The United States of Cryptids

September 1, 2022
Bigfoot, jackalopes, swamp creatures, menehune: the U.S. is full of cryptids, creatures "whose existence is scientifically unproven." This book begins with a brief overview of cryptids followed by 71 entries about individual creatures, divided into four regional sections: Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. Eight additional entries address related topics: the International Cryptozoology Museum, movie treatments, science findings, etc. Each entry is three to five pages long, and several feature simple, black-and-white drawings. Short facts about the cryptid begin each entry, then Ocker describes the creature and the stories about it. Sightings (usually at night, and often by teenagers) are usually backed with little solid evidence. Nevertheless, the stories are accepted over time. Cryptids are usually humanlike, and the sightings cited tend to be fairly recent, although several date back centuries and even reflect prehistoric Native Americans. Ocker does not shy from exposing hoaxes (e.g., jackalopes) or deliberate leveraging of cryptid enthusiasm such as Norfolk's mermaid sculptures. Ocker has lots of time for these communities and their beliefs, and his breezy storytelling talents make for enjoyable reading.

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