The Secret History of Bigfoot

Field Notes on a North American Monster

By: John O'Connor

Narrated by: Matt Godfrey

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

From the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest to off-the-wall cryptozoological conventions, one man searches high and low for the answer to the question: real or not, why do we want to believe?

Bigfoot is an instantly recognizable figure. Through the decades, this elusive primate has been featured in movies and books, and on coffee mugs, beer koozies, car polish, and CBD oil. Which begs the question: what is it about Bigfoot that's caught hold of our imaginations?

Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch. Curious to learn more, he embarks on a quest through the North American wilds in search of Bigfoot, its myth and meaning. Alongside an eccentric cast of characters, he explores the zany and secretive world of "cryptozoology," tracking Bigfoot through ancient folklore to Harry and the Hendersons, while examining the forces behind our ever-widening belief in the supernatural. As O'Connor treks through the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest, listens to firsthand accounts, and attends Bigfoot conventions, he's left wondering—what happens when the lines between myth and reality blur? This heartfelt exploration of a cornerstone of American folklore unpacks why we believe in the things that we do, what that says about us, and how it shapes our world.

©2024 John O’Connor (P)2024 Tantor

Good Author, He Hates Half of His Audience

First off, this author, John O'Connor, sounds like a very fun guy to be around. If he wanted to go to lunch today, I would certainly go with him. He's clearly smart, well read, funny in a sarcastic way. I'm pretty sure most people like him when they meet him. I related well to his temperature regulation. It's always a point of contention with my wife when I'm cold and she's hot. John and I agree on the thermostat.

The book was not quite what I expected and was what I expected at the same time. I love Bigfoot so I am predisposed to be interested in, and to like new information about the undefeated hide and seek champion. This book is more about the hunt than about the creature. The descriptions of the hunts, the hunters and the like are entertaining and again, you would not be bored at a Bigfoot hunt. I was hoping for a little more discussion about any "evidence" and examples of found species, etc. That's my personal preference, so it's not really a criticism. Also, common sense tells you Bigfoot doesn't exist, so there's not a large amount of "evidence".

The bad part; this Bigfoot book is almost a diatribe against Republicans, Christians, conservatives in general, and Donald Trump. There is literally no place in this book's subject matter for Mr. O'Connor to rail against half of the US population and insult and demean the millions of Christians who exist and have existed. Mr. O'Connor is saying that he is far more intelligent and superior to all those millions and to half of the population of the United States. He doesn't care for Trump: he should write a book about Trump. He thinks Christians are stupid people: write a book about how miracles can't happen. (That's why it's called faith). He could be right, but how does that fit in a Bigfoot book?

If you can find an edited version of the book written by this intolerant bigot, I would recommend it. It was fun.

Interesting but perhaps not essential

Interesting look at Bigfoot myth making with good historical context and some tinges of Covid paranoia and political disinformation. These areas are fascinating in their ties to Bigfoot and I’d have liked even more discussion of the relationship. I do think there are some pacing issues—there’s a very long chapter that is essentially a birding trip that really slows down the narrative. I do get the parallel he is drawing between Bigfoot and the previously-assumed extinct bird, but portions of that chapter definitely drag. I don’t know that this book adds much if you already have done some reading into the larger bigfoot culture. The author’s recounting of primary research in the field is interesting and fun to hear about though. The narration is excellent.

Interesting story, however...

I really enjoy books such as this and overall enjoyed this one as well. It offered a lot of interesting stories, what I suppose to be solid research, and the author provided some interesting ideas/theories as well. As far as the subject matter goes, I really enjoyed the book.

However, the author also used this book as a platform to bash Donald Trump. I don't personally care for Trump, but the author took shots at him at least 10 times (not an exaggeration). While I may agree with some or many of the statements, I didn't feel this was a proper place for them to be made. There were so many in fact, that I felt it to be over the top and quite tiresome.

Something Different

If you are looking for a book with encounters and stories, new findings and theories on the beast... this is not really it. This is more a look at "Bigfooters" and less of a look at bigfoot. The author really digs into what drives people who are believer's, "know-ers" and those in between. There is a good linear history of the beast in society. From early tales, to Ray Wallace, to the PG film and all the way up to Cliff and Bobo. Those brand new to the subject and those well entrenched will find something to like here. I especially liked the bit about the Ivory Billed Woodpecker... very interesting. Yes, the author does not like Trump and brings him up about 10 times. A few of the times, it made sense to do so actually! The rest, well could have been left out but it did not bother me. I can read something I dont agree with and not throw out everything the author is saying. Its worth a read/listen. The narrator is good, the story moves along, seems well researched, has jokes, and if you have an open mind it will challenge how you think about the subject... nothing wrong with that.

Interesting Perspective

Some interesting information, also credible. The book would have been more enjoyable if the narrator (I believe author) left out his often uninformed political narrative. No one wants to pay to hear that!!

tried to enjoy objectively

I've never left a review....Auther uses this as a vector to degrade Trump and conservatives. He points out how he has recognized "bigfooters" are predominantly conservative, then spouts political hate at every chance he gets. He entergects frequently when there is not an obvious chance.

useless drivel - Don't waste your time or money.

As a fan of the genre I was disappointed with this title to say the least. I wish I had used one of my account credits to purchase it so I could return it. It is truly terrible.

Let down

I found it extremely odd to find the subjects of Donald Trump, “January 6ers”, and vaccines so often in this book. It ruined the book. This is not the place for it. The author can write what he wants and I can review how I want. I’d return this if I could.

To political

The constant reference to Trump. So immature. Trash. Couldn’t get through it. I liked the references and I will research that part. The point of the book was misleading. It’s not good.

No substance, just blather

I was hoping for a legitimate, science based, examination of this phenomenon. Instead, the author delivers a derivative “story” that bounces between his repetitive personal observations and sloppy philosophical musings. In between these, you might get a morsel or two of... See more