In December 1985, bestselling author Whitley Strieber experienced a life-changing event that would shape the rest of his life and become one of the most controversial and widely discussed alien abduction cases in modern history. What began as a peaceful retreat to his remote cabin in upstate New York (not Texas as often misattributed), turned into a terrifying encounter that inspired his 1987 bestselling book, Communion and brought the topic of alien abductions into mainstream consciousness.
The Alleged Abduction
Strieber had retreated to his rural cabin for the holidays with his wife and son. On the night of December 26, 1985, he awoke to find himself paralyzed and surrounded by strange beings. According to his account, he was transported from his bedroom to a strange, metallic room where small beings with large black eyes and elongated heads examined and communicated with him telepathically.
Strieber described a range of creatures—some resembling the now-iconic “greys,” others more insectoid or robotic in appearance. The experience was both terrifying and profoundly disorienting. The memories of the event initially came back in fragmented flashes and dreams, prompting him to undergo hypnotic regression therapy, through which he uncovered more detailed recollections of his encounter.
The Experience in Communion
In 1987, Strieber published Communion: A True Story, chronicling his experiences with what he called “the Visitors“. The book became a phenomenon, selling millions of copies worldwide and remaining on the New York Times bestseller list for weeks. Its chilling cover—depicting the now-iconic alien “grey” face, became embedded in pop culture.
Strieber was unique in his approach: while many abductees claimed to be victims, Strieber’s narrative explored existential and spiritual dimensions, pondering whether the Visitors were extraterrestrials, interdimensional beings, or something far more complex.
Reactions and Controversy
Strieber’s account received widespread attention and intense criticism. Skeptics argued that his memories were the result of sleep paralysis, night terrors, or false memories induced through hypnosis. Others accused him of fabricating the story for profit, noting his background as a fiction author.
However, many readers—especially those who claimed similar experiences—found validation and solace in Communion. It gave a voice to thousands of alleged abductees who had remained silent for fear of ridicule.
Some psychologists have pointed out that Strieber did not fit the typical profile of someone seeking attention and he has consistently claimed his story is not a hoax but an honest account of something beyond current scientific explanation.
Cultural Impact
Whitley Strieber’s Communion helped shift the conversation about UFOs from nuts-and-bolts spacecraft to the deeply personal, psychological and spiritual experiences of alleged abductees. It inspired a 1989 film starring Christopher Walken and its themes have been explored in numerous books, TV shows and documentaries.
The term “Communion” itself became synonymous with alien contact and abduction phenomena. The book’s cover image remains one of the most recognizable depictions of alien beings in popular culture.
Strieber’s account remains one of the most famous alien abduction stories. Whether viewed as a psychological episode, genuine alien encounter or metaphorical spiritual awakening, his story challenges us to question the boundaries of reality and human consciousness. Nearly four decades later Whitley Strieber continues to write and speak about his experiences, insisting that the Visitors are real and that they are still with us.