Customer Reviews

Weird California

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Photos, illustrations and stories are great. But I found the overall book lacking in one key area: Maps to show you where these places are located. Or even where some of the cities are located. Very fun book but but I felt I wanted more info. with greater detail.

The book is definitely a good source of 'Americana' at its finest and is extremely entertaining. While some excerpts go on in detail of exactly where to find things, others are hazy if not incorrect. A little fact checking is needed. All said, purchasers will not be disappointed.

As a native Californian, with a long-time interest in the unusual, I welcomed the publication of this book with great enthusiasm. And for the naive, it will amuse indeed. But for a long time buff of the "weird and unusual," especially in my home state of California, I find very little information that hasn't been covered in previous works.

Some chapters, like Personalized Properties, were even a waist of space for the most part. And living in Los Angeles, some of the omissions seemed large. For instance, what about the WOLF/DOG WOMAN OF WATTS, that frightened almost all of South Los Angeles for weeks, myself included as a young child, in the early 1960s? Paul Young's "L.A. Exposed" lightly touched upon it, but I would really like someone to do more research on that phenomenon. Or CHARMAN of Ventura County's Camp Comfort County Park. Scary stuff! What about the strange happenings in the Los Angeles Community of Tujunga, that have included UFO and Bigfoot sightings over the years? Then there's the apelike ZOOBIES in the Small San Diego County Community of Alpine, and along the U.S./Mexican border, who's footprints even Border Patrol Officers have reported. And absolutely nothing on the MYSTERY CAT sightings that have been reported throughout the state. But I could go on-and-on.

The point being, a very good concept, and I always look for the subject of the strange and unusual, especially when it concerns the state of California; but they could have dug so much deeper, and left room for new material. Still, a good effort. However, I'd strongly recommend one of the authors 1988 classics, if you can still find it; Mike Marinacci's "Mysterious California."

Perfect solution for weekend getaways if you live in or near California. Can't wait to start traveling to some of these cool places. Very well written with outstanding photography.

As others have stated, the one big thing lacking in this book is a map. It would be much more convenient if there was an overall map citing the locations of places described in the book so you could easily see what weirdness is near you to explore. Even a simple index by county would be more useful than nothing. I can't speak to the fact checking, but it is an entertaining read.

My family purchased this book to go on a road trip and see interesting things in california. It defintley helped guide us in the right direction. The quality was amazing and the company shipped really quick. I would suggest this and the rest of the "weird" series to anyone looking to find out the hidden secrets of the state they live in.

This is a fun book. Great to read yourself as there are some very interesting things in California history and present. Weird and unusual always makes for a good read. I find friends like to pick it up and mini-read some of the things. Eventually if they visit enough, they will not have to buy their own. Their loss, as it is not just full of good storys but fun just to look at the title and cover. Attention getting, eye catching and catches your interest. Recommend

This book is very fun and interesting for my 11 year old. He has spent many hours looking and reading through it. It's a winner.

I love this book! Great urban legends, ghost stories, kooky folks and more from the Golden State. I learned a lot about really creepy cults, urban legends, early settlers and people who make California one heck of a place to live. I find myself often rereading chapters and blogging about certain stories. It's important to celebrate eccentric people and the history they created for California whether it's Sarah Winchester building stairways that go nowhere in her home for wayward ghosts, or the Emperor of San Francisco who reminded people that anyone can create their own royal history if they wear the right uniform and a smile.

Plan to use this before our next trip out west! We have stumbled upon some of the places and were soo close to others! Whole series of books is fun!