June 11, 2007

Making the Grade in a Plethora of Titles

Back in 1983, a few people did notice when the book above was published. Otherwise, it won’t be called a classic. Today, it’s good that at least one reviewer is enjoying it so much that he has given me a letter grade for the expanded, updated 2007 edition.

When I was in school, I had mixed feelings about getting a high letter grade. What was the teacher trying to tell me? Was I almost perfect or didn’t I say what I wanted to say? Was I above average but not excellent? Was I pretty darned good, but need not get a speech ready for graduation?

Whatever was the hidden meanings in all those grades way back when, the years ticking off have called forth a different reaction in me, I must admit.

I learned this morning that an important online review publication for book authors, The Trades has posted a new critique of my book, Mysterious America. In addition to the review, they gave me an “A-.”

I was pleased.

Nowadays, I write a book, turn in the manuscript, and know that I want to do something even more, even better next time. I feel compelled to talk the publisher into letting me add more illustrations, revise something again, or add a whole new chapter on this or that topic. Getting an A- these days is exactly what I hope people give me – seeing the book is good, even great in parts, but challenging me for more.

Stepping aside, here’s the review:

I’ve seen a plethora of titles dedicated to the chronicling of cryptozoological creatures and sightings of the strange. I was reading Chariots of the Gods in fifth grade, and devoured every paranormal picturebook I could get my greedy little paws on.

I’m still intrigued by the concept of the paranormal, but I’m a lot more skeptical these days and a lot more critical of the way writers present their statistics and accounts. So I found myself very impressed with Loren Coleman’s reissuance of Mysterious America. Somehow this was a title that had escaped my library when it was initially released, so those bits which the author has updated are just as new to me as are the original passages.

I liked Coleman’s book for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Coleman takes a Fortean approach in his presentation: no overblown, overhyped claims here; just a straightforward representation of what was reported, when it was reported, where it was reported, and how the story compares and differs to and from similar stories told at different times and places. In fact, where many cryptozoological titles tend to “poo-poo” the skeptics and scientists who disagree with their presumptions, Coleman can be seen to instead lament how certain stories don’t get followed up with enough thoroughness because of the sensationalist bent given by some of the overzealous wanna-believers.

Secondly, I found several chapters to be completely fascinating insofar as they were documenting critters and spooks which I had never heard of before. Sure, there’s talk in here of Bigfoot and the potential for North American apes. But how often do you hear about phantom panthers? Or of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon? Did you know that there are mysterious appearances and disappearances of clowns in vans reportedly trying to abscond with children, all across the country? That’s just a taste of the bizarre goodness to be found in Mysterious America.

Thirdly — and of keen interest to travelers — are the appendices. Plan your vacation stops in areas where teleporting alligators, lake monsters, phantom ships or spook lights have been spotted. Just look up the state, then go down the list of items. In fact, you can forego the travelling and just look up your home — odds are you’ll be surprised to find that something weird has happened right near you, and probably not that long ago.

I know that it’s got me watching the skies for swooping thunderbirds!

Mysterious America probably isn’t the kind of book you’ll read from cover to cover. It’s more the kind that you’ll pick up, thumb through, and stop on the first interesting chapter for a bit — or you’ll dogear the pages regarding sightings in places you’re familiar with. It’s a fun bit of reference that will make for interesting conversation.

Mysterious America: Book Review by R.J. Carter, The Trades, June 9, 2007

I read The Trades review, and truly appreciate that this reviewer comprehended and enjoyed what I did in this book. I thank R. J. Carter for writing this critique. And the A-, too.

Write me directly at LCOLEMAN {@} MAINE.RR.COM if you’ve previously ordered a book and wish to doublecheck with me about arrival or replacement, or use that address for a PayPal payment, if you would like to obtain a personalized, signed copy of the new, revised 336 page 2007 edition, for $30.00 – or donate to my research efforts. Even I need to be reinforced for getting an A-. 🙂 Thank you.

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