Probably Random

Tricks of the mind

Tricks of the mind by Derren Brown is a fantastic book, although I thought it was so good I wasn’t sure if I was being hypnotised as I read (for those that haven’t heard of him he’s a psychological illusionist/mentalist according to wikipedia). The book is very varied and it is one that I will read again. He explains, some, of how he performs, and explains some of the techniques he uses with things such as memory and reading people.

It also provides insight into Derren as a person (or at least what he wants us to see!) and explains that he doesn’t actually read peoples minds all the time! so apparently it is safe to be in front of him at the cashpoint.

The book is strongly opinionated, if you have strong opinions yourself then this book will either be confirmation or really annoy you! but,  he isn’t so arrogant that he insist you believe it all (well that’s what I thought).

There is suggested further reading which I may pick at after I have re-read the book. If you were interested in learning more about how he works they would probably be a very useful starting point, but as with all performers you have to understand just how much effort goes in behind the scenes and how much practice it actually takes to make it look that easy.

Just so you know, this is my first (public) book review, and I got a D for English Lit. (GCSE) so bare with me.
I’m planning more (as I read) and hopefully they will get better, they will certainly be varied!