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Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter
Truth is stranger than legend . . . and your journey into both begins here.
World adventurer and international monster hunter Josh Gates has careened through nearly 100 countries, investigating frightening myths, chilling cryptozoological legends, and terrifying paranormal phenomena. Now, he invites fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at these breathtaking expeditions.
Follow Gates from the inception of the groundbreaking hit show (at the summit of Kilimanjaro) to his hair-raising encounters with dangerous creatures in the most treacherous locations on earth. Among his many adventures, he unearths the flesh-crawling reality of the Mongolian Death Worm, challenges an ancient curse by spending the night in King Tut’s tomb, descends into a centuries-old mine to search for an alien entity in subterranean darkness, pursues ghosts in the radioactive shadow of Chernobyl, and explores sightings of Bigfoot from the leech-infested rain forests of Malaysia to the dizzying heights of the Himalayas.
Part journey into the unexplained, part hilarious travelogue, part fascinating look at the making of a reality-based TV show—and featuring never-before-published photographs— this Destination Truth companion takes readers on the supernatural expedition of a lifetime.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2011
219 people are currently reading
1923 people want to read
About the author
Josh Gates
2 books135 followersJosh Gates is an adventurer, explorer, television presenter, television producer, and author. He is the host and executive producer of the series, Expedition Unknown. For five years, he co-executive produced the hit Syfy Channel series, Destination Truth were he investigated unexplained phenomena around the world. He has degrees in archaeology and drama from Tufts University.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
November 3, 2011
Yes, this is a book written by the host of the Syfy show Destination Truth and yes, it does give you a behind the scenes look at the unique challenges that Josh and his crew face. However, if that is all a reader gleans from this memoir, then I would suggest a re-read, as you've missed the most important part.
Josh is an adventure traveler and one of a small percentage of people that truly understands the importance of exploring the world in all of it's beauty and wickedness. Not merely traveling TO a destination, but more times than not, taking the beaten, rarely used path, and finding out what a place and it's people are really about. He urges people to climb out of their comfort zone, stop bitching about the miracle of air travel, and do a little exploring of their own. As someone who considers themselves a traveler (and not a tourist), I couldn't agree more. Sometimes you find the greatest memories in the most unexpected places.
Also, Chapter 14 should be required reading for anyone wishing to leave the country. It should honestly be attached to every newly issued passport.
Josh is an adventure traveler and one of a small percentage of people that truly understands the importance of exploring the world in all of it's beauty and wickedness. Not merely traveling TO a destination, but more times than not, taking the beaten, rarely used path, and finding out what a place and it's people are really about. He urges people to climb out of their comfort zone, stop bitching about the miracle of air travel, and do a little exploring of their own. As someone who considers themselves a traveler (and not a tourist), I couldn't agree more. Sometimes you find the greatest memories in the most unexpected places.
Also, Chapter 14 should be required reading for anyone wishing to leave the country. It should honestly be attached to every newly issued passport.
January 1, 2012
I picked this book up for two reasons: I am a fan of the show Destination Truth and it is this month's selection for a reading group to which I belong. I anticipated it being nothing more than a regurgitation of the episodes I've seen on TV, but that assumption was way off mark.
Anyone who has ever experienced even a fleeting moment of wanderlust should read this book. Gates takes the reader along on some amazing journeys, but he also provides some important lessons about the difference between being a tourist and being a traveler and reminds us that no matter how far we wander, there's no place like home.
Gates' writing style is conversational, well-informed, intelligent, and witty. He doesn't shy away from poking fun at his own insecurities, nor does he gloss over the seedier side of world travel. Still, he manages to relate the awe and amazement one experiences on seeing the wonders of the world - both great and small. His personal interactions with both ordinary and important citizens of the world are illuminating, entertaining, and often thrilling.
Buy the book. You won't regret reading it.
Anyone who has ever experienced even a fleeting moment of wanderlust should read this book. Gates takes the reader along on some amazing journeys, but he also provides some important lessons about the difference between being a tourist and being a traveler and reminds us that no matter how far we wander, there's no place like home.
Gates' writing style is conversational, well-informed, intelligent, and witty. He doesn't shy away from poking fun at his own insecurities, nor does he gloss over the seedier side of world travel. Still, he manages to relate the awe and amazement one experiences on seeing the wonders of the world - both great and small. His personal interactions with both ordinary and important citizens of the world are illuminating, entertaining, and often thrilling.
Buy the book. You won't regret reading it.
November 23, 2011
Anyone who talks to me for more than five minutes knows that I love Josh Gates, I love Destination Truth, and I fangirled so hard when I heard this was coming out. (Hell, I Preordered it at B&N.) It really didn't let me down. Gates writes about various explorations that they've done, and things that have gone wrong, and things that have gone so very right. Gates was a photographer before he started working on this show, and it's demonstrated here. He's got a way with words and setting the scene that you can feel as though you're there. He writes very much the way he speaks, sarcastic and snarky with a lot of intelligence. He encourages people to get out there and travel and get lost in a new city and just go explore. Plus, he mentions Tacoma twice. Which makes me fangirl so hard, because yeah...that's like right where I live. >.> I know. Fangirl.
Overall If you like the show, sarcastic, witty narration, or just like the idea of 'monster hunting' read it.
Overall If you like the show, sarcastic, witty narration, or just like the idea of 'monster hunting' read it.
November 14, 2011
so, way back in the day when I was graduating from college my mom offered to take me to spain to celebrate. Now I didn't think it would actually happen because it wasn't the first time an offer had been made. But later I found out my stepfather had offered to pay, but he didn't want to go to spain. I offered some other options ireland, italy, you know europe. It turned out he was offering backpacking in indonesia. My response... "I don't sleep on the ground". Yeah I know people are suppose to like backpacking, I like beds and showers and countries where I can speak the language. I figured my graduation my present, it seemed weird to insist on taking me to a country I'd never expressed any interest in, and well that was the outcome. I still don't have a passport, I've still never left the country, and the last time I went camping I was in high school and I was hooking up with a guy. Basically I am not now and will never be a monster hunter. that's why I read books like this. I find the monsters fascinating. I want to know if yetis exist and I would really like josh gates to do the leg work for me. I love this book because it's not really about truth at least not western truth. It's about the fact monsters exist in cultures where truth isn't quite the same as it is here. in places where a monster can exist without existing. what we are seeing is artifacts, truths that run deeper than surface level science. There is a reason that monsters exist and here in america we don't always remember that since we know there is nothing under the bed, but it doesn't change it.
October 30, 2011
If you've ever seen the popular show, Destination Truth, on Syfy, you know what this show is all about. A man (Josh Gates) and his team travel throughout the world in search of the crytozoological and paranormal. And if you've watched the show, you know it's not just about finding the unexplained, it's about the meeting of cultures and beliefs, finding reality within the myth, and Josh Gates traveling the world as he falls, fumbles, and cusses at the always-failing broken-down transportation.
Written by Josh Gates, this book isn't filled with his early life. You will get a glimpse of what made him who he is but this story starts with the inception and creation of the show, Destination truth. You will get a behind the camera's look at his adventures with the show (and trust me, there's a lot you don't see – they film for days or weeks in foreign countries, just to come back and condense it into a 30-60 minute showing) and boy does this man have adventures to tell! Not only is this an excellent travelogue but it is hilarious. Gates is constantly adding in his sarcasm and humor that I find so endearing in the show. He also goes more into depth with his thoughts on the creatures he has been sent off in search of.
If you're looking for the exciting tell-all of this man's life before the show, you're not going to find it. But if you have enjoyed the fun and excitement that this show has offered for 4 seasons, there is no doubt that you will also enjoy this book.
Written by Josh Gates, this book isn't filled with his early life. You will get a glimpse of what made him who he is but this story starts with the inception and creation of the show, Destination truth. You will get a behind the camera's look at his adventures with the show (and trust me, there's a lot you don't see – they film for days or weeks in foreign countries, just to come back and condense it into a 30-60 minute showing) and boy does this man have adventures to tell! Not only is this an excellent travelogue but it is hilarious. Gates is constantly adding in his sarcasm and humor that I find so endearing in the show. He also goes more into depth with his thoughts on the creatures he has been sent off in search of.
If you're looking for the exciting tell-all of this man's life before the show, you're not going to find it. But if you have enjoyed the fun and excitement that this show has offered for 4 seasons, there is no doubt that you will also enjoy this book.
May 24, 2014
I've watched all five seasons of Destination Truth, and whilst I loved the monster hunting element, I soon came to realise that what I really looked forward to in an episode was the narration of the host, Josh Gates.
So you can imagine how excited I was when I logged into Facebook one morning and caught a glimpse of this cover. He'd written a book about his adventures on the show back in 2011; I bought it off Amazon without a second thought.
The book arrived a few weeks later (due to being in Australia, everything takes a million years to cross the seas), and I dove right in. My hopes were answered; he was as good a writer as he was a host. This book is brilliantly written, and my only gripe is that it is too brief. You better keep writing, Mr Gates!
I recommend this to anyone who loves travel and foreign countries. I'm making my sceptical partner read it too, because the book focusses on the destinations and the people rather than the monsters. So now I'm surpressing the urge to take off into the desert right now, and instead forcing myself to wait for Italy next year (can't wait!!)
Fantastic read, easily achieved five stars. Perfect for anytime of day or frame of mind.
Great work, Josh!!
So you can imagine how excited I was when I logged into Facebook one morning and caught a glimpse of this cover. He'd written a book about his adventures on the show back in 2011; I bought it off Amazon without a second thought.
The book arrived a few weeks later (due to being in Australia, everything takes a million years to cross the seas), and I dove right in. My hopes were answered; he was as good a writer as he was a host. This book is brilliantly written, and my only gripe is that it is too brief. You better keep writing, Mr Gates!
I recommend this to anyone who loves travel and foreign countries. I'm making my sceptical partner read it too, because the book focusses on the destinations and the people rather than the monsters. So now I'm surpressing the urge to take off into the desert right now, and instead forcing myself to wait for Italy next year (can't wait!!)
Fantastic read, easily achieved five stars. Perfect for anytime of day or frame of mind.
Great work, Josh!!
May 23, 2020
2020 bk 171. What a fun read. Josh Gates brings a refreshing point of view to television and to this memoir of his days as host of Destination Truth. His enthusiasm generates interest in subjects I would not normally be interested in, say, Giant Worms. I have read many books on cryptids and cryptid hunters (had to as a middle school librarian one does not want to look not in the know to 11-14 year old science geeks). Yes, many more people know Josh as the treasure seeking, ancient world archaeology host of Expedition Unknown - they need to take a look at the younger Josh and what it takes to create his shows. A fun read and not really scary (did you say bats?)
July 8, 2016
To say that this book was amazing and inspiring to me would be a very big understatement. I originally picked up this book because I am a huge fan of Josh Gates and the Destination Truth show, but I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is.
This book is not just about the creatures the Destination Truth team studies and looks for, hunts shall we say but also about how lazy we've come, how obsessed with safety we are and how little we are willing to take an adventure as North Americans. It inspired me to travel and I think I will be widening the list of places I want to know now, largely in part to the way that they are described in this book.
Josh's written voice is just as amusing as the voice-overs he does for his own TV show.
So thanks Josh, I think I'm going to pull out a globe and decide where to go on my next adventure.
This book is not just about the creatures the Destination Truth team studies and looks for, hunts shall we say but also about how lazy we've come, how obsessed with safety we are and how little we are willing to take an adventure as North Americans. It inspired me to travel and I think I will be widening the list of places I want to know now, largely in part to the way that they are described in this book.
Josh's written voice is just as amusing as the voice-overs he does for his own TV show.
So thanks Josh, I think I'm going to pull out a globe and decide where to go on my next adventure.
May 7, 2012
Its evident that Josh Gates is not only well versed in the Legends he hunts but also in life in general. His quick witty one liners that make the show so appealing, transfer straight across to the pages of his book. I was also very impressed with the level of writing that Josh has seemingly produced on his own accord with out the help of a co-author. Another point of interest was the fact the instead of recanting the first season of Destination Truth, like other in the same field have done, he instead chose a few episodes through out the shows four seasons and reminisced about them. Gates also brought in personal stories of his own adventures, reliving his nightmare of a trip to Mexico with his childhood friend,or his hike to the top of Kilimanjaro. All and all a great read for not only Destination Truth fans, but for others who have never watched the show as well.
December 19, 2023
That was unexpected. I was obsessed with Destination Truth and love that we continue to have Josh on Expedition Unknown. I enjoy when he makes an appearance on Expedition X as I do miss the monster hunting days. So I was pretty excited to see this in my local library. And there is a lot of great behind the scenes for DT and the chaos of creating a show like that. But wow. This kind of ruined Josh for me. He's very likeable on TV and seems like a funny nice guy. The way he talks in this just kind of bummed me out. I lost track of times he talked about underwear models, and the way he talked about people being very fat and describing others as transvestites and whores. I kept thinking this must have been written quite a while ago, but it was 2011. Obviously we see a curated version of people on TV and social media. This was just kind of disappointing for me.
October 14, 2011
I have been a long time fan of Destination Truth and was so happy when I bought this book. The enter time I'm reading it I can hear Josh's voice in my head and picture exactly what is going on. It's more then just a companion book to the show like he says; it's so much more. I have to say that by far the best chapters I've read are Ch.11: Worst. Vacation. Ever. for its hilarity at his misfortune, and Ch.15: Chernobyl; I wanted to cry throughout this entire chapter.
Even if you don't watch the show this is an excellent book none the less.
So pick up a copy and start reading, and start looking for the truth
Even if you don't watch the show this is an excellent book none the less.
So pick up a copy and start reading, and start looking for the truth
April 25, 2020
If you’re a fan of Josh Gates and his TV shows you will enjoy this book a lot.
November 27, 2024
As a fan of Destination Truth, I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. It is written in the same voice familiar from the show. Much of this is behind-the-scenes looks at various episodes including the first one which was undertaken without full knowledge of logistics for a show like this. There is a lot of humor in this book but also some harrowing experiences that could have proved fatal. The book ends on a note of pathos as he philosophizes about the importance of home as well as the beauty of travel and experiencing other cultures. This book was both entertaining and inspiring. It made me want to set out on my own adventure.
July 31, 2018
I am a HUGE fan of Destination Truth. One of my favorite shows, ever. I still am watching reruns. Josh Gates is my favorite TV host. I have fell in love with travel and cryptozoology through him. This book goes behind the scenes on some of the expeditions. It also gives some much missed details that I am so glad I now know. Also, this is my first non fiction novel. I’m proud to say it is my first. I hope he writes about more of his travels and experiences in the future.
June 9, 2024
As a long time viewer of Expedition Unknown, I was familiar with Josh Gates. My family went to his show when he was in town. I've been a fan of the show, him, and travel in general.
Reading about his early adventures on Destination Truth was like watching an episode in my head. I could hear Josh's voice the whole time. His chapter on the worst vacation ever had me laughing out loud. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of him, the shows, or travel. It's a light read with lots of moments that make you laugh, learn, or just say "hell, no."
Reading about his early adventures on Destination Truth was like watching an episode in my head. I could hear Josh's voice the whole time. His chapter on the worst vacation ever had me laughing out loud. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of him, the shows, or travel. It's a light read with lots of moments that make you laugh, learn, or just say "hell, no."
July 29, 2017
Fascinating Travel Channel TV show and a terrific book. Josh Gates is smart, funny and cute and this book gives great insight into behind the scenes incidents. Josh is an excellent storyteller on TV and on paper.
May 2, 2021
4.5 but I rounded up because I love this show. I really loved the extra behind the scenes information on some of the ever first episodes. I did enjoy Josh’s side notes regarding travel but I feel like that could have been a whole separate book. Hoping for a book on his new shows as well!
September 17, 2019
Amazing book! If you are a fan of Destination Truth you will love this book! I could actually hear his voice as I was reading it. Great book!! ❤📚
September 11, 2017
A super fun, really exciting, very funny read.
August 25, 2021
A must read for fans of Josh Gates, Destination Truth, cryptozoology, and anyone who loves a good travel memoir. His writing style is similar to Anthony Bourdain, if Bourdain had a more jovial + classic New England childhood.
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July 7, 2018I love Destination Truth, I love Josh Gates, and I loved this book! Josh is hilarious and i love hearing about all of the places he's visited and crazy things that happened while making the show. He also shares a few stories from his personal life and how he got the job on Destination Truth. He offers a lot on great insight and advice about traveling abroad, and I actually feel like I learned a lot about how to be a better traveller from this book. I highly recommend this book to fans of Josh, his shows, or travel and adventure.
May 31, 2025
Adore Josh Gates and have been watching him since I was a teen. Loved getting a deeper dive into his adventures but felt like there were so many parts that felt problematic and extremely cringe to read. Hated the chapter where he gives “travel tips” and just comes across as a douche bag. I get where he’s coming from but I felt there was a better way to go about it. Also each time he refers to women he has to throw in a comment about their appearance which just feels icky. Kinda disappointed by this one. I’m hoping he comes out with another book after his decade of experience with expedition unknown. I think it could be a lot better than this.
April 27, 2024
This was a hard book to rate, at times I’d give it a 2 or a 3, but at other times I’d give it a 4.
Gates comes off as both a humbled traveler tearing to learn about culture and an insufferable elitist douchebag all within these pages, multiple times. I shouldn’t be shocked, as that’s how he comes across on his tv shows. There were times reading this when I wish I could be right besides him experiencing his adventures and the culture surrounding wherever he is (ESPECIALLY Nepal), and there were times where I wish I could just reach through the pages and punch him square in his smug mouth
He comes off as a spoiled rich kid with rich friends at the beginning and it almost turned me off. There’s also an entire chapter of him detailing how he’s basically better than us at traveling and Americans who wear shorts overseas are violating some unwritten rule and it’s faux pas to do (again, you just want to sock him right in the mouth). He also makes snide remarks are novice travelers throughout this book that is just nauseating.
But there are some amazing stories in this, not dealing with monster hunting mind you, and his adventures in Nepal and Iceland are fantastic stories. His time in Ukraine at Chernobyl could have been an entire book which I would have gladly read, in fact it’s made me want to get a book on that specifically (and I am! Thanks Josh!)
Overall I enjoyed the book, even when I “didn’t”, so it gets a 3 (3.5 on StoryGraph) because giving it a 2 wouldn’t be right, because I did enjoy most of it, and giving it a 4 just isn’t happening.
Btw - hey Gates, if you ever read this (which I doubt), it’s criminal you didn’t give Champy any love in your sea serpent rant while listing all the American ones. A genius monster hunter like yourself should know the most popular American lake monster after all.
Gates comes off as both a humbled traveler tearing to learn about culture and an insufferable elitist douchebag all within these pages, multiple times. I shouldn’t be shocked, as that’s how he comes across on his tv shows. There were times reading this when I wish I could be right besides him experiencing his adventures and the culture surrounding wherever he is (ESPECIALLY Nepal), and there were times where I wish I could just reach through the pages and punch him square in his smug mouth
He comes off as a spoiled rich kid with rich friends at the beginning and it almost turned me off. There’s also an entire chapter of him detailing how he’s basically better than us at traveling and Americans who wear shorts overseas are violating some unwritten rule and it’s faux pas to do (again, you just want to sock him right in the mouth). He also makes snide remarks are novice travelers throughout this book that is just nauseating.
But there are some amazing stories in this, not dealing with monster hunting mind you, and his adventures in Nepal and Iceland are fantastic stories. His time in Ukraine at Chernobyl could have been an entire book which I would have gladly read, in fact it’s made me want to get a book on that specifically (and I am! Thanks Josh!)
Overall I enjoyed the book, even when I “didn’t”, so it gets a 3 (3.5 on StoryGraph) because giving it a 2 wouldn’t be right, because I did enjoy most of it, and giving it a 4 just isn’t happening.
Btw - hey Gates, if you ever read this (which I doubt), it’s criminal you didn’t give Champy any love in your sea serpent rant while listing all the American ones. A genius monster hunter like yourself should know the most popular American lake monster after all.
August 11, 2024
Josh Gates is a well-known television host, most commonly known for his shows Destination Truth and Expedition Unknown. Gates has also hosted events for Ghost Hunters, which is one of the things that I know him from. I learned from this book that he majored in archaeology, which is what I wanted to do when I grew up. It was neat to make that connection. I also learned that he was a member of a multidisciplinary club that promotes scientific exploration and field study, called The Explorers Club. It was interesting to get a little backstory into how he wound up in his career. I think a lot of people are quick to dismiss any possibly explanations for mysterious goings on and dismiss people who investigate paranormal or supernatural things as being addled. Some of the information presented seems way beyond the realm of possibility, but YOU NEVER KNOW. The book was interesting, even if one is a nonbeliever in the paranormal or supernatural or anything else.
January 5, 2015
"Many people aren't aware that there was once a North American camel, which went extinct. Take that as a lesson, modern camel: we can survive without you, and you should really check your attitude."
Fans of the Destination Truth show will enjoy this book which has great travel insights and some information from expeditions of the show. This book helped show me that I definitely need to renew my passport.
Fans of the Destination Truth show will enjoy this book which has great travel insights and some information from expeditions of the show. This book helped show me that I definitely need to renew my passport.
July 8, 2016
Recommended by Meghan, Main Library, Children's Department (July 2016)
Meghan's Review:
I give it 5 stars. I couldn’t put this book down. Just reading about Josh’s adventures and near death experiences kept me on the edge of my seat. Josh’s sense of humor is wonderful and puts a great spin on his hair-raising adventures. I have the travel bug now since reading this book. A definite must-read for anyone who loves travel and adventure.
Meghan's Review:
I give it 5 stars. I couldn’t put this book down. Just reading about Josh’s adventures and near death experiences kept me on the edge of my seat. Josh’s sense of humor is wonderful and puts a great spin on his hair-raising adventures. I have the travel bug now since reading this book. A definite must-read for anyone who loves travel and adventure.
April 18, 2016
If you've ever seen Josh Gates' show "Destination Truth" this book is an excellent read. It was very entertaining and I found myself going to Netflix to watch the episodes he discussed after each chapter. Josh is funny and, after reading, I feel the need to go backpacking across Europe.
June 28, 2013
A truly enjoyable read, wonderful tales of travel and culture infused with Josh Gates humor. Let's you catch a glimpse of life behinds the scenes of Destination Truth and some of the critical moments of change with Gates' life.
January 20, 2019
Awesome book that lets you see more of Destination Truth. What happens while the cameras aren't rolling as well as when they are. Any fan of the show should really read this book!
January 16, 2026
2.5 stars. What an odd book.
I've never seen the show that the author is known for hosting. I do think if I had known about it as a teenager, I would have been all over it, but Destination Truth and I never crossed paths. Luckily though, I don't think you need to be familiar with the show to read the book.
Was it good? Parts of it were. Unfortunately, just as many (if not more) parts of it were bad. To start with the bad:
The author clearly loves to travel and meet new people in new places. Problem is, I do not like a lot of the ways he writes about those people.
At times, there's a sort of "noble savage" aspect to his writing:
Elsewhere, it just feels straightforwardly racist, like this recounting of a trip to Mexico in Chapter 11:
Beyond that, the humor also wasn't my thing. This book was released in 2011 and definitely has the typical humor of the time: "when underwear models are in play, all bets are off," "speaking louder or with an accent will not make locals understand you better... the cabdriver is Greek, not retarded," and the like. I'll spare you his experience with "ladyboy culture."
Finally, the writing isn't anything special. I never really have high hopes for strong, quality writing when it comes to memoirs, and this was about what I expected.
Okay. The good stuff. I bring up the weird and uncomfortable descriptions of people first to contrast with this: the author really does seem to respect the people he's met all over the world. And he advocates throughout the book for others to do the same. There are multiple chapters imploring Americans specifically not to be annoying tourists and bad travelers. I really appreciated that sentiment.
Chapter 17: "Mount Rushmore. First of all, it's in the middle of nowhere—the Black Hills of South Dakota. The real problem, though, is that once you're close to it, the monument looks downright silly... Also, it's hard for me to get too worked up over a public-works project on seized Indian land that was carved by a card-carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan. I'm just saying."
Chapter 19: "We are derivative, the star-spangled orphans of a hundred civilizations before us."
I mean, we all contain multitudes.
The other good part of this book is that I respect the author's determination to not believe in the cryptids/ghosts/monsters his show and livelihood rely on. I feel like there could be the temptation to pretend to be a true believer when you host a show like that, so I appreciate that he sticks to his rational guns. He enjoys the research and potential discovery, but he's not deluding himself or his readers (I assume the same goes for the audience of the show, but again, haven't seen it).
Am I glad I took the time to read this book? Ehhh. I was planning to put it in my local little free library and wanted to read it before getting rid of it. After reading, I still don't want it on my shelf. But as you can see here, it at least gave me a lot to think about.
I've never seen the show that the author is known for hosting. I do think if I had known about it as a teenager, I would have been all over it, but Destination Truth and I never crossed paths. Luckily though, I don't think you need to be familiar with the show to read the book.
Was it good? Parts of it were. Unfortunately, just as many (if not more) parts of it were bad. To start with the bad:
The author clearly loves to travel and meet new people in new places. Problem is, I do not like a lot of the ways he writes about those people.
At times, there's a sort of "noble savage" aspect to his writing:
"Though their entire world is contained within the sloping domain of this simple tent, these nomads are so full of character and pride. They carry themselves like royalty, the deep lines on their faces the beautiful evidence of lives spent hard at work." (Chapter 9, discussing a family in Mongolia)
"Our Western propensity for cynicism and mistrust is of little interest here. At these heights, fact and belief are merged together, and truth is something to be attained, not challenged, the quest for empirical evidence supplanted by the quest for enlightenment." (Chapter 13, discussing people in Nepal)
Elsewhere, it just feels straightforwardly racist, like this recounting of a trip to Mexico in Chapter 11:
"We pull over and order up a few plates of grub. It tastes delicious, although it's hard to enjoy on account of the five shady Mexican guys giving us the stink eye from the next table. They're dressed like the gang from Grease, and even though my Spanish is elementary, I know enough to understand that they're talking about mugging us. Mexican Danny Zuko smiles at me, and I muster a smile back. We quietly retreat to the car, taking our tacos to go.
The next town looks like it's had a rough couple of centuries, and we check directly into the first motel we see. The room smells like mold, and the only lamp in the room isn't working; at least I can park around back in case the Guacamole Gang from the taco stand drives this way."
Beyond that, the humor also wasn't my thing. This book was released in 2011 and definitely has the typical humor of the time: "when underwear models are in play, all bets are off," "speaking louder or with an accent will not make locals understand you better... the cabdriver is Greek, not retarded," and the like. I'll spare you his experience with "ladyboy culture."
Finally, the writing isn't anything special. I never really have high hopes for strong, quality writing when it comes to memoirs, and this was about what I expected.
Okay. The good stuff. I bring up the weird and uncomfortable descriptions of people first to contrast with this: the author really does seem to respect the people he's met all over the world. And he advocates throughout the book for others to do the same. There are multiple chapters imploring Americans specifically not to be annoying tourists and bad travelers. I really appreciated that sentiment.
Chapter 17: "Mount Rushmore. First of all, it's in the middle of nowhere—the Black Hills of South Dakota. The real problem, though, is that once you're close to it, the monument looks downright silly... Also, it's hard for me to get too worked up over a public-works project on seized Indian land that was carved by a card-carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan. I'm just saying."
Chapter 19: "We are derivative, the star-spangled orphans of a hundred civilizations before us."
I mean, we all contain multitudes.
The other good part of this book is that I respect the author's determination to not believe in the cryptids/ghosts/monsters his show and livelihood rely on. I feel like there could be the temptation to pretend to be a true believer when you host a show like that, so I appreciate that he sticks to his rational guns. He enjoys the research and potential discovery, but he's not deluding himself or his readers (I assume the same goes for the audience of the show, but again, haven't seen it).
Am I glad I took the time to read this book? Ehhh. I was planning to put it in my local little free library and wanted to read it before getting rid of it. After reading, I still don't want it on my shelf. But as you can see here, it at least gave me a lot to think about.
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