I took Sociology of the Paranormal in college which includes a large section focusing on the sociological, political and academic studies on aliens, UFOs, and paranormal activity. I loved that class and was immediately interested in this book.

This book offers some interesting research and and offers some concepts to challenge current thinking and mindsets.

It's a bit slow, there is a lot of bouncing about. There are hints to reports, realities, conclusions but they don't go anywhere.

Believe or not believe this author wrote a very interesting book on alien encounter with humans. This book is very informative. I enjoy reading this book

Interesting stories if you are interested in this subject. Lots of great research and is scholarly so requires a great deal of thought. The author clearly has done her homework on this subject

Thank you to the author D.W. Pasulka, publishers St Martin's Essential, and NetGalley, for a digital copy. All views are mine.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I really love the author's approach to this book, to explore this subject centering the voices who have been silenced attempting to speak about UFOs.

2. An interesting question she raises. Are UFOs, as conceived by one set of believers, angels, as conceived by another set of believers?

3. I loved the chapter entitled "Children of the Invisibles" and particularly the long section of the transcript from 2022, when the author interviewed Patty Turrisi, an important western philosopher, who specializes in the work of an even more impenetrable western philosopher, Charles Pierce. These kinds of philosophers theorize on how we experience reality as it relates to language, it's very esoteric and difficult to access. Turrisi also happens to have been raised by two scientists who participated in a "secret space program" and lived a life so private, they never even took pictures of their children. No record exists of Patty's image until she's an adult.

Three (or less) things I didn't love

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. With better organization, the information in the first half of this book would hit harder. Sometimes it feels like Pasulka interrupts herself. Sometimes, her discussion meanders from one topic to another without enough transition to connect them. The organization is just a bit swishy in places.

2. I like this book. But it's a bit impenetrable, due in part to the many many discussion points, also in part that it is so reputable, just a tad intimidating, and in huge part how far the author asks the reader to suspend their belief just accepting the book's premise-- experiences with the nonhuman. While reading this undoubtedly good book, I wasn't sure what to note, with little exception. I kept wanting a bit more than what Pasulka gives. Perhaps she can't, right? For so many reasons, this could be true.

Rating: 👽👽👽👽 nonhuman intelligences
Recommend? Yes, for believers and skeptics!
Finished: Nov 4 23
Format: Digital arc, NetGalley, SMPI
Read this book if you like:
📰 nonfiction
🛸 extraterrestrial life
🙏 books about belief and faith
🕴🏾 books about government secrecy

ENCOUNTERS is an academic and scientific study of the phenomenon of UFOs/UAPs (Unidentified Flying Objects/Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). It is not a history but a sociological and political study of how this concept, and belief in it, are changing the minds of contemporary individuals and society. Like the late Dr. John Mack's 1994 psychological study ABDUCTIONS, and the earlier study by author D. W. Pasulka, AMERICAN COSMIC, ENCOUNTERS examines the effect of belief in such phenomena on individuals, organized religions, and also the role played in regard to this topic by the culture of disinformation. Compulsively readable, ENCOUNTERS is a valued edition to the literature for ordinary citizens as well as academics and scientists.

I actually enjoyed reading this book. It was well-thought-out. I would like to believe that we are not alone in this universe. The second chapter was easily my favorite. Learning about communicating with dolphins and Iya's vision. I also enjoyed reading the different interviews the author had with experts in their perspective fields. Overall this book makes us question the belief that we are alone in this universe.

Encounters by D.W. Pasulka is a non fiction read coming out at the perfect time for those interested in the topic of non human intelligence. Pasulka writes in an approachable manner while still providing good resources and insight.

In “Encounters”, D. W. Pasulka puts new insight on encounters with “nonhuman intelligences”. Whether you call them UFOs, aliens, angels, or something else. People have recorded encounters with these things as long as we have kept records. Pusulka points out how someone’s prior experience affects what they report. It seems to be important to be exposed to information in order to realize what is occurring. In “Encounters”, we are lead on a convoluted path touching on science, religion, psychology, and many other disciplines. She keeps returning to Plato’s allegory of the cave. Are the shadows reality? Or, do we walk into the sunlight? This is a thought provoking read for those interested in this phenomenon

This was a great read with so many great points. This was a very informative book about extraterrestrial life and I really enjoyed how the cases were presented and developed through the book so the reader could get all the information. The book at times did feel overly informative and drawn out in sections which slowed me down while I read and caused me to lose focus from the book from time to time. It did feel more textbook-like than I would have preferred but overall I really did enjoy reading this one and would recommend it if you enjoy books about extraterrestrial life and accounts of these nonhuman encounters.

Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences by D. W. Pasulka is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of the UFO phenomenon. Unlike other studies, this book delves deep into the mysterious aspects that have long fascinated the world. With remarkable clarity, sophistication, and insight, Pasulka sheds light on the enigmatic realms at the core of this phenomenon, which have profoundly impacted countless lives.

Through captivating profiles of extraordinary individuals, who possess unique gifts and knowledge, the author reveals how scientists and technologists are driven to seek answers about consciousness. These individuals, having experienced their own connections with non-human intelligence, are motivated to explore profound questions about the nature of our existence.

In this compelling and enlightening read, Pasulka invites readers to embark on a journey that goes beyond the surface of the UFO phenomenon. By delving into the lives of these remarkable individuals, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact that encounters with nonhuman intelligences can have on our understanding of the world.

I recommend Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences to anyone seeking a captivating and insightful exploration of the UFO phenomenon. This book is a testament to the power of curiosity and the human spirit's relentless pursuit of knowledge.

As the UAP topic continues to gain mainstream attention and criticism, Diana’s books sit above the fray.

A follow up to American Cosmic, Diana continues expand our understanding of the Phenomenon in her new book, Encounters.

Much like the topic itself, her portraits are nuanced, enigmatic, and sometimes absurd. But they’re also crafted with clear respect for the humans that have gifted her access to their experiences.

This is thought provoking in a profound way but, has it been said before? Seems like it – at least some of the reports.

Nevertheless, it’s always interesting to read pieces of information and interviews from scientists about aliens and invisible forces in our world. It’s not a long book but it takes some time to digest the research that is presented. There is a lot of information to process which includes astronaut reports, personal stories of the gray-colored aliens, the effects on technology and lucid dreaming.

I have always believed that humans aren’t the only ones in our world. Yet, as it suggests, there has been so much propaganda from our government and some religions over the years that people will believe what they feel makes sense to them. The book is especially good for those that may need more evidence that there is a world beyond ours that exists.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Essentials and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this advanced book with an expected release date of November 7, 2023.

I mean who wouldn't want to read this after the Government hearings on aliens? Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy. While most of this was beyond my belief syatem I still enjoy reading and learning about the topic.

Review: I imagine this to be a tough book to research, a fun one to write. I enjoyed many parts, some were very drawn out though. This was more like a school book on a forbidden topic and less a gripping tell all.
Recommended For: Those into aliens.

In Encounters, D.W. Pasulka discussed different experiences people have had with nonhuman intelligences and what we can learn from them. She explained how she is a professor on the history of religion. She has personally studied UFO’s, monks and nuns who levitate, purgatory, technological angels, and much more. In the book, she explored the works of key space psychologists such as, Dr. Iya Whiteley. She explained how astronauts would develop their own rules, beliefs, and behaviors and they would choose what is acceptable and what isn’t. She is also trying actively to conduct a way to speak and communicate with nonhuman intelligent species. She is becoming a leader in creating technologies.




Another key person in this book was a man called Gray Man. He works for a big research agency and is the head of a laboratory. He personally edited what he shared at least 15 times. He shared his experience with extraterrestrial, nonhuman intelligences, and angels and demons. He explained how he one day woke up to being above him. The creature was assessing him looking at his soul. He was made of light, his hair was long, and he thought it was a pure angel. He felt loved and he wanted to hug him. He couldn’t though because he had a sharp sword. He also met a dark demon and he had to fight it. He shared how this wasn’t a dream and she explained how she thought it was Saint Michael. A few weeks later, he discovered a prayer card of Saint Michael in a box with his passport. In the book, he gave the entire story of how he got that prayer card but he has no idea how it got into that box. He also experienced a few encounters with UFO’s and these stories are breathtaking to read!


I would recommend this insightful book about nonhuman intelligences. I loved how it looked at the topic of angels and demons and how they are among us. The stories presented in this book was very descriptive and it allowed you to form your own conclusions. I liked how it had different scientists in different fields sharing their experiences and research all with different backgrounds. I thought in her covering numerous areas and perspectives it assisted in getting her research across. I enjoyed how this book did discuss some of the Christianity beliefs about angels and demons. I thought this chapter was very beneficial and aided us in believing in what we can always see. I wouldn’t say, I’m still a huge believer in aliens or UFO flying in the sky. I haven’t personally saw them and I’m still skeptical. It was still fascinating to read about others who have experienced them.



"I received this book free from the publisher, St. Martin's Essentials for my honest review.”

In the book Encounters by D W Pasulka more than just random alien encounters we get to hear about the leaders and secret and not so secret advocate for alien contact and with the exception of the chapters about Gray The book is mainly a discussion about where we are when it comes to believing in aliens are minimal contact with them an exception as a whole. I couldn’t wait to read this book because I love random alien encounters and siding but I am definitely not disappointed this was a very interesting book from The different conferences she’s going to the popular zeitgeist in the conversation she’s had with those knowledgeable on the subject. Not to mention her own comments and experiences. I will not say I enjoyed this more than I would have enjoyed a book about random alien contact but I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a very entertaining and interesting read. If you have interest in aliens and aliens contacting you probably would enjoy this book as much as I did it is a definite four star read in one I definitely recommend. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Encounters by D.W. Pasulka offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between UFOs, religion, and other non-human intelligences. As a professor of religion at UNC, Pasulka provides a unique perspective on the topic and introduces readers to a diverse range of individuals who have had firsthand experiences with these phenomena. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity and our place in the universe.

I've gotten to the point where a lot of these UFO/ UAP books bleed together and this one is really no different. I wish something new or interesting could happen so that there could be some new ones that really wow me.