Abnormal Lore: The Mothman Prophecies by John A. Keel

The Mothman Prophecies is John Keel's seminal work on the Mothman phenomenon that took place in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, from 1966 to 1967.  It contains the entirety of events that Keel was able to record, which were exhaustive; including sightings of Mothman himself, UFOs, Men in Black, time slips, and weird, phantom phone calls.  It's written in Keel's trademark first person, and showcases the wit and intelligence that fans have always enjoyed about his writing.

A first person account of events is particularly appropriate for this work, since Keel wasn't just an observer, but an active participant.  He carefully details the part he plays in the drama while dancing around any definite determinations regarding the nature of the mystery itself.  Keel examines the nature of perception and expectation, and the organic evolution of chance encounters into folklore.  Regardless of one's opinion on the phenomena experienced by the residents of the Ohio Valley at the time, the book works as a thorough examination of the strangeness of the human experience and the nature of legends and storytelling.  

This book is a must read for any serious fortean, or really just anyone who loves a good yarn.  You can buy it here, and I sincerely hope you do.  Enjoy, and when you finish it I'll be here to talk about it with you.  Believe me, you'll want to talk about it.