About book Secret Life: Firsthand, Documented Accounts Of Ufo Abductions (1993)
Whether you believe a word or not, David Jacobs does pose some interesting questions about the notion of alien abduction and cannot really be castigated for his fairly exhaustive research into a largely anecdotal phenomenon.That said, the section of the book where he insists that the media/science fiction can't have had an influence on the abductees' stories (because there was no media/fiction which dealt explicitly with the notion of abduction in the public consciousness at the time that he began his hypnosis sessions with abductees in 1987) is flawed. There was, in fact, at least one widely-seen American television movie which dealt explicitly with the notion of abduction ("The UFO Incident," based on the alleged Betty and Barney Hill abduction, which was broadcast by NBC in 1975 - a few weeks before the disappearance of Travis Walton, another notorious "abductee") as well as several episodes of the TV series "The Outer Limits" and Jack Webb's TV series "Project U.F.O." which ran for two seasons on NBC between 1978 and 1979. John G. Fuller's best-selling account of the alleged Betty and Barney Hill abduction, "The Interrupted Journey" was also published in 1966 and Whitley Strieber's notoriously controversial best-seller "Communion" (which, more than any other book, popularised the notion of "the greys" with its arresting cover art-work) was published in 1987.
David Jacobs has given the world an organized, detailed, and interesting collection of his abduction research in Secret Life. It was certainly easier to follow and grasp than some other books written on the subject, written in easy to understand language, but conveying a vast array of topics and ideas, worthy of any other expert on the subject. I bought this book as a research tool, and although it certainly has his own opinions and ideas slanting the outcome of his research (as does any researcher), it is definitely a go-to book because of its organization and thoroughness. It's also just darn interesting.
Do You like book Secret Life: Firsthand, Documented Accounts Of Ufo Abductions (1993)?
Great overview of the abduction phenomenon. Dr. Jacobs lays out the case for the phenomenon's reality, asserts that the stories have basis in the physical world, then addresses debunkers' criticisms and alternate theories. I can't say I agree with him one hundred percent -- the phenomenon remains too bizarre for me to completely discount a psychological explanation -- but he does good work in showing that there is a very real mystery behind the strange accounts. Definitely recommended, especially for someone just starting to explore this subject.
—Weathervane
This is one of the scariest books I've ever read. Raw and analytical to a fault, I had to put it down at points it was so simultaneously fascinating and terrifying. If this is really happening, it's more information and meaning than most people would easily absorb, but it absolutely needs to be known.Previous review: That's right, I read crazy books. Why? Because normal books are boring and fiction is ridiculous. Who am I to argue with a PhD and Associate University Professor? They haven't stripped him of his credentials like Timothy Leary, so at least they don't think he's delusional. So far this is the most straight-forward and unflinching accounting of reports and transcripts I've ever read, except for maybe John E. Mack.
—David
