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kleonard's review against another edition
4.0
A solid and engaging history of Oak Island and the many and varied attempts to locate its "treasure," Sullivan creates a chronological narrative of the treasure hunt, digging into primary sources to learn more about the treasure hunters, their beliefs about what the treasure was, how they went about trying to get it, and why they failed. Neither too detailed nor too broad in scope, Sullivan's book will find readers among armchair explorers, historians, and conspiracy-theorists alike.
skforlife's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
jbarr5's review against another edition
5.0
The Curse of Oak Island by Randall Sullivan
We have been watching this on the history channel and it's interesting to us.
This book starts out with who was on the island and the times/years they were there and what they found.
Learned a lot of new things not in the show and it tells you how it all came about. Like all the research done and theories they investigate.
Each picture in the book is also described, good audiobook.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
We have been watching this on the history channel and it's interesting to us.
This book starts out with who was on the island and the times/years they were there and what they found.
Learned a lot of new things not in the show and it tells you how it all came about. Like all the research done and theories they investigate.
Each picture in the book is also described, good audiobook.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
mxsallybend's review against another edition
4.0
As much a book of mythology and storytelling as one of history and mystery, The Curse of Oak Island is the perfect companion piece for those of us who watch the show and wonder at the details beneath the narrative. There's a reason the show is one of the highest rated original programs on cable TV, but there's only so much they can cover in a season, and the recaps (often of previous recaps) add to the challenge.
There's a reason Randall Sullivan subtitled his book The Story of the World’s Longest Treasure Hunt, and 223 years of treasure hunting is a massive story to be explored.
While there are many ways he could have approached the subject matter, Sullivan chooses to move chronologically through the searchers, hunters, and diggers, painting a vivid picture of an island riddled with as many holes as theories. You don't really get a sense of the damage done in watching the show, but reading how each search built on the one before it, it's almost overwhelming. For every hole or tunnel talked about on the show, there are a dozen others running through the island.
Speaking of damage, Sullivan doesn't withhold his criticism of the extensive damage done by Robert Dunfield, reshaping the landscape so brutally that the Province of Nova Scotia considered putting an end to the treasure hunt and turning the island into a nature preserve. He also doesn't shy away from the fact that Fred Nolan deliberately removed or destroyed key markers, consigning those details to memories lost with his passing, and a veritable treasure trove of surveying maps that may never see the light of day. That's not to say that Sullivan indulges in judgmental sensationalism, just that he's a little more forthcoming and a little less cautious than the cast and crew.
Although the book is very closely tied to the show, as evidenced by the History logo on the cover, it is not merely a promotional vehicle for the next season. Sullivan reveals some interesting warts about the production, even going so far as to acknowledge that "both of the Lagina brothers were nagged by the suspicion that the maravedi [found in the swamp in the first season finale] had been planted at the Mercy Point by the producers of The Curse of Oak Island." It was a key moment in the search, turning a one-and-done season into an ongoing series, and while Sullivan defends the producers, it's interesting that he calls it out. He also talks of other moments where theories were abandoned, details pushed aside, and entire conversations left on the cutting room floor, all to pursue something more ratings-worthy. It's not just the producers who have an agenda, however, but cast members who don't like having facts get in the way of their own pet theories, as Sullivan found one when trying to dissuade Marty from the theory of Marie Antoinette’s jewels.
"One more time, I reminded myself that I would accomplish more on Oak Island by listening than I would by sharing my opinions."
If you watch the show, then you know it is as much about personalities as it is mysteries, and that's where The Curse of Oak Island holds some of its biggest surprises. For instance, we learn more about the Restall family, turning an already sad story into something truly tragic, and we get some insights into who the Lagina brothers are, how they made their fortune, and what brought them to the island. Even more importantly, though, we get the full story of the feud between Fred Nolan and Dan Blankenship, a story of shady deals, backstabbing, violent threats, obstruction, legal persecution, and ruined reputations. Coming away from those chapters, you finally understand the depth of their enmity for one another, and appreciate just how significant their cooperation with the Lagina brothers ultimately was. Dan Henskee gets some interesting page time as well, but I'll come back to him later.
Of course, most people will be reading this for the legends, the history, and the mythology of the treasure, hoping to see their favorite theory advanced, or their least favorite debunked. While some of those chapters can become a bit dry in the reading, Sullivan goes all out in researching the facts, presenting a fair, unbiased view of what is possible versus what is plausible. He is honest about which theories he was most interested in as a writer, and which fascinated him most during his time on the island, but he gives the big ones - Pirates, the Knights Templar, Sir Francis Bacon, the Masons - equal time, pointing out what makes them plausible, but never shying away from picking at what makes them unlikely. Along the way he passes some very harsh judgment on key figures who have appeared on the show, most notably Kathleen McGowan, a "derivative author," and Joan Harris, "who married delusions of grandeur to extreme gullibility."
To get back to Dan Henskee, the entire last chapter is devoted to him, all starting with the question of whether the island is really cursed. While Sullivan casts Dan in a favorable light, as a quiet, loyal, knowledgeable man who "sometimes struggled to express himself," that final chapter explores his “two nervous breakdowns” . . . or “spiritual experiences” that followed his one-and-only experience holding Dan Blankenship's dowsing rod. It is an odd chapter, talking of ghosts, atmosphere, psychics, darkness, palatable evil, and equipment malfunctions that go far beyond anything ever jokingly acknowledged on the show, but an interesting one. It puts a personal touch on the island itself, not just the treasure hunt, and it ends with one of my favorite quotes in the book, courtesy of Dan Blankenship who says of the unknown souls who directed the original work on Oak Island:
“Sometimes,” he told me, “you begin to believe that they understood exactly what they were doing to us, and you start to despise the sons of bitches.”
The Curse of Oak Island is a much longer book than I expected, and a much deeper book than I could have hoped for, required reading for anybody with an interest in the hunt, the mystery, and the personalities involved. It does a lot of debunking, and calls out the Dan Brown-ing of history by theorists who build fictions on top of facts, selecting details that fit their theories and ignoring others, but Sullivan also does something vitally important - he justifies the whole treasure hunt, making a case for there being something significant buried below, while discrediting the idea that the original searchers found all that there was to find.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/the-curse-of-oak-island-by-randall-sullivan/
There's a reason Randall Sullivan subtitled his book The Story of the World’s Longest Treasure Hunt, and 223 years of treasure hunting is a massive story to be explored.
While there are many ways he could have approached the subject matter, Sullivan chooses to move chronologically through the searchers, hunters, and diggers, painting a vivid picture of an island riddled with as many holes as theories. You don't really get a sense of the damage done in watching the show, but reading how each search built on the one before it, it's almost overwhelming. For every hole or tunnel talked about on the show, there are a dozen others running through the island.
Speaking of damage, Sullivan doesn't withhold his criticism of the extensive damage done by Robert Dunfield, reshaping the landscape so brutally that the Province of Nova Scotia considered putting an end to the treasure hunt and turning the island into a nature preserve. He also doesn't shy away from the fact that Fred Nolan deliberately removed or destroyed key markers, consigning those details to memories lost with his passing, and a veritable treasure trove of surveying maps that may never see the light of day. That's not to say that Sullivan indulges in judgmental sensationalism, just that he's a little more forthcoming and a little less cautious than the cast and crew.
Although the book is very closely tied to the show, as evidenced by the History logo on the cover, it is not merely a promotional vehicle for the next season. Sullivan reveals some interesting warts about the production, even going so far as to acknowledge that "both of the Lagina brothers were nagged by the suspicion that the maravedi [found in the swamp in the first season finale] had been planted at the Mercy Point by the producers of The Curse of Oak Island." It was a key moment in the search, turning a one-and-done season into an ongoing series, and while Sullivan defends the producers, it's interesting that he calls it out. He also talks of other moments where theories were abandoned, details pushed aside, and entire conversations left on the cutting room floor, all to pursue something more ratings-worthy. It's not just the producers who have an agenda, however, but cast members who don't like having facts get in the way of their own pet theories, as Sullivan found one when trying to dissuade Marty from the theory of Marie Antoinette’s jewels.
"One more time, I reminded myself that I would accomplish more on Oak Island by listening than I would by sharing my opinions."
If you watch the show, then you know it is as much about personalities as it is mysteries, and that's where The Curse of Oak Island holds some of its biggest surprises. For instance, we learn more about the Restall family, turning an already sad story into something truly tragic, and we get some insights into who the Lagina brothers are, how they made their fortune, and what brought them to the island. Even more importantly, though, we get the full story of the feud between Fred Nolan and Dan Blankenship, a story of shady deals, backstabbing, violent threats, obstruction, legal persecution, and ruined reputations. Coming away from those chapters, you finally understand the depth of their enmity for one another, and appreciate just how significant their cooperation with the Lagina brothers ultimately was. Dan Henskee gets some interesting page time as well, but I'll come back to him later.
Of course, most people will be reading this for the legends, the history, and the mythology of the treasure, hoping to see their favorite theory advanced, or their least favorite debunked. While some of those chapters can become a bit dry in the reading, Sullivan goes all out in researching the facts, presenting a fair, unbiased view of what is possible versus what is plausible. He is honest about which theories he was most interested in as a writer, and which fascinated him most during his time on the island, but he gives the big ones - Pirates, the Knights Templar, Sir Francis Bacon, the Masons - equal time, pointing out what makes them plausible, but never shying away from picking at what makes them unlikely. Along the way he passes some very harsh judgment on key figures who have appeared on the show, most notably Kathleen McGowan, a "derivative author," and Joan Harris, "who married delusions of grandeur to extreme gullibility."
To get back to Dan Henskee, the entire last chapter is devoted to him, all starting with the question of whether the island is really cursed. While Sullivan casts Dan in a favorable light, as a quiet, loyal, knowledgeable man who "sometimes struggled to express himself," that final chapter explores his “two nervous breakdowns” . . . or “spiritual experiences” that followed his one-and-only experience holding Dan Blankenship's dowsing rod. It is an odd chapter, talking of ghosts, atmosphere, psychics, darkness, palatable evil, and equipment malfunctions that go far beyond anything ever jokingly acknowledged on the show, but an interesting one. It puts a personal touch on the island itself, not just the treasure hunt, and it ends with one of my favorite quotes in the book, courtesy of Dan Blankenship who says of the unknown souls who directed the original work on Oak Island:
“Sometimes,” he told me, “you begin to believe that they understood exactly what they were doing to us, and you start to despise the sons of bitches.”
The Curse of Oak Island is a much longer book than I expected, and a much deeper book than I could have hoped for, required reading for anybody with an interest in the hunt, the mystery, and the personalities involved. It does a lot of debunking, and calls out the Dan Brown-ing of history by theorists who build fictions on top of facts, selecting details that fit their theories and ignoring others, but Sullivan also does something vitally important - he justifies the whole treasure hunt, making a case for there being something significant buried below, while discrediting the idea that the original searchers found all that there was to find.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/the-curse-of-oak-island-by-randall-sullivan/
questsandcrimes's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like this book will be really exciting for people who love the show. I found the second half of the book riveting. From the interesting characters who search for the treasure to the various theories in where the treasure might have come from, I couldn’t stop listening. The book fell short to me in the first half. It felt like a slog through a list of failures.
The key for me in this book that made it successful were the relationships between the individuals searching for the treasure. This portions of the story alone made the book a worth while read for me.
The key for me in this book that made it successful were the relationships between the individuals searching for the treasure. This portions of the story alone made the book a worth while read for me.
pio_near's review against another edition
4.0
Easily a 4.5...
Thia book is so full of conspiracy theories and crazy stories that I almost lose sight of the fact that this treasure hunt is ACTUALLY REAL! Amazing insight into the immortal flame that is humanity's quest for the unobtainable. Super good!
Thia book is so full of conspiracy theories and crazy stories that I almost lose sight of the fact that this treasure hunt is ACTUALLY REAL! Amazing insight into the immortal flame that is humanity's quest for the unobtainable. Super good!
bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Atlantic Monthly Press and Randall Sullivan for an ARC ebook copy to review. Sorry for the bit of a late review. I was out of power for 3 days due to a winter storm and am a little late on my book reviews. As always, an honest review from me.
The intrigue is definitely there for a lot of people. The book made me see why so many people get caught up in searching for a treasure they’re not even sure exists. The book goes into great detail about the history of the island and people throughout the ages. You will definitely learn a lot. It’s very detail oriented. I was more interested in the brief overview of the more exciting aspects, so it was a bit much for me. I absolutely loved learning about the conspiracy theories and different cultures that could possibly tie into it. A unique way to learn about atypical parts of history such as the Acadians, Templar Knights and U.S. Presidential ties to the Money Pit. Also the creepy factor was fun to read, but would freak me out in real life. Also the book is a companion to the tv show.
There weren’t too many downsides to the book. It is jam packed with names, dates, and events so there’s a lot to remember. I read maybe 30-50 pages per day, because any more was too much information at once. So, not a quick read.
Overall, The Curse of Oak Island is filled with all sorts of information about the legend and history surrounding the Money Pit. Informative, incredibly intriguing, and creepy. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for an all encompassing read about the topic.
The intrigue is definitely there for a lot of people. The book made me see why so many people get caught up in searching for a treasure they’re not even sure exists. The book goes into great detail about the history of the island and people throughout the ages. You will definitely learn a lot. It’s very detail oriented. I was more interested in the brief overview of the more exciting aspects, so it was a bit much for me. I absolutely loved learning about the conspiracy theories and different cultures that could possibly tie into it. A unique way to learn about atypical parts of history such as the Acadians, Templar Knights and U.S. Presidential ties to the Money Pit. Also the creepy factor was fun to read, but would freak me out in real life. Also the book is a companion to the tv show.
There weren’t too many downsides to the book. It is jam packed with names, dates, and events so there’s a lot to remember. I read maybe 30-50 pages per day, because any more was too much information at once. So, not a quick read.
Overall, The Curse of Oak Island is filled with all sorts of information about the legend and history surrounding the Money Pit. Informative, incredibly intriguing, and creepy. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for an all encompassing read about the topic.