Book Review: Ghost Stories of California by Barbara Smith

Ghost Stories of California by Barbara Smith

This book covers a wide range of stories of ghostly experiences in California. Tales from the entertainment industry, the ghost towns abandoned after the California Gold Rush, and everyday life are brought together. A lot of the stories are fairly short (just a page or two) and they are told more from a reporter's perspective than from a folklorist. The author takes the subject of ghosts scientifically, enumerating various types of apparitions and phenomena and referencing the sort of ghost hunters who use special cameras and other scientific equipment. While the attitude fits her writing style, I find it less interesting. I'm more interested in the drama and the history that comes with ghost stories, so I found this book only mildly interesting and less satisfying than other collections of ghost tales.

Mildly recommended--this isn't bad, it's just not my style.