Rating: 
Summary: ummm.. yeah, right
Review: The fact that anyone can believe in stories such as those presented here is an indication that our society has lost whatever ability it once had to think critically and scientifically.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting documentation of a phenomenon
Review: This book is worthy of our consideration because of its psychological approach. He is not a paranormal investigator a la Hopkins or Vallee, but is presenting case studies of individuals who, irregardless of our opinions of the circumstances which underly their views, have definite symptoms of emotional distress relating to the perception of communication with mysterious entities. This book documents the claims and experiences of the "abductees" and allows for the reader to interpret the information for himself. I definitely believe that the abduction experiences are completely authentic, but I definitely do NOT believe that Dr. Mack's conclusion concerning interplanetary contact with highly advanced alien civilizations is the cause of these experiences. Interesting book.
Rating:
Summary: Where was the enthusiasm?
Review: Very interesting new theories especially the hybrid developments. Have the abductees stepped over the line of truth/reality? John was contacted by a lot of people with almost identical patterns of abduction in a very short space of time. The English is flat, if not appalling (days before months please). Lacks pace, flow and enthusiasm, being more like a thesis of high intellectual. Having said this all ufologists will find something of interest here
Rating: 
Summary: Path-breaking; raises fundemental questions
Review: You do not need to be convinced by Mack in order to admire his courage: as a Harvard Professor, to take a topic straight from the tabloids and treat it seriously deserves a four-star rating by itself. I am generally open to new ways of perceiving reality, and am willing to ponder the idea that "aliens" (or fellow -earth dwellers, differently dimensioned) are playing tricks with us. My main difficulty lies with using hypnosis as a tool to uncover hidden memories, which lies at the heart of Mack's approach. Hypnosis is just too easy to abuse. It may be the only tool we can think of, currently, to use in this quest, but it just has too many drawbacks to be taken as the sole tool for alien-style research. I think Mack, too, would agree with that. The 1990s, when this book came out, were a heady time for alien research. Many books on the subject were published, and TVs shows produced. Maybe it was the upcoming millennium, or just an increase in alien visits in the late 80s, but the field was hot. Now, it has cooled off a bit. One wonders when the next alien wave, or 'flap,' will hit. But hit it will, and when it does, many will go back to Mack's book for insight. This is recommended, along with Jaques Valle's books.
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