What is the plural of Bigfoot?
Bigfoots?
Perhaps “BIGFEETS!” as that one guy in the Shire might yell out.
This book won’t really answer that question, nor will it answer the question of the veracity of Bigfoot’s general existence. Does he think, and therefore is am? Or perhaps he is ephemeral and the real Bigfeets are the friends we made along the way.
However, what this book does very well is take an irreverent look at one of America’s most bizarre cryptozoology obsessions and throws in some accurate comparisons to one of America’s most recent bizarre political obsessions which is sure to ruffle plenty of feathers.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley**

If you love cryptozoology and in particular the topic of bigfoot, then this book will be an enjoyable and informative read for you. Very informal and irreverent but good nonetheless as it doesn't read like a dry textbook on the subject. Also I enjoyed the personal stories that the author threw in, it really gave the book a personal touch that made it feel like you were sitting by a campfire listening to a friend telling a story.

I was one of those kids who spent a lot of time in the section of my public and elementary school library where all the books on UFOs, aliens, ghosts, and cryptids were organized together. Apparently that part of me still carries on with considerable strength, because I jumped at the opportunity to read John O’Connor’s "The Secret History of Bigfoot." However, while I encountered a decent amount of the historical backstory and tales of encounters that I both anticipated and craved, I honestly did not expect just how much of this book was devoted to O’Connor extensive exploration of many of the potential reasons as to why people still are drawn to the idea of Bigfoot, and the dynamics of said attraction. The appropriation of Native American legends by contemporary fans of wild ape-men, Bigfoot’s wide-reaching range as a symbol, the overwhelming white and male makeup of “Bigfooters” - these were just a few of the many topics that were covered in-depth as the author explored both this niche world but also grander themes of belief and truth. “The Secret History of Bigfoot” turned out to be a far more thoughtful reading experience than I expected - not to mention still very informative on its subject matter, and also quite funny at times thanks to O’Connor’s wittily observant writing. Overall, I think this is a great romp of a book, and a strong personal recommendation for those looking for something a bit offbeat in their next nonfiction read that will leave them a good deal to mentally chew on afterward.

This is an informative, well researched book. Perfect for those who’ve had a sighting or just a believer of Big Foot. Thank you to the publisher for a copy.

The Secret History of Bigfoot; Field Notes on a North American Monster
John O’Connor
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy of this book. My reviews are my unbiased opinions.
Author John O’Connor and Bigfooters hunt for the elusive Bigfoot. I found their efforts interesting. I was especially interested in the experiences of those who swear they have seen Bigfoot. But I take exception with the author’s comments on President Trump. There was no need to include them in this book. They served no purpose. The comments were rude and derogatory. Mr. O’Connor you destroyed your own book.

First time author John O’Connor teaches journalism at Boston College, and from what he writes in The Secret History of Bigfoot, he comes across as an adventurer, a thinker, and an engaging storyteller. In his efforts to follow along with Bigfooters as they go on the hunt, O’Connor meets many folks (among them former police officers, soldiers, and park rangers) who all swear that they’ve come nose to nose with a Sasquatch in the wild — some of whom were forced to leave their jobs in the wake of their experiences — and in the moment, he completely believes their testimony. Later on, O’Connor speaks with experts who insist that without physical evidence (bone, hair, spoor, a clear photograph), it’s nonsensical to believe that there’s a large mammal running around the wilds of North America, evading capture. It’s a fascinating story, told from an engaging POV — this is as much about O’Connor’s experiences and reactions as it is about the legendary Sasquatch — and I enjoyed the whole thing.