So this book was not what I thought it would be?? I had to DNF at about the 5 percent mark because of the political slant.

I get how the author was trying to compare people who believe in Bigfoot are the same type of groups who believe in Trump. It's just a weird stance that's not true and the whole rednecks with trucks, etc... huh?

The references to him felt like clickbait because I don't believe I've ever heard him speak of Bigfoot.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an e-copy of THE SECRET HISTORY OF BIGFOOT to review.

I rate THE SECRET HISTORY OF BIGFOOT one out of five stars.

What is the appeal of the mysterious creature known as Bigfoot or Sasquatch? What causes people to go off into the woods searching for this legendary creature? In The Secret History of Bigfoot, author John O'Connor explores these questions. He travels around the country, meeting people who have various connections to Bigfoot. (In the interest of full disclosure, this reviewer does know several of the individuals interviewed personally, but that does not affect my review of the book.) This book shows us who these folks are, why they become interested in this subject, and more. It was interesting to learn that the backgrounds of many of the participants in Bigfoot research have a lot of overlap. The author writes with a style that is part documentary and part essay. He explores many things that are not directly related to the Bigfoot phenomenon as well. He goes out in the field with the Bigfoot folks, whether that is for research, or just to go in the woods and play recordings and listen for it. (Yes, the Bigfoot people do that. I went along on one of those expeditions once.) The author comes to a conclusion that belief in cryptids is akin to believing in conspiracy theories. I don't think I would paint the Bigfooters with such a broad brush though. Having had similar experiences with these folks, I think they all have different motivations, and they don't necessarily line up with the conclusions of the author. The book doesn't seem to take one side or the other in regards to the existence of legendary creatures. But, it's an interesting read and it does go off into other subjects a lot. The author has an interesting sense of humor too, which shows in the writing. I recommend this book for an excellent overview or introduction to the world of Bigfooters. It's not necessarily the most authoritative book on the subject, but it does give you insight into this unique world and it's people. I've always wondered what motivated the people I know to get into this subject. This book gave me some insights into that. I found it interesting and a good read. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

John O'Connor's The Secret History of Bigfoot offers a captivating exploration of the enduring allure of the elusive creature. While the book provides a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon, its true focus almost appears to lie in its exploration of human fascination with the unknown.

O'Connor's writing style is both informative and entertaining, drawing readers into the world of Bigfoot enthusiasts and skeptics alike. The book delves into the history and culture surrounding Bigfoot, offering thought-provoking insights into human psychology and belief. While the book offers a comprehensive overview, it could benefit from a more balanced approach, exploring the scientific evidence and skepticism surrounding Bigfoot in greater detail. Additionally, some sections feel rushed, lacking the depth and detail that would enhance the reader's understanding. Expanding on certain topics, such as the cultural significance of Bigfoot or the psychology of belief, could make the book even more compelling. Finally, while the book explores a variety of topics related to Bigfoot, it might benefit from a more focused approach.

Overall, The Secret History of Bigfoot is a thought-provoking exploration that offers valuable insights into the human fascination with the unknown. While it could benefit from a more balanced approach and greater depth in certain areas, it remains a compelling read for those interested in cryptozoology and the psychology of belief.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the research and information presented about Bigfoot to be super enjoyable. I enjoyed it so much I bought the physical copy after finishing the e-ARC I received. My love of cryptozoology continues because of the author's history on Bigfoot!

Thank you Netgalley and the author for an e-ARC of The Secret History of Bigfoot.

Politics and covid shaped our North American lives, no doubt, but man I just came here to read about Bigfoot. Very much investigative journalism with a heavy dose of "modern era." If that's your bag, cool. Not mine, not right now.

What in the hell was this book supposedly about? It definitely was NOT Bigfoot. I can't begin to tell you how absolutely disappointed I was when I requested this book about a cryptozoological myth and was met with bullshit about Trump and MAGA propaganda.

Not worth a read. I'd rate it 0 stars if possible.

The book was well written, and I find a lot of what he says interesting. However, he spends way too much time explaining bigfoot believers being trumpers—which isn’t an across the board truth.

To be honest, I've been wanting to read an ethnography of bigfoot enthusiasts for a really long time. And this one is really good! The only thing that threw me off is that I found the constant comparisons to Trump really distracting. I'm all for noting the commonalities and the overlap in the population once or twice, but it just kept coming up to the point where it got a bit annoying - even as someone who hates Trump. Overall still a fun read with a lot of cool field research!

Interesting premise, but disappointing execution.
The author's competency allowed him to put time and research into the book, but he displays too many bias and digresses often.

Full review on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6140419475?book_show_action=false

A good read that seems to lose itself from time to time. The author does a good job at connecting Big Foot to our need to believe in something other. He shows how our brain and eye’s can fill in the blanks to make sure we see what we want to see. At times the narrative can wonder off to something that is remotely connected to this idea but loses its focus on its connection to Big Foot. It was still a fun read that will probably sell better in paperback.

I thought that connecting a belief in cryptozoology to conspiracy theories and government mistrust was actually a really interesting point and one I'd like to learn more about, except I just could not get around John O'Connor's voice as a narrator. There's nothing fun about this, no real engagement with anyone. Clinical? Maybe that's the word.

A fun and thought provoking examination of Bigfoot and our obsession with it and why. Will definitely be ordering it for my library.

***Thank you Netgalley for the ARC and opportunity to read and review

As someone who has a pretty hefty interest in Cryptozoology I found The Secret History of Bigfoot to be a fun and interesting read. I would definitely recommend reading it if you are just kicking off your foray into Bigfoot research territory. For someone who has been consuming BF books and documentaries for many many years I did find myself skimming through a lot of the book.

I have a hard time making up my mind about this book. On one hand it’s extremely well written and there is no doubt that author John O'Connor is very well read. The subject is also right up my alley. I’ve been a Fortean since my teens when I first discovered the writings of Charles Fort and subsequently the magazine Fortean Times. Cryptozoology has been my bread and butter for something like 40 years. Imagine my surprise when a book about bigfoot labels Forteans as a cult akin to qanon. Really? It seems John O'Connor feels that skepticism and an interest in cryptozoology/paranormal/weird history is somehow as bad as spreading inane conspiracy theories about blood libel.

There is also the fact that O'Connor feels the need of injecting anti-Trump passages all through the book. I’m very left leaning (european left) and I have absolutely nothing positive to say about Trump but it gets annoying in a book about bigfoot.

But: even with those caveats I still think this is an interesting book. As mentioned before O'Connor writes really well and has a trove of knowledge about his subject. He has a tendency to go off on tangents but they’re often interesting and highlights parts of bigfoot lore that I hadn’t thought about before. The tangent about ivory-billed woodpeckers in Louisiana is a wonderful chapter and both enlightening about cryptozoology as well as one of the pieces of ornithological writing I’ve read in years.

Despite the fact that this book actually insulted me I finished it and kind of liked it. It’s well worth the read if you’re interested in the subject.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

This was... certainly a trip of a read! It's very informal and includes a hefty amount of personal anecdotes and experiences, from interviews to the author's personal thoughts. It was almost like reading a personal journal that happened to have academic research and proper citations. O'Connor has no qualms about saying his mind either, particularly when it comes to politics (which play a huge part in the "why" people believe in things like Bigfoot). However, he does his best to listen with an open mind to everyone he's interviewed and gone on expeditions with and compiles testimonies, research, and explanations from all sides of the debate on whether Bigfoot is real. It's quite thorough! (I can't even count all the bookmarks I left while reading this, by the way.)

Basically, belief in Bigfoot boils down to our need to believe in something, to hold on to something with conviction, or to have an adventure. The majority of "Bigfooters" are white, male, rural, and have a background in the military or as cops. There is a very compelling connection between believing in Bigfoot and believing in (political) conspiracy theories. The massive wave of sudden Bigfoot sightings started happening right after several civil movements that disrupted the status quo of white patriarchy and during a time of social and economic turmoil for the white working class. This era also saw an uptick of messianic figure sightings. Bigfoot, ergo, is essentially a religious figure on which many lay their hopes for a magical revival of "the old days". Add the fact that there is a deeply communal bond between Bigfooters and you have a place for people who feel outcast to belong.

That is not to say there aren't any people of color or non-men who believe in Bigfoot, and O'Connor takes pains to ensure Indigenous tribes are particularly heard (many have stories of similar creatures to talk about, but some don't). Monsters are an obsession seemingly all cultures have, as it's something to help us understand the mysterious and give meaning to existence. Couple this with brains that like to fill in gaps with things that didn't happen when we're remembering an experience, and we have a strong penchant for fantasizing about the unknown. This is honestly what makes the Bigfoot phenomenon fascinating and if that's why this book caught your eye, you'll be satisfied when reading it.

I had a good time with this book overall and while it hasn't really settled me in any one position on the Bigfoot debate, it was still fun to read about the psychology of it all and the science happening to dis/prove Bigfoot's existence.

The Secret History of Bigfoot
Written By John O’Conner
Published By Sourcebooks Publishing
Release Date February 06, 2024


I, like a lot of people, have questions surrounding the legend of Bigfoot and whether or not it is just a legend made up or if there really is a Sasquatch living in the woods of North America. This book is not just a book about the legend but the author goes into detail about the sightings and the people who have spotted it. There are many various forms of what some would call evidence of Bigfoot, but what do we really know about what Sasquatch looks like, or better yet smells like, eats, the mating habits and all of the places he lives. The author dives into everything Bigfoot head first and shares with the reader the science of the mythical creature as well as the man made information that has been put out there. Folklorists shared tales in the past about a wild creature that looked like man but was covered in hair. This book will give you both sides to judge for yourself……. Do you believe in Bigfoot? You may after reading this book.


4 stars


Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Insightful, funny, and erudite, O'Connor's microhistory about Bigfoot explores the deeper question of why humans believe in things that haven't been fully proven. Fans of microhistories, and Bigfoot believers and scoffers will devour this.

The Secret History of Bigfoot
Field Notes on a North American Monster
by John O’Connor
A compelling examination of the mystery of Bigfoot and the investigation of why and how the brain perceives things. It’s also a sociological travelogue. It is written in an honest scientific, not pseudoscientific, easy to read style.
O’Conner is open minded about the existence of Bigfoot, and takes a serious approach to the mystery, exposing the charlatans, animal habitat devastation , the delusional, and conspiracy theorists when facts warrant. There are stories from park rangers, Bigfoot hunting clubs, convention participants, environmentalists and campers. His field trips and the characters he meets are delightful mini-adventures into the human thought process. He researches human belief systems while investigating this mythical (or not) phenomenon.
With no bafflegab and no forcing his opinion on the reader, O’Conner presented evidence for a reader to form his own conclusions about remarkable belief in mythic creatures and he does it humorously.This is a thinking man’s book about more than mysterious or supernatural beliefs.
This is a book you think about long after the last page is read.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Category: sociology, mythology, psychology, scientific method, Bigfoot

This was a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down. While I expected it to focus more on Bigfoot legends, I instead found an analysis of why so many people believe in the unfounded, the wonders and dangers associated with the desire to be a part of something, and the need to cling to answers to any questions in uncertain times. What this book truly is, is an analysis of the American psyche and a warning about living in a post-truth world. Well, that with a bit of Into the Wild mixed in.

The author goes on lots of tangents in this one. Should keep you interested if you're into birds, travel, mythology, history, philosophy, or, of course, Bigfoot.
There's plenty of dry humor and wry commentary on who believes in and hunts for this elusive cryptid.
Sit this one out if you love trump.