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This book was recommended to me by the discerning Chris Gabriel who makes videos under the name Meme Analysis. Itās a pulpy ānonfictionā account of Keelās investigation into eyewitness reports of the mothman in the late 1960s. Stories of the unexplained (ghosts, visions, conspiracies) are best when they play on the stranger-than-fiction truths of real life. Whether or not the events in this book actually happened, Keelās stories are so unique and eerie in their specificity that the truth they suggest is undeniable: āIf there is a universal mind, must it be sane?ā Must it???
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In recent years Iāve developed an increasing interest in conspiracies and cults, most especially in what sorts of people are the most likely to believe in them and what exactly drives them to do so. You canāt really delve into this subject without also touching upon folklore and cryptozoology, and my fondness for horror and relative open-mindedness about such things means I wouldnāt want to avoid them. As a result, I was very intrigued by John OāConnorāsĀ The Secret History of Bigfoot, a book which purported to examine both the myth itself and its most ardent believers, but which unfortunately turned out to feel more and more like the authorās philosophical ramblings as it went on.
It begins well enough, as OāConnor regales the reader with his exploits trekking along the Appalachian Trail, in search of the elusive creature and those who claim to have seen it. He writes in a fun, conversational style, laced with beautiful descriptions of the natural world around him and frequent diversions into David Sedaris-like humor. The first several chapters carry on in much the same enjoyable way. Some psychological theorizing is peppered throughout these early sections and it offers some keen insights into the parts of modern life that might make people susceptible to believe so deeply in something so seemingly impossible.
About halfway through the book though, the psychoanalysis and philosophizing almost completely take over, with mentions of Bigfoot becoming rarer and rarer. The author makes several good points, most especially as to how the whole thing relates to our planetās dwindling natural resources, and remains pleasant enough to read, but as he gets further and further from the stated subject of the book, one questions what itās even about. The surprisingly high number of liberal talking points is also likely to put off some readers entirely, and usually feels completely out of place.
In the end, OāConnor brings it back around and attempts to draw some conclusions from his experiences. He refreshingly avoids coming down for or against Bigfootās existence, though is clearly skeptical, and expresses at least some respect towards the different people he encountered along the way (I suspect at least a few are unlikely to speak to him again after reading this however). He also manages to leave the reader with a lingering wistfulness for the amount of the natural world that has already been lost forever. It is frequently posited herein that one of the reasons we want so badly to believe in Bigfoot and his ilk is that it allows us to believe that there is still something of mystery out there, despite mankindās never-ending encroachment into the wilderness. It feels like there is something to the theory. As author and naturalist Peter Matthiessen is quoted saying in the book, āI think itās going to be a very dull world when thereās no more mystery at all.ā ā
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Feb 9, 2024
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Even if you havenāt accepted that theyāre out there yet, people are seeing something. And Jung knew that was significant. Huge shouts to Jai for sending me this.
Mar 23, 2021
This book rec was inspired by sofeās lil squid story. This book is about the evolution of sentient life; with a heavy emphasis on cephalopods, as their evolutionary tree branched off from our common ancestors so long ago. Octopuses have been my fav animal for ages but I hadnāt realised how cool squid are too! And cuttlefish fish! He describes the process by which they change colour and it blew my mind, they essentially have biological pixels, for cuttlefish anyway, they have two different kinds of pixel-like cells/muscles that control two different colour spectrums. Itās a really brilliant book, and for those who are put off by too sciency books (myself included tbh), this book is a philosophy/science hybrid!
Jun 6, 2024
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The strap of my dress snapped a few years ago and then in minutes I sewed it back on and felt a satisfaction so profound that it had to be Ancient and Just. If you donāt know how to mend it, someone doesā¦ COBBLERS are REAL!!!!! Iāve seen them with my eyes and they have re-birthed my shoes like Gods on Earth. Mass consumption has us addicted to buying and discarding but I highly recommend repairing your shit - relationships too! My uncle who doesnāt shut up once told me that ālife is all about maintenanceā (genius) so I forgave him for being the way that he is!
Apr 4, 2024
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Robert Moses State Park is open in the winter, and if you go on a weekday youāll probably have the entire beach to yourself and a few fishermen. Great for a contemplative walk wherein you mull things over spiritually. Towards sunset, can start to feel like youāve reached the end of the earth and are about the meet God. Bring a blanket, some grapes and your copy of The Power Broker.
Apr 4, 2024
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The best movie theater in New York seats 35. See a movie here you know nothing about and you will be inspired. For me most recently it was a screening of Dave Wascavageās Suburban Sasquatch. Simple Town has been lucky enough to play videos here twice. The first night was packed, the second night we sold two tickets, and both nights were perfect.
Apr 4, 2024