I am Haunted: Living Life Through the Dead Kindle Edition

Before I get too critical here, just let me say that in spite of his sometimes corny “cool dude” image, I do believe that Zak Bagans truly is an intellectual at heart and his passion for the paranormal is to be taken seriously. As a researcher, author, and clairvoyant myself I applaud him for bringing such topics to light and injecting then into an accessible mainstream dialogue. I enjoyed his first book, the thoughtfully written “Dark World,” but wouldn’t be entirely honest if I said I liked this one nearly as much.For starters, the writing style just feels off in a way I can’t quite put my finger on. He’s a smart guy, as evidenced by some of his prior work, but the writing here is so simplistic in nature it’s as if he were making a point to pander to those with a 3rd grade intellect. “I went upstairs. There were shadows. It was scary.” I don’t want to sound condescending by putting it that way, but the entire book is presented in such a fashion and it’s frustrating to watch people dumb themselves down when you know they’re capable of so much more. (In fact, because of that, I’m tempted to question how much of this book Bagans himself actually had a hand in.) He also takes every opportunity he can to pat himself on the back by reminding us how creative he is and how much more experience he has under his belt compared to most other paranormal investigators. Practically every other paragraph begins with “As an empath…” and that gets tiresome real quick, especially since he never fully explores exactly what that means for him. I don’t fault him for coming off as a tad douchey, mind you, because he HAS accomplished a lot and lord knows I can toot my own horn when I want to as well. But again, it only serves to further highlight just how poor and repetitive the actual writing is.On the plus side, if you read his last book, which was very philosophical, you might be glad to know that Bagans opens up a bit more about himself and delves into more personal territory this time around. He touches on subjects such as his plastic surgery, ex-girlfriends, fame, and shares a handful of anecdotes about crazy fans and why he likes to shy away from the limelight as much as possible when he isn’t working. I found the chapter about the airplane bathroom mishap particularly amusing because not only was it hilarious anyway, but it was one of the few instances where it felt like his true personality was finally breaking through the walls he spent the previous 200 pages building up around it.Anyway, those are just my thoughts so take them as you will. Zak seems like a tough guy to get to know, and this book certainly did him no favors in that respect. Though I have criticized the writing style I can’t help but feel perhaps it’s an intentional method of keeping the reader at arm’s length, but then I suppose I would have to wonder why he’d want to publish another book at all if that were the case. It’s hard to say. In any event, if you’re a more casual fan of Bagans or the Ghost Adventures TV show I would cautiously recommend “I am Haunted” as an easy way to kill a weekend, but if you’re more research-minded and are looking for a resource to return to again and again, just stick with “Dark World.”

As someone who has watched his programs for research value it was nice to see a little more into the person. Zak is a unique person. You can sense that he is sensitive, caring, intelligent and driven. You don't often see "hosts" of programs who appear to really care and in his book he says he hopes to help people heal more than live to make more money. This book (his second) shows how he has matured (since his previous book) and continues to discover the mysteries that all humans have pondered since our existence. Where does good and evil come from? Is the Bible true? I believe Dr Ravi Zacharias once quoted someone as saying that Jesus was either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. Now keep this in mind. If demons are afraid of Him, if they cower at the Cross and His authority, common sense - even logic - would dictate that then He is Who He says He is. Think about that! Really. Stop what you are doing and think about that. God, the Creator of our Universe, resurrected His Son from the dead (read more about the mysteries of the Shroud of Turin - the evidence shows He was levitated and a powerful source of energy emanated from His body burning the image on the shroud). Look into the Bible...read John 1:1 (gives me chills). This is what I hope viewers would understand ultimately. The reality of Jesus Christ.Zak (as well as many others) has already proven the other side exists; the evidence he has gathered is more than enough. The question I would ask, is now, what are you going to do with that knowledge? The Bible warns of tinkering with the dark side and I hope that people don't do this for their own curiosity's sake . The evidence is already there. Stay away from the dark side unless you are called and gifted with deliverance or ministry to oppressed people and can truly help. There are those that think human spirits can be trapped to dwell on the earth. How would anyone know its not a fallen angel who has been around for thousands of years and has collective memory and is imitating the person (like is done in seances)? One third of the angels fell in the rebellion with Satan. What do you think they do to occupy their time? I figure if the Bible says to steer clear, then it would be wise to do so. There really is nothing to gain from fueling a burning curiosity ...this can result in health problems, terror and death to the person, their friends and family. I pray for Zak.

A well written, interesting book. Zak reveals a lot about his innermost thoughts and of the personalities and foibles of the other GA crew, Aaron, Billy and Jay. I was pretty blown away at the descriptions of Aaron's mood swings. Very surprising and quite shocking. Nick isn't mentioned in the book and is glaringly omitted from the acknowledgments page at the front of the book which means that when he left GA in November, it clearly wasn't amicable. One thing that Zak mentions a lot throughout the book is the toll the GA lockdowns take on their mental and physical health - if true then I think the GA team need to take a well deserved break, as the week long of feeling unwell and out of it after a particularly active and arduous lock down sounds awful. To have done this relentlessly for seven years without a break is going to take its toll sooner or later. Lots of interesting anecdotes contained in the book including a toe curlingly cringey one about Zak, an air stewardess and a rogue poo in an airline toilet - really funny but the moment must haunt Zak like an evil spirit. Would recommend the book, its a decent read.

You have to be a GAC fan to appretiate this book, which I am, so I have seen all of the investigations Zak is writing about. Its a behind the scene in depth look about how Zak has progressed with the GAC. I got it today, it was delivered as my early birthday present to me! because I am the only one who reads this stuff! I took it to work with me on nights, couldn`t put it down, read 188 pages before I knew it. Although i did keep looking over my shoulder at work! It makes you realize how difficult the job is that they do, and how easy they make it look, so thats a job well done. Zak opens up about his reasoning and how he feels about the world he`s in. High Five mate! I think he would be quite normal in Lancashire! UK. I also have his other book Dark World, and his books are definately keepies, along with my John Zaffis and Occult Philosophy material.

I've followed Ghost Adventures on tv since the beginning. It was nice to be able to read what goes on inside the head of Zak when working on and off set. Zak also writes about his crew too which is lovely and sometimes funny. It made for an interesting read. If you like Zak and like Ghost Adventures then give this book a go.

I have watched GAC for years, and feel in tune with their processes and investigative techniques, zacs book gives an in site into his thoughts and beliefs and to somewhat Aarons too, which has underpinned my belief that they really are doing what they love and believe in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I did the first one but it does get very deep. I'm not too sure about Zak cat calling other paranormal investigators but it is after all his book he can say what he feels but it does make enemies!! I like that he puts visual content and although I believe in the spirit world I think it takes a very brave person to do what he does and I thank him for that. I would certainly recommend his books to anyone who would be interested.