Strange Encounters

ISBN: 1931044058
Paraview Press (2001)

I've read other books by Mr. Coleman, and if nothing else they've all been helpful tools in researching cryptozoology and the unexplained. This book is no different. It contains excellent reviews and overviews of many sightings of mysterious, unexplainable creatures, and strange phenomena around the country. As a resource for one interested in Forteana this book is worth it's weight.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in Fortean mysteries. It is well written, with Loren's trademark light humor and forthrightness. Loren even helps the reader understand what many writers and researchers interested in the paranormal, UFOlogy and Cryptozoology, have to put up with.

Not everyone takes this stuff seriously, so to take it seriously and write about it requires resolve, and a certain amount of courage. Writers of books like these inevitably encounter their share of cinicism and jesting at the hands of the media and others they may encounter.

Loren helps us to understand the writers point of view, and clarifies the notion of "belief" in the unexplained. It's more about open-mindedness and willingness to accept the possibility that there is something going on that could be causing these strange experiences and creature sightings. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and in fact, something that we can have great fun with while we explore the mysteries of our world, for there are many.

The last portion of this book contains listings of mysterious happenings around the country, giving the reader an opportunity to find strange sidetracks in their area to explore.

Mysterious America will remain on my shelf as a reference for my own research and entertainment.

Review by Drew Vics for Eclecticreviews.com