HISTORY

UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government’s Search for Alien Life Here—and Out There

by Garrett M. Graff
Avid Reader. Nov. 2023. 544p. ISBN 9781982196776. $32.50. HIST
COPY ISBN
Journalist, historian, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Graff’s (Watergate: A New History) newest book furthers his reputation for crafting stories that are exceptionally well researched and incredibly entertaining. Drawing on declassified documents, archival research, and interviews with senior intelligence and military officials, Graff seamlessly intertwines two narratives: 1) the U.S. military’s investigations, beginning in 1947, of sightings of unusual flying objects in Roswell, NM, and Mount Rainier, WA; and 2) the scientific community’s ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), including projects such as the SETI Institute. This book also discusses hoaxers and secret military meetings.
VERDICT This is not a dry retelling of the facts that many people think they already know about unidentified flying objects. Instead, it’s a thrilling tale of ongoing discussions in and outside of the halls of government that’s sure to leave readers feeling more curious than ever. The mysteries of the universe may never be known, but Graff’s carefully crafted prose will intrigue readers and leave them asking if Earthlings are alone in the cosmos.
Reviewed by Jennifer Moore , Jan 12, 2024
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Bloody Tuesday: The Untold Story of the Struggle for Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa
by Giggie, John M
NONFICTION

The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives
by Smyth, Adam
NONFICTION

When Women Ran Fifth Ave: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion
by Satow, Julie
NONFICTION

Reds: The Tragedy of American Communism
by Isserman, Maurice
NONFICTION

The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower
by Paradis, Michel
NONFICTION

The Wrong Stuff: How the Soviet Space Program Crashed and Burned
by Strausbaugh, John
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?