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Atlas Inner circle 3103 1277 Posts |
Well, rather unexpectedly, I got an email from Jose Prager the other day and attached to the email was a copy of his forthcoming book "The Goat's Grimoire". It was very kind of him to send a copy to me free of charge and, as I've just finished reading it, I thought I'd take a moment and share some of my thoughts with the users here at the Café.
Let me start by saying that my past relationship with Jose's work has not been entirely rosy. Some of it I like, some of it I dislike. For instance, while "Duplo" was a good idea, I could not get a level of consistency that I wanted from it and don't use it. On the other hand, Jose's "Peeki" is always in my pocket and is as perfect an effect as I could ask for. As you will read in a moment, I was on the fence about his recent "3386". I mention the above not to criticize Jose's thinking, but to establish the fact that I am unbiased and honest in my assessment of "The Goat's Grimoire". The book is 72 pages long and will, I believe, actually take the form of a printed book that is limited to 200 copies. I have no idea what the man plans to charge for the work, so I cannot speak to the issue of value for money at this point. The effects outlined in the book are "3386", "This Eye", "The Goat Knew Me", "Heavy Amnesia", "Mind Flight", "Psychological Jar", and "Mr. Green's System". Now, as I referenced it earlier, let me begin by saying that about a month ago Jose placed a post here on the Café asking for ad copy for "3386". He offered to send the effect out for free in return for ideas for ad copy. I had some trouble with my email at the time and did not get the effect in time to participate. When I did get "3386", I was - quite frankly - on the fence about it. This is always the trouble with publishing any of your pet ideas - what works for you and your presentation style can sometimes fall flat for another personality. No matter who you are, this will always be the case sometimes. But I have learned over the years that with some thought, these ideas can be adjusted and reframed and that excellent reactions can be gained by what was considered, upon the first perusal, to be a disappointment. I thought the idea had potential, so I tinkered with the presentation of "3386" (the method is so easy that there was no need to make alterations) and let me tell you - I am glad that I did. I was put on the spot yesterday. An MC, baffled by what I had just performed and having quizzed the members of the audience that I had just worked with (he was convinced that they were confederates), challenged me to return to the stage and try something with him. I was, however, thoroughly unprepared for this and had pretty much worked through all my material suitable to the audience. Then I remembered "3386". I went back on stage with two small pieces of paper, and soon had the MC's random four digit number and had him correctly guess mine. His language was colorful to say the least. Thank you Jose! I can say, after having read "The Goat's Grimoire", that, for the most part, Jose has here an impressive collection of effects that one might be tempted to casually dismiss. I don't know why, perhaps it is his natural modesty or that English is not his natural language, but when you read the book, it is stripped of the pages and pages of hype that one tends to see in other books prior to outlining an effect - "What you are about to read is my best kept secret and the cornerstone of my career for the last ten years. It is the one secret that has gotten me booked to perform at more venues than I can count, etc." Because none of this filler is in the book, the reader may be tempted to set it aside and consider it to be a good read but nothing more. Don't do that - My experience with "3386" testifies to the power of what is in the book. I should also mention that Luke Jermay and Peter Turner have collaborated with Jose on a number of the effects in the book, and their influence on Jose's thinking is evident. I have to say that "The Goat Knew Me" and "Mind Flight" are my favorites. I love the reveal for a portion of "The Goat Knew Me" - a very cunning piece of thinking that I believe is usually missing from these types of effects and one which elevates it to being much more memorable to the participant. "Mind Flight" is a fantastic piece of double talk that leads to a great revelation. I would change the kit that Jose uses, but that is only because I am comfortable with other modes of doing the same thing and not because there is anything wrong with performing this as outlined in the book. It is really the approach to what happens with the spectator here that appealed to me so much. I will say that "Heavy Amnesia" is, in my mind, the one effect in the book that I would not attempt. The method and ideas are acceptable, but I am not convinced by the premise and anyone filming in the audience (say a participant's family member capturing their moment on stage) could throw a spanner into the works. To me, it feels more like magic than mentalism and I haven't yet thought of a way to alter what is presented to make it work for me. Apart from that, the book is a solid offering and contains ideas that are worthwhile and thought provoking. There are a number of passages in which method is described that should be clarified by better descriptions and pictures, or that already assume some level of familiarity with certain principles. While I'd advise Jose to take steps to better convey his meaning, a determined reader should be able to comprehend the principles explained. Overall, I'd recommend this book. I think it is an excellent collection of Jose's thinking and the nuances suggested by Peter Turner and Luke Jermay add depth to the work. Best, Atlas |
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Interesting...... Honest and to the point.
I never heard of Jose's 3386. Best Ray |
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts |
Lol
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
<BR>Oscar Wilde experimentaliste <br> <BR>Artist pickpocket Professional <BR> <BR>Looking for the best book test in French? send me a PM! |
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Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
Is the goat from drag me to hell? That goat rulz!
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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Dave Nic Loyal user Australia 242 Posts |
Thanks for the words Atlas, always honest and unbiased.
I was interested in hearing about this ever since Pete made mention of this at his penguin lecture. But limited edition, again, oh boy.. So many limited editions.. I like that Pete and Luke have collaborated with Jose for the release of this book. Looking foward to seeing a price=p - Dave. |
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Adam Hince Special user Pittsburgh, PA 509 Posts |
Nice write up, Atlas. Any indication of when this will be available and from where?
Regards, -AH |
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Atlas Inner circle 3103 1277 Posts |
Thanks Dave, I try to make sure I shine a light on all relevant aspects of a work.
Adam, I do not have an answer for you, but I will see if I can get more information from Jose - I will make a post when I do know. Since I made my initial post here, Jose sent me an email that intimated that there were a few effects missing from the copy of "Grimoire" that I received. I gather there will also be a PK touch effect in the book, as well as another prediction piece. If I get the chance to see them, I will share my thoughts here. Best, Atlas |
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Atlas Inner circle 3103 1277 Posts |
Adam,
I just got an email from Jose letting me know that the book should be available as of today on eMentalism.com - though no indication yet of price. Best, Atlas |
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Adam Hince Special user Pittsburgh, PA 509 Posts |
Thanks for the update, Atlas!
Regards, -AH |
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Marqus Special user 899 Posts |
I PM'd Jose the other day but hadn't heard from him.
Thanks, Atlas, for the update. Marqus |
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Paul Shirley Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1206 Posts |
I don't believe in goats.
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Dave Nic Loyal user Australia 242 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-21 22:55, Paul Shirley wrote: Not even in curry Paul?.. |
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Godzilla Inner circle Tied & Untied Witches on 5316 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-21 22:55, Paul Shirley wrote: They,believe in you!
"If you watch Godzilla backwards, it's about a big ass lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt-down city, then moonwalks back into the ocean"
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Marqus Special user 899 Posts |
Atlas,
If you get any more info about the Goat Recipe book, let us know. As of today, I don't see anything on the eMentalism site. |
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Adam Hince Special user Pittsburgh, PA 509 Posts |
Leave Paul Curry out of this.
Regards, -AH Quote:
On 2013-04-21 23:23, Dave Nic wrote: |
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Dave Nic Loyal user Australia 242 Posts |
I just recieved an email with a link to order this, should be good to go now.
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Paul Shirley Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1206 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-21 23:23, Dave Nic wrote: :) One of my favourite dishes of all time can be found at Bar Alto, at the Powerhouse in New Farm. Their Goat Ragu is phenomenal! I would almost consider moving to Brisbane for that reason alone. |
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Ray Bertrand Inner circle Ottawa, Ontario 1452 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-21 22:55, Paul Shirley wrote: Shirley, you jest!
Mentalism in Ontario.
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts |
I'm wondering how any of his effect could be his best keep secret fot the last ten years...
In this case I started mentalism in 1854! In my language a goat is someone stupid. I'll not buy this ebook lol
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
<BR>Oscar Wilde experimentaliste <br> <BR>Artist pickpocket Professional <BR> <BR>Looking for the best book test in French? send me a PM! |
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kambiz Inner circle Perth, down by the cool of the pool 1129 Posts |
When I finished reading this ebook I was transformed into one of these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpccpglnNf0 Kam
If I speak forth, many a mind will shatter,
And if I write, many a pen will break. .....and when I consider my own self, lo, I find it coarser than clay! |
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