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9th out of 59 books
—
50 voters
Paranormal State: My Journey into the Unknown
by
Ryan Buell,
Stefan Petrucha (Goodreads Author)
Ryan Buell, star of the hit A&E series Paranormal State, takes us behind the scenes of his most intense supernatural encounters.
Follow Ryan Buell on his extraordinary journey as he seeks out the truth behind terrifying demonic disturbances, hauntings, and paranormal phenomena to solve unexplained mysteries that have been plaguing frightened families who have nowhere el
Paperback, 400 pages
Published
September 21st 2010
by It Books
(first published September 10th 2010)
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For the longest time I refused to watch Paranormal State. Like most people, I figured it was fake. Then, around December I stumbled upon one episode and thought, what the heck? Lets give this show a chance.
Needless to say, I became hooked. The show was indeed pretty cinematic for a documentary and the fact that episodes were edited out of order annoyed me very much. Yet, something about Paranormal State made me want to know more. Especially about Ryan Buell.
My sister bought me this book for Chri...more
Needless to say, I became hooked. The show was indeed pretty cinematic for a documentary and the fact that episodes were edited out of order annoyed me very much. Yet, something about Paranormal State made me want to know more. Especially about Ryan Buell.
My sister bought me this book for Chri...more
I have had to really think about how I felt about this. I have watched the first two seasons of the show Paranormal State merely out of intrigue and curiosity. Like most, paranormal shows I try to dismiss the crap. I was reluctant to read this when it fell on my desk, but after reading the personal testimony of Ryan Buell he appears to be a well thought out individual with a natural ability to motivate people in a positive way.
This being said, this book really is a journey of his growth through...more
This being said, this book really is a journey of his growth through...more
Host of A&E's Paranormal State and founder of the Paranormal Research Society Ryan Buell's book is pretty good, but it could have been better. The book basically follows Buell setting up the Paranormal Research Society at Penn State and then how Paranormal State developed in to a hit show during its first season on A&E.
For fans of Paranormal State this book has a lot of "behind the scenes" information about each episode during the first season. I learned a lot about things that happened...more
For fans of Paranormal State this book has a lot of "behind the scenes" information about each episode during the first season. I learned a lot about things that happened...more
OK, I am letting my (not so) secret crush on Ryan Buell PARTIALLy fuel this ranking, but I had to give it five stars because this is non-fiction that held my interest!
I make no secret about it-- I am not a big fan of the non-fiction read! It takes A LOT to get me through something non-fiction. I just love the story too much; however, this is an interesting read.
Buell chronicles the experience of going from amatuer paranormal investigator to the star of his own A&E TV show. It is informative...more
I make no secret about it-- I am not a big fan of the non-fiction read! It takes A LOT to get me through something non-fiction. I just love the story too much; however, this is an interesting read.
Buell chronicles the experience of going from amatuer paranormal investigator to the star of his own A&E TV show. It is informative...more
I guess I must begin by saying that this book is really only for the person who has watched all of Paranormal State, specifically Season One (which, I have, thank you Netflix Streaming). I can't image this book would make much sense or be interesting at all if you haven't seen the show.
That being said, since I have watched the show, and I was interested enough in the back stories to pick up this book and read it, I'm giving it 3 stars for the fact that I enjoyed the content, if not the way it wa...more
That being said, since I have watched the show, and I was interested enough in the back stories to pick up this book and read it, I'm giving it 3 stars for the fact that I enjoyed the content, if not the way it wa...more
I had only seen a few episodes of Paranormal State prior to reading the book, but I got the first season DVD set very cheap so I thought I'd give it a try. Then I saw Ryan had a book out. Why not read the book while watching the first season? As it turned out, the book was ABOUT making season one, so it was perfect. I could read and watch and see what they left out, etc. I appreciated Buell's honesty in the book, and found it fascinating the thought process that goes into making the show. Some r...more
I'm a huge fan of ghost hunting shows and the like, and Paranormal State, while enjoyable, was not one of my favorites because I liked seeing the evidence found. However, after reading this book and reading Ryan's reason for why his group and show are so different from others, such as TAPS/Ghost Hunters, I have a new appreciation for it, and I must say, it's quickly grown on me.
This book takes the readers through episodes of the series, and I'm disappointed with how much the show leaves out. No...more
This book takes the readers through episodes of the series, and I'm disappointed with how much the show leaves out. No...more
Paranormal State is honestly not my go-to ghost hunting show, because it's probably the one that I see as the least genuine. This is partially because of the fact that it's shoved into a half-hour timeslot and it's really hard to get anything credible in a 30 minute timeframe, and also because some people who aren't necessarily members of PRS are a little prone to dramatics. (Looking at you, Chip.) That's not to say I don't enjoy PS, just that it's not my favorite of the crowd.
So with that, I wa...more
So with that, I wa...more
I've not seen "Paranormal State" but I picked this up cos I like true ghost stories and ghost investigations.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is the level of detail. Ryan gives us the lowdown on how they became a tv show and the difficulties and process of doing an episode. That was interesting.
He also tells us in detail of his own experiences as a young boy/teen that lead to his interest in the paranormal and forming the group.
I have to admit, I very nearly came a cropper and threw th...more
What I enjoyed the most about this book is the level of detail. Ryan gives us the lowdown on how they became a tv show and the difficulties and process of doing an episode. That was interesting.
He also tells us in detail of his own experiences as a young boy/teen that lead to his interest in the paranormal and forming the group.
I have to admit, I very nearly came a cropper and threw th...more
I have an awful mix of both Mulder and Scully in me. As much as I want to believe, there is still the skeptic nagging away within. I love ghost stories and do find myself addicted to ghost hunting series, although I have to admit I'm more interested in the stories of the hauntings themselves rather than the search for 'evidence'.
I wanted to read this book especially because of Buell and his coming out as bisexual. I wanted to know more of his life story and how he came to grips with both it and...more
I wanted to read this book especially because of Buell and his coming out as bisexual. I wanted to know more of his life story and how he came to grips with both it and...more
This book was just OK. It seemed like it would be really interesting considering I'm really interrested in the paranormal and paranormal shows, but the book just did not measure up to my expectations. Out of the like 23 chapters, to me the only interesting ones were chapters 12-14 or 15.
The writing itself was not so much professional as personal, and it was that personal touch that made the reader feel connected to Ryan. It made me feel connected to Ryan, and his journey. From his writing it ma...more
The writing itself was not so much professional as personal, and it was that personal touch that made the reader feel connected to Ryan. It made me feel connected to Ryan, and his journey. From his writing it ma...more
If you haven't watched the show, don't start with the book: Set up your Netflix streaming and watch Season 1. OK, now you're ready for the book. That being said, the stars are more for Ryan's courage to put it all out there, especially when it comes to his faith. (Our viewpoints are similar, even if the place we're coming from isn't, and I too feel that struggle between what I believe is true vs. what I'm told to think; it's hard, brother.) I appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at the show and...more
Now if you have become a fan of Ghost Hunters and ghost hunting in general you should read this book. While Ghost Hunters takes a strickly data gathering point of view Paranormal Sate goes around and helps individuals with their otherworldly problems. Interesting how much research goes into each case (and probably does with Ghost Hunters too) and how each aspect is explored including a client’s psychological state... very interesting. It feels like ghost hunters live in a different reality than...more
I first got interested in the show because I was living in PA and wanted to check it out. I enjoyed reading about the evolution from a small (but growing) college group to the show with Ryan and the team. Ryan gives you a behind the scenes point of view of what it's like to be on the show, how it's changed the group and how it evolved into a television show. If you enjoy the show than the book should keep your interest. Personally, I'm glad Ryan came forward to dispel any negative judgements or...more
I first became interested in Ryan Buell through his show Paranormal State on A&E. When I heard he had published a book describing further what he had experienced on the show, I knew I needed to read it. The day it came out, I rushed to the bookstore to get my copy, and began reading it right away. Getting to delve further into the life of Ryan, made my connection to the show feel even deeper. I recommend this book to anyone who watched Paranormal State and is interested in the paranormal. If...more
Ryan Buell is the lead investigator and founder of the Paranormal Research Society, a student organization of ghost hunters out of Penn State. Buell goes into detail on what went into creating the show as well as the challenge of not losing the paranormal integrity that the research society has worked hard to achieve
This book is written for supporters of the TV show Paranormal State. A reader with no familiarity with the show will get very little from the book but as a follower of the show, I di...more
This book is written for supporters of the TV show Paranormal State. A reader with no familiarity with the show will get very little from the book but as a follower of the show, I di...more
I enjoy watching a variety of paranormal tv programs, but this glimpse at the first season of A&E's Paranormal State reveals a more compassionate drive behind Ryan and his team's ghostly interactions. Frightened as a child by paranormal events, Ryan begins investigating otherworldly events in college including ghosts, demons and even the Mothman. His tone can sometimes come off as overly pious, but he his adamant in his goals of helping people (both living and deceased) as opposed to creatin...more
Having seen the TV series since it started, I was pleasantly surprised to find out so many new facts about the "Paranormal State" first season, it's team of investigators, and the multitude of phenomenon we call and label loosely, "ghost hunting." Ryan's account of the inception of PRS and his own experiences, both paranormal and personal, was thoroughly insightful and revealing. I hope more people read this, even if they have never seen the show because Ryan recounts the first season , along wi...more
I have been watching this show since it first aired so when I saw this book I had to read it. Of all the 'ghost hunter' type shows out there this is the only one I really like because the team involved seems to be genuinely more interested in helping people resolve their possibly paranormal issues rather than just trying to capture something on video or audio. It's interesting to read about more details about the first seasons cases and how they got the show started. I also enjoy the authors Cat...more
I've only recently truly discovered the TV show "Paranormal State," which is Ryan Buell's reality program about his paranormal investigating society (the Paranormal Research Society), which began as a club at Penn State College.
I realize- and have seen- that so many of these types of ghost hunting shows are less than legitimate. But Buell's work is different. What interested me most about the show was his philosophy; his investigations present a person, tell their story, and test how likely a...more
I realize- and have seen- that so many of these types of ghost hunting shows are less than legitimate. But Buell's work is different. What interested me most about the show was his philosophy; his investigations present a person, tell their story, and test how likely a...more
I really liked this book. I watch the show from time to time, but the editing they do, in my opinion, makes Ryan Buell come across as kind of egotistical, and frankly kind of a douche. But hearing the behind the scenes information, as he tells it, you really get a better understanding of the guy. He's not egotistical, just passionate and maybe a little nerdy (in a good way). His stories are really interesting, and I liked finding out that there's really a lot more to the investigations than what...more
Ryan Buell, what can I say? This book was amazing and wonderful or as I like to say amazerful. Ryan has become such an inspiration to me after reading this and has made me realize some things about myself I thought I knew but I didn't. He continues to be my inspiration. I loved hearing his personal stories and struggles, and I loved hearing a behind-the-scenes look at the first season of Paranormal State and the trial and tribulations along the way. I wish he could write a book for every season....more
Paranormal State by Ryan Buell, is a well-written book that tells what happens off the screen of Paranormal State the show. The book is full of the most interesting cases Ryan Buell and the PRS have faced in their years of investigating, they started the show in 2007 and ended it in 2011. The Author also explains some of his personal phenomena, witch got him interested in investigating this supernatural stuff. In the introduction Buell tells you exactly what you will be reading in the book he h...more
Ryan Buell is the lead investigator and founder of the Paranormal Research Society (PRS),a student organization of ghost hunters out of Penn State. This book serves as a companion to the first season of the A&E show Paranormal State and provides some interesting insight into what goes on behind the scenes. Buell goes into great detail on what went into creating the show as well as the challenges of not compromising his paranormal integrity with moderate stardom on the horizon. It was of grea...more
I had seen a few episodes of PRS, and read a sample of this book before deciding to buy. The writer's style made it an easy read, along with Buell's candid portrayal of PRS making it interesting. I read this while recovering from back surgery, then watched Season 1 on Netflix. I also saw Chip Coffey on tour, so it was fun to hear more about his involvement. I think the book and Season 1 should be sold together because it helps make more sense to see the episodes that he's talking about. I liked...more
If you are at all a fan of the A&E show Paranormal State, read this book. It's full of background and "deleted" information from the first season. A few episodes were mentioned but essentially skipped (Vegas, Man of the House, The Haunted Piano, and the Sensitive) but for the most part, we journey through filming the first season of Paranormal State, from conception to wrap, right alongside the leader of the Penn State Paranormal Research Society.
Also through the book, we learn a lot of pers...more
Also through the book, we learn a lot of pers...more
This book was ok, it made you understand Ryan better and their reasons for what they do but if you have seen the show, most of the stories will be retold. They do however include bits and pieces of behind the scenes type things that they don't have time to show on tv that was interesting. I enjoyed his perspective on the paranormal and how even though he has seen crazy stuff, he still examines everything and ultimately, most things can be explained. Still a huge fan of PRS!!!
I don't read books that provide "the inside story" about celebrities. I could not care less. When I saw this book by Ryan Buell, however, I had to pick it up. Paranormal State has been one of my favorite television programs since it came out a few years ago, and I believe I have watched every episode. What surprised me was the fact that I found myself watching reruns; it's twice as much fun when you know what was going on off-camera. The cases are fascinating, and there is actually some good inf...more
Being a fan of the TV show "Paranormal State", reading this book was a logical progression. I won't say it's incredibly well written, however, it's a bit like the extended version of a "Behind The Scenes" episode of Paranormal State, which made it very interesting to me. I would be glad to read a "sequel" where he goes in depth about the additional seasons of the show or more into his personal life and some of his Paranormal experiences not documented on the show.
I don't know what I was hoping to get out of this book, but I didn't get it. As much as I loved the show, this felt like a longer just narrated version of the whole thing. And it sucks because I really like Ryan, but it sort of felt like it was a bit of a college essay.
Some of it was cool. Seeing behind the scenes made for some interesting dialog but for the most part, this wasn't a book I NEEDED to read like a lot of the ones I normally read are.
So I was a bit disappointed. Thus the lower rati...more
Some of it was cool. Seeing behind the scenes made for some interesting dialog but for the most part, this wasn't a book I NEEDED to read like a lot of the ones I normally read are.
So I was a bit disappointed. Thus the lower rati...more
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updated Mar 08, 2013 10:38am