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Synopsis
In CONFIRMATION, author Strieber presents the evidence that he believes proves the existence of an alien presence on and around Earth.
| Size | | Length: | 290 pages | | Height: | 10.0 in | | Width: | 6.8 in | | Thickness: | 1.2 in | | Weight: | 21.6 oz |
Industry Reviews
The author of several popular sellers on close-encounter experiences (e.g., Communion: A True Story, Morrow, 1987), Strieber focuses on mysterious implants found in many people who reputedly have experienced a close encounter including himself. These implants are the so-called hard evidence referred to in the book's subtitle, though Strieber admits that "the conclusive evidence has not yet been gathered." He doesn't even claim that his experiences are real, only that they felt real to him. Although Strieber tries to sound skeptical and maintain a degree of scientific objectivity, his New Age philosophy becomes clear in the last chapter. Basically, he views close-encounter phenomena as something for humans to embrace and not fear. If we are being visited by highly evolved aliens, Strieber believes they may be trying to help us evolve as well. Web addresses of six "best UFO sites" are included, as well as a short list of "classic" UFO books. Recommended for public libraries, especially where Strieber's other titles have proved popular. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/98.] Gary D. Barber, SUNY at Fredonia Lib.
Donovan
Are they mass hallucinations or have a quarter of a million people experienced a paralyzing possession of their bodies by aliens? Most alleged abductees suffer from severe post-encounter trauma, and Strieber writes that, for them, "to ignore the challenge to look at self and life in a new way is to descend into total psychological and spiritual chaos." In fact, overcoming their fear is, he contends, an opportunity for spiritual awakening. In this latest follow-up to Communion, the mega-bestselling account of his own abductions, Strieber reports on recent amateur film and video footage that allegedly show unknown spacecraft flying at extraordinary speeds with unheard of aeromechanics. Cogent testimonies drawn from interviews with seemingly sane and normal people reveal detailed accounts of levitation, sexual molestation, time travel and ongoing relationships with aliens that induce perceptual disruption to their lives. The most convincing of his evidence are the bizarre implants slivers of silicon and tiny t-bars of metallic composite believed to be transmitters that, Strieber says, have been removed from abductees' ear canals, calf muscles and nasal passages. While it's not conclusive that these implants are alien artifacts, their sophisticated composite and their manner of forced entry into the body demonstrate uncommon technical skill and cast doubt on accusations of self-mutilation. Strieber makes a strong case for a serious commitment from science and government to investigate abduction phenomenon, be it real or psychological dysfunction. Author tour. (May)
Lopate
YA-Reports of UFOs and accounts of abductions by aliens have been the subject of public fascination for half a century. In Confirmation, Strieber speaks for many when he complains that "The lack of authoritative answers has meant that hucksters and false experts have been exploiting public ignorance." Pointing out that concerned laypeople such as himself are not qualified or equipped to study the subject under acceptably rigorous scientific protocols, he argues that it is the responsibility of the scientific community to carry the issue beyond its present state of fraud and urban folklore. The book is organized into three sections, describing the three types of "hard" evidence Strieber feels most warrant scientific study: UFO sightings (unfortunately, the usual fuzzy UFO photos detract from his argument); close encounters; and implants that seem to have been placed in people's bodies during the close encounters. In an appendix, a Vatican representative discusses "Extraterrestrials and Christianity" in the context of recent scientific inquiry. "Further Reading" lists Strieber's recommended "classics" in UFO literature, as well as the Internet sites he finds to be the most trustworthy. Confirmation offers startling stories, fascinating speculations, intriguing questions, and clear explanations of new scientific theories.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Christiansen
The author of several popular sellers on close-encounter experiences (e.g., Communion: A True Story, 1987) Strieber focuses on mysterious implants found in many people who reputedly have experienced a close encounter--including himself. These implants are the so-called hard evidence referred to in the book's subtitle, though Strieber admits that 'the conclusive evidence has not yet been gathered.' He doesn't even claim that his experiences are real, only that they felt real to him. Although Strieber tries to sound skeptical and maintain a degree of scientific objectivity, his New Age philosophy becomes clear in the last chapter. Basically, he views close-encounter phenomena as something for humans to embrace and not fear.
Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company.
Eberhart
As an entrepreneur, no one in the UFO community quite compares to Whitley Strieber. . . . [He] was a latecomer to the UFO movement and even to its abduction-theory phase. His fellow ufologists, especially those whose interest was sparked by aeronautic phenomena, have always regarded him with cool suspicion. And well they might, for Strieber manages to be all things to all readers who grant him an initial suspension of disbelief. Alternating between autobiographical narrative, other victims' stories, and expert-sounding discussion of tests and gadgets, doling out well-spaced frissons in the Stephen King manner, yet also telling the spiritually hungry how much the aliens care about them, Strieber leaves his competitors looking like understudies who are still trying to memorize a master thespian's lines.
Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company.
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