Review of The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters by J.W. Ocker

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters by J.W. Ocker will be published on September 27th 2022 by Quirk Books.

 

THE UNITED STATES OF CRYPTIDS takes the reader on a road trip across the United States in search of monsters. J.W. Ocker is a travel writer and a fan of the bizarre, and it is clear that he enjoyed himself researching and writing this book. There is plenty of humor and sarcasm alongside the facts. Not only goes Ocker include some of the widely known cryptids (Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Jersey Devil), he also includes some lesser known ones (Albatwitch and Snallygaster). There are also countless other cryptids that could have been included but were left out. Each chapter focuses on different cryptid. Some of these cryptids are proven hoaxes; the existence of others are still up for debate. Ocker tells of initial sightings as well as subsequent encounters. He also tells of how the towns or regions have capitalized on their cryptids. There are several museums dedicated to cryptids scattered across the country. Some towns have erected plaques of monuments to their cryptids. Other towns through annual celebrations in honor of their cryptids. After reading this, I want to go on my own cryptid road trip. Overall, THE UNITED STATES OF CRYPTIDS is a fun, must read book for all cryptid fans.

 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.