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Cody S. Fisher V.I.P. Austin, Texas 1194 Posts |
Review: “Meant To Be” By John B. Born
This is the latest book from John Born…and I must say that I am torn in writing this review. To be honest I don’t really want anyone to know about this book! (It’s that good) If mine were the only copy in existence I would be one lucky guy. It all started at F.F.F.F. a few weeks ago. John and I were in the lobby discussing the “Any Card Any Number” plot. We were exchanging ideas and talking about various methods and presentations. He told me of his new book on the subject and that he would be performing his “contest winning” version later that day. I could hardly wait! My anticipation grew as his performance drew near. When the performance was over…I found myself looking around the room at all the magicians with blank looks on their faces. It was nice to see so many magicians fooled so badly! For the rest of the convention I watched many magicians follow John around in hopes that he would “tip” the method…but I don’t think he told anyone. I like many others immediately pre-ordered a copy of his book and am glad I did. When it arrived in the mail I was “shocked” yet again. I was expecting a set of lecture notes or maybe even a comb bound book of sorts. When I opened the box I was surprised to find a beautifully produced hard bound book. It begins with an introduction by Ken Krenzel and the list of contributors is incredible. (Ken Krenzel, Allan Ackerman, Barrie Richardson, Banacheck, Martin Joyal, Josh Jay, Tony Miller, and Paul Cummins to name a few!) The book does not jump right into methods. The first chapter is a wonderfully written essay on just about every aspect of the “Any Card Any Number” plot I have ever read. John has really put a lot of thought into this plot and shares many ideas on how to take this effect to the next level. So many times this effect is presented as a “coincidence” effect. John’s thoughts on how to properly present this effect are very innovative and in my opinion take this from a mere coincidence and transform this into a beautiful piece of card magic. The next section of the book deals with John’s wonderful “Meant To Be” system for ACAN. I have been “collecting” methods for the ACAN plot for many years…and this has got to be the most clean and direct handling for ACAN I have ever read! Briefly…the cards are in the box…a card in named…a number is named…the cards are openly removed from the box and handed to a volunteer…the number is counted to…the card is there! This is exactly what ACAN should look like! In this chapter John outlines his preferred handling and also several other optional handlings using the “Meant To Be” system. Later on in the book John even outlines this “award winning” routine! Another aspect that I found particularly helpful was John’s thoughts on “calculations” when using a memorized deck. For me…performing several calculations during a performance has always been a struggle. Through one simple ruse, John has drastically simplified the calculations for the memorized deck versions. The rest of the book is devoted to many ACAN effects. They range from completely self-working to some sleight of hand required. Just about every version is a winner. The last part of the book contains a “History And Credits” section. Here John gives a VERY comprehensive outline of many ACAN effects in print. This alone is an excellent resource for you ACAN fans. If you are interested in the Any Card Any Number effect then I would HIGHLY recommend this book…you will not be disappointed! Only available at: http://www.johnborn.com I hope this helps, Cody S. Fisher
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Daegs Inner circle USA 4291 Posts |
Just have to say that having been there when he did win the contest with this, it is gold as is all of John's stuff.
Highly recommended. |
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shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
I am not familiar with John Born other than I knew he put something out a few years ago..However I do value Cody Fishers opinions and thoughts on magic.If he puts merit in somethingits has to be great. So this is now on my want list base upon his praise.
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Cody S. Fisher V.I.P. Austin, Texas 1194 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words Mike...I really appreciate that!
I don't ususally endorse magic items as I feel that one mans trash is another mans treasure. However if you really like the ACAN plot then I am sure you will be very happy with this book. FYI Mike...John has one version in particular that is perfect for strolling. I don't want to give away any of John's stuff...but let me say that his strolling version is a very locial ending to any ambitious card sequence. Cody S. Fisher
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Steve Haynes Inner circle Southeastern United States 1119 Posts |
Ken Krenzel in his book CLOSE-UP IMPACT has a version just as you described,from the card case,which is a very nice solution.
I too have studied this effect for years,and hope this book will be worth the money for someone who is well read. I just placed my order. |
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Mike Powers Inner circle Midwest 2983 Posts |
I met John a couple of years ago at the Midwest Magic Jubilee. I had already purchased his book w/disk Matrix God's Way which contains some of the coolest coin ideas I had seen in a long time. I have since watched John peform some of these items and fry everyone in the room.
One thing John and I share is a love of magic that seems truly IMPOSSIBLE. This is the stuff that leaves everyone scratching their heads and talking about it for days after witnessing it. John won the close up contest at the MagiFest on the strengh of one of his Any Card at Any Number routines. This routine was also a tremendous hit at FFFF this year. It was one of the items that was talked about throughout the convention since it just seemed totally impossible. I will leave you with three words of advice - get this book! Mike
Mike Powers
http://www.mallofmagic.com |
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Peo Olsson Inner circle Stockholm, Sweden 3260 Posts |
Just ordered my copy.
When both Cody and Mike say something is good, it MUST be exellent. Peo
Pictured to the left my hero and me during FISM 2006 in Stockholm.
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Caliban Special user 727 Posts |
Peo
What was the postage charge to Europe? It doesn't say on John's site. Thanks |
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Cane and Able New user The Great White North 82 Posts |
Hey all,
Can this version be done standing on stage? Have a great day! |
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Cody S. Fisher V.I.P. Austin, Texas 1194 Posts |
Cane & Able,
There are many versions in the book. Like I said earlier...some of the best methods I have ever read. (and I collect methods for this!) John has some great methods for close up and stage. Oh and yes you can do all of these methods standing! I hope this helps, Cody S. Fisher
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Peo Olsson Inner circle Stockholm, Sweden 3260 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-09 16:48, Caliban wrote: Look at the bottom to the right: "Foreign Orders ($55 + $10 Global Priority Mail" Peo
Pictured to the left my hero and me during FISM 2006 in Stockholm.
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Cane and Able New user The Great White North 82 Posts |
Thanks Cody.
It sounds great! |
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Illusion77 New user 75 Posts |
This sounds VERY interesting - I was wondering, are there any extra moves (without being specific) that are left out of the description that might make the effect look not as clean?
Again, please give no info that may infringe on methods, just wondering exactly what the audience sees. Thanks! |
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Cody S. Fisher V.I.P. Austin, Texas 1194 Posts |
Illusion77,
John give so many methods that it will be impossible to describe them all. The primary method...John's "Meant To Be" system is beautiful. The audience will not perceive anything more than you taking the cards out of the box and handing them to the volunteer. There are no 'apparent' moves when this takes place. It looks SOOOO nice! I hope this helps, Cody S. Fisher
To Sign Up For My Members Only FREE Monthly Videos Visit: www.CodyFisher.com/store
Cody's Comedy Confabulation / Silk-2-Egg / Killer Prediction / Tossed Out Deck / Comedy Book Test / Las Vegas Aces / Three Ropes & 1000 Laughs |
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Mentalism New user 60 Posts |
Just ordered my copy and I can not wait to get it!
I think it will be great! Markus |
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Illusion77 New user 75 Posts |
Thanks Cody! I definitely trust your judgement - and I appreciate your thoughts!
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Christopher Williams Inner circle Portsmouth, UK 4464 Posts |
How does Johns differ from the amazing version I think called The Grail. Alakazam sold the effect and its one I use a lot, and think it is incredible
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mushi New user Japan 52 Posts |
I've ordered my copy yesterday. I am addicted to an ACAAN effect.
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Cody S. Fisher V.I.P. Austin, Texas 1194 Posts |
Christopher,
The grail is good...I like it. John's book has many methods for the ACAN plot...including his "Meant To Be" system and his award winning ACAN routine. I can't really go into much detail without giving away John's unique thoughts on the ACAN plot. In short...most of the time I have seen this effect presented...it is more of a coincidence effect. John's thoughts on presentation are what elevate the ACAN plot from a mere coincidence to a flippin' miracle! Even if you decide to still perform The Grail you would still benefit from reading this book. I hope this helps, Cody S. Fisher Note: Just so you guys know I have no financial interest in John's book...I bought my book just like everyone else. It's just so rare these days that I get fooled by a card trick...I just wanted to spread the magic...not keep to myself!
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Cody's Comedy Confabulation / Silk-2-Egg / Killer Prediction / Tossed Out Deck / Comedy Book Test / Las Vegas Aces / Three Ropes & 1000 Laughs |
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einhorn Regular user London 190 Posts |
I absolutely agree with Cody.
John Born's version of Any Card At Any Number fooled everyone I spoke to at FFFF. Meant To Be is a beautifully published book full of workable, practible and original methods for this classic plot. However, this is not merely a book of secrets. It is also a fascinating insight into how John's mind works and how he approaches his craft. The essays are written by a man who cares about using magic to create Art. I have become a better magician for reading this book. I am sure you will too if you choose to buy it. Seriously recommended. |
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