Despite advancements in science and technology, the world we inhabit is full of mysteries and unexplained phenomena.
From eerie hauntings in old houses to UFOs trailing across the night sky, most of us may have had a spooky encounter or two.
So, whether you’re an amateur ghost hunter or simply curious about bizarre happenings across the globe, you can begin your journey into the unknown by adding these non-fiction books on your reading list.
Moreover, any investigation of the paranormal should involve a healthy dose of skepticism, so that you can separate fact from fiction, so matter how strange or sensational.
These books while being rooted in truth will provide a thorough introduction to the supernatural, filled with terrifying behind-the-scenes details, along with tips on becoming an astute paranormal investigator.
The Haunted House Diaries
Most old houses have a rich history—complete with a few hauntings or more.
In the Connecticut-born William J. Hall’s thrilling book, we delve into the tragic past of a 1790 farmhouse that’s been at the center of a wide variety of paranormal phenomena for generations.
The family residing in the farmhouse have reported their share of strange visitations over the decades. Hall’s masterful account ties it all together in the form of engrossing diary entries along with investigative commentary, allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions.
UFO Hunters
UFOs have haunted the popular imagination for quite some time now, though most sightings have been disapproved as hoaxes; but what about the remaining few?
UFO Hunters explores in-depth reports of UFO encounters all across the globe. It considers not just eyewitness reports but also classified evidence, previously unseen footage, and the opinions of credited scientists.
While intended as a companion to the hit TV show, the book can also be read separately, and even has a sequel continuing the UFO investigations.
The Occult
For those keen on a book that comprehensively tackles the long and spellbinding history of occult traditions as well as the biographies of infamous magicians like Aleister Crowley, this Colin Wilson book is a must-have.
Engagingly written and carefully well-researched, The Occult: A History is an informative deep dive into the paranormal that might set you off on a personal journey toward enlightenment and mysticism.
Phantom Messages
If you enjoyed William J. Hall’s accounts of the world’s most haunted houses, join him and Jimmy Petonito as they tackle another topic.
This time, they're exploring eerie messages and photographs that are seemingly sent from the unknown, transcending laws of time and space.
From emails and texts on cellphones to letters and messages on the radio, the book delves into the phenomena of impossible communication.
The authors investigate whether such reports are just technical glitches without explanation, or a matter of other-worldly beings trying their best to send a message.
Real-Life X-Files
Joe Nickell adopts a careful scientific attitude as he delves into the world’s many enigmas—phantom ships, spontaneous human combustion, crop circles, monsters from folklore, reincarnation, and more.
Each of the case studies are backed by corroborating accounts, archival research, and scientific experimentation, as Nickell finds ways to debunk or resolve the mystery.
The Andreasson Affair
‘The Andreasson Affair’ is probably one of the strangest cases of alien abductions that received a lot of close scrutiny and baffled scientists and investigators alike.
It focuses on the personal account of one Betty Andreasson who claims to have been abducted by aliens one night in 1967.
Fowler turns her story, inflected with religious subtext, into an engrossing narrative, filled with drawings and even interviews conducted under hypnosis.
Regardless of whether you find Betty’s accounts credible or not, the book will surely hold your attention, providing an in-depth and well-written account of an alien abduction case.
Extra Sensory
In Extra Sensory, physicist and writer Brian Clegg takes a hard look at different psychic abilities—such as ESP, telepathy, clairvoyance, and telekinesis—and tries to discover if such abilities can indeed be demonstrated under laboratory conditions or if it’s all a matter of wishful thinking.
Packed with scientific data and the details of various paranormal experiments, the book carefully examines current evidence and provides conclusive answers.
The Ghost Hunter's Survival Guide
If you’re tired of reading other people’s accounts of hauntings and are keen to begin investigating mysterious phenomena in your own neighborhood, consider this book to be a crash course on ghost hunting.
Packed with strategies for self-defense from nefarious spirits and otherworldly entities, along with details of ghostly investigations, Michelle Belanger’s book will prepare and fortify you as you venture into haunted houses and other realms.
With mental exercises that focus on shielding, grounding, visualization, and protection spells, it’s a wonderful guidebook for anyone looking to improve their psychic abilities and get started in spirit work.
Featured Photo: Syarafina Yusof / Unsplash
