Rating:  Summary: YOU BE THE JUDGE: Review:
In this book "Strange Highways" by Jerry D. Coleman many interesting and
provoking thoughts surface as one flies through it's pages. Coleman presents the cases; of ghosts, cryptids, the mind and even the occult (to mention but a few of the topics) in a way and with such legitimacy one feels the experience, has the facts and contemplates the conclusion.
Secondly, and most important to me, Coleman then leaves the conclusion up to the reader, openly laying out the facts, theories and events in such a manner as never before seen in the Cryptozoological or Paranormal field.
Documented testimony and in-depth, repeated interviews are offered. Logic over hype, where the `truth is stranger than fiction' quickly floats to the surface in this book! This is not a fact filled boring book with outrageous claims, undocumented witnesses or credulous theories. No. This is a book the Cryptozoology buff and Paranormal fan has been waiting for!
But you be the judge, I think this is what Jerry D. Coleman would request of you.
A-plus research and investigations!
Dr. Benjamin
Rating:  Summary: Witches / Bigfoot / Monster Birds & even ELVIS ! Review: "Strange Highways" Indeed ! Power packed, revealing, and obviously over thirty years of research as the author claims. A delight to read was this one, easy, interesting and not crazy far out. I felt any of the events and encounters told in this book are quite possible. I've read other Cryptozoological books and scores of paranormal books as well, but "Strange Highways" had me looking twice at shadows and listening harder at those noises in the night. I honestly, truly, enjoyed this book and look forward to reading it again very soon.
Rating:  Summary: STRANGE HIGHWAYS Review: A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK, IT COVERS EVERYTHING FROM BIGFOOT TO FOLK LORE. THE BOOK IS WELL ROUNDED AND WILL KEEP YOU VERY INTERSTED>>>>ERIC J MAZZI
Rating:  Summary: Finally, real research, witness names and recent updates! Review: An interesting compilation of both the well-known and not-so well-known Fortean events, many of which the author personally experienced and investigated himself. Included in this book are fresh looks at Bigfoot, the North American Apes, the Lawndale Big Birds, Mothman, and the Phantom Attackers such as The Mad Gasser of Mattoon and Springheel Jack. Jerry Coleman seems to be one of those (lucky?) individuals who acts as a "magnet" for attracting and experiencing the paranormal, the unusual, and just some downright weird and amazing events: one of my favorite parts of this book is where he describes how he was once followed and stalked by an (unknown to him at the time) later-to-become-infamous serial killer on a lonely road at night! A fun read and a good addition to your Fortean library.
Readers of this book will also enjoy the book, "Labyrinth13: True Tales of the Occult, Crime, and Conspiracy." (Visit www.labyrinth13.com for details).
Rating:  Summary: Strange Highways Indeed! Review: An interesting compilation of both the well-known and not-so well-known Fortean events, many of which the author personally experienced and investigated himself. Included in this book are fresh looks at Bigfoot, the North American Apes, the Lawndale Big Birds, Mothman, and the Phantom Attackers such as The Mad Gasser of Mattoon and Springheel Jack (see also my reviews of The Mad Gasser of Mattoon and Mysterious America below). Jerry Coleman seems to be one of those (lucky?) individuals who acts as a "magnet" for attracting and experiencing the paranormal, the unusual, and just some downright weird and amazing events: one of my favorite parts of this book is where he describes how he was once followed and stalked by an (unknown to him at the time) later-to-become-infamous serial killer on a lonely road at night! A fun read and a good addition to your Fortean library.
Rating:  Summary: Finally, real research, witness names and recent updates! Review: I can not even begin to express my pleasure with this book. I've bought, read and yearned for Cryptozoology & Paranormal investigations to get moving forward, finally because of "Strange Highways" it appears to be on the move, in an exciting direction! Actually witnesses, unique theories and most importantly evidence presented and left UP TO ME to decide! So many fresh thoughts and new story's in this book gives little doubt to the reader that 35 years of research finally came together in this piece, and well done. The author claims to be a down to earth layman and it shows, no 20 dollar words, it's all straight forward and logical! I'm reading it again for the third time!
Rating:  Summary: Not an Armchair Researcher Review: I don't usually take the time to write reviews but after reading this book, I felt it warranted one. While reading "Strange Highways" I was continually impressed by the fact that Mr. Coleman utilized scientific methods. He did not research from his armchair but actually travelled to the sites and interviewed the witnesses and the geographical locations where the sighting occurred. Many times he went back to interview the witnesses a second or third time to clarify facts. All the facts are documented with names, locations, details and some re-enactments. The book is written with an unbiased approach which allows the reader to determine how they feel, not the precluded opinion of the writer or witnesses. Mr. Coleman includes only verified facts, no undocumented evidence is precluded as the "truth". There are no allusions made to the paranormal as the "answer" and only answer, leaving no other options as some writers utilize. If Mr. Coleman found a resolution to the case, he resolves it also for the reader. I have found other writters will "leave it open" as to suggest again paranormal tendencies and there are no answers. A very good read, with physically researched facts.
Rating:  Summary: A Strange Road Less Traveled, this one: Review: I was not sure what to expect when I first picked up this book; would it be legends, paranormal accounts, or Cryptozoology quests? The answer came within the first four paragraphs of the introduction; it is a devoted level-headed researcher with decades of field research and interviews in a search for the truth. As I read on the common sense of the author and obvious dedication would not allow me to stop in the middle of a story or seeking what the next chapter may bring. Mr. Coleman's style of lying out an interesting chapter intro to closing many of the stories with a kick or noted speculative remarks, grabbed my attention. I found the interviews, actual field notes, photo's, sketches and even real police reports very impressive. A couple of my favorite stories were, "The Carnival" and "The Lawndale Thunderbird Case Study". In the "The Carnival", Coleman is unknowingly drawn to a real witch and the way it's described I can almost taste the cotton candy and see the lady sitting on the picnic table just off the Midway. In the 25 year case study of the Thunderbird, many facts lost or changed from 1977 were finally told straight up and by the actual on sight researcher, Mr. Coleman. The field notes and interviews of all the witnesses and experts were complete and uncut. Coleman even went into the Appalachian Mountains to film and study the eating habits of turkey vultures. This was pleasantly much more than I had expected and immediately made it one of my all time favorite book purchases. If I had to say anything negative about the book it would be that there were a couple of typo's but nothing I couldn't look past and continue to enjoy the story and the message the author offered.
Rating:  Summary: great book Review: Strange Highways is one of the best books I've ever read. It's informative and interesting at the same time. Jerry has a unique way of writing that no other author has. He tells things how they are. He's a good writer. My advice to you is to buy this book if you haven't already done so. You'll be satisfied.
Rating:  Summary: The Other Coleman Review: With "Strange Highways", Jerry Coleman doesn't simply follow in the footsteps of his brother Loren. He steps boldly along the twists and turns of America's paranormal and cryptozoological roadways. "Strange Highways" is the culmination of 30 years of field investigations by one of the sanest men in the often insane world of the unexplained. Coleman doesn't write to titilate your senses. He doesn't attempt to persuade you to his point of view. Jerry Coleman isn't selling anything. He simply takes a sometimes cynical but open minded approach to some of the mysteries America has to offer. Like others engaged in this field, he brings an inquisitive mind harnessed to good old fashioned common sense. The result is a book that offers sensible explanations where explanations are possible. The Lawndale, Illinois thunderbird incident is a case in point. Jerry investigated this report personally and shares his field notes with us. While his results may disappoint those hoping for a more sensational ending, Colemen's conclusions underscore his ability to cut through the mythology and weigh the evidence in a meaningful manner. And for those who demand a little more of the unexplained, there's plenty of that also. I do find two problems with this book. One is that it is too broad in scope to allow for an in depth discussion of all the topics. I can't help but feel Mr. Coleman has much more to tell us. The other complaint is minor and has to do with the number of typos. That I think, can be layed at the publisher's feet. Perhaps in Jerry's next book, that problem will be resolved. And I do hope there is a next one. If there is, it will definitely be on my "Must Buy" list.
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