the story goes on the more answers they find but from where?? That's the thing you'll have to find out for yourself.
To be honest I would recommend this book to a person who has experienced some of these things and looking for answers. But if you already know your answers then you don't need this one. But if you like stories like these then I recommend this book to you. I would let my brother borrow it cause I told him about it and he said he would like to read it someday. Okay, I think I am done. I don't want to give too much away.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doug and Barbara do a great job at leading the reader through their spiritual progression. I really feel like their bared their souls in these pages. Many times they would open up about very difficult times in their lives, in order to show the challenges faced spiritual lessons learned. While reading this book, I felt connected to the authors, I felt like their life events could be experienced in any family.
Although the sections on automatic writing didn't specifically speak to me, there were a few areas of great interest to me. I was very interested in the sections pertaining to nighttime/sleep-state activities. Specifically pertaining to teaching or offering comfort to others while in this other realm. The other part that I really enjoyed was pertaining to reincarnation. This is the first book I've read that pertained to non-linear reincarnation, a concept I myself have long considered feasible. I was also interested in reading about souls that tend to encounter each other, life after life, and why this can happen.
I'm glad I had a chance to read this book, and appreciate the authors sharing their experiences and life lessons.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a very eclectic taste in reading on the paranormal. When I first received this book I truly thought OH NO, not a book on aliens due to the cover. I leave aliens out of my paranormal experience. I was so pleasantly surprised with not only the exceptional writing of this book, but the honest and heartfelt journey this family allows you to take with them. I read, decipher and I analyze for personal growth. The difference with this book over so many is you feel the true connection to what the writers are saying. You question more than you ever have before and that is a true compliment. At one point I had to put the book down because I became emotionally involved with part of the journey. No greater gift can be given to us from a writer, nor a book.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was extremely well written and the author certainly put a lot of time in to it. I would certainly read more of his books, as I really did enjoy this one. My sister is currently reading it now, and so far she is enjoying it as well.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very spiritual, about a family that goes indepth about their own experiences with finding out how to delve into the "other world" they take you into their own personal experiences with automatic writing, etc. I also found this book would be a great teaching tool for someone that is interested into finding their spiritual side.