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Book Review - Tricks Of The Mind

25 March, 2008 - RSS Only - 2 Comments

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Title: Tricks Of The Mind
Author: - Derren Brown
Synopsis: - “Derren Brown’s television and stage performances have entranced and dumbfounded millions. His baffling illusions and stunning set pieces - such as “The Seance”, “Russian Roulette” and “The Heist” - have set new standards of what’s possible, as well as causing more than their fair share of controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft, what makes him tick and just why he grew that beard. “Tricks of the Mind” takes you on a journey into the structure and pyschology of magic. Derren teaches you how to read clues in people’s behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis and shows how to do it. And he investigates the power of suggestion and how you can massively improve your memory. He also takes a long hard look at the paranormal industry and why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place. Alternately hilarious, controversial and challenging, “Tricks of the Mind” is essential reading for Derren’s legions of fans, and pretty bloody irresistible even if you don’t like him that much.“

There are times in life when a trip to ‘Smith’s results in nothing more than an intellectual, feel-good, brainy power-rush that comes from walking around a store full of books and fountain pens. You know the feeling. If you’re seen walking in to or out of Smiths, the odds are better than the 10:20 at Camden that you’re a student who actually cares about your education or you’re a high flying office-jocky. Of course, I’m neither, but I like to stand out from the crowd.

Now, call me liar, liar, my bums on fire (and my nose is stuck to a telephone wire) but there are also times in life when a trip to ‘Smith’s yields a thought-provoking, fundiddly (a word) mind-boggliy, smile inducing paper-back. A book so interesting and challenging that you’ll find it hard not to snigger in disbelief as you sip your Starbucks Stud of a coffee on the train ride home.

Tricks Of The Mind, by no other than the masterfully crafty psychological illusionist Darren Brown, is a book like no other. It promotes interaction. It induces thought-provocative questions. And best of all, it lets you get inside the head of this incredible man. A man who has an unbelievably complex but vivid, creative mind.

I’ve had many nights of pleasure laid in bed (ahem!) reading this book. I’ve laid and laughed. I’ve read in disbelief at the simple theories Derren writes about and then has you test. As you read, you’ll often find yourself stopping at his request to test a theory, trick, or technique that he just described. And after a fit of hysterical laughter when you find the technique actually works, you’ll proceed to read the next compelling chapter.

Eventually, after reading chapters on tricks and the utterly stunning chapter on memory techniques, you’ll find yourself building a picture of what goes on in Derren’s head each day. He’s not just a psychological illusionist. The man is a genius. A damn scary genius at that.

If you’ve ever watched Derren on TV or met him in person, I’m sure you’ll agree his often unbelievable skills of art, distraction and illusion are scary. Scary, not in the way you were scared of the little green men under your bed as a child (although they were scary!), but scared with the ease in which Derren is able to control a person and their actions.

But if you think he’s scary, the ride will only get worse as you read Tricks Of The Mind. As you find out how he is able to control these people and as you start to control, trick and playfully deceive your own friends, you’ll no doubt inject even more fear in to your veins.

Practical Lessons For Life

Although this book seems to set out to open up Derren’s head to allow us all a peak, it also contains a countless number of lessons that can be useful in everyday life.

My ability to memorise and mentally record things has always been poor, but thanks to one of the many very simple (and some, very complex) techniques contained within this book, I was able to quickly and easily memorise a long list of items. I read this particular section three weeks ago, but I can still recall each item in order from start to finish, as well from finish to start, and from the middle or any other point that I need to. Had I read this book a few years ago my high school grades may have been a little better.

Whether you’re looking to improve your memory, learn some card tricks to entertain your friends, or you simply want to understand what goes through Derren Brown’s head each day, I highly recommend Tricks Of The Mind. It’s funny. It’s entertaining. It’s often unbelievable. Not half-bad for a book I quickly picked up and bought as I tried to fill some time before my bus arrived.

Favourite Quote:
Rating: 8/10
Purchase: Amazon UK - It’s only a fiver!

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Posted on 25 March, 2008 by Jamie Harrop
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2 Comments»

Comment by psychologicalreader

2008-03-25 12:08:24

This looks great, I’ve seen Derren on TV and always thought he was amazing. Now I can begin to fathom what goes on in his head - thanks.

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Comment by Jamie Harrop

2008-03-25 12:18:48

Hey Peter.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the review.

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