REVIEW: The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters (nonfiction book) by J.W. Ocker

The United States of Cryptids is a guide to various cryptids found throughout the United States. It's organized into four sections: the Northeast, the South, the Midwest, and the West. Each cryptid has at least a couple pages devoted to it, including an illustration, information about its type (Mammalian, Humanoid, Aquatic, etc.), its earliest sighting, its size, its location, and any notable features. 

For Ocker, the absolute most important thing is whether there is some form of local celebration or festival devoted to the cryptid, or some form of visible recognition or claiming of it. Cryptids are great tourist attractions, and if a town has a meal or bar named after its local cryptid, Ocker more than likely notes it. In at least a couple instances, Ocker lists cryptids that were invented entirely to attract tourists.

All in all, this was a fun little read. I admit to being a little disappointed that none of the cryptids and their associated museums, festivals, or other attractions were within easy driving distance of me. You'd think at least one of the small towns in my area would have some great cryptid lore, but, as far as I know, all we have are some UFO sightings from a few years back.