UFO Hunters: Book One

The official companion to the eponymous hit History Channel TV series, this book is a fun and fascinating peek behind the scenes of the short-lived show, and into the world of real-life UFO hunters. Each chapter focuses on a different episode, covering the sighting in question, background information, the making of the segment, and Birnes’s own thoughts on the finished episode and the case itself. The book also provides a thorough and informative history of UFOlogy in the United States. Convincing arguments for and against the existence of UFOs are entertained, but a skeptical current runs throughout. Fans will especially relish anecdotes about the making of the show: Birnes (The Day After Roswell) describes, for instance, facing intense resistance from folks living near supposed crash sites; the crew was even shot at during the filming of the first episode. The author’s attention to detail and dedication to covering every angle makes this a must-have for devotees of the program, and it’s engrossing enough to lure newcomers into the weird world of UFOs. (Sept.)