Thursday, October 16, 2014

Book Review: 'Black Light' by William J. Grabowski

'Black Light: Perspectives on Mysterious Phenomena'
by William J. Grabowski
'Black Light: Perspectives on Mysterious Phenomena' is the latest work from seasoned author William J. GrabowskiPart tribute to his favorite researchers, part case study and at times an editorial, Grabowski indeed has some relevant things to say about his selected topics. He knows the published material, studied a wide variety of related circumstances and shares his informed opinions on such subjects as Mothman, UFOs, poltergeists and the social issues that surround them. 'Black Light' is appreciated and recommended.

Grabowski shares some personal experiences of seemingly paranormal phenomena, as well as resulting insights, but that is by no means to suggest the author lacks healthily skeptical perspective. He explains how he has come to view the so-called paranormal as relatively common place, whatever its explanations may include. He is also quite clear in his disappointment of what is all too often the traveling circus of phenomenology. The author suggests the widespread public interpretation of “UFO” as synonymous with “extraterrestrial vehicle” indicates a lack of critical thinking and outright hostility toward ideas and intellect.

Plenty of quite worthwhile contributions to ufology and related genres are considered as well, including the work of such innovators as Jacques Vallee, George P. Hansen and Martin Cannon. Grabowski thinks Carl Jung was knocking on the right doors, and fans of John Keel will be well satisfied with the attention and respect given the Fortean pioneer.

Considerations of the Mothman saga and Point Pleasant are among the most interesting aspects of 'Black Light'. While Grabowski suspects a truly unknown phenomenon may have been at the heart of the occurrences, he makes a compelling case the events were possibly exploited and served as some type of social study by the powers that be. He suggests the circumstances may have been involved in the genesis of data-farming under the guise of paranormal phenomena. In support of his suspicions, Grabowski explains how reports of so-called census takers became common around Point Pleasant, as well as the presence of an overly inquisitive woman falsely claiming to be John Keel's secretary. Such events are potentially correlated with reported telephone anomalies and the work of Martin Cannon, specifically 'The Numbers Game'. It all makes for very thought provocative potential dot-connections, including truly interesting circumstances surrounding the history of the government site which came to be known as the TNT area that played such an influential role in the Mothman chain of events.

Also considered are Project Stork and a Battelle Memorial Institute document, each of which are quite intriguing and carry a great deal of potential significance to the UFO community. Grabowski has extensively explored the intelligence community descent into mind control, including reading the entire transcript of Congressional hearings on Project MKULTRA. He subsequently became convinced, he explains, that no serious or even semi-serious researcher of anomalous aerial phenomena and associated activity can with integrity ignore the exceedingly dark topic.

'Black Light' includes an intriguing fictional quite related short story penned by Grabowski, who has authored over 300 such stories. An informative interview of the author conducted by Lee D. Munro is also included.

After inviting readers to consider reported alien abduction, seemingly flying anomalies, the intelligence community and things that go bump in the night and day, the author encourages us to ask, “So what?”, perhaps the ultimate question. In proper Zen-like fashion, Grabowski suggests the answer might include the consideration that the unexamined life is not worth living, an observation of which this writer and advocate of self-discovery would agree. 

Purchase 'Black Light: Perspectives on Mysterious Phenomena' at Amazon. Learn more about author William J. Grabowski at his writer's page

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Originally posted at 'Orlando Paranormal Examiner'

2 comments:

  1. Jack, thank you very much for the great review!

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    1. You're welcome, Bill. I'm still mulling over some of your points and implications. Thanks for your work!

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