THE FOLLOWING ARE REVIEWS AND EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS THAT READERS OF SMOKEY AND THE FOUKE MONSTER AND TOO CLOSE TOO THE MIRROR HAVE WRITTEN AFTER READING BOTH BOOKS.  THE LETTERS ARE UNSOLICITED FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENJOYED THE BOOKS AND WANTED TO EXPRESS THAT ENJOYMENT.

Reader Reviews for "Smokey and The Fouke Monster"

 

 

Rating: 10

Reviewed by Nancy Fisher (visitor)

5/23/2007


"Smokey And The Fouke Monster" is a fascinating book, detailing the fascinating life of a fascinating man. Rarely have i read a book this captivating and believable. If you want to know the truth about this monster here is where you will find it, along with delightful stories of the author's life from his earliest memories right on through adulthood.

His second book, "Too Close To the Mirror" continues the saga of his life and motivates readers to examine their own lives.

It is refreshing to find books that use truth and humor to make us more aware of who we are and what we do.

 

 

Rating: 8

Reviewed by Jerry Hestand (visitor)

4/24/2007


I have read both of Smokey's books and enjoyed both. He gives details of his childhood that reveals a time when life was simple but hard. His life story is fascinating, and the second book. "Too Close To The Mirror" picks up where "Smokey and The Fouke Monster leaves off. His books are not just "bigfoot" books, but great reading for the whole family.

 

 

Rating: 10

Reviewed by Bill Miller (visitor)

4/21/2007


I had the opportunity to meet Smokey Crabtree several years ago and had purchased a copy of his first book “Smokey and the Fouke Monster”. I must say that I was taken back a bit at how well Smokey had written this book. At times it was almost like I was right there standing behind Smokey watching the events of his life unfold. I was not at all surprised when I heard that an American President at given this book such high praise. Aside from my interest in the Bigfoot phenomenon and wanting to know more about the Fouke Monster, I was so enlightened by the underlined message that Smokey brought forth … that I purchased ten copies of his book and sent them to the surrounding schools in my immediate area in hopes that the students there would get a chance to read this book for themselves.
As with the lessons now learned in the first book, Smokey’s second book totally surpassed my expectations. When I thought he could not possibly have outdone his first book … the second book titled “Too Close to the Mirror” gave us a closer look into Smokey’s soul and how his life experiences has made him the man he is today. The message Smokey puts forth about how we do at times stand so close to the mirror that we only see ourselves and tend to forget about the people around us … is something that every single person should have to be reminded of from time to time. While some of us who have come to know Smokey are Bigfoot enthusiast and had a profound interest in the Fouke Monster, Smokey reminds us that we are human beings first and foremost. That sometimes the decisions we make effect others and what we think may be best for one person may not the best thing for all those around us. In my opinion … The small price that Smokey charges for his books do not hold a candle to the vast amount of wealth his message brings to his readers.

Bill Miller
Bigfoot researcher/Investigator

 

 

Rating: 10

Reviewed by Russell Smith (visitor)

4/20/2007


This book is a very good book. It has a lot information for anyone seeking to do anything in life. Smokey has had several adventures that people only dream about. Smokey has put knowledge into his book that can show people what to do and what not to do in their own lives. Smokey outlines the "Legend of Boggy Creek", the truth about it, and uncovers the false information contained in the movie. This book is inspiring and captivating. Again, this book is full of knowledge about the world, the people of the world, and the things that a person can do.

 

 

Rating: 10

Reviewed by Lee Murphy (visitor)

4/20/2007


A great book by a great man. It is an exciting life to read about without embellishment or exaggeration, just plain fascinating. Smokey is a man who has lived by his knowledge and the work of his hands, but by no means is he "an average man".

Read this book and "Too Close To The Mirror", his follow-up. They both terrific reads.

 

 

Rating: 10

Reviewed by Jan Price (visitor)

4/19/2007


An absolutely captivating read. You will not be able to put this one down nor keep from continuing to the last page of his second book, Too Close To The Mirror. Smokey Crabtree pulls no punches and tells a wonderful story that will warm your heart, make you cry and have you rolling with laughter. A true story of real life by a real man.

 

 

Rating: 10

Reviewed by Donald Thomas (visitor)

4/19/2007


This is one great book. It tells about the life of Smokey and the events surrounding the making of the movie Legend of Boggy creek. It tells the truth of what really happened and how the movie maker took advantage of all the people around Fouke and even dubbed in the talking and words to make the people sound different and change what they said, also how they took advantage of all those who helped in making of the picture . Also how they changed a quiet going creature into a monster....a must read.... and don't forget to read Too Close to the Mirror. a update on the live and events in and around Fouke......

 
Dear Mr. Crabtree:

   You state in the first paragraph of your first book: "I am not a writer."
I would beg to disagree. I purchased both of your books, and they are two of the most wonderful
books I've read in ages. Your life story has been so inspiring and
soul-stirring, and I couldn't put either book down.
    I was a huge fan of the movie "The Legend of Boggy Creek,"
but I cannot believe how Pierce and everyone else has shafted you. Yet, you
have kept a positive outlook on life and your tone in either book is not
bitter. I don't know how you did it, but I hope to God that I am able to
have a similar approach to life when I am your age.
   Second of all--and I'm SURE you get this all the time--when are you going to
let top-notch scientists/crypto zoologists examine the skeleton????? This
could be the most important scientific discovery of our time!!!

Thanks, Mr. Crabtree. I loved the books and your wonderful story.

Jason
 
Dear Smokey,

  Loved the book!  Thank you for sharing your life story with us.  It brought back memories of my own growing up years when I used to 'raise' chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, etc., and played with the creatures in my back yard in north Pulaski county.  World traveler-nearly called from this life (San Francisco Bay accident), defender of town and family; that sums up what I've learned about Smokey Crabtree thus far.  I wanted to write and thank you for writing the book as it has put me back in touch with my upbringing, reinforced the concept of hard work and sacrifice, perseverance, patience and determination!! This is all in all a first class book and I'm glad it's in my possession!

Ruth F.
Dear Mr. Crabtree,

I just finished reading your book and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it!  I was able to get your book only after trying to find it for many years.  it can be hard locating something you are looking for sometimes but I finally found it.  Even though I work a lot I was able to finish the book in two days because it is so fascinating .  

 I hope things have quieted down for you and that you were able to right some of the wrongs that were down to you.  Thanks for the book.

Gene L.
Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree,

  We are thrilled to receive the books today!  We were quite surprised they arrived so quickly!  They are delightful!  Thank you so much for autographing them.  My husband is such a big fan, I wasn't surprised when he grabbed the package.  He saw the books and said "I will be reading...don't bother me for 3 days!!!"  It was also very nice to have gotten to speak to "Mrs. Bigfoot" when we made our order by phone!  It added such a personal touch!  We are more than delighted with the entire process of ordering.  Thank you sincerely,

Donna and Harold R.

Texas
Dear Smokey,

My husband and I ordered you books a couple of months ago.  I just had to sit down here finally and tell you how much we enjoyed them both!  We hope someday to visit your area, not to monster hunt, just to see the beautiful country.  I collect photos of people who I believe are "stars" & in our book you sure are!

A couple of fans in Oklahoma,

Monta & Leonard F.
Dear Mr. Crabtree -- it was a pleasure to meet you this weekend in Conroe -- my son and I really enjoyed your presentation -- we bought your first book on Saturday and I am more than halfway through reading it -- it is EXCELLENT -- you are so right -- there is real VALUE here -- worth every cent I paid for it and MORE -- THANK YOU for writing this book and sharing your experiences with us.  Thank you for writing this book -- best wishes and Happy Trails!

Link H.

Texas
Smokey my name is Jason C. and I have just finished reading you book "Too Close to the Mirror", and I must say that it was the best read to date.  Sincerely,

Jason C.

Arkansas
Dear Teachers and Administrators;

I am writing to you in reference to a book I recently came across that I strongly feel should be considered as part of the reading material of today's school curriculum.  This book titled "Smokey and the Fouke Monster" not only tells the tale of a most interesting and unusual true story of how the town of Fouke, Arkansas became the center of attention for monster hunters in the early and mid 1970's, but also how this one mysterious creature's unwelcome presence lead to the making of the now infamous movie called "The Legend of Boggy Creek."  Your students will become aware of the risks and pitfalls sometimes associated with the business side of life as the books author (Smokey Crabtree) tells how it came to pass that he and surrounding town folk of Fouke found themselves dealing with forces far more sinister than that of an unknown creature inhabiting their surrounding bottom lands.

Anyone who will take the time to look at this wonderful book will see that not only would the book's Tom Sawyer type storyline be captivating to any young adult, but that they would find it most informative and educational as well.  This book is written in a way that will make the reader feel as though he or she is right there to join in Smokey's struggle.  This book is so inspirational that it's even received written compliments from one American President.

William M.

Peoria, IL