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Ghost Trackers: The Unreal World of Ghosts, Ghost-Hunting, and the Paranormal
Inspired by the hit television series "Ghost Trackers," this ghostly tome invites readers to explore the mysteries that haunt us ghostly histories, how to equip yourself to explore a haunted house, the latest on what the scientists think. All this and much more is packed into this fascinating book.
In the world of Ghost Trackers , kids who are interested in ghosts and the paranormal search for answers to the questions we all have about the afterlife. Full of stories of sightings, both ancient and recent, and information about becoming a ghost tracker, this book demands to be read and shared. After all, who knows if ghosts are evidence of life after death or if they are simply a natural occurrence we are yet to understand?
In the world of Ghost Trackers , kids who are interested in ghosts and the paranormal search for answers to the questions we all have about the afterlife. Full of stories of sightings, both ancient and recent, and information about becoming a ghost tracker, this book demands to be read and shared. After all, who knows if ghosts are evidence of life after death or if they are simply a natural occurrence we are yet to understand?
80 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2010
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Chris Gudgeon
13 books22 followersCHRIS GUDGEON is an author, screenwriter, and the creator/producer of the hit television series "Ghost Trackers." He has contributed to dozens of publications ranging from MAD and The National Lampoon to Today's Parent. He has written thirteen books, including An Unfinished Conversation: The Life and Music of Stan Rogers; Consider the Fish; and the hilarious You're Not as Good as You Think You Are: A Demotivational Guide. Chris Gudgeon has also worked for Mattel Interactive, Disney's Creative Wonders, and he has developed websites for television shows. He lives in Victoria, B.C., with his three sons.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 14, 2024
It really is a shame this book turned out so poorly. I know this is a tie-in to the TV show that goes by the same name and so, therefore, maybe I should be more forgiving of the constant use of Ghost Trackers throughout the book. However, it is borderline disrespectful, in my view, to call parapsychologists and paranormal investigators and researchers by that name the entire time and rarely use the proper titles. If that were the biggest concern, I really wouldn't have a problem with this book, but that's the least of the flaws.
The book starts off very strongly, acknowledging the history of psychical research, even if it is brief. This is perfectly understandable when considering the target audience for the book. It certainly is pleasant to look at and keeps its points succinct and moves along at a brisk pace. At this point, I would still consider recommending this to those in the initial stages of looking into paranormal investigation and research. However, after the history, the book completely falls short on many counts.
The discussion of the theory of ghosts and the why and how of their existence brings up two or three possible theories, but falls short of any good, tangible discussion about these theories as well as completely failing to mention other current theories. It also classifies a poltergeist, solely, as a type of ghost, which ignores all the research that speaks about poltergeists as psychokinetic events that may not have anything to do with ghosts or spirits. There is some discussion of orbs and the possible mundane causes of them, but there is failure to mention that unless something very extraordinary (more extraordinary than capturing possible paranormal data in the first place, that is) can be documented, just about every orb must be discarded as "evidence" due to these environmental factors and cannot be considered as any sort of objective evidence of paranormal activity. There is an abbreviated section on equipment at the end, which also contains wrong information. Of particular interest is the section on using an infrared thermometer, which absolutely cannot be used to detect cold spots in the air, as the book claims. IR Thermometers measure the surface temperature of objects, and so are ineffective for detecting cold spots unless you've got the type that use an external probe, but this isn't mentioned at all.
The aforementioned problems are enough to set Ghost Trackers aside as a good starting point for potential investigators and researchers. However, these don't come close to being the most egregious problems of the book. The worst problem is the way the concept of conducting an investigation is treated. The investigation and its goal is treated, seemingly, as some sort of thrill-seeking game, with pictures of shadow people and other data being prized items. Also, there is a statement that implies that no ghost or spirit can exist in a place without some sort of tragedy or negative situation being involved. Paranormal investigation should never be presented in such a sensational manner. Yes, tragic and violent deaths do seem to trigger some paranormal activity, but it does not represent the reasons for all activity. Seemingly, the author wants you to believe that hauntings and ghostly activity are only the result of negative situations, which any investigator worth their salt would readily deny.
Given the above problems, I cannot, in good faith, recommend this book to anyone.
The book starts off very strongly, acknowledging the history of psychical research, even if it is brief. This is perfectly understandable when considering the target audience for the book. It certainly is pleasant to look at and keeps its points succinct and moves along at a brisk pace. At this point, I would still consider recommending this to those in the initial stages of looking into paranormal investigation and research. However, after the history, the book completely falls short on many counts.
The discussion of the theory of ghosts and the why and how of their existence brings up two or three possible theories, but falls short of any good, tangible discussion about these theories as well as completely failing to mention other current theories. It also classifies a poltergeist, solely, as a type of ghost, which ignores all the research that speaks about poltergeists as psychokinetic events that may not have anything to do with ghosts or spirits. There is some discussion of orbs and the possible mundane causes of them, but there is failure to mention that unless something very extraordinary (more extraordinary than capturing possible paranormal data in the first place, that is) can be documented, just about every orb must be discarded as "evidence" due to these environmental factors and cannot be considered as any sort of objective evidence of paranormal activity. There is an abbreviated section on equipment at the end, which also contains wrong information. Of particular interest is the section on using an infrared thermometer, which absolutely cannot be used to detect cold spots in the air, as the book claims. IR Thermometers measure the surface temperature of objects, and so are ineffective for detecting cold spots unless you've got the type that use an external probe, but this isn't mentioned at all.
The aforementioned problems are enough to set Ghost Trackers aside as a good starting point for potential investigators and researchers. However, these don't come close to being the most egregious problems of the book. The worst problem is the way the concept of conducting an investigation is treated. The investigation and its goal is treated, seemingly, as some sort of thrill-seeking game, with pictures of shadow people and other data being prized items. Also, there is a statement that implies that no ghost or spirit can exist in a place without some sort of tragedy or negative situation being involved. Paranormal investigation should never be presented in such a sensational manner. Yes, tragic and violent deaths do seem to trigger some paranormal activity, but it does not represent the reasons for all activity. Seemingly, the author wants you to believe that hauntings and ghostly activity are only the result of negative situations, which any investigator worth their salt would readily deny.
Given the above problems, I cannot, in good faith, recommend this book to anyone.
October 31, 2010
I have always been interested in ghosts, paranormal activity and the like, so this book was right up my alley. It is extremely well written for the age group it is intended for. The book is based on a TV series and you can check it out at Ghost Trackers.
The author has nicely split up the book into chapters discussing the history of ghosts and ghost hunting, the science behind proving if ghosts are real or hoaxes, some really great examples of hauntings and a how to sectoin on tracking ghosts yourself.
I would have to say after reading about the different types of ghosts I would never want to meet up with a poltergeist, they sound very mean and nasty. Though I wouldn't be upset to meet a helpful ghost like the one mentioned in the coal miner story - the ghost appeared to a miner, who then followed it to another tunnel to try and see who or what it was, and once in the new tunnel the one he was in collapsed behind him and he would have died had it not been for the helpful ghost who lured him out of the doomed tunnel.
There are chapters on the supplies and equipment you would need to track ghosts and the safest way to do so. There are tips and tricks, but I would assume watching the TV show would show you better how to use the equipment as the book just tells you about the equipment and not how to actually use any of it.
I really liked how there were references to search on the internet to watch videos of the stories mentioned. The following is the video for the Argentina Ghost Swings. (youtube video embdded) Do you believe it or is it a hoax?
Overall, I enjoyed the book very much and believe that the target audience would enjoy reading through the different sections to understand more about ghosts and where to find them.
The author has nicely split up the book into chapters discussing the history of ghosts and ghost hunting, the science behind proving if ghosts are real or hoaxes, some really great examples of hauntings and a how to sectoin on tracking ghosts yourself.
I would have to say after reading about the different types of ghosts I would never want to meet up with a poltergeist, they sound very mean and nasty. Though I wouldn't be upset to meet a helpful ghost like the one mentioned in the coal miner story - the ghost appeared to a miner, who then followed it to another tunnel to try and see who or what it was, and once in the new tunnel the one he was in collapsed behind him and he would have died had it not been for the helpful ghost who lured him out of the doomed tunnel.
There are chapters on the supplies and equipment you would need to track ghosts and the safest way to do so. There are tips and tricks, but I would assume watching the TV show would show you better how to use the equipment as the book just tells you about the equipment and not how to actually use any of it.
I really liked how there were references to search on the internet to watch videos of the stories mentioned. The following is the video for the Argentina Ghost Swings. (youtube video embdded) Do you believe it or is it a hoax?
Overall, I enjoyed the book very much and believe that the target audience would enjoy reading through the different sections to understand more about ghosts and where to find them.
February 20, 2011
This easily read book is based on the TV series "Ghost Trackers" which showcases kids, already taught how to use the equipment and what to look for, to investigate purported locations of paranormal activity. The book's purpose is to give kids enough knowledge to do their own investigations. I've never seen the show.
The author breaks the book down by giving a little bit on history, science involved in investigating, the different types of ghosts or spirits, some famous haunted sites, and information on what you need and should do if you want to try this yourself. Sprinkled throughout the book are colorful pictures and interesting tidbits and stories. What I found most unusual is that the author says multiple times that no one really knows if ghosts exist.
As someone with paranormal experiences, I would have appreciated more information and examples on the different subjects, although the book is geared towards kids who are probably more interested in getting to the "how to track and what to look for" portions of the book. Sensible advice is given on what you need and should do, although while describing the equipment needed, it doesn't say how to use it. Kids watching the show might already have a good idea.
Overall it's a decent book for the target audience.
The author breaks the book down by giving a little bit on history, science involved in investigating, the different types of ghosts or spirits, some famous haunted sites, and information on what you need and should do if you want to try this yourself. Sprinkled throughout the book are colorful pictures and interesting tidbits and stories. What I found most unusual is that the author says multiple times that no one really knows if ghosts exist.
As someone with paranormal experiences, I would have appreciated more information and examples on the different subjects, although the book is geared towards kids who are probably more interested in getting to the "how to track and what to look for" portions of the book. Sensible advice is given on what you need and should do, although while describing the equipment needed, it doesn't say how to use it. Kids watching the show might already have a good idea.
Overall it's a decent book for the target audience.
September 21, 2011
Do you believe in ghosts? That is the question that is asked in this television series inspired book for young adult readers. If ever there were a treasure chest of ghost hunting basics, this photo filled guide is it. This page turner is for the novice ghost hunter or even for the experienced ghost hunter who wants to brush up on their terminology. Just about every page is filled with eerie photos and colorful sidebars full of quick and easy defintions, how-to's and true ghost stories. If you aren't a believer in ghost you will be after reading Gudgeon's book.
Readers will be dazzled with everything pertaining to ghosts, hauntings, and sightings dating all the way to 68 CE. Skeptics will read what the scientist think about ectoplasm, fake photos and pyschic tricksters. This very interesting and informative book will educate readers about animal afterlife and a checklist to determine if their homes are haunted. The index in the back of the book makes for a quick reference guide. If parents or teachers wanted to teach a course on ghost tracking this book takes the lead.
Readers will be dazzled with everything pertaining to ghosts, hauntings, and sightings dating all the way to 68 CE. Skeptics will read what the scientist think about ectoplasm, fake photos and pyschic tricksters. This very interesting and informative book will educate readers about animal afterlife and a checklist to determine if their homes are haunted. The index in the back of the book makes for a quick reference guide. If parents or teachers wanted to teach a course on ghost tracking this book takes the lead.
May 24, 2015
Chris Gudgeon's, Ghost Trackers, is a short book that serves to educate young readers on the history of the paranormal and to provide insight into the world of ghost-hunting. The book is clearly geared towards younger readers and provides some interesting features, such as pointers to web links to continue your paranormal education beyond the provided content.[return][return]I do find it a bit disconcerting that a book on ghost-hunting is geared towards children. Granted, handing junior a DVR camera and an EMF detector may be a great way to get the kids out the house while you watch the football game, but that would probably not be the best means to gain an award in parenting. I would advise that parents read this book first to ensure that they are comfortable with their children consuming this subject matter. An enjoyable read and a great introduction to the world of the paranormal.
February 18, 2011
The creator of the popular show, "Ghost Trackers" is offering his expertise in a how to guide for teens. Packed with spooky stories, popular case examples, and information on outfitting yourself as a ghost hunter, teens interested in the paranormal will be able to set up their own investigations and hunt for clues themselves. The pictures are probably the weakest part of the book, mainly featuring dull house shots or artist illustrations from old newspapers. - C.
December 5, 2011
This was a fun book and definitely targeted toward children. I did enjoy reading through it, and would recommend it for children who are fans of the television show or are interested in the subject of ghosts.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews