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Dreamland: An Autobiography
Bob Lazar tells us how the world now knows about Area 51. In Dreamland: An Autobiography, Bob unveils his true, comprehensive, yet highly controversial story about being an insider at the military's most top secret research base and blowing the lid off it all.
Bob Lazar was a brilliant young physicist that found himself employed at a top secret facility in the middle of the desert outside Las Vegas. Under the watchful eye of the government elite, he is tasked with understanding an exotic propulsion system being used by an advanced aerospace vehicle he is told came from outer space.
The stressful work and long, odd hours start to wear on Bob and he becomes concerned for his safety. He tells his wife and a couple close friends about what he's doing in the desert, and his employers find out and are furious. When they station goons outside his house, Bob seeks help from wealthy UFOlogist, John Lear, who encourages Bob to take his story to award-winning investigative journalist George Knapp at KLAS-TV, a CBS affiliate.
To prove he's telling the truth, Bob takes a group of people out into the desert to watch a test flight of the "flying saucer." On the way home, they are stopped by the police, who notify the base, and Bob loses his job. In a series of interviews with CBS TV, Bob Lazar then blows the lid off "Area 51," blows the whistle on the effort to conceal this craft from the American people, and blows up his career as a top physicist.
Bob Lazar's reports have been the subject of intense controversy for decades. He has been interviewed numerous times and his story has been corroborated by other individuals he worked with and who were present when these events happened. But until now, Bob Lazar has never told his own story, in every detail in his own words, about those exciting days in the desert outside of Las Vegas and how the world came to learn about the experiments being conducted at Area 51.
Bob Lazar was a brilliant young physicist that found himself employed at a top secret facility in the middle of the desert outside Las Vegas. Under the watchful eye of the government elite, he is tasked with understanding an exotic propulsion system being used by an advanced aerospace vehicle he is told came from outer space.
The stressful work and long, odd hours start to wear on Bob and he becomes concerned for his safety. He tells his wife and a couple close friends about what he's doing in the desert, and his employers find out and are furious. When they station goons outside his house, Bob seeks help from wealthy UFOlogist, John Lear, who encourages Bob to take his story to award-winning investigative journalist George Knapp at KLAS-TV, a CBS affiliate.
To prove he's telling the truth, Bob takes a group of people out into the desert to watch a test flight of the "flying saucer." On the way home, they are stopped by the police, who notify the base, and Bob loses his job. In a series of interviews with CBS TV, Bob Lazar then blows the lid off "Area 51," blows the whistle on the effort to conceal this craft from the American people, and blows up his career as a top physicist.
Bob Lazar's reports have been the subject of intense controversy for decades. He has been interviewed numerous times and his story has been corroborated by other individuals he worked with and who were present when these events happened. But until now, Bob Lazar has never told his own story, in every detail in his own words, about those exciting days in the desert outside of Las Vegas and how the world came to learn about the experiments being conducted at Area 51.
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First published October 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 9, 2024
This is an interesting read with a caveat - one simply has to understand that Lazal’s Dreamland is fiction, despite his claim of the opposite.
Mind you, it’s one of the better fictions around concerning the matter of UFO conspiracy. Why - well, at first glance Lazar’s physics isn’t implausible; however, there is nothing in his writing that evinces a solid academic knowledge of physics. And there is the matter of integrity and believability; accuse me of the ad hominem fallacy but I still think it matters that educational claims must be verifiable. Sadly, none of the degrees Lazar claims to have received at CALTECH and MIT are verified by said institutions. Alright, governments may influence universities and force them to literally discredit such individuals as Bob Lazar. But this is a review of his book. So let’s talk about contents. There is the matter of scientific depth and detailed knowledge one would expect from a man who was employed by our government to reengineer such incredibly advanced hardware as claimed to exist in his book, whether accumulated with an MS in Physics at a elite university or NOT.
Now, I was hoping for some technological elucidations and new perspectives on theoretical and/or applied science but his work is barely on the level of a hobbyist reader of science literature going science writer who with very limited in-depth knowledge can only convey a simplistic picture of complicated scientific or mathematical concepts to the reader.
Be that as it may, Lazar is probably a smart guy and quite a handyman with some basic amateur knowledge of physics. However considering that much of the incredible alien technology is supposed to be based on element 115 somehow endowed with fantastical panacea-like properties, I am not even able to quip something along the line that Bob Lazar lacks detailed technical knowledge but he sure has a great imagination. Hell, this element 115 sounds just too much like a rebranded element from of a simplistic 50’s pulp era of science fiction story enabling a score of juvenile friends in a corned beef tin can, oversized and beautifully home-made to lift off into space to have some totally awesome galactic adventures.
Bob Lazar’s website as quoted:
...the atomic Element 115 served as a nuclear fuel. Element 115 (temporarily named “ununpentium” (symbol Uup) reportedly provided an energy source which would produce anti-gravity effects under proton bombardment, along with antimatter for energy production. As the intense strong nuclear force field of Element 115’s nucleus would be properly amplified, the resulting large-scale gravitational effect would be a distortion or warp of space-time that would, in effect, greatly shorten the distance and travel time to a destination.
He writes an interesting yarn (I call it a yarn because if his physics would work he would write a thesis and receive the Nobel-prize for it, instead of writing merely a popular book) that when it comes to his personal life is perhaps partly true. All in all, a good read but the truth and nothing but the truth - you may not find in there.
Mind you, it’s one of the better fictions around concerning the matter of UFO conspiracy. Why - well, at first glance Lazar’s physics isn’t implausible; however, there is nothing in his writing that evinces a solid academic knowledge of physics. And there is the matter of integrity and believability; accuse me of the ad hominem fallacy but I still think it matters that educational claims must be verifiable. Sadly, none of the degrees Lazar claims to have received at CALTECH and MIT are verified by said institutions. Alright, governments may influence universities and force them to literally discredit such individuals as Bob Lazar. But this is a review of his book. So let’s talk about contents. There is the matter of scientific depth and detailed knowledge one would expect from a man who was employed by our government to reengineer such incredibly advanced hardware as claimed to exist in his book, whether accumulated with an MS in Physics at a elite university or NOT.
Now, I was hoping for some technological elucidations and new perspectives on theoretical and/or applied science but his work is barely on the level of a hobbyist reader of science literature going science writer who with very limited in-depth knowledge can only convey a simplistic picture of complicated scientific or mathematical concepts to the reader.
Be that as it may, Lazar is probably a smart guy and quite a handyman with some basic amateur knowledge of physics. However considering that much of the incredible alien technology is supposed to be based on element 115 somehow endowed with fantastical panacea-like properties, I am not even able to quip something along the line that Bob Lazar lacks detailed technical knowledge but he sure has a great imagination. Hell, this element 115 sounds just too much like a rebranded element from of a simplistic 50’s pulp era of science fiction story enabling a score of juvenile friends in a corned beef tin can, oversized and beautifully home-made to lift off into space to have some totally awesome galactic adventures.
Bob Lazar’s website as quoted:
...the atomic Element 115 served as a nuclear fuel. Element 115 (temporarily named “ununpentium” (symbol Uup) reportedly provided an energy source which would produce anti-gravity effects under proton bombardment, along with antimatter for energy production. As the intense strong nuclear force field of Element 115’s nucleus would be properly amplified, the resulting large-scale gravitational effect would be a distortion or warp of space-time that would, in effect, greatly shorten the distance and travel time to a destination.
He writes an interesting yarn (I call it a yarn because if his physics would work he would write a thesis and receive the Nobel-prize for it, instead of writing merely a popular book) that when it comes to his personal life is perhaps partly true. All in all, a good read but the truth and nothing but the truth - you may not find in there.
November 3, 2019
Well if Lazar is lying, he's a wonderfully consistent liar with one heck of an active imagination. I don't know if everything he recounts here is 100% the whole truth, but I think he's stating what he saw as accurately as he can.
Want to read
March 14, 2024
He's a physicist who worked in Los Alamos, but also in a site (near Area 51) called S-4. In that site he had the chance of "working" (making experiments) with an alien spacecraft, whose composition he still doesn't know if of metal or ceramics. Inside the ship there was space for little creatures (but not quite for humans), and hardly any instrumentation of earth-like nature. On the outside you could not really touch the craft as there was a field (anti-gravity?) surrounding it. But he saw a total of 9 ships.
As he broke the accord of telling none about the nature of his work he was expelled from the site. And those above him took care of damaging Bob Lazar's life in several ways.
Amazing story.
https://medium.com/timematters/inside...
November 15, 2020
Since recent declassified documents revealed that Bob Lazar has been telling the truth all these years, I decided to read this book with a fresh eye on the alien/area-51 conspiracy. Wow. I want to know more, but I'm not sure we ever will.
This book needed editing horribly. And if not for the interesting subject matter, I would have put it down. In fact, I did for a week or so, but once I reached the portion of the book that spoke of his work at area-51, I was compelled to press on.
Bob Lazar, if you read this, I edit for a fair price and this manuscript deserves to be in better shape for your readers.
This book needed editing horribly. And if not for the interesting subject matter, I would have put it down. In fact, I did for a week or so, but once I reached the portion of the book that spoke of his work at area-51, I was compelled to press on.
Bob Lazar, if you read this, I edit for a fair price and this manuscript deserves to be in better shape for your readers.
November 9, 2019
Bob Lazar is a fraud.
http://www.stantonfriedman.com/index....
http://www.stantonfriedman.com/index....
June 11, 2024
Never have I ever wanted a story to be true as strongly as I do with this one.
Bob Lazar is the reason area-51 made it into popular culture, and recently reached mainstream news through a Facebook post with users planning to raid the location. Lazar also guested the Joe Rogan podcast and told his story there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEWz4...
The document above shows he was stationed at the United States Department of Naval Intelligence in Nevada. Lazar tells us he walked at a location called S-4, where he claims to have worked on extraterrestrial technology, apparently being hidden away in the desert by the US military. He claims to have worked on a generator of sorts, that had anti-gravity technology, something no nation on earth knows how to make. Furthermore he claims to have been shown the actual spacecraft in one of the hangars, which according to Lazar was unlike anything he imagined he would see in his life. Being shown this solidified his belief that was actually working on non-human technology. He describes the object as being uniform in its construction, without visible seams or of discrete parts, as being wholly one, as integrated and needing no fueld to power itself.
Ordinarily one would dismiss such extraordinary claims rather quickly. However, Lazar told us about a sort of hand-scanner that he used while working there, which could see individual differences in the bone structure of hands. This apparatus has later been confirmed and shown to the public, partly confirming some of Lazar's story. Due to personal issues having to do with his wife, Lazar did not get the clearance he needed to keep working on the project.
He further tells us that he got followed by agents in the weeks after being dismissed from the project, waiting in cars outside his house and searching his car without him being there. In need of telling somebody of what he'd seen, Lazar decided to bring some friends into the dessert to watch the tesing of one of the flying objects in 1989. Apparantly shown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufPIH...
While the actuality of there being UFO's in the video remains unclear, it at least confirms that Lazar knew something about the place and time in wich the Navy would be having test flights.
After the recent confirmation from US navy that they did indeed discover unidentified flying objects during military training in 2004, and furthermore that the nature and behaviour of said objects align with the describtion og Lazar, makes the story very juicy.
Speculating into how this could possibly be so is also a stimulating exercise. Imagine if humanity actually are in possession of alien technology. How could this possibly be hidden for so long? After all, Lazar came out in the 80s, and the project was according to him, not new at that point. As Lazar says himself, the reality of the technolog he saw would constitue an enourmous paradigm shift in the way we think of ourselves. Furthermore, having control over technology like anti-gravity would make you very powerful. The implications for society can hardly be imagined.. Maybe deciding to not disclose it to the public is indeed wise.
Simultaneously, maybe this is all a very well done smokescreen? Maybe Lazar is a lying psychopath? (in which case I would be very impressed nonetheless) It remains to be seen, at least it is a very intriguing read.
March 21, 2020
"The thing was producing a controllable form of intense gravity."
April 23, 2022
The truth is out there.. 👽
October 8, 2019
I was 4 in 1989, so I was not tracking this story. The forward seems almost as long as the story itself, it was an interesting read for sure. I don't normally post reviews, but this book is new this month and figured some ratings would help others check it out.
Slight spoilers ahead. (It isn't a murder mystery)
A scientist claims he works at Area 51 and he worked on a propulsion system from an alien spaceship. The information he presents seems logical and he clearly believes what he says. The fact he so quickly moved from don't tell anyone to tell everyone is very strange to me. It is a great stepping off point I think if you want to believe (think X-files). The story is interesting and not crazy long give it a read.
Bonus fun fact, he drove a Datsun 280z, those are awesome cars.
Slight spoilers ahead. (It isn't a murder mystery)
A scientist claims he works at Area 51 and he worked on a propulsion system from an alien spaceship. The information he presents seems logical and he clearly believes what he says. The fact he so quickly moved from don't tell anyone to tell everyone is very strange to me. It is a great stepping off point I think if you want to believe (think X-files). The story is interesting and not crazy long give it a read.
Bonus fun fact, he drove a Datsun 280z, those are awesome cars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
There is no way that the government is going to allow an employee who doesn't yet have a completed security check work on possibly the most advanced technology known to man. So no I don't believe the "story" being told here. That being said it makes a fun novel-like read.
August 4, 2020
Oh man! The biggest mystery yet revealed is why GoodReads refused to allow me to add this book to my read list without a glitch. As for the book...what a let down. After 27 years of a world-changing secret finally revealed in book form, I was expecting to be floored. The "autobiography" starts with a foreword by George Knapp, who is actually an award-winning investigative journalist (although he also tends to dabble in conspiracy circles), and he immediately states his concerns about the authenticity of Lazar's story based on his team's investigation into Lazar's background which fails to turn up a whole lot. Lazar claims to have worked at Los Alamos and takes Knapp there to "meet his people and tour the facility"; however, very little is gleaned from this event except that Knapp states, "well...they wouldn't let just anyone without a college degree work there so I suppose he must have some form of higher education." Hmmm...a janitor probably doesn't need a college degree to work at Los Alamos. Someone in the cafeteria. Probably not. Just saying...there's numerous scenarios in that statement that don't jive. No worries. I'll let Lazar clear it up in the book.
Uh...Lazar breaks down his supposed "education" and his numerous “degrees” at MIT & Cal Tech in about three sentences. Something along the lines of "then I went to Cal Tech." Oh yeah, and "then I went to MIT." Okay. When Knapp tried to verify these claims he was told by both institutions that they'd never heard of the guy and he had not attended either university. Well...shit. I was thinking Lazar would clear things up. Even with a more detailed account of his college years. I have a doctorate and everyone I know who has a doctorate would be able to verify numerous pieces of evidence (even if they were circumstantial pieces of evidence) such as I studied under "so and so". My advisor was "so and so". Or heaven forbid...here's a copy of my diploma. Lazar has none of this information. He is not able to produce a diploma. He can't name an advisor, mentor, or a fellow student he went to university with, all of which makes his tale highly improbable. He devotes one line late in the book to this conundrum. The secret forces I'm "exposing" erased my background and my past. Uh...sure...sure...sounds real believable. Evidence of Lazar's education comes to one possible Associates Degree in Electronics at a Junior College, which is perfectly fine, perhaps that's enough to get you into Los Alamos doing some sort of tech work for a contractor. There's also some evidence that Lazar is a hobbyist in rocketry. He built a rocket for his car and was interviewed about it in the paper. He played with chemistry sets and rockets as a child. Alas, none of that likely gets you into a research opportunity within the government "evaluating an alien propulsion system" at Area 51. And as for his credentials in Physics, a doctorate from MIT with an undergrad at CAL Tech; Bupkis. Oh well, I slog on.
Maybe his story of being inside Area 51 and Section S4 will be amazing and explain so much. If that's what you're hoping for you'll be sorely disappointed. Lazar apparently works for a contractor in the story and is called in to work at night (even though this is a secured government facility) and he's also called in at odd hours and intermittently. He has several meetings which contain zero dialogue, he's dropped a plethora of paperwork (on day 1) stating he's to research an "alien propulsion system", he takes his friends out to see "lights in the desert", and all of this takes place before he's even been vetted or reached security clearance. Uh...headscratcher. It's on something like day 2 or 3 when he's shown an alien spacecraft and touches it (again with no security clearance), and he works with several people who cannot be verified to exist. The question came up to me: why do they even have this guy working on this problem? Apparently by report the government is ultra secret about this project, only Lazar and one other mystery person are slated to evaluate this "alien propulsion system". Everything is broken down into separate and non-communicating sections in the project, which as everyone who does research knows is the "most efficient" way to expand knowledge? Lazar comes across as out of his depth. His experiments with the "system" which is just an unremarkable tube of metal consists of shooting and floating golf balls and observing the "wavy" nature of his vision in the center of the tube. Lazar states this system runs on a mysterious "substance" yet undiscovered and ultimately unknown which there is no evidence for. (So much of this hoax autobiography has been erased from my memory, but I seem to remember an episode where he steals a piece of this "substance" and takes it home). However, maybe that's me filling in the gaps because couldn't that be presented as evidence? Anyway, the "propulsion system" is anti-gravity and Bob can't figure it out. All of which isn't very surprising since his previous employment up to this point is developing photographs. I can see him as the photo tech behind the developing machine at Walgreens. It's all very Cloak and Dagger. Unfortunately it's all extremely implausible and unconvincing, even down to the threats against his life and the meetings with government officials about his choice to "expose" the truth. The clincher is Lazar is also never paid for his work. He claims he worked at this institution and only received one paycheck months later. Come on...
If you want a short summation, all the incredible incites and explanations I was expecting were missing and the "autobiography" read as inauthentic. As an aside, if you're looking for credibility then someone needs to edit the book. It is rife with misspellings, grammatical errors, transpositions, and typos which didn't add any gravity to the story. Terrible read.
Uh...Lazar breaks down his supposed "education" and his numerous “degrees” at MIT & Cal Tech in about three sentences. Something along the lines of "then I went to Cal Tech." Oh yeah, and "then I went to MIT." Okay. When Knapp tried to verify these claims he was told by both institutions that they'd never heard of the guy and he had not attended either university. Well...shit. I was thinking Lazar would clear things up. Even with a more detailed account of his college years. I have a doctorate and everyone I know who has a doctorate would be able to verify numerous pieces of evidence (even if they were circumstantial pieces of evidence) such as I studied under "so and so". My advisor was "so and so". Or heaven forbid...here's a copy of my diploma. Lazar has none of this information. He is not able to produce a diploma. He can't name an advisor, mentor, or a fellow student he went to university with, all of which makes his tale highly improbable. He devotes one line late in the book to this conundrum. The secret forces I'm "exposing" erased my background and my past. Uh...sure...sure...sounds real believable. Evidence of Lazar's education comes to one possible Associates Degree in Electronics at a Junior College, which is perfectly fine, perhaps that's enough to get you into Los Alamos doing some sort of tech work for a contractor. There's also some evidence that Lazar is a hobbyist in rocketry. He built a rocket for his car and was interviewed about it in the paper. He played with chemistry sets and rockets as a child. Alas, none of that likely gets you into a research opportunity within the government "evaluating an alien propulsion system" at Area 51. And as for his credentials in Physics, a doctorate from MIT with an undergrad at CAL Tech; Bupkis. Oh well, I slog on.
Maybe his story of being inside Area 51 and Section S4 will be amazing and explain so much. If that's what you're hoping for you'll be sorely disappointed. Lazar apparently works for a contractor in the story and is called in to work at night (even though this is a secured government facility) and he's also called in at odd hours and intermittently. He has several meetings which contain zero dialogue, he's dropped a plethora of paperwork (on day 1) stating he's to research an "alien propulsion system", he takes his friends out to see "lights in the desert", and all of this takes place before he's even been vetted or reached security clearance. Uh...headscratcher. It's on something like day 2 or 3 when he's shown an alien spacecraft and touches it (again with no security clearance), and he works with several people who cannot be verified to exist. The question came up to me: why do they even have this guy working on this problem? Apparently by report the government is ultra secret about this project, only Lazar and one other mystery person are slated to evaluate this "alien propulsion system". Everything is broken down into separate and non-communicating sections in the project, which as everyone who does research knows is the "most efficient" way to expand knowledge? Lazar comes across as out of his depth. His experiments with the "system" which is just an unremarkable tube of metal consists of shooting and floating golf balls and observing the "wavy" nature of his vision in the center of the tube. Lazar states this system runs on a mysterious "substance" yet undiscovered and ultimately unknown which there is no evidence for. (So much of this hoax autobiography has been erased from my memory, but I seem to remember an episode where he steals a piece of this "substance" and takes it home). However, maybe that's me filling in the gaps because couldn't that be presented as evidence? Anyway, the "propulsion system" is anti-gravity and Bob can't figure it out. All of which isn't very surprising since his previous employment up to this point is developing photographs. I can see him as the photo tech behind the developing machine at Walgreens. It's all very Cloak and Dagger. Unfortunately it's all extremely implausible and unconvincing, even down to the threats against his life and the meetings with government officials about his choice to "expose" the truth. The clincher is Lazar is also never paid for his work. He claims he worked at this institution and only received one paycheck months later. Come on...
If you want a short summation, all the incredible incites and explanations I was expecting were missing and the "autobiography" read as inauthentic. As an aside, if you're looking for credibility then someone needs to edit the book. It is rife with misspellings, grammatical errors, transpositions, and typos which didn't add any gravity to the story. Terrible read.
August 24, 2021
In 1989, Bob Lazar began claiming to have been involved in efforts to reverse-engineer alien technology at Area 51. Although he presented no evidence to corroborate his story (despite claiming to have it), Lazar's tale captured the imagination of people interested in ufology and paranormal phenomena, revived a number of the motifs originated by Betty and Barney Hill (
The Interrupted Journey
), and set the framework for Philip Corso's later -- and considerably more insane --
The Day After Roswell
. Like the Hills, Lazar kept his story relatively grounded. He wasn't the valiant hero on the frontline that Corso was, but a simple physicist who blew the whistle on what he'd seen after being ghosted by his government handlers and beginning to fear for his safety.
Needless to say, Lazar's story didn't exactly pan out. His education and employment history didn't match his claims. Investigators looking into his background might even have been forgiven for thinking he was the simple photoprocessor with dreams of grandeur that he appeared to be. Not so, Lazar insisted. His past had been erased by the government with the kind of ruthless efficiency that the American taxpayer would probably like to see more of. To make matters worse, Lazar was implicated in a prostitution ring around the time his star was taking off, and he's had more trouble with the law since. Some might interpret that as evidence of a conspiracy against him. Others, including ufologist Stanton T. Friedman, concluded that Lazar was/is a fraud.
As someone who definitely agrees with the opinion that Lazar is a fantasist, I'll concede that I still enjoyed his book. In many ways it reads like scaled-down sci-fi pulp, complete with the requisite bad dialogue. There's some comedy in the way Lazar psychs himself out over the course of the narrative, squandering a lucrative opportunity to work on revolutionary technology because he got his feelings hurt then started getting scared that knowing too much made him a prime target for assassination. Anyway, it was nice that he roped his friends into that. Good story. Didn't believe a word of it.
Needless to say, Lazar's story didn't exactly pan out. His education and employment history didn't match his claims. Investigators looking into his background might even have been forgiven for thinking he was the simple photoprocessor with dreams of grandeur that he appeared to be. Not so, Lazar insisted. His past had been erased by the government with the kind of ruthless efficiency that the American taxpayer would probably like to see more of. To make matters worse, Lazar was implicated in a prostitution ring around the time his star was taking off, and he's had more trouble with the law since. Some might interpret that as evidence of a conspiracy against him. Others, including ufologist Stanton T. Friedman, concluded that Lazar was/is a fraud.
As someone who definitely agrees with the opinion that Lazar is a fantasist, I'll concede that I still enjoyed his book. In many ways it reads like scaled-down sci-fi pulp, complete with the requisite bad dialogue. There's some comedy in the way Lazar psychs himself out over the course of the narrative, squandering a lucrative opportunity to work on revolutionary technology because he got his feelings hurt then started getting scared that knowing too much made him a prime target for assassination. Anyway, it was nice that he roped his friends into that. Good story. Didn't believe a word of it.
August 12, 2019
I haven't read but surely will read this, upon stumbling a documentary, what Bob says can be true and he understands how the technology works if I had to guess, I'm no scholar but I understand the idea of physics mixed with mechanical and electrical engineering. With that being said, I believe the technology from Star Wars could be accomplished, just my opinion. I'm not even a Star Wars fan. It's been a weird Monday....
July 18, 2020
A badly written fantasy novel. Absolute rubbish.
December 5, 2019
If you’re into ufology, it’s well-worth reading. Gives more details than the recent documentary about him. I found it hard to put down, and his story is quite interesting considering the subject matter and its implications. I also appreciated his genuine delivery and his explanation of scientific principles; he would be a great physics teacher. The only problem was beyond his intellect, knowledge, and short-lived experience at S4, there’s not much depth to his character in my opinion. He’s honest about why he primarily came forward, but I don’t understand how he could be so indifferent to gov’t secrecy about such an important discovery for humankind. Or what were his thoughts about the existence of life elsewhere in the universe in childhood, college, nowadays? What does he think about religion or God? I was interested to learn more about him in an autobiography, but it mainly circled around a small point in his life, albeit an otherworldly one.
July 15, 2022
First chapter or two drags on but then he gets to the UFOs. From there I gobbled it up. His description of the briefings, the technology he studied, and the crafts he examined were very engrossing.
Lazar told his stories decades ago and people have debated its veracity from day one. I’ve also watched the documentary and the Joe Rogan interview. Is he telling the truth? Who knows. I do know folks have tried poking holes in his story with little success, but just because you didn’t lie about part of your resume doesn’t mean you went inside a UFO. However, the fact he hasn’t cashed in on his fame either implies he is bad at cashing in or doesn’t want to. Unless ironclad proof comes out to confirm or refute his story, the debate will probably rage on.
Lazar’s story also is firmly in the “UFOs are nuts and bolts crafts from another star system by a different biological species” theory. Interesting how this fits in the ocean of different UFO theories.
Lazar told his stories decades ago and people have debated its veracity from day one. I’ve also watched the documentary and the Joe Rogan interview. Is he telling the truth? Who knows. I do know folks have tried poking holes in his story with little success, but just because you didn’t lie about part of your resume doesn’t mean you went inside a UFO. However, the fact he hasn’t cashed in on his fame either implies he is bad at cashing in or doesn’t want to. Unless ironclad proof comes out to confirm or refute his story, the debate will probably rage on.
Lazar’s story also is firmly in the “UFOs are nuts and bolts crafts from another star system by a different biological species” theory. Interesting how this fits in the ocean of different UFO theories.
November 23, 2019
**audio
For fans of UFO stories this one is right off the pages of true life. Growing up in Las Vegas, Bob Lazar was a well known name in the space stories around town. George Knapp, who has supplied the forward on this story, is still a household name in the news and in big-story reveals. I remember when he had to go off the news and "go into hiding" for the threats on his life, but I digress. This story is about Bob, how he came to work in Las Vegas, how he was recruited to work on a super secret project, what happened when he did dig too deep, and how he became THE name to watch for in the true stories of super secret things being worked on at super secret "don't exist" places in the deserts outside of Las Vegas. If you have any interest, or just find it interesting, this is a good story to start with, and I hear there are new videos and streaming services with even more stories.
For fans of UFO stories this one is right off the pages of true life. Growing up in Las Vegas, Bob Lazar was a well known name in the space stories around town. George Knapp, who has supplied the forward on this story, is still a household name in the news and in big-story reveals. I remember when he had to go off the news and "go into hiding" for the threats on his life, but I digress. This story is about Bob, how he came to work in Las Vegas, how he was recruited to work on a super secret project, what happened when he did dig too deep, and how he became THE name to watch for in the true stories of super secret things being worked on at super secret "don't exist" places in the deserts outside of Las Vegas. If you have any interest, or just find it interesting, this is a good story to start with, and I hear there are new videos and streaming services with even more stories.
May 6, 2020
I have read, watched, and listened to probably everything there is out there on Bob Lazar. I am new to the idea that we actually may have been and currently are being visited by UAP/UFOs, so I’m doing my due diligence. What strikes me is that George Knapp has risked the credibility of his journalistic career to state that he, after checking into Bob’s past careers, education, etc, believes Bob is telling the truth. George is a huge asset to Bob’s story in my opinion. So this book was just another way for me to comb through the details and get the story chronologically straight. Easy read (a few grammatical/spelling errors.). Fascinating story. Highly recommend for anyone interested in learning specifically about alien technology.
September 28, 2023
"Dreamland" is a captivating and controversial book that takes listeners on a mind-bending journey into the world of alleged extraterrestrial technology and government secrecy. Bob Lazar, a former government scientist, offers a firsthand account of his experiences working at Area 51 and S-4, and his alleged involvement with reverse-engineering advanced alien spacecraft.
One of the strengths of the audiobook is Lazar's compelling storytelling. He recounts his experiences with vivid detail, describing his interactions with extraterrestrial technology and the clandestine operations he witnessed at the secretive government facility. Lazar's sincerity and conviction in his accounts make for a gripping and immersive listening experience that will leave listeners questioning the boundaries of what we know.
The book also delves into the scientific and technical aspects of Lazar's claims. He explains the alleged propulsion system of the extraterrestrial craft and the elements involved, providing a level of detail that lends credibility to his story. Lazar's knowledge and expertise in physics enhance the plausibility of his claims and make listeners consider the potential for advanced technology beyond our current understanding.
Moreover, "Dreamland" tackles the challenging topic of government secrecy and the suppression of information. Lazar sheds light on the lengths to which powerful entities may go to hide the truth from the public. He discusses the consequences of such secrecy, including the stifling of scientific progress and the potential benefits that could be derived from the advanced technology he claims to have encountered. This exploration of government secrecy raises thought-provoking ethical and moral questions about the balance between national security and the public's right to know.
The book also touches on the personal toll that Lazar's revelations have taken on his life. He discusses the skepticism and scrutiny he has faced, as well as the attempts to discredit his claims. Lazar's willingness to share his experiences despite the potential backlash demonstrates his conviction in the truth of his story. His vulnerability and openness make him a relatable and sympathetic figure, adding an emotional depth to the book.
However, it is important to note that "Dreamland" has been met with skepticism and criticism from various quarters. Lazar's claims have been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate within the scientific and UFO research communities. Some listeners may find themselves questioning the veracity of his accounts and the lack of corroborating evidence. It is recommended that you approach the book with an open mind while simultaneously considering the available evidence and alternate viewpoints.
In conclusion, "Dreamland" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the realm of alleged extraterrestrial technology and government secrecy. Bob Lazar's firsthand accounts and detailed descriptions of his experiences working at Area 51 and S-4 offer a unique perspective on the potential existence of advanced alien craft. Whether you believe Lazar's claims or approach them with skepticism, "Dreamland" will undoubtedly ignite your curiosity and force you to question the boundaries of what is possible.
One of the strengths of the audiobook is Lazar's compelling storytelling. He recounts his experiences with vivid detail, describing his interactions with extraterrestrial technology and the clandestine operations he witnessed at the secretive government facility. Lazar's sincerity and conviction in his accounts make for a gripping and immersive listening experience that will leave listeners questioning the boundaries of what we know.
The book also delves into the scientific and technical aspects of Lazar's claims. He explains the alleged propulsion system of the extraterrestrial craft and the elements involved, providing a level of detail that lends credibility to his story. Lazar's knowledge and expertise in physics enhance the plausibility of his claims and make listeners consider the potential for advanced technology beyond our current understanding.
Moreover, "Dreamland" tackles the challenging topic of government secrecy and the suppression of information. Lazar sheds light on the lengths to which powerful entities may go to hide the truth from the public. He discusses the consequences of such secrecy, including the stifling of scientific progress and the potential benefits that could be derived from the advanced technology he claims to have encountered. This exploration of government secrecy raises thought-provoking ethical and moral questions about the balance between national security and the public's right to know.
The book also touches on the personal toll that Lazar's revelations have taken on his life. He discusses the skepticism and scrutiny he has faced, as well as the attempts to discredit his claims. Lazar's willingness to share his experiences despite the potential backlash demonstrates his conviction in the truth of his story. His vulnerability and openness make him a relatable and sympathetic figure, adding an emotional depth to the book.
However, it is important to note that "Dreamland" has been met with skepticism and criticism from various quarters. Lazar's claims have been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate within the scientific and UFO research communities. Some listeners may find themselves questioning the veracity of his accounts and the lack of corroborating evidence. It is recommended that you approach the book with an open mind while simultaneously considering the available evidence and alternate viewpoints.
In conclusion, "Dreamland" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the realm of alleged extraterrestrial technology and government secrecy. Bob Lazar's firsthand accounts and detailed descriptions of his experiences working at Area 51 and S-4 offer a unique perspective on the potential existence of advanced alien craft. Whether you believe Lazar's claims or approach them with skepticism, "Dreamland" will undoubtedly ignite your curiosity and force you to question the boundaries of what is possible.
June 13, 2020
Being a lover – but not a believer – of all things UFO, I was excited to see that Bob Lazar had published an autobiography. The book is what I expected, an entertaining story that is in all likeliness partially fiction. Just the fact that Lazar was let in on super sensitive stuff even before receiving clearance seems suspect (although he did have Q clearance already from an earlier job). I'd like to know what someone with stronger knowledge in physics than I have would have to say about the physics-related parts of the book. However, going into the details in the interest of debunking it isn't my main focus in reading this book.
The book is a solid canonization of the Lazar story into modern UFO mythology. The way the story both alludes to earlier mythology and creates new popular myths makes it very interesting reading in this larger context. For example, I find it interesting to note that the alien craft he saw were saucer-shaped, a staple of UFO stories ever since a misunderstanding of one UFO witness' statement to the media years before Lazar told his story. Alien spacecraft being saucer-shaped in popular depictions is the result of one old misquotation, and yet the "true" account of Lazar adheres perfectly to this visual. Another example of him being inspired by older UFO mythology is the name of the special security clearance he is waiting to obtain – "majestic clearance". The name is clearly alluding to the infamous "Majestic-12" documents which even the majority of modern UFO enthusiasts now know to be forgeries.
Lazar's story is also itself the source of the whole concept of Area 51, still widely believed by the UFO community to be a secret facility hiding flying saucers and technology based on them, as described in Lazar's book. This has in itself been the topic of several books since he first went public. All in all, it's all something I like to term "fictional non-fiction", and I was genuinely enjoying this book with that viewpoint. It was also a fun read after having read the first book in Robert Doherty's (Bob Mayer) "Area 51" pulpy action novel series. It even features a character clearly based on Lazar! And so the Lazar legacy lives on and gets incorporated into an ever-growing mythos based on the human dream of space aliens and UFOs on earth.
The book is a solid canonization of the Lazar story into modern UFO mythology. The way the story both alludes to earlier mythology and creates new popular myths makes it very interesting reading in this larger context. For example, I find it interesting to note that the alien craft he saw were saucer-shaped, a staple of UFO stories ever since a misunderstanding of one UFO witness' statement to the media years before Lazar told his story. Alien spacecraft being saucer-shaped in popular depictions is the result of one old misquotation, and yet the "true" account of Lazar adheres perfectly to this visual. Another example of him being inspired by older UFO mythology is the name of the special security clearance he is waiting to obtain – "majestic clearance". The name is clearly alluding to the infamous "Majestic-12" documents which even the majority of modern UFO enthusiasts now know to be forgeries.
Lazar's story is also itself the source of the whole concept of Area 51, still widely believed by the UFO community to be a secret facility hiding flying saucers and technology based on them, as described in Lazar's book. This has in itself been the topic of several books since he first went public. All in all, it's all something I like to term "fictional non-fiction", and I was genuinely enjoying this book with that viewpoint. It was also a fun read after having read the first book in Robert Doherty's (Bob Mayer) "Area 51" pulpy action novel series. It even features a character clearly based on Lazar! And so the Lazar legacy lives on and gets incorporated into an ever-growing mythos based on the human dream of space aliens and UFOs on earth.
September 5, 2025
I saw this on Audible plus and as my husband keeps wanting to go near area 51 and has an interest, I thought i would read it.
I am still a sceptic but it was very well narrated
I am still a sceptic but it was very well narrated
December 23, 2024
Dreamland by Bob Lazar is a fascinating, provocative, and polarizing memoir that invites readers into the enigmatic world of Area 51, UFOs, and secret government projects. Lazar’s name has become synonymous with claims of reverse-engineered alien technology, and this book offers a deeply personal account of his experiences, blending science, mystery, and controversy. As someone approaching this with skepticism but an open mind, I found the book engaging, thought-provoking, and frustrating in equal measure.
Lazar’s story, as told in Dreamland, revolves around his time at S-4, a site near Area 51, where he claims to have worked on alien technology, specifically a spacecraft powered by an element he refers to as Element 115. The narrative is compelling in its detail—descriptions of the craft’s propulsion system, the secrecy surrounding the project, and the methods used to compartmentalize knowledge within government programs. Whether you believe his claims or not, the technical explanations are intriguing and show Lazar’s grasp of scientific concepts, which adds a layer of credibility to his story.
The book shines in its ability to capture the human side of Lazar’s story. His reflections on the personal toll of coming forward—ostracization, government scrutiny, and the relentless attention from both believers and skeptics—make the narrative feel authentic, even if his claims remain unprovable. There’s a vulnerability in how he describes the isolation and danger that came with being thrust into the public eye, which gives the book an emotional depth beyond its sensational subject matter.
That said, Dreamland raises as many questions as it answers. One of the biggest challenges for readers like me—interested but skeptical—is the lack of verifiable evidence. While Lazar provides compelling anecdotes and scientific concepts, much of his story relies on his personal testimony, which makes it difficult to separate fact from speculation. The absence of concrete documentation or corroboration, especially for someone claiming to have been at the center of such a monumental discovery, is a significant hurdle.
Another point of contention is the tone of the book, which sometimes leans into self-justification and frustration with skeptics. While understandable given Lazar’s experiences, this can occasionally detract from the narrative, making it feel defensive rather than exploratory. For a subject as contentious as UFOs and government secrecy, I hoped for a stronger engagement with opposing views, which might have added balance and nuance.
Still, Dreamland succeeds in sparking curiosity and keeping the reader engaged. Lazar’s story has become a cornerstone of modern UFO lore, and his firsthand account is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject. Whether you view him as a whistleblower, a storyteller, or something in between, his narrative challenges our understanding of secrecy, science, and what might lie beyond our current knowledge.
For those approaching this with an open mind, Dreamland is an engaging and thought-provoking read that invites you to consider the possibilities, even as it leaves you grappling with unanswered questions. For skeptics, it may serve more as a cultural artifact than definitive proof of extraterrestrial technology. Either way, it’s a book that demands discussion, which is perhaps its greatest achievement.
Lazar’s story, as told in Dreamland, revolves around his time at S-4, a site near Area 51, where he claims to have worked on alien technology, specifically a spacecraft powered by an element he refers to as Element 115. The narrative is compelling in its detail—descriptions of the craft’s propulsion system, the secrecy surrounding the project, and the methods used to compartmentalize knowledge within government programs. Whether you believe his claims or not, the technical explanations are intriguing and show Lazar’s grasp of scientific concepts, which adds a layer of credibility to his story.
The book shines in its ability to capture the human side of Lazar’s story. His reflections on the personal toll of coming forward—ostracization, government scrutiny, and the relentless attention from both believers and skeptics—make the narrative feel authentic, even if his claims remain unprovable. There’s a vulnerability in how he describes the isolation and danger that came with being thrust into the public eye, which gives the book an emotional depth beyond its sensational subject matter.
That said, Dreamland raises as many questions as it answers. One of the biggest challenges for readers like me—interested but skeptical—is the lack of verifiable evidence. While Lazar provides compelling anecdotes and scientific concepts, much of his story relies on his personal testimony, which makes it difficult to separate fact from speculation. The absence of concrete documentation or corroboration, especially for someone claiming to have been at the center of such a monumental discovery, is a significant hurdle.
Another point of contention is the tone of the book, which sometimes leans into self-justification and frustration with skeptics. While understandable given Lazar’s experiences, this can occasionally detract from the narrative, making it feel defensive rather than exploratory. For a subject as contentious as UFOs and government secrecy, I hoped for a stronger engagement with opposing views, which might have added balance and nuance.
Still, Dreamland succeeds in sparking curiosity and keeping the reader engaged. Lazar’s story has become a cornerstone of modern UFO lore, and his firsthand account is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject. Whether you view him as a whistleblower, a storyteller, or something in between, his narrative challenges our understanding of secrecy, science, and what might lie beyond our current knowledge.
For those approaching this with an open mind, Dreamland is an engaging and thought-provoking read that invites you to consider the possibilities, even as it leaves you grappling with unanswered questions. For skeptics, it may serve more as a cultural artifact than definitive proof of extraterrestrial technology. Either way, it’s a book that demands discussion, which is perhaps its greatest achievement.
January 26, 2021
In the Foreword, Knapp reminds us that this story could be true, and it could not be true. While some might find this to be a turn off, I thought it created a great tone. I went into the rest of the book with an open mind, and left believing Bob Lazar's story. Bob was able to keep me hooked the whole time; I couldn't put the book down.
August 2, 2020
Fascinating insiders story
I enjoyed the book. Bob's life was very different than I'd imagined and he had human struggles like the rest of us. I felt his frustration at how confined and separated he was while working as an engineer at S4. How can anyone do those jobs while not having access to information from colleagues working on parallel technical issues. It reinforces my belief in government ignorance about human thought processes in general.
Bob was essentially too human for those military robotic individuals and he couldn't fit in. Fortunately he was able to bring some disclosure to light and spread the word about ETs having such advanced technology. Thank goodness they do. I would not want Earth humans using any of it because our own species is much too violent. Read the book. It's very interesting.
I enjoyed the book. Bob's life was very different than I'd imagined and he had human struggles like the rest of us. I felt his frustration at how confined and separated he was while working as an engineer at S4. How can anyone do those jobs while not having access to information from colleagues working on parallel technical issues. It reinforces my belief in government ignorance about human thought processes in general.
Bob was essentially too human for those military robotic individuals and he couldn't fit in. Fortunately he was able to bring some disclosure to light and spread the word about ETs having such advanced technology. Thank goodness they do. I would not want Earth humans using any of it because our own species is much too violent. Read the book. It's very interesting.
December 2, 2019
I remember when Bob's amazing story first aired on the news with investigative journalist,George Knapp back in 1989. More anecdotal evidence and corroboration have come out over the past 30 years that seem to support the narrative and vindicate his unbelievable claims. The more I hear from TTSA, and the years of research I've made thru prominent UFO authors such as Richard Dolan, have definitely convinced me that something is going on that is so compartmentalized and of such high secrecy within black budget and special access programs, that we may never know the truth to this multifaceted subject. It seems Bob may have offered us a glimpse, just a tip of the iceberg, as to what's going on in the world of UFO's and the national security state.
October 11, 2021
(I cannot, in good conscience, shelve this book as "non-fiction".)
First, I believe we likely have been visited by extraterrestrial life, but I do not believe the story in this book. Having worked several places that required security clearances, including EG&G and LANL, I cannot believe that Lazar was shown an alien spacecraft *before* he had his clearance. Zero chance that happened. I also do not believe they offered him a handgun to carry, again with no clearance or training . And, the handgun was a .22 -- did EG&G expect him to be attacked by rats? And, finally, there was no mention of what degrees Lazar had. After working 40 years as an engineer, I thought his level of writing sounded more Popular Science than it did an engineer whose job it was to write technical reports.
First, I believe we likely have been visited by extraterrestrial life, but I do not believe the story in this book. Having worked several places that required security clearances, including EG&G and LANL, I cannot believe that Lazar was shown an alien spacecraft *before* he had his clearance. Zero chance that happened. I also do not believe they offered him a handgun to carry, again with no clearance or training . And, the handgun was a .22 -- did EG&G expect him to be attacked by rats? And, finally, there was no mention of what degrees Lazar had. After working 40 years as an engineer, I thought his level of writing sounded more Popular Science than it did an engineer whose job it was to write technical reports.
May 25, 2020
Definative and Unmissable
I was absorbed from cover to cover. I had heard Bob Lazar on Joe Rogan’s podcast and this book added so much more to my understanding of what he worked on, what he went through and his feelings on his rollercoaster life. It also highlights the brutal intransigence and plodding inefficiencies of military institutions paranoid with secrecy. He mentions that what he witnessed is like the shock of Copernicus’ revelations to his contemporaries. I believe it’s a lot bigger.
I was absorbed from cover to cover. I had heard Bob Lazar on Joe Rogan’s podcast and this book added so much more to my understanding of what he worked on, what he went through and his feelings on his rollercoaster life. It also highlights the brutal intransigence and plodding inefficiencies of military institutions paranoid with secrecy. He mentions that what he witnessed is like the shock of Copernicus’ revelations to his contemporaries. I believe it’s a lot bigger.
April 30, 2025
Not exactly as I expected... yes, it's a great story... yes, it starts and end sensibly... yes, aside from alien technology work, it all seems plausible to have happened to a hapless scientist under top-secret government employment... yes, there's only the assumption/expectation by the author that non-human technology was the work. So, for those who love plausible story about possibly true scenarios (rather then elaborate hoax by creative authors)... you'll love it. I, only liked it. I was an easy read and didn't yell out, fabrication.
October 16, 2019
I remember when Bob’s story broke and both he and the things he said seemed unbelievable,especially at that time. Since then, parts of his background the government tried to erase have been shown to be true. Discoveries and technology he talked about have also been brought to the public.
I wish the book was longer and had better editing.
I wish the book was longer and had better editing.
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