Not a conventional book review as I didn't find this book to be conventional in the normal sense of the word. Above all I found this book to be so very candid and honest. A true reflection of Nick in many ways and what he's really like as a person. Reading his personal moments, some of them were exactly that, it was like reading about someone you've not only known from watching the show, but someone you've known as a friend for many years. It is funny, eye opening, revealing and all the other adjectives that can be associated with this and yes it did feel like having a face to face conversation with him, or a one to one. In many ways, it was almost autobiographical.
A revealing insight into his own personal experiences with the paranormal, as well as having a family who were also into this too.
Nick and Veronique's 'love story' was moving and emotional, at the same time, it's just how you'd picture Nick proposing, so sweet! As was how they supported each other through the good times and the tough, how it should be. Even how she helped to come up with the name of the show, Ghost Adventures (GA).
Above all, I think from reading Chasing Spirits, Nick is an excellent role model for never giving up. Always following your heart and getting around obstacles in one's life. A testament to how he was not only raised and brought up, but how he understands both human beings, what we as a society are like; our shortcomings and the paranormal world too. So tech savvy too, I wouldn't even know where to start!
The GA story and how the show was conceptualized and actually made it to air was exciting to read. As was the fact it was Nick's baby and how committed to getting his vision, his thoughts and his dream onto air! The sacrifices he made, but never gave up even through all the adversity and how the cards were stacked against him. And then the rest of the GAC when they got on board. All coming together and getting the best people out there on board with him and Aaron Goodwin was the funny, goofy, fun loving one. Though I would like to watch Nick on screen more!
I loved how Nick wrote about the stuff that didn't make it to air, the unseen footage cos it couldn't be shown, or the bits that shouldn't be shown. Cos you can't get everything into a 42 minute show. Especially cases like the Moon River Brewery investigation. Where it was apparent, something wasn't quite right with him. Don't know Nick personally, but have seen him enough to know when something's not right with him and the moment this happened was obviously seen on camera. He just wasn't himself. It was the same in the King's Tavern ep and when they returned to Goldfield ep when he was clearly out of it and even Mark Constantino noticed. These sorts of moments make the show, they're very personal to those involved and can have a devastating effect if they go unchecked. As well as being seen as a reality check on many levels. It's so easy for people to close themselves off from such experiences and beliefs.
The apparition he came face to face to in Linda Vista was also eye opening, that one moment of destiny in his life that made him aware of how to live more and get the most out of life, was touching and again contributed to the sort of person that he is now. Generous, gracious, compassionate, modest and accepting of others, as well as other ghost shows. Each show has their own style, yes but Ghost Adventures hits it home for me, cos of the presentation, the content and the investigation itself, as well as the GAC. They're not ramming their thoughts down our throats, but there's a great balance of history, some fun and joking around, the equipment used and their findings. Which really makes you think about that particular episode and what may have happened in the past, with their evidence backing it up. I know that I like to analyze and discuss and that's what part of the appeal is for watching the show. It opens up thoughts and discussions, or at least it should for all who watch. (That's my opinion rammed down your throats! ha.)
Sometimes I referred to this as Chasing Shadows, oops, (maybe in my mind I was) but I think Nick should write a follow up to this and that'd be an apt title. There's so much more he has to say, I feel and his terrific, narrative style is so interesting, thought provoking, without being 'in your face.' He doesn't force you to believe in anything you don't want to, or to take his side, just giving you his views and opinions and leaving us to decide where we lay our convictions. Nick really has an ear for storytelling and an eye for detail and Chasing Spirits was hilarious and amusing in many ways and just as serious, speaking to issues and concerning the questions affecting the afterlife and the possibilities this could encompass.
As for saying people might think the book is a way of cashing in, let them, this was far from a money-making 'scheme' but was riveting and I have always believed books on certain topics are always written to enlighten, entertain or both. If Nick writes another then sign me up cos I'll be the first one in the queue!
So inspiring and humble too, words to live by in one of Nick's recent tweets:
"Life is about learning through good & bad experiences...both have made me a better person. We live in a world where negative people try so hard to ruin others lives. Negative people will say they are your friend & congratulate you one day, than the next day do the exact opposite through jealousy & hatred. It's disgusting. Don't ever let someone try & destroy your life. Be real, honest & stay positive. I'm extremely happy today from the choices I've made."
The world's a better place for having someone like Nick!
Questions I'd ask: when Nick recalled the shadowy figure he saw at his childhood home, but had forgotten about, whether he went back overtime to find out who it was. Whether he thought that his house is or always was haunted, or did this figure he 'chanced' upon was there due to his near death experience?
Would like them to go back to Winchester Mystery House, but maybe that's just me, always wanted to go here since watching it in Monumental Mysteries and not cos it was named 'Winchester' (Supernatural fans will get the connection! ha.) However, I wonder if the spirit calling out Nick's name even before the experiment they started was from the Old Washoe Club, whether there was this 'communication' between the spirits, knowing they would reach out to them in this way.
Of course there are more questions but don't want to get carried away! Ha. This is a review after all, of sorts!
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