In THE SECRET HISTORY OF BIGFOOT: FIELD NOTES ON A NORTH AMERICAN MONSTER, John O’Connor recounts some of his adventures on bigfoot hunts and at conventions. He speaks with both believes and naysayers throughout his adventures.

I’ve never had an encounter, but I’m a believer in Bigfoot. That being said, I didn’t really learn anything new about Bigfoot from reading this book. The author is neither a believer or a disbeliever, and he makes it clear that none of his experiences will sway him either way. The title is also misleading—there are no secrets revealed and it doesn’t really go into too much of the history of Bigfoot. There were also a lot of unflattering comparisons between Bigfoot believers and Trump supporters. In the end, there are some interesting sections in the book that are worthy of checking out.

A delightful romp of a journey through Bigfoot's history and the links that belief in the unexplainable create in the long story of humanity. O'Connor crafts both a wistful travelogue through Bigfoot's territories and navel-gazing examination of why people believe. Rather than a linear examination of the historical record of Bigfoot stories, O'Connor meanders from topic to topic seeking not the capital T Truth about Bigfoot, but the individual truths of Bigfoot hunters. Highly recommend.

After the hot mess that 2023 proved to be, I thought what better way to close it out than to read a book about BIGFOOT!

As I read this book, it became clear that, as John O'Connor pointed out, there are two basic types of folks. There are those who live in the world of facts, evidence, and the verification of the aforementioned facts and evidence. Then there are those folks who have, shall we say, less affinity for facts and lean far heavier on the mythic, the folklore, and non-verified but believed *facts* in their known world.

And whether we apply the above to the search for say BIGFOOT, SASQUATCH, YETI, UFOs, and other assorted things that add mystery and wonder to our world, we can absolutely apply the same dynamic to other aspects of our lives. It is fair to say that America is a land of contradictions, strongly held beliefs (and opinions), and an ever burgeoning quest to understand our world and our place within it. As O'Connor posits, perhaps it is both divergent positions that have always informed human nature. By embracing both, we might be better equipped to understand ourselves better; and through that knowledge bring more clarity (and unity) to our shared world.

Thanks to the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of "The Secret History of Bigfoot."

This book has an anticipated publish date of February 6,2024.

#thesecrethistoryofbigfoot
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#mysteries of our naturalworld

Having bigfoots, cryptids, and classic poets like Keats all mentioned in the same book was something I'd never expected to read. John O'Connor's vast knowledge really makes this an interesting read.

Fun book to read, although I'm not sure how much truth it holds. After so many years looking for this monster, why haven't we found him besides a few out-of-focus videos and pictures?

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Sourcebooks for an advanced copy of this history and study of the Bigfoot phenomena, the people involved, and what the effect that the nature and the woods have on people, the mysteries and truths that people seem to be always looking for.

My first introduction of Bigfoot was television. I would like to act all smarter than my age and say it was from watching the Leonard Nimoy hosted In Search of show, but I know it was the Bigfoot episodes of Six Million Dollar Man that made me a fan. Watching Steve Austin, played by Lee Majors and Bigfoot, played by Andre the Giant which probably made me love professional wrestling later, start as enemies, and become friends fighting for justice, I was in. Later finding books in the library about Sasquatch stories, and even better Yeti stories, made me look at the woods behind me house with a little bit more trepidation. And a bit of longing. The same feeling seems to have infected a lot of other people, people braver than I. While I was content to look out my window, sip coffee and think about Big Foot, hundreds if not thousands were hitting the woods, dealing with cold, mechanical injuries, strange woos at night, and the sometimes eerie feeling that nature gives us. Bigfoot has become big money, with specials, movies, tourist trap events, and wilderness tours. And few answers. Journalist John O'Connor in The Secret History of Bigfoot: Field Notes on a North American Monster has written a guide and history not just to the Bigfoot Phenomena, but to the people who have tried to find the truth, stay skeptical, or make money, while showing the beauty and draw that nature holds on us.

John O'Connor first became interested in Bigfoot as a fan of the writer, Peter Matthiessen. Famed nature and fiction writer, co-founder of the Paris Review and employee of the CIA Matthiessen was introduced to the idea of Bigfoot while encountering a strange creature in Tibet. That encounter stirred something in the writer, sending him out in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, looking for Yeti clues and evidence, even writing a book that was never finished. From here O'Connor hits the woods, where even without Bigfoot O'Connor finds that th woods are not only dark and deep, but dangerous, with many people going missing, strange noises, sometimes human related, sometimes not and more. O'Connor spends nights camping in tornado weather in New England, meeting strange people deep in the woods, and attending tourist festivals for Bigfoot. Readers meet believers, sceptics, professors, and professional trail hikers, all with their own take about Bigfoot, nature, and what lies in the woods.

The book is both a history of Bigfoot, the idea of creatures like Bigfoot, and how people come to believe these kind of things. This is not a paranormal, cryptozoology book, but a book about why people believe things, with a lot of nature discussion. O'Connor is a very good writer, able to capture moments be it factual, or historical, or almost Gonzo style living in the story moments. There might be a little too much humor for a lot of people, and also readers who tend to do their own research and vote for red hats will not like some of the comments, but that is their problem. There are a lot of weird people in the woods, and I am glad I don't spend much time there. No answers are given, only lots of questions asked, just as many about humans and our behavior as about Yeti, and Sasquatchs.

For people just starting in the world or cryptids or even in the world of fringe thinking and why believe what they believe. Also for nature fans, because even with all the weird that seems to exist beyond the tree line, O'Connor has a way of making the outdoors sound fun, and worth caring for.

The Secret History of Bigfoot is a fun but non-engaging read that is for fans of cryptids who want a fast, easy read about the mysterious world and creatures hiding in our world.

While I found the writing style engaging and enjoyed the touches of humor, I actually thought the book would have more Bigfoot lore instead of allegory and social commentary.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! The Secret History of Bigfoot is a pretty interesting read for anyone drawn to cryptozoology! I'll be honest, it's not a topic that has truly ever really drawn me in before, but I thought this book was well done! John O'Connor does a good job, especially as he shares his experiences with people who are involved in the world of Bigfoot, a world I'm very removed from! I don't think anything in this book will really change your mind on Bigfoot, whatever you believe- but maybe it'll help you understand why you do believe as you do.

For the most part I found O'Connor a witty and engaging narrator of this Bigfoot adventure, though I could easily see how this work might not be for everyone. That being said if you have a love for this topic, or even a passing interest, I think this book is worth a read!

*My thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy*

**Rating: 2 out of 5**

"The thrill, needless to say, is in the hunt. But it’s also in wilderness’s capacity to exceed your imagination, literally and metaphorically. A world that “displays itself in hiding,” to borrow John Berger’s phrase, contains immensities."

I’m not a Bigfooter. I haven’t looked into cryptozoological related things since I was an early teenager (A lot of die-hard Young Earth Creationists are obsessed with those things). I’ll admit that I consumed a lot of Nessie related material during that stretch, but have since come to terms with ‘reality’. I’ve been reading a delightful novel, *The Children on the Hill* by Jennifer McMahon, which features a trio of young kids who are fascinated by ‘monsters’. The novel reminded me of my own fondish memories of growing up wondering about strange creatures. So when I saw this book I thought that I might as well give it a try.

This book fits into the ever growing category of books-who’s-title-doesn’t-match-their-subject-matter. This is neither a history of Bigfoot (secrecy is also utterly irrelevant), nor does the book really fit with its subtitle evoking field notes. Rather this is a book with long sections of surface-level psychology and Instagram worthy (read non-nuanced here) racial/social commentary peppered with some camping trips. Oh, and we mustn’t forget politics. I couldn’t tell you how many times Trump, MAGA, and other related figures popped up. Pinkie promise, I am *not* reading a book on Bigfoot to be regaled with the stupidity of American politics. That being said, I will be adding ‘Tangerine Tornado’ to my list of epithets for the Mango Man.

I really enjoyed the first chapter or so, I thought that the witty-ish commentary was engaging (A favorite: “We each have our peculiar talents and that is mine: complaining”). Its also nice to read about small league modern American adventures; the extended camping trip; the quasi-wilderness; the getting away from society’s bustle but still having a home to return to. Alas, this chapter raised my hopes up way to high. The witty commentary becomes repetitive and degrades into cheap shots being lobbed at long-dead people (yeah Herodotus and Co. weren’t experts on geography, but then again nobody was/is).

The world *does not* need another summary of Joseph Campbell, Jung, or anyone of that nature. If I wanted a to read a Wikipedia article I would go and read a Wikipedia article. O’Connor tried to tie Bigfoot into myth stereotype, attempting to explain that the mind needs monsters and mystery etc. but the whole dialogue felt very topical, forced, and inexpert.

I’m really confused as to what the purpose of this book was. As a person who’s uninitiated into Bigfoot lore I didn’t learn hardly anything about the phenomena. The same could be said for the commentary on psychology and delusion. I also don’t think this book is designed with Bigfoot enthusiasts in mind (who likes to be casually shrunk while being mocked), or skeptics, who wouldn’t have much to take away from this book. I also don’t really get why O’Conner was doing this for himself. When he was working with a film crew trying to understand the infamous Patterson-Gilmin film, O’Connor writes: “I’ll be perfectly frank. To get a grip on whether this is actually possible would be to truly understand things I don’t care to understand.” While he was just referring to filming jargon, in my mind, that quote applies to the entire book.

All in all, I found the section on the ivory-billed woodpecker the most interesting.

Although the history of Bigfoot is packed with humor John O’Conner in no way makes fun of those who believe in those who don’t and if he does it’s all in good fun. He not only tells a well balanced tale of our obsession with Sasquatch and the yeti he talks about credible sightings in those hoaxes that became popular in those that are not so popular I guess what I’m trying to say is John O’Connor has done a wonderful job telling the history of Bigfoot from every aspect he even discusses what type of people are obsessed with the bipedal international monster we all have an opinion on. Needless to say I so enjoyed this book and read it all in one day it is humorous educational informational and most especially entertaining what a great read! I want to thank the author the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Fun read that nicely blends the history of the cryptid with the sociology/psychology of the believers. A great nonfiction read to take on a camping trip

I am not really into paranormal events, but some time ago I read another book about Bigfoot, "In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond" by John Zada, and loved it, so I decided to give this one a try. And I don't regret it.

These two books are similar in some ways, as both focus more on the social and psychological aspects of Sasquatch lore, and both are a mix of travelog and essay - but at the same time they are very distinct. While Zada explores the wilderness of British Columbia, O'Connor travels through more civilized US regions like Texas and Florida. Zada focuses more on the myth and its meaning, O'Connor on the people involved in Bigfooting and their motivations. Their style is also different: while Zada's more poetic language reminded me a bit of my beloved Barry Lopez, O'Connor's tongue-in-cheek tone was more in the vein of Jon Ronson or Bill Bryson.

I think if you liked one, I think you will also like the other. And if you are new to this topic, “The Secret History of Bigfoot” will be a perfect start.

Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

This is an interesting book, some travelogue, some history, some regular science, and some far out science. Sprinkled in are a lot of people who insist that Bigfoot and other cryptids are real. While it didn't change my mind on whether Bigfoot is real or not, it was interesting learning how the story has grown and changed over the generations and different areas of the United States.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review, but opinions are my own.
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I really enjoyed this book. Lots of interesting stories and resources are included. I liked the approach The Secret History of Bigfoot takes. You'll get plenty of theories and information, but this book also seeks to understand the obsession with this cryptid

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the digital ARC..

This is a facinatiing book. It's by far the most liuterate book on Bogfoot I've come across. This is an excellent writer and a lively thinker. Yes, he talks about Bigfoot, about what it's like on the trail with Bigfoot finders etc. Also, plenty of insight. Personal and social. I recommend this book.

My late son always said he believed in Bigfoot. His friends and family are split 50/50 on whether he really believed or was just, in his contrarian way, claiming to believe. Anyway, for his sake, I’m interested in the big guy despite being, as I usually am about this kind of thing, personally skeptical. I’m the end, the book was less a history of Bigfoot and more a history of Bigfoot believers and was written in a gonzo journalistic style that reminded me a bit of Jon Ronson and Mary Roach. I enjoyed it a lot.

Being from the PNW and spending lots of time in the wilderness, I swear I've seen something out there in the trees! The Secret History of Bigfoot was a fun, insightful read, with plenty of new information even someone like myself has never happened upon. Would be the ideal gift for a Bigfoot fan!

This was not at all what I was expecting. It was also a jumbled mess that made it next to impossible to read.

This was an enjoyable history to travel through. As someone who wonders and thinks the possibility of Bigfoot being real is likely it was nice to read such a great history of one of the best myths or realities.