Calling All Living: A Medium's Message

(CBS)  The loss of a family member is seldom easy. But what if that person could speak to you from beyond the grave?

James Van Praagh, a self-described medium and New York Times bestselling author, believes that not only can the dead speak to us, but that they want to, because of the things they didn't get to say on earth.

In an interview on The Early Show Tuesday, Van Praagh claimed that the spirit world was the inspiration for his new book, "Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life."

"The spirit world wanted me to write this book about the messages they wanted their loved ones to know, how to live life in a way," Van Praagh told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "We don't have should-haves and would-haves and could-haves when you leave the physical world as a spirit."

Van Praagh is also a co-executive producer of the CBS hit primetime show, "Ghost Whisperer," primarily advising star Jennifer Love Hewitt on her role as a medium.

"Everyone has a right to believe what they believe -- and I tell people that all the time," Van Praagh told Smith.

He also offered readings to audience members on the plaza about their loved ones' spirits, saying that many of their family members were standing right next to them.

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Excerpt: "Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life," by James Van Praagh

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