Learn the techniques used by top mentalists/mind readers including Derren Brown! 13 Steps to Mentalism has become highly recommended as the most complete overall work on mentalism. In thirteen chapters, it details the workings of nearly every category and device useful to the working mentalist. Truly a must have!
I, like most magicians, have read this book and went through a remorse period of buying this book. I am told this is normal. I read jumping from part to part. I was not overly impressed, and thought it was more hype then anything. The methods were simple and they "couldn't" fool anyone.
From time to time when I would see some type of mentalism done I would try to figure it out using this book. I could not do it most of the time. So I really started to hate this book. I wanted to learn mentalism and all it did was give me really stupid and old methods.
One fine day I spent a few hours in a magic (nothing unusual there) when I seen someone peform the most amazing mental trick I had ever seen in person. They looked at someone and told them to think of their mothers madien name. They did. He looked into their eyes and wrote something on a peice of paper and put their pencil in their pocket. They were committed now. The spec said their mother's maiden name and it was the name on the peice of paper. They don't believe this guy so he does it again but has her think of a number. Again he gets it 100% correct. It blew my mind.
I had to ask how it was done. He tells me the first chapter of 13 steps to mentalism. I look at him stupid for a moment. I don't remember that in there. And I was correct. It was not written out in simple 4 letter words for me to read but the method was in there. We spend about an hour talking about different things in the book and how they apply.
I now realize to trust the author. The writer's are much more experienced then I am. It was a very humbling experience. The book I dispised buying now has a million new mental tricks in it, now that I know how to look at it.
In summary. I give this book an 8 out of 10.
It gets the 8 because it is a great book. It covers alot. It has everything that an advance magician or mentalist will want. It teaches you all the best methods for pulling off things that are super amazing, mind blowing, in your face "this is imposible to do" mentalism.
It did not get a 10 because it is a book written by pros for pros. It only gives you the methods for the most part. Its patter is old and out dated for the most part. And for a beginner they will just not get the appeal. I am happy I came around but I would not recommand it for your average run of the mill street magician. It requires too much commitment for the "next big trick" era.
For those who want to take the time and build a mentalism career you only need this book for a lifetime of effects.
8 out of 10
