UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have to Be Crazy to Believe

by Richard Belzer

Book Overview

The comedian and actor offers a humorous and opinionated look at America's conspiracy theories, from the serious to the silly, and explains their persistent popularity with the public.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345429176
• ISBN13: 9780345429179
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

If it is written, does that make it true?

Many facts written in this book have evidence to back it up, but there are also a number of items that had not been fact checked. He also can be rather redundant at times.

I hope he writes more books

This is really two books in one. The first is on the Kennedy conspiracy and the second is on UFO cover-ups. They both are fantastic. The material is presented in a way that is approach to most any reader and is unique in that Belzer uses humor and sarcasm to understate the possible realities that he uncovers. I would recommend this book to people who do not read a lot, to people who like to read humorous books, to people who like to read informative books, and to people who just read books.

Factoid: This book may crush some cherished delusions.

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much from this book when I bought it. I thought it would just provide a pleasant diversion during a long drive. (And, yes, I'm talking about the audiobook version. Reading while driving is just plain wrong, kids.) I didn't think a comedian/actor would have a proper understanding of the topics presented. Of course, I also never used to question such supposedly august institutions as the U.S. Department of Justice or The New York Times. It was a silly prejudice; Belzer is very knowledgeable. The references peppered throughout convinced me of this. The Belz provides an overview of various conspiracies that has surprising depth. In addition, the writing is very concise and powerful. I didn't find a dull moment in the entire book. And, even though the book would stand well on the organization of information and the excellent writing, the humor really helps put it above the standard conspiracy primer. It's not too over-the-top and not too desperately cynical. (The conspiracy rap at the end is a true masterpiece.) Get it and let the information work its way, unsettlingly, into your storehouse of popular delusions. Or scoff and go back to sleep like the rest of the sheep...but don't forget to keep laughing.

One of the greatest books of all time

One of the greatest books of all time. A must-read. However, don't buy the book with a credit card. It can be tracked, and you don't want that to happen.

I LOVE BELZER!

I love this book! It's a wonderful way to make your senses just a little more paranoied. Through this book, Belzer remains funny. Which is what I like about Richard. This book is involved, and some may find it weird or inappropriate, if you can't deal with something that might take away some light form your happy-go-lucky world, don't read it. If you're going to read it, and you find it offensive, it's your own fault, you should know better than to read something that looks like you might be a little shaken by. If you're going to read it, read it because you have some interest in what Belzer is saying, or Belzer himself. I read it becasue I am a fan of his, and wanted to see what he was getting paid to ramble about, and I am very glad I did. It's an informative and really funny book, so if you're not the most content person with the government, this book would probably be a good one for you.