Customer Reviews

Ghosts of the Northeast

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm sick to death of books that spend 15 pages telling you the history of a building or area-histories that are often spurious or just folklore-and then end the chapter with, "There are some who say that if you listen on a windy night..." These are not books about ghosts-they're collections of legends and they're pretty much useless to anyone who is actually interested in ghosts.
Pitkin's book is more in the style of the collections made by the early SPR-he is interested in the ghostly experiences of his subjects, not the history of the county they're in. Mr. Pitkin has spent his time wisely,interviewing witnesses instead of reading travelogues. The people in this book have seen apparitions, have watched the movement of objects when no one or thing was influencing them, etc. For some reason this is rare these days. I highly recommend this book and I hope Mr. Pitkin writes more like it.

David Pitkin's latest book is not for those who want to be scared (or to scare others). It will take you to places that are not necessarily in the tour books already, or have had motion pictures made about them; ordinary houses and places where spirits manifest themselves across time BECAUSE OF THE PLACE and what it holds. Like the ones we all live in.

I finding out who these souls are, tracing back the history of a place and thus giving background to occurrances otherwise unexplainable, Mr.Pitkin both gives us a 'how-to' regarding our own experiences [whether frightening or benevolent] and an understanding of the sensitivity power that exists in most of us [whether developed or not] to the plains inhabited by the souls of the past.

This book is comprehensive, succint in its 'tale presentation' and definitely leaving its readers anxious for the author's NEXT book on the subject.

I had a hard time putting this book down!! Well written stories that come straight from the people who witnessed the events!! It was nice to see photos of the places the stories were written about.This will definately be added to my collection of ghost books. I hope Mr.Pitkin continues to research ghost stories and pass them along to us!!

I'm an agnostic and a skeptic on the subject of ghosts, yet I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable and I was sorry to reach the end. I disagree with the other reviewer that these stories are Christian sermons in disguise. For starters, while Pitkin is obviously a "spiritual" person, he never indicates that he's a Christian. I do agree that he ends most of the stories on a heartwarming, spiritual note that I suppose could get old for some people; however, I wasn't irked by it--maybe because I took a while to read the book and therefore got it in smaller doses.

I think if you're reading a book of "true" ghost stories authored by folks who believe in ghosts (whether or not you do), you should expect to hear a bit about their spiritual beliefs as well. Are there any books of "true" ghost stories penned by absolute skeptics? I don't think so...

As for the stories, many are quite chilling, and Pitkin obviously knows his history. Most stories have accompanying photos of the houses, etc. in question, which is nice. The illustrations are mostly funny--actually, many of them are downright goofy. I was a little disappointed that there weren't more Massachusetts stories, as I live in MA. New York is well covered--I believe Pitkin lives there, and has written another book exclusively about New York ghosts.

This is one of the two best books of "true" ghost stories I've read. The other is "Haunted Happenings," by Robert Cahill.

Findally a book that gives insights into people and places that
that have ghosts and their first hand experiences. It will make you not want to put this one down . Interesting,well written and quite simply fun to read. If I could buy just one book this is the one !

Mr. Pitkin has put together a stylish glossary of ghost stories, taking place in a series of Up State New York (among other places) Villages and Cities. Some hit close to home as I live only a short drive from where many stories are reported to have taken place. I bought two copies (one in a book store) and have lent it out to many friends who love it too. It is a wonderful book to take along on a country drive up and down New York State's open roads. The stories are told with honesty and an open mind, never attempting to capitalize on the "fright" factor, but instead bringing common sense to the stories, although there were one or two that had me sleeping with the night light on a couple of times. Truly one of the BEST books on true hauntings I have read to date. I look forward to more from Mr. Pitkin.

This is one of the best true ghost books that I've ever read, and I've read many. I would rank it high in my top ten. I thrilled to every page and had a terrible time trying to put it down even when my husband begged me to turn off the light and go to sleep. The information was presented concisely and deliciously, and I savored every chilling drop. But it gets better still as this is no book that you're apt to read in a single sitting and wonder what it was that you just ingested. This is a bounty of numerous spooky tales that will hold you enthralled with enough terrifying entertainment for a feast.

Most of the stories are even accompanied by photos, a rarity in ghost books, which helps the reader visualize the haunts.

In all, I can't recommend this book highly enough to ghost story enthusiasts who're looking for a good read and a bedtime chill. You'll gladly devour this book and wish you had more!

I don't think the title of this book does it justice, really. This book isn't just about ghosts, but about the people who live with them, their houses, and the houses' history. But, the ghosts are the focal point, and that's why this book is such an excellent one. The author does his own investigating; he doesn't just put together a bunch of stories from other sources. This pleasantly lengthy book is chock-full of well-written, recent, true ghost stories that you haven't read elsewhere. I highly recommend it.

I don't usually venture outside New England for my ghosts, but this bone-chilling collection was well worth every step of the journey! This is not a short read by any means. There are 380 pages of stories here, in fairly small print, and still you will wish there were more.

The author writes primarily about his regional area of New York. His writing style is inquisitive, with much information based in fact. I enjoyed his well-researched historical information about the places he visits, and the photos he includes. He then pulls it all together with contemporary stories, including eye-witnesses, credibly told and concisely written. He writes with just enough speculation to make you think, and I also enjoyed his wry sense of humor. Because there are so many well-varied stories, it becomes evident how many common threads run through ghost encounters and hauntings. You will be fascinated by what these people have witnessed!

It is tempting to read for hours once picking up this book. My advice would be to digest these stories slowly, if you can, to appreciate the full impact of each of these fascinating tales. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking substantial goose-bumps.

My wife and I had the pleasure of listening to David's on-air interview with 'Mark and Brian' of 95.5FM KLOS on Friday October 31st. David's command of English and a very intriguing voice made even the 'duo of rascals' keep quiet and allow this man to enthrall us with partial contents of "Ghosts of the Northeast". I am on the way to the bookstore after I sign off to purchase what I hope is already on audio-tape with David as the storyteller. He is very informative, witty, and perfectly spoken. If his book is half as good as his on-air persona, he would not only be a major success on any speaking tour he so chooses, but the public would demand his written works continue (if not already). Buy this book, ... be informed and entertained at the same time - a rarity these days!
Greg Lawritson
Aliso Viejo, CA