Book Review: "Haunted Stuff" by Stacey Graham

A review of the book 'Haunted Stuff'...

by Louis Charles

Haunted Stuff: Demonic Dolls, Screaming Skulls & Other Creepy Collectibles by Stacey Graham

When we were asked to review Haunted Stuff (it was released August 8, 2014), we were excited to read this book because haunted items seem to be the one enigma we stumble upon that few have explored in depth, at least not enough to ascertain the cause behind such peculiarities. Afterall, haunted objects appear to not fit in, at times, with typical haunting by ghosts. You'll have to admit that the idea of an object having a living spirit attached to it seems rather bizaar. The subject matter of this book is, consequently, a slightly frightful exploration into the unknown.

Where Do Haunted Objects Come From?
Author Stacey Graham suggests that haunted items find their way into our lives through the most innocent of ways: a gift received from one's grandmother, an item purchased at a flea market or garage sale, or even a bargain deal from an antique ship. Right out of the gate, the book Haunted Stuff sets the tone by fearfully implying that anyone of us may have a haunted object in our midst and might not even know it. Yipes.

How Do Objects Become Haunted?
This is the biggest question we had, and still have, today: What makes an item haunted? Graham believes that objects can carry the memories of past owners who unconsciously transfer their emotional energy to items while alive:

"The energy leaves a residue that enables the object to... (display) movement, talking, feelings of doom..."

Graham also notes that ghosts may choose to use objects to communicate or, in the very least, gain our attention. But she also believes that "great emotional experience" may permeate sites that exhibit haunting through some unknown transfer of energy that imprints upon certain environments.


The Meat of "Haunted Stuff"
Stacey Graham seeks to further educate readers by imparting some knowledge of where haunted objects may be found, what signs to look for, and how to investigate encounters with haunting. From there, she is content with sharing story after story of others' experiences with haunted stuff, such as dolls, bones of the deceased, furniture, collectibles, ships, places, and curses. The varied accounts of haunting caused by what should be "the inanimate" will definitely stretch readers' thinking, unveiling the dark fringes of our world that we do not yet understand. A special appendix is also included that touches on methods of our predecessors who sought protection from ghosts. I found this section of her book rather interesting.