This book was fascinating to say the least. I had heard of some of these "experiments" but I really didn't understand it until now! I appreciated the resources that were listed and the references were easy enough to verify. This book is very well researched and filled with information. I like to be able to verify the facts and come to my own conclusions. This was a unique book for me and I really enjoyed it.

I was familiar with some aspects of this book but there was some new information esp some of the more current work being done. Since a lot of the work down was/is classified and stories change through the years I am sure a lot of information is missing. The author presents an overview of the History of the US Military using parapsychology. There is still a lot here and it does get wordy in places. I wish there had been more information on the ending of the programs. I really enjoyed reading the follow up interviews. The text is also accompanied with photographs. Anyone with an interest in the military and parapsychology will enjoy reading this book.

Fascinating and well research. It certainly was not what I was expecting when I requested to read and review this book. The amount of work that Ms. Jacobsen put into this is astounding and commendable. I think my biggest issue with this work is the lack of science. I guess I was hoping for more of a "devil's advocate" book (because that is what I tend to do when reading or talking about the paranormal) and was looking for the author to talk a bit more about the science behind some of the projects-because, let's be frank, some of the projects mentioned could be explained by science. But, I suppose that would ruin the fun of the book. This book isn't likely to convert someone from skeptic to believer but for those that do believe, or go back and forth like I do, it is a very interesting and enjoyable read.

Ms Jacobsen does an excellent review of the US government's involvement in psychic research. This covers mainly the Cold War period, though J B Rhine began modern psychic research at Duke University before the Cold War began.

The US government became involved in the psychic development race, just as it became involved in the space race, with the Soviet Union. Ms. Jacobsen reviews the history of the Soviet research, as well as the US. And yes, Uri Geller is discussed in this book.

I enjoyed the book. As to the existence of ESP, and other psychic phenomena, experiments have demonstrated different kinds of ESP, but results must be replicated. And there is the problem.

So, you can read the book and believe, or be skeptical, or keep an open mind. I prefer the last option.

A very good read!

What is our government up to? Many Americans wonder what kind of espionage, covert activities and secret research goes on without our knowledge, and Phenomena: The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations Into Extra Sensory Perception and Psychokinesis, is a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain. Author Annie Jacobsen is an investigative journalist who used declassified documents to reveal how American defense and intelligence agencies have explored the paranormal. The result is an eye-opening read I couldn't put down. Highly recommended. (I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion.)

Do you believe in ESP?

Few subjects are as universally divisive as the idea of mental powers beyond the norm. Those who believe in things like extrasensory perception or telekinesis or clairvoyance or what have you tend to be fairly fervent in that belief. Meanwhile, the skeptical are adamantly, almost militantly so – they consider such notions to be nonsense.

But did you know that for many years, numerous agencies connected to the United States government – military and intelligence services alike – conducted research that placed them firmly in the former camp?

That’s the story being relayed by journalist Annie Jacobsen’s new book “Phenomena.” Subtitled “The Secret History of the U.S. Government’s Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis,” the book promises a deep dive into the longstanding relationship between psychic research and the American government - a dive that it delivers.

Ever since the CIA spent time in the 1950s searching for drugs that, while intended to aid in interrogation practices, were also alleged to enhance ESP and similar psychic phenomena in some users, there has been an ebbing and flowing relationship between the U.S. government and the metaphysical fringes.

This dynamic was rendered even more complicated by the Cold War; rumors of Soviet investigation into the psychic realm led to American officials insisting that our side keep pace in what was perceived as a sort of paranormal arms race. Instead of a missile gap, a psychic gap.

From the early days of the Round Table Foundation and Dr. Andrija Puharich – considered by many to be the father of the New Age movement – to the experiments of the Stanford Research Institute, from the CIA to the NSA to the DoD – “Phenomena” explores the complicated and tenuous relationship between clandestine government forces and the research into the powers of the mind.

Noted names of varying familiarity slide in and out of the story. Perhaps the most famous is Uri Geller, who is one of the more polarizing figures in the history of parapsychology – some were steadfast in hailing his powers, others deemed him a fraud and a charlatan – but other noted figures make appearances; Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell (a noted advocate for psychic phenomena), for example.

Jacobsen traces the ever-shifting state of governmental psychic research over the years by following some of the major players. She does so by swimming through reams of recently declassified documentation and assembling an impressive selection of interviews with dozens of prominent figures from that world – some of whom have never before spoken on the record about their involvement with these programs.

Now, if you’re a skeptic that doesn’t believe in ESP or related mental abilities, then it isn’t likely that “Phenomena” is going to change your mind. If you’re a believer, then it’s probably just going to confirm what you already thought. One suspects that the author’s perspective – one that seems fairly clearly oriented toward the belief side of things – might bias the story in that direction, though not so much as to force the door closed on skepticism.

However, there’s no question that it is a narratively engaging and well-written book. Jacobsen has definitely left room to wonder – there’s far more conjecture than conclusion to be had here. As to actual historical veracity, well … that’s a tougher one. Despite the complete and thorough divide between the believers and the skeptics, it may well be that there’s considerably more grey area here than either side would care to admit.

“Phenomena” is a fascinating peek at worlds colliding, an engaging and enlightening look at the decades-long intersection of psychic powers and government bureaucracy. Anyone with interest in the idea of psychic phenomena and its history in this country will almost surely be swept up by this weird and compelling tale.

This book was very well written and backed up with references. Phenomena reminded me of a textbook which is why I gave only three stars. Reading was not enjoyable for me. I am sure this will not be a problem for many readers and I would recommend it for someone who wants to delve deep into the paranormal subject.

Thank you for the ARC approval! Unfortunately, I am unable to read this file format on my Kindle and will be unable to review.

This was a really informative book on ESP and Psychic Investigations within the Government and CIA throughout history. From Uri Gellar and his spoon bending to astronauts sending ESP from space to stations on the ground. This touch's on lots of different now declassified experiments and various Phenomena and is really fascinating. Really enjoyed this and if you like to dig deep into unexplained Phenomena and especially within government then this is the book to read.

I would like to read this book. However, since it is not in kindle format, I am unable to do so. Thank you.

This sounded like an interesting book, but due to the formatting I was unable to read it.