If you’re a fan of The UFO Rabbit Hole Podcast — or just a fan of UFOs and high strangeness, in general — there are a ton of amazing books out there by journalists, ufologists, and other researchers to help you dive deeper into the subject. Here are some of the best UFO books for newbies and veterans alike.
UFO Books By Jacques Vallée
As one of the world’s foremost experts on ufology, Jacques Vallée deserves a category all on his own. His thoughtful, academic approach sets him apart from many of his contemporaries — and the conclusions that he draws about the true nature of the UFO phenomenon are uniquely profound. If you want the best UFO books that stick to the evidence and don’t jump to wild conclusions, Vallée is your guy.
Passport To Magonia: From Folklore To Flying Saucers
By Jacques Vallée
This is easily one of the important works in all of ufology. It became an instant classic when it was released in 1969, and it continues to stand the test of time. Vallée explores the UFO phenomenon through the lens of folklore and remembered history to develop a unique perspective on this mystery.
The Invisible College: What A Group Of Scientists Has Discovered About UFO Influence On The Human Race
By Jacques Vallée
In another knock-out work, Vallée explores the secret “college” of scientists studying ufology and sheds light on the evidence for the psychical nature of the phenomenon. His conclusions are as profound as they are revolutionary.
Dimensions: A Case Book For Alien Contact
By Jacques Vallée
In this first installment in a trilogy, Vallée examines the historical record to find answers about the modern perception of the UFO phenomenon and the belief in alien contact. He examines the data from UFO reports around the world, including the emotional, spiritual — and, yes, psychic — aspects of contact experiences. Vallée looks at the prevailing veil of secrecy around this subject within our government, showing how it has inhibited the proper research of this topic to this day. And, as is a central theme throughout his work, he makes the case that the extraterrestrial theory simply isn’t strange enough to account for the facts.
Confrontations: A Scientist’s Search for Alien Contact
By Jacques Vallée
In this second installment in the trilogy, Vallée investigate 40 of the most jaw-dropping UFO cases from around the world. He shares his astonishment and frustration that this topic has been overlooked by the scientific community, and he makes the case for why this bizarre phenomenon deserves to finally be taken seriously — and researched accordingly.
Revelations: Alien Contact And Human Deception
By Jacques Vallée
In his stunning and ambitious conclusion to this groundbreaking trilogy, Vallée presents evidence of media manipulation and elaborate hoaxes have misled ufologists and clouded the true nature of the phenomenon. His perspective on the dark side of ufology has profound implications for the field — and for humanity at large. The three books in this trilogy represent some of the very best UFO books that have ever been written.
Best UFO Books By Tom DeLonge
Tom DeLonge — the author? That’s actually the least crazy part of this story. Given Tom’s unparalleled access to some of the top minds in the UFO space and within the U.S. intelligence apparatus, these following books are all must-read for anyone looking to get serious about this topic. Whether or not you believe him is another story — and there’s always someone to debate you about it on Twitter.
Sekret Machines Book One: Chasing Shadows
By Tom DeLonge & A.J. Hartley
The two Sekret Machines books that are on this are the only two fiction books to make the list. This is because, although it is presented as fiction, DeLonge and his co-author go to great lengths to make it clear that this fictional account is based on very real events. While these sorts of claims would usually be easy to dismiss, DeLonge’s connection to some of the top names in ufology — as well as his high-level contacts within the government and military — make this a notable and important work. If you ask 10 different people in the UFO community what they think of these novels, you’ll get 10 different answers, which makes it worth reading in and of itself. And luckily, the fast-paced and entertaining narrative make this a fun read.
Sekret Machines Book Two: A Fire Within
By Tom DeLonge & A.J. Hartley
In his second fiction book, co-written by A.J. Harley, DeLonge takes on some of the more mysterious aspects of the phenomenon. While the first book was all about the “machines”, the second is all about the implications of this technology and what it could mean for humanity. Also, there are fairies involved. Do with that what you will.
Sekret Machines: Gods: Volume 1 of Gods Man & War (Gods, Man & War)
By Tom DeLonge & Peter Levenda
Not content to simply publish fiction, Tom DeLonge also tried his hand at non-fiction. This first volume in what will be a trilogy, Gods examines the cultures and traditions of the ancient past, asking if these stories of divine revelation could have a connection to the UFO phenomenon. With a foreward by Jacques Vallée himself, this is one of the best UFO books for anyone trying to wrap their heads around some of the latest thinking in ufology.
Sekret Machines: Man: Sekret Machines Gods, Man, and War Volume 2
By Tom DeLonge & Peter Levenda
In the second book in this trilogy, DeLonge dives into some of the deeper questions about the connections between the UFO phenomenon and our origins as a species. Examining everything from genetics, to consciousness, to human-machine symbiosis, this dramatic work is one of the best UFO books for people looking to dig deeper into this mystery.
Best UFO Books By Investigative Journalists
In Plain Sight: An Investigation Into UFOs And Impossible Science
Award-winning investigative journalist Ross Coulthart’s first book on the UFO phenomenon is remarkable, both for it’s content and for garnering the attention of the mainstream media. Coulthart’s meticulously researched book explores the history of the UFO phenomenon and boldly asks if evidence of the greatest secret in human history has been right in front of us all along.
Best Books About Skinwalker Ranch
Hunt for the Skinwalker: Science Confronts The Unexplained At A Remote Ranch In Utah
By Colm A. Kelleher Ph.D. & George Knapp
There are lots of books on Skinwalker Ranch out there. But for most ufologists this is the definitive work on the subject. Beyond just being a hotbed for UFO activity, this remote ranch in Utah is known for all kinds of high strangeness including cattle mutilations, poltergeist activity, and the appearance of terrifying wolf-like creature. Skinwalker Ranch is remarkable for being almost continually studied for the past few decades, including a years-long presence by the U.S. government. This is one of the best UFO books for understanding the undeniable connection between UFOs and other paranormal activity — and the perplexing mystery that still surrounds both.
Skinwalkers At The Pentagon: An Insiders’ Account Of The Secret Government UFO Program
By James T Lacatski D.Eng., Colm A Kelleher Ph.D., & George Knapp
In this much-anticipated follow up to Hunt For The Skinwalker, Knapp et. all dive further into the mysteries of the first book. Specifically, they discuss instances of the phenomenon “attaching” itself to visitors on the ranch, often following them home. Oh, and there’s a throwaway line that set the UFO community on fire about how Lue Elizondo was a psychic spy — so that’s fun.
Best UFO Books
Mirage Men: An Adventure into Paranoia, Espionage, Psychological Warfare, and UFOs
By Mark Pilkington
In this book, Pilkington examines the long history of the UFO phenomenon, putting it in the context of the shadowy espionage of the time. Through his interviews with intelligence officer, disinformation agents, and UFO hunters, he begins to suspect that the government hasn’t been covering up UFO reports at all, but actually encouraging them. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this book will challenge what you think you know about the phenomenon.
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