A field guide exploring the history of Bigfoot – both his reported sightings and how his legend has spread – sounds like the perfect read for cryptozoologists, old and new alike, right? And it would be – if that’s the kind of book John O’Connor’s The Secret History of Bigfoot is. But, despite suggestions to the contrary, The Secret History of Bigfoot isn’t really an exploration of the history of the Bigfoot legend. Nor is it really an examination of the ways myths take root in our culture. Instead, it’s mainly a book about the time O’Connor spent with Bigfoot hunters. His traipses through the woods, his observations, the way he connects with these people he feels othered from. 

And, in that regard, The Secret History of Bigfoot is a smashing success. O’Connor takes a remarkably nonjudgmental stance towards the whole idea of Bigfoot. Sure, you never feel like he believes in the legend. But he believes that these Bigfoot hunters believe in it, and he meets them where they are. That makes for a truly fascinating read, full of breathtakingly human exchanges. That combination of startling humanity and O’Connor’s very witty, personable voice makes for a light, breezy read. 

The problem is that the book feels very surface-level yet also incredibly padded. It never really explores the totality of the Bigfoot legend – its history nor how it’s managed to permeate American culture so wholly. But it somehow has time to spend extended time on mostly-extinct animals and philosophical, psychological, and sociopolitical insights that feel straight out of a freshman seminar. And that makes for quite a jarring read. The book is at its best when O’Connor is following in the footsteps of Bigfoot hunters, really enveloping himself in their rituals and beliefs. But at the same time, that train of thought never really goes anywhere. And, after all, how could it? Bigfoot remains a myth; suggestions of his existence seep into the public consciousness but, as yet, no definitive proof has ever emerged.

And, unfortunately, a book about Bigfoot that fails to take a stance either way is destined to feel incomplete. As it is, The Secret History of Bigfoot is an entertaining look at the time O’Connor spent with Bigfoot hunters. But as an overview of the cryptid’s legend, and how that legend’s spread, it’s disappointingly thin.

3 out of 5 wands.

The Secret History of Bigfoot is available now in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats from Sourcebooks.

Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own.