by J.W. Ocker (001.94 Oct)
I always enjoy reading at least one “creepy” or “spooky” thing during October, and this book jumped off the “New Books” display at the downtown library and caught my attention.
In Cursed Objects, author J.W. Ocker provides short, punchy chapters about 43 cursed objects in human history, from well-known things like The Hope Diamond, the Amber Room and James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder, to items you’ve probably never heard of. Each item gets anywhere from 3-4 pages, all the way up to 9-10 pages, outlining the object’s origin and history, and the ill fates suffered by those associated with the item. Ocker takes a light, slightly sarcastic tone throughout, at times almost mocking the beliefs some people may have about the “curses” on the items.
I thought I was just going to skim this one, but it ended up turning out to be a compelling read. Whether or not you believe in curses, yourself, learning the history associated with these 43 objects is both satisfying and edifying. A perfect read for a spooky month!
(One disappointing note: There are no photographic illustrations in this fairly thick book — the only illustrations are simplistic, cartoonish drawings. I found that to be a failing. That dropped it one point in my review score.)
( official Cursed Objects page on Odd Things I’ve Seen — J.W. Ocker’s official travel blog/web site )
Recommended
by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service
Have you read or listened to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?
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