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378 reviews for:
Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items
J.W. Ocker
3.66 AVERAGE
378 reviews for:
Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items
J.W. Ocker
3.66 AVERAGE
Narration: Mr. Campbell does an awesome job here; reminds me of narrators from similar unexplained mysteries TV shows and was quite enjoyable to listen to. The tone and cadence are perfect for this topic. Of course, he doesn't have to do a cast of characters (which would be the only reason he doesn't get a 5* performance).
The book was a fun survey of some famous cursed objects (Hope diamond, Tuts Tomb, et. al) and many of the fantastic stories that come with them (and where they are now in case you want to live life dangerously) ... all delivered with an irreverent sense of humor that made it extremely entertaining. After looking 'under glass' (museums), he heads into the crypt for some ghoulish fun before continuing on to grandma's attic for some more modern curses. He also covers how some of these things 'become' cursed (or at least how they get their reputation). The closest he gets to any scientific inquiry was when he picked up a 'cursed object' on eBay for a year long experiment ... which is to say that None of this is very scientific ... so check your skepticism at the door and just enjoy the trip ... which finishes up talking about weird objects that should be cursed ... but aren't.
Oh ... and don't steal this book ... it's cursed :-)
I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#CursedObjects #NetGalley #TimCampbell
The book was a fun survey of some famous cursed objects (Hope diamond, Tuts Tomb, et. al) and many of the fantastic stories that come with them (and where they are now in case you want to live life dangerously) ... all delivered with an irreverent sense of humor that made it extremely entertaining. After looking 'under glass' (museums), he heads into the crypt for some ghoulish fun before continuing on to grandma's attic for some more modern curses. He also covers how some of these things 'become' cursed (or at least how they get their reputation). The closest he gets to any scientific inquiry was when he picked up a 'cursed object' on eBay for a year long experiment ... which is to say that None of this is very scientific ... so check your skepticism at the door and just enjoy the trip ... which finishes up talking about weird objects that should be cursed ... but aren't.
Oh ... and don't steal this book ... it's cursed :-)
I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#CursedObjects #NetGalley #TimCampbell
This is one of the illustrated compendium which tries to educate and reveals the true stories behind some of the infamous, creepy and bizarre real-life cursed objects though-out history. This book spans decades and continents, and the subjects of the author from the Opulent Hope Diamond to the humble Busy Stool/
The author begins by stating that all of these objects are lurking in museums, graveyards and even some private homes all around the world. The stories of these objects have inspired countless movies, tv shows, campfire stories, books and even the good old chain letter/emails. They're cursed objects and in order to unleash the wave of terror that accompanies their misfortune and all they need is people who believe in their stories to spread like an infection around the world. It is part of human culture and history that as a race we can not get enough of these infamous real-life items have been compiled into the following volume. The stories include: Annabelle the Doll, The Tomb of Tutankhamen and The Ring of Silvianus.
Well what can i say, this book scared the life out of me. I was scared from the first word which was said and i could see all of the objects in my minds eye as they were described in detail. I am not a strong believer of curses and things like that but this scared me. It is one i would not want to read again however was a book which i had to read once. This was written with the believers of conspiracy stories in mind and can see how sometimes the stories have evolved over time.
This is something that everyone should read at least once.
The author begins by stating that all of these objects are lurking in museums, graveyards and even some private homes all around the world. The stories of these objects have inspired countless movies, tv shows, campfire stories, books and even the good old chain letter/emails. They're cursed objects and in order to unleash the wave of terror that accompanies their misfortune and all they need is people who believe in their stories to spread like an infection around the world. It is part of human culture and history that as a race we can not get enough of these infamous real-life items have been compiled into the following volume. The stories include: Annabelle the Doll, The Tomb of Tutankhamen and The Ring of Silvianus.
Well what can i say, this book scared the life out of me. I was scared from the first word which was said and i could see all of the objects in my minds eye as they were described in detail. I am not a strong believer of curses and things like that but this scared me. It is one i would not want to read again however was a book which i had to read once. This was written with the believers of conspiracy stories in mind and can see how sometimes the stories have evolved over time.
This is something that everyone should read at least once.
This is a book that would appeal to almost everyone I know. Who isn't fascinated by oddities and/or stories of strange, unusual, unexplained phenomena? CURSED OBJECTS is the careful gathering of infamous cursed objects and their stories. It is fully illustrated and broken up into sections.
The author, J. W. Ocker has a podcast called "Odd Things I've Seen"-a travelogue of Ocker traveling to locations with weird or haunted histories so he's no stranger to this topic. However, Ocker doesn't approach his storytelling from a place of fully buying into all the hoopla surrounding these objects. I mean, truth be told, some of the "facts" are just too outlandish to be believed. I found Ocker's sense of humor and posture of skepticism refreshing. Last year, I read J. W. Ocker's 12 NIGHTS AT ROTTER HOUSE. The main character travelogues his experiences with supposed haunted houses and paranormal activity with an air of similar skepticism and objectivity (if you like Ocker's voice in CURSED OBJECTS).
I will say that I had hoped this would be darker...more creepy or scary but these expectations didn't steal from my enjoyment. I'm pretty happy and content with a book full of illustrations and factoids about weird stuff. I'm an easy sell. It's my recommendation that horror fans that maybe don't read a lot of non-fiction books (me) apart from maybe True Crime books, might find this book to be something to read in between all the stabby, bloody fiction stories for a nice change of pace but still on brand. It would make a great gift for readers who have everything and are hard to buy for ;)
The author, J. W. Ocker has a podcast called "Odd Things I've Seen"-a travelogue of Ocker traveling to locations with weird or haunted histories so he's no stranger to this topic. However, Ocker doesn't approach his storytelling from a place of fully buying into all the hoopla surrounding these objects. I mean, truth be told, some of the "facts" are just too outlandish to be believed. I found Ocker's sense of humor and posture of skepticism refreshing. Last year, I read J. W. Ocker's 12 NIGHTS AT ROTTER HOUSE. The main character travelogues his experiences with supposed haunted houses and paranormal activity with an air of similar skepticism and objectivity (if you like Ocker's voice in CURSED OBJECTS).
I will say that I had hoped this would be darker...more creepy or scary but these expectations didn't steal from my enjoyment. I'm pretty happy and content with a book full of illustrations and factoids about weird stuff. I'm an easy sell. It's my recommendation that horror fans that maybe don't read a lot of non-fiction books (me) apart from maybe True Crime books, might find this book to be something to read in between all the stabby, bloody fiction stories for a nice change of pace but still on brand. It would make a great gift for readers who have everything and are hard to buy for ;)
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Great survey of cursed objects, got me looking all over the US at different sites I never knew about. I'd love to see this expanded to include even more objects but I do appreciate the variety the author managed to give us. Excellent jumping off point to research different items further too.
OMG this book was great. So many great fact about different artifacts, locations and of course people who are involved in collecting all haunted, obscure and strange objects that might be cursed, damned or some with really great stories. 5 out of 5 stars, fun read.
A fun survey of cursed objects. I especially enjoyed the accompanying art.
This book was really enjoyable. I loved the author's tone and the stories were great. I will definitely read more of his work.
adventurous
informative
fast-paced