Okay, so my #1 pick is THE DEMONOLOGIST. I got scared just reading this book. It was written by Gerald Brittle with a great deal of input from its subjects: Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens, who have been together since high school, have investigated thousands of “hauntings” during their fifty-year career. They are well respected and known in their field. Ed (born 9/7/26) died in 2006 but Lorraine (1/31/27) is still alive. They founded the New England Society for Psychic Research in 1952. It is the oldest ghost hunting group in New England. Lorraine is a gifted clairvoyant and Ed was the only non-ordained demonologist that was recognized by the Catholic Church. The book points out that there are only seven recognized demonologists in North America; six are ordained clergymen of various religions and the seventh was Ed Warren.
Demonology is about evil (demonic) possession and has nothing to do with ghosts. The book goes into great detail to explain the difference between a ghost and an apparition and lots of other paranormal terms, such as spiritual phenomena, psychokinesis (PK), poltergeists, parapsychology, conjuring, and infestations.
The Warrens explain how demonic possession begins with seemingly harmless activities, such as ouija boards, seances, and witchcraft rituals. However, these activities open the door to the evil world and invite demonic activity. They discuss the three stages of demonic activity: infestations, oppression, and possession. They explain all of this by referencing their most challenging cases: Beckfords (demonic activity that lasted for sixty days before an exorcism ended the terror the Beckford family endured), Enfield (their worst case), Annabelle (possessed doll), Amityville, and a farmhouse that was made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster, THE CONJURING.
As a result of these difficult cases, the Warrens have been forced to keep many of the items that were possessed by demonic spirits. These items can be seen in their Occult Museum. They include Annabelle, a black lace veil, a long black spike (used by a satanic witch), a string of pearls (that will strange the wearer), a conjuring book, a Victorian doll, ceremonial swords, crystal balls, sacrificial daggers, and more. They items are bequeathed to a British university upon the death of the Warrens.
The book concludes with a chapter about how to recognize the signs of possession and what to do. I found it to be a great (if not frightening) reference on this subject. I also enjoyed reading about these intriguing cases. Ed and Lorraine were in great demand due to their rare expertise so they traveled the world speaking at universities and doing television interviews in between cases. They had remarkable (and truly terrifying) careers as demonologists.
So often anything to do with the paranormal is sensationalized but you can tell right off the bat that the Warrens are truthful about their investigations. Their sole purpose is to educate and help the public. For more about the Warrens, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_and_Lorraine_Warren and http://www.warrens.net/
More Books Worth Reading This Halloween: The Bell Witch (Brent Monahan), The Complete Tales & Poems of Edgar Allan Poe, The Shining (Stephen King), The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman), and of course I have to suggest some of my ghost books:
Ghosts of Savannah
Lowcountry Voodoo: Tales, Spells & Boo Hags
The Best Ghost Tales of South Carolina
Spookiest Lighthouses
Spookiest Battlefields
Spookiest Cemeteries (Coming Soon!)
Ghosts & Legends of the Carolina Coasts
Ghosts of the Carolinas for Kids
Ghosts of the Carolina Coasts
A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to the Most Haunted Places in America
A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to the Most Haunted Houses in America
A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to the Most Haunted Hotels & Inns in America
The Best Ghost Tales of North Carolina
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Hundreds of Perfect Party Recipes, Delightful Decorating Ideas & Awesome Activities
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