Book Review: Phone calls from the dead

 Phone Calls From The Dead

Author:                            Scott Rogo & Raymond Bayless

Publisher:                         Prentice Hall

Type:                                 Hard Cover

Pages:                                164

Genre:                               non-fiction

Published:                        1979

ISBN:                               0136643345

 My copy of this book is quite old, an original with no dust jacket purchased from a little second hand book shop. It has loose pages but was a bargain purchase as i had wanted to read this work for quite some time.
 The text is of a reasonable size and clear, there is only one black and white diagram within.

 This book was really the first dedicated to the phantom of phone calls from the dead. Now every ghost hunter, or parapsychologist has a tape recorder to capture EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) but when this work was written the concept was not at all popular.
 Basically a phone call from the dead is exactly how it sounds, a person receives a phone call and the caller appears to have been someone who ha died. Usually the receiver of the call is unaware of the callers death at the time of the call.

 The book examines where the calls might really be coming from and the mechanics of how they may actually be manifesting. It also touches on other related subjects such as EVP, PK, Edison, ESP, Other dimensions, UFO's, and mediums as well as other devices that have reportedly assisted the dead in contacting the living.

 There is even an appendix where the authors discuss criticisms of there work and the evidence they provide. As well as an extensive bibliography, and index.

 I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in science, the paranormal, and the supernatural. It should be in every "ghost hunters" book shelf.

Have you read this? What did you think? Have you ever had a phone call from the dead?

Book Review: I Hate Myselfie

I Hate Myselfie

A collection of essays by Shane Dawson

 

Author:                                Shane Dawson
Design:                                 Dana Sloan

Publisher:                            Keywords Press

Type:                                    Soft Cover

Pages:                                   228

Genre:                                  (True Stories)

Published:                            2015

ISBN:                                   978-1-4767-9154-8

 The book itself is well made. The cover is nice and stands out. I noticed no spelling or grammar errors. The paper is good quality and white, the print is quite large and well spaced making for a very easy but short read.

 There are a few black and white as well as colour pictures spattered within.

 Shane Dawson is a you-tuber (Its kind of like TV but different) and if you have enjoyed any of his skits or vlogs (video blogs) about his life. I am sure you would enjoy this book.

 The book is exactly what it says on the cover, a collection of stories from his life and are well told with humor. His voice really come through and i felt at times like i was watching one of his videos while reading.

 This book was released before Shane came out as bisexual so there are a few places in the book where he isn't exactly forthcoming with that information. But we shouldn't blame anyone for not coming out, we need to address the bigotry that prevents people from accepting there own sexuality and being open and honest with others about it.

 If you have ever enjoyed one of Shane's older videos then i am sure you will enjoy this book. A great book for younger readers, its easy to read and relevant. 

 If your at all worried about the content for younger readers, just read it first and then talk with the youth about any issues you may have with them after they read it. (I know, i know that's like basic parenting 101).
 An open dialogue is always better than censorship and ignorance, in my opinion.

Book Review: Devoted to Death

Devoted to death

Santa Muerte     The Skeleton Saint

 

Author:                                R. Andrew Chesnut
Cover Design:                      Jeanette Levy
Cover Photo:                       4 Eyes Photography 
Cover Engraving:               Shutterstock

Publisher:                            Oxford University Press        

Type:                                    Soft Cover

Pages:                                   200

Genre:                                  Non-fiction

Published:                            2012

ISBN:                                   978-0-19-976465-5

Source:                                Independently purchased 

The book itself is a good size, and is well put together. The font is not too small and not too large. There is a decent gap from the inside border so i never struggled to read on the curb. The book has good index, notes and references section in the back. My only complaint with this book is the pictures, while there are a few photos scattered thought the book, they are in black and white, this book really would have benefited from showing these gorgeous photos in full colour and perhaps full page. 

 This book introduces us to La Santa Muerte, it shows us that she is far more than a saint of death, being called upon for health, wealth, love, protection, wisdom, and overcoming legal problems and hmmm perhaps justice for those harmed by homewreckers. 

 This book shows how La Santa Muerte came from possible Aztec origins to become catholic folk saint and perhaps far more.
She has grown in popularity due to her reputed ability to act fast and powerfully to her devoted prayers.

 This book delves into the religion, politics, economics and other subjects as diverse as La Muerte herself. Never dry or boring, i read this book in two sittings only stopping to perform necessary bodily functions. It really is that good.
It also contains explanations of some of her rituals and prayers, which are entirely fascinating from a Pagan perspective.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in religion, history, politics, Mexico, America, Paganism, Catholicism, The war on drugs, basically everyone should read this.

I almost forgot, she is also pro-equality, and is said to perhaps even have a special fondness for LGBTQ peoples. So she is a force for good in the world, in that regard.

I know some of you will be wondering did i contact her, is she for real? 
I would advise you to read this book, see what you think for yourself. 
As for me, well, i have only just reached out and so it is too soon for me to say one way or another. But it can say reading this book,  i felt she was real, real enough to see if she wanted to work with me, on a little project. 
As to what she is, i am not entirely sure, i have never dealt with Saints before, nor have i worked with Aztec Deity, so i have little reference.
But you don't need to be at all meta-physically inclined to enjoy this fascinating book.

The author is chair of Catholic studies and Professor of religious studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. 
His other works, that i am yet to read, include;  Competitive Spirits (2003) and Born Again In Brazil (1997).