John W. Martin asked:


Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained



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Paranormal phenomena have fascinated generations of researchers and prompted countless of authors to explore the unexplained. From the earliest compilations of anecdotes to modern treatises on the paranormal, there exists an almost endless array of literature related to this field of interest. The collection of texts related to paranormal phenomena continues to grow and earn new readership from those intrigued by the paranormal.

Most paranormal books fall into the non-fiction genre. Those seeking a general overview of the entire paranormal spectrum, several organizations have put together paranormal encyclopedias. Readers with a specific area of interest can also delve deeper into an area of the paranormal with more focused texts. For example, Cryptozoology A-Z is an encyclopedia devoted entirely to mysterious creatures around the world. Other paranormal books attempt to serve as “how-to” guides for experiencing some exceptional phenomena. For example, some authors claim they can teach a reader to harness psychic powers or communicate with the dead. There’s even a collection of guides dealing with ghost hunting using modern technology.
Among the numerous authors of these works, a few stand out for their historical contributions to paranormal books. Perhaps the first modern writer of note was Charles Fort, whose early twentieth century research focused on anecdotal data. Fort spent more than thirty years developing hypotheses regarding paranormal activities. These were eventually published in four books: The Book of the Damned, New Lands, Lo!, and Wild Talents. Each text deals with multiple topics within the realm of the paranormal and expresses Fort’s unique theories. Fort was followed by other noted authors who composed texts with a more specific focus. For example, in the mid-twentieth century Barnard Heuvelmans became an expert on cryptozoology and published more than a dozen works on the topic.

Today, several top authors continue to contribute paranormal books to our literary collection. Most writers choose a specific field of the paranormal for their publications. For example, noted author Dr. Robert Moody focuses on life after death and near-death experiences. His most recent work, Life After Life, has sold more than twelve million copies. Fictional authors have also gained praise from paranormal enthusiasts. Titles relating to alternate histories and future developments are especially popular, and authors like George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clark have developed strong followings for their work in this genre. Despite successes, work in this area continues to be controversial. For example, famed UFO author Grant Cameron was recently barred from lecturing in the United States and has had difficulty gaining access to presidential archives. His research currently focuses on the White House’s involvement in UFO phenomena.

Paranormal books have become so popular that some publishers now focus entirely on this genre. For example, Paraview Pocket Books works with notable publisher Simon & Schuster to market non-fiction paranormal texts to the public. They also develop paranormal-related television and film productions. Similarly, the International Society for Paranormal Research works with authors to publish paranormal-themed books. In fact, their title ISPR Investigates the Ghosts of New Orleans recently became a best-seller in Europe.

Within the vast spectrum of paranormal books, there is sure to be something for every interest level. However, within this genre there is a fine line between fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, more and more authors are publishing findings based on empirical research and credible anecdotes. Each year, hundreds of new paranormal books are published, and this number is likely to grow as readership interest increases.

Justin Pretorius asked:


For eons the human imagination has focused on things that cannot be seen or things that happen and are unexplainable. What causes this phenomenon, these paranormal activities and is the force behind them good or evil, dangerous or curious and natural or unnatural? Famous scientists and intrepid explorers have vouched at the possibility that these lingering apparitions of long deceased fellows still haunt our waking world and go out of their way, daily, to prove the existence of such paranormal occurrences.

People have photographic, cinemagraphic and witness evidence of things such as transparent spirits, Will O’ the Wisps, Headless horsemen and other paranormal activities such as objects moving without human or natural intervention, doors slamming, lights flickering, and presence of mystical orbs.

The arguments for or against these paranormal occurrences are numerous with “scientists” on either side of the argument trying to disclaim or prove what the previous one had said. Why the fascination though, why would someone try to prove something with instruments that are probably incorrect for the use in the study they are busy with in the first place? Intrepid ghost hunting has become the livelihood of many an entrepreneur willing to take advantage of the gullible nature of paranormal scientists in their quest to prove the inexplicable. Theses humble entrepreneurs go out of their way to sell paranormal scientists equipment used for ghost hunting that often cost hundreds to thousands of dollars where probably the most humble of equipment could do exactly the same job.

Do not get me wrong, I am in no way suggesting that there are no ghosts nor am I suggesting that there are, it just infuriates me to see people been taken advantage off by others who should know better. But then again if people are gullible enough to fall for such things then maybe they should be taken advantage of.

I myself am fascinated by the subject of ghosts as it plays a relatively unusual roll in the human psyche. Have your parents or even you not ever scared you or your children into behaving by telling you that this or that spirit, ghoul or other entity will come and get you or your child if there is no behaving.  Also you have often heard stories of ghosts, spirits or other entities doing good for fellows in history by leading them out of danger or even leading others to their rescue. These paranormal beings have featured in stories where they have comforted, reassured and uplifted the spirit of those around them. Yet there is always an evil element to every character and you have probably heard of paranormal happening where people have been injured, killed, and mentally scared. Now the question that one has to ask is whether the injuries were self inflicted or were they perhaps bought about through mishandlement. Look at young children that are physically hurt by these so called paranormal events, they often portrait scratches, bruises and shallow cuts and these are even bought about under controlled conditions where the children are sleeping and with nobody near them.

The arguments are often endless and tend to go in continuous circles but there is no mistaking that through out history the subject has fascinated human kind and this even before the advent of scientists. So make up your own mind about what or what not to believe but do so with an open mind and without fear. Go and do those ghost tours, find your own sightings and explore the other side of human nature and only once you have done that will you be able to say with surety that you do or do not believe in ghosts.

Deb Bunting asked:


In 2003, the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology named Savannah America’s Most Haunted City.  And Savannah is able to support the title.  Ghosts, apparitions or paranormal activities have been reported at many of Savannah’s inns, restaurants, private residences, and of course, cemeteries.

There are many magnificently restored buildings nestled around Savannah’s twenty-one squares.  Many of these buildings are stately homes supposedly still occupied by former owners.  James Habersham has been known to roam around the Olde Pink House, now a restaurant, but formerly his home.  Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was born and raised in Savannah.  Her parents, long deceased, are said to still roam Juliette’s childhood home.

Savannah’s Sorrel-Weed House, visited by The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) in 2005 as part of their SciFi Ghost Hunters Halloween special, is supposedly haunted.  The story goes that Mrs. Weed caught her husband in a compromising position with one of the Weed’s many slaves.  Mrs. Weed, very distraught, ran back to her second-floor bedroom.  After a long argument with her husband, she either threw herself (or was thrown) to her death from a second floor balcony.  Soon after Mrs. Weed’s death, the slave found with Mr. Weed was found hung in her slave quarters.  Both women are said to be still roaming the grounds.

The Hampton-Lillibridge House was said to be so haunted, that Jim Williams (of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” fame) had an exorcism performed at this former boarding house.  On countless occasions, residents and passersby have heard the sound of jazz coming from inside the home.

The Kehoes were a very prominent family in Savannah, as Mr. Kehoe owned the ironworks on the riverfront.  The Kehoes built this fireproof, all-iron home and lived there with their 10 children.  The Kehoe’s heirs sold the house in 1930 and the property changed hands many times to include use for 65 years as the Goette Funeral Home.  It is now a beautiful bed and breakfast where many of its visitors report supernatural occurrences such as a woman screaming, a nurse shushing visitors, the Lady in White making appearances, and several instances involving ghosts of children.

The list goes on and on!

So, what is it about Savannah that makes it so attractive to ghosts and ghost stories?  Many people start with the fact that Savannah is literally built on its dead.  Savannah was the first city in Georgia founded in 1733.  It was established in the same location as the Creek and Choctaw maintained their burial grounds. 

As the colony began to grow and thrive, it needed more room.  Buildings were erected on the burial plots of the original colonists.  Tombstones in cemeteries were moved to make room for sidewalks and roads.  Places of worship were erected on the graves of slaves.

Second, Savannah has a very violent history.  Many bloody battles and skirmishes were fought in Savannah.  One of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution, the Siege of Savannah, where about 1200 men lost their lives in one hour, was fought in Savannah.

Also, the city has been victim to many city-wide fires, at least two yellow-fever epidemics and several hurricanes.

Third, Savannah has been a major port city since the days of King Cotton, so many a sailor has ventured through Savannah spinning a romantic tale or two.

Fourth, Savannahians are (proudly) an eccentric bunch, as were their ancestors, which adds history and volume to the ghost stories.  Take the

Lastly, I blame the large amounts of Spanish moss hanging from the majestic oak trees.  The blankets of moss look like ghostly shrouds and give the entire region an eerie look.

Whatever the reason, the ghost stories are endless, earning the Savannah the right to the title of America’s Most Haunted City.