Was Nick Trost's Subtle Card Creations V.4 published in 2012 or 2013? If 13, I'm surprised not to have seen any votes so far...

It was published in early 2013. It's a wonderful book as are the other three thus far. Marshall from H&R had stated that volume 5 was going to be released late in 2013 but as far as I know that did not happen. Of the four, volume 3 thus far has been my personal favorite, but, again, all four are splendid.

This is not a vote by the way as you see that I have not written anything substantive about the book. If I would be voting, this would one on my list.

Slainte,
Vlad

I have to vote 100% for Jamie's book the Approach. The information has helped me huge! It's incredibly easy to read, interesting and valuable which places this super high on my "best ever bought list." Even though there no tricks taught (which we all know enough of!), the information will help you be a better magician and person. Jamie also backs his products personally and has always answered every question I've had with patience and kindness. It's rare to see that kind of customer service in any industry.

I bought a lot of books this year but this is the only one getting my vote. I loved a couple others but I really support this book and everything it stands for. Overall good business practice.

Hi Vlad,
I did think it came out in 2013, but the lack of votes here made me think otherwise. I too won't be voting: simply haven't bought enough of this year's offerings to have a valid say (only new releases I bought were Trost V.4 and High Calibre).

Looking forward to V.5 now...!

Owen

I only bought two 2013 published books this year, both of which were excellent.

High Calibre: The writing was in plain english and the pictures are clear enough that even people who traditionally learnt card magic from DVDs (like me) will find it easy to follow. As a bonus, a lot of the tricks (at least for me) were original and fun to perform. Stand-outs include Chronic and Mega Wave.

The Approach: Despite some of the unkind words spoken on this thread, I personally found this book to be excellent. Not everyone on the MC has years of paid for real world experience (shock horror - some of us learn magic for fun and to perform for friends and family), so this book is a fantastic reference for anyone who is considering taking their hobby to the next level. It's written in the same informal and friendly way Jamie comes across here on the MC and on his Ted talk (which I found on his website not so long ago http://www.sendwonder.com/), which is refreshing for a book of this type. I was unsure at first whether to invest $55 in a book, so I asked Jamie for a preview and he generously send me the first few chapters for free.

For the record, I don't know Jamie personally and I have no hidden agenda in promoting his book, but he is one of the few magicians who, in my experience, has gone the extra mile when asked to provide information about his products.

The other notable great book I bought this year (also from someone who was a pleasure to deal with during the purchasing process) was The Complete Magic Party Book written by Mark Leveridge (http://www.markleveridge.co.uk/cmp.php). I know it won't get a vote (because it was published in 2008), but I wanted to mention it as it was one of my favourite reads this year and is one of the best guides to putting on a Childrens Magic show. I put on a good show for my 4 year old son late last year using a lot of the content from this book and it went down a storm.

Happy New Year to all - fingers crossed 2014 will be as good a year as 2013 for magic.

Jack

Hi Jack,
I was no trying to say that jamies book was bad . Just not outstanding either . I did say if you where starting out and not well read the book is probably great!
But I personaly did not consider it worthy of all the praise it is getting here on the Café.
The thread lead me to believe that the book was outstanding whatever your level and it was not in my opinion.
Phil

I'd like to get my vote in for The Approach by Jamie D Grant. The main reason is simple - I have hundreds of books teaching me tricks, but only 1 or 2 that REALLY teach me how to be a working Magician. By working Magician I mean someone in the real world who is taking their knowledge of magic and applying it to create wonder with others. I struggled for a long time to feel confident enough and prepared to become a professional working Magician - and after reading this book, I'm now up an running. It's awesome.

The approach by Jamie grant

1. It is honest. As a full time performer for many years, everything in here rang true for real world gigging. And even though it is a book on the more important aspects of performing magic for money, he also mentions many of the tricks used in his own set.
2. Fun and very easy to read with humour and interesting layout
3. No time wasting. Packed full of tips and ideas. Impossible to not gain something from this book regardless of experience.

THE APPROACH by Jamie D. Grant: Has given me the confidence to know more about the ins and outs about working in amgic. It's chapters have pointed me in the right direction or path to get to where I want to be in magic. The secrets in the book are real winners and I can't see any magician not picking up something from the book. It has a sample of a contract, examples of how much to charge, how to start out does he have a lot of tips but his writing style is very inviting.

REAL SECRETS by Adam Milgate: This book has shown a very realistic and in depth view on what it takes to be a full-time professional magician. This book speaks about character development, it has spreadsheets to view to help you along your way and fill out yourself in the way to help your organization along the way. You get to see what a professional magician carries with him and what his set lists look like. You could only really get this knowledge, along with "The Approach" by sitting down and talking with the magician for years. Again, I stress, and love the face, that this book puts it in a realistic viewpoint for you, my only gripe is that it doesn't go over marketing, but there are other materials for that.

I'll be making my third vote in a bit.

Full Bloom by Gaetan Bloom. Tons of practical ideas. Every 4th or 5th trick could be used in some kind of situation I'm performing at. Not just close-up and card tricks, but there are lot of stage staff as well, even stage illusions.

My vote is for Jamie Grant's book "The Approach." Excellent book, easy to read and understand with very good advice that was learned through experience. Many thanks to Jamie for sharing his experience and knowledge in teaching how to become a better professional magician.

Not sure if my vote counted. But in case it did not, I am going to write a big post here to be sure my vote does count. My vote is for Jamie Grant's book "The Approach." Here are the reasons why I think Jamie's book is awesome: he requires you to work a a little bit with his workbook format so that you can become a better magician. If you want to become better at something if you have to work and take action to become better. That means not minding doing the work that he requires in his book.

He shows you how to effectively work new magic tricks into your show with his Magic Fridays idea where you perform new magic tricks to see what kind of reactions you get from the magic trick which goes into the decision process of whether that magic trick should go into your formal show. He stresses the importance of what exactly makes a website important and the what's the most important aspect of a business card. He has an excellent model for figuring up how much you should charge. I like his model and it makes perfect sense. His book is easy to read and it makes for fun and interesting reading. I highly recommend his book and my vote is for Jamie Grant's book "The Approach."

My apologies for the double post, I just wanted to be sure that if I vote on something, my vote is counted.

Here are my two votes for best book this year.

Counting On Deception by Larry Barnowsky- I’ve written a review of this on another thread. Creative well explained effects in a beautifully printed book. 15 Card Poker Deal, 39th Card, Patriotic Balls, and Underhanded Deception, and Drawing a Blank are among my favorites. Many effects based on subtle math concepts including some I’ve never seen before.

Full Bloom by Gaetan Bloom- Another book by great original thinker. Most are pretty easy to build. Many effects will require some construction but are not hard. Gaetan gets more out of a thread or a TT than anyone else. The slate trick is wonderful.


David

There is only one book you need to vote for, and that's the one I'm going to vote for! That's The Approach by Jamie D. Grant. I don't care if you are a new performer just starting in the professional world of magic or a seasoned pro the tips and advice Jamie offers in his The Approach is priceless! This book is amazing and teaches a lot about the business of show. It's the first book I'd advise a student to purchase if they decide to try and make money as a performing magician.

I know I am not an established member here yet but my vote goes to Jamie D. Grant's Approach as well. Included below is my review.

The Approach by Jamie D. Grant

A Complete guide to becoming a Working Magician - Incredible Workbook format!
(yes you will actually be writing and taking some notes to better yourself...imagine that. The fact that I am an educator...I love this aspect. Now by all means if you want to keep your book all nice and blank, then don't.)

Softcover -
Page Count 286

Chapter Count 103 - For all of you who are doing the math....you guessed it. Most of the chapters are 1-2 and a half pages long. What? That's bull crap. Why would Jamie cheat us on information. Jamie has not done this, I assure you. His writing style allows him to be brief, yet convey his message in a short, concise manner to deliver the goods.

Speaking of writing style. This is the first book I've ever seen where the author changes some fonts on certain words to show emphasis and break up the monotony of a lot of text on a page. He also uses highlighting on key points to remember. Well done Jamie and this makes the readability flow nicely and not seem like you are reading a huge novel.

I read the entire book in a few hours and I am not a speed reader by any means. This is a book that you can and will go back to over and over again for reference.

Below is a list of every topic that Jamie covers so I will not get into details on that. Just browse the list below and you'll see the plethora of topics he has covered.

Chapter List

1|How many tricks you should know -Article
2|Who are you? -Study
3|Developing your sets~ Part I -Lesson
4|How to practice -Essay
5|Your Magic Fridays -Anecdote (This is crucial to your success and preparation before paid gigs. I know because I do it)
6|Business cards -Advice
7|Websites -Tip
8|How Do You Look? -Study
9|What are you wearing? -Advice
10|Funny or serious? -Anecdote
11|Are you any good yet? -Lesson
12|Starting Conversations -Advice
13|Touching people -Trick
14|How Much To Charge? -Article
15|The Cocktail Party -Essay
16|Getting started -Advice
17|Volunteer gigs and charities -Advice
18|What to say in emails -Tip
19|The telephone call -Trick
20|Getting There -Lesson
21|Developing Sets- Part 2 -Article
22|Silence -Advice
23|What does my contract looks like? -Anecdote
24|Transitions -Advice
25|Conquering nerves -Article
26|How to get gigs -Essay
27|Getting ready for your first one -Essay
28|Fingernail care -Trick
29|How much time to prepare -Tip
30|Pocket management -Article
31|Your list -Study
32|THE BIG SECRET -Trick
33|Your closeup bag/case -Advice
34|Things to never forget -Tip
35|Hat or No hat? -Essay
36|The handshake -Tip
37|What to put in the lobby -Trick
38|Who to approach first? -Article
39|My first effect -Advice
40|What rubberbands to use -Tip
41|Moving through a room -Article
42|The first words you (I) say -Essay
43|Highs and lows -Article
44|Getting applause -Essay
45|More transitions -Study
46|Saying goodbye to your group -Essay
47|Tables versus standing -Advice
48|Dealing with the Alpha male -Article
49|Staying in one spot -Advice
50|Busted! -Advice
51|Getting compliments -Tip
52|Letting spectators shuffle -Article
53|Reset. Reset -Study
54|Venue Staff -Tip
55|Kids at an event -Advice
56|Burning through material -Lesson
57|How many hours? -Lesson
58|Remembering names -Article
59|When to show the event planner -Tip
60|The card force I always use -Anecdote
61|Accepting tips -Article
62|Wallets -Anecdote
63|Handing out business cards -Tip
64|What to never borrow -Anecdote
65|Someone wants to show a trick -Article
66|Regular decks -Study
67|Weddings -Lesson
68|Large tables -Anecdote
69|Do you join them for dinner? -Anecdote
70|Vest or jacket? -Tip
71|The second Big Secret -Trick
72|Do it again -Article
73|Another magician shows up -Anecdote
74|Gigs outside -Advice
75|When only ten people show up -Anecdote
76|Do you need a stage show? -Study
77|Dance floors -Advice
78|Checking back in -Tip
79|Dropping cards -Tip
80|Sponge balls -Trick
81|Dealing with disappointment -Advice
82|Hecklers -Article
83|Open versus closed body language -Lesson
84|One handed spectators -Anecdote
85|Stick lines -Essay
86|Lone stragglers -Tip
87|Journal -Advice
88|Leaving them with something -Essay
89|Custom decks -Article
90|False memories -Article
91|Invoices -Article
92|How to get testimonials -Article
93|Getting all the money -Article
94|Increasing rates -Tip
95|Busking -Advice
96|Repeat gigs -Study
97|Pictures -Tip
98|Social media -Advice
99|Going full time
100|Agents -Anecdote
101|Essay -Article
102|Go get it -Advice
103|The beginning -Thanks

Cost: $75.00

Now, before some of you start throwing your hands up in the air and screaming that you would never pay that kind of money for a softcover book....please don't. Do NOT buy this book! I wouldn't want too many guys with this kind of knowledge in their magic arsenal. There is way too much real working advice that Jamie has poured into this from his blood sweat and tears. 10 years of trials and errors in the trenches is real work. I'll be honest in that I wouldn't have wanted to share all of this information myself so he is being VERY generous. Some of the items / ideas that he shares are worth the cost of the book alone by themselves.

I am so mad that Jamie did not release this book 10 years ago when I was first starting out in magic. This book is like a swiss army knife / survival guide for beginners, hobbyists, and semi professionals looking to improve every aspect of their walk around and close up work.


Questions you may ask prior to purchasing.

I wonder if Rick is saying all of this because Jamie Grant sent him a book for free?

Nope, I paid full price from Penguin and only hope that JB will carry it here as well. It would be a great first book for Theory 11 to offer its members.

Think I'm still lying. Read these reviews as well at Penguin.
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/3753#reviews

I am a beginner and don't have the first clue what I am doing. Is this book for me?

YES, YES, and YES. The information contained on these pages will save you numerous headaches and move you up the learning curve very rapidly. It is imperative that you gain an understanding of how and why Jamie's information and hints work.

What if I am already working gigs and making good money?

My advice to you is that you will find yourself agreeing with most of the information on these pages because if you were like me....you to were thrown into the trenches and learned on your own by failing. Do you still need this book? I think you will still find a few items / suggestions given by Jamie that you will want to test the waters with, however, I think you will find it difficult to find yourself justifying paying $75.00 compared to a beginner that doesn't know hardly any of this information. It is still a fantastic book and probably in my top 5 out of 75 books I own.

Am I going to learn magic tricks in this book?

Nope. This book is all about the nitty gritty real working knowledge that is a must have that you need to know before you even pull a trick out of your pocket and try to entertain an audience.

I am a stage worker. Does any of this information pertain to me?

Some of it will, but this is most definitely geared towards the close up, walk around, table hopping type of performer who works receptions, cocktail parties and the like.

What if I own David Stone's Close up Book that is only half the cost of this book? Are they different enough?
Yes. I own both books and they are both necessary for your repertoire.

If anyone has any other questions for me regarding Jamie's book....please feel free to post.

Well Done Jamie...thanks for sharing your expertise with our community. Loved it!

I know which book I'm NOT going to buy.

What books were published in 2013, I only know of one book being published, Jarrow "The Humorist Trickster" Life of a Vaudeville Headliner.

This is a fantastic look at Jarrow life during the depression and what a man did to survive.

It is also a book that shows how you can put together an act with nothing and become one of the highest paying magicians of the day.

Find out how to do the Dollar Bill in Lemon without paying $500 for a custom made Russ Walsh loading gimmick.

My vote is for the Jarrow book.

Bill,

Thanks for that! I just bought it based on your recommendation!

~jamie

I am delighted to add my vote for The Approach.
1. It contains a ton of useful information, not just interesting speculations.
2. The advice and suggestions are presented in an entertaining manner.
3. Unlike most other magic books I've read, this book offers exercises and 'homework' to get past the theory and into developing real-world strategies to help build a magic career.
4. No other book I've read is so clearly focused on the business of magic, rather than listing a bunch of tricks, or theoretical cogitations about the performance of magic.

Spike

The title and content of this thread is 2013 Café Book of the Year. Not the top five books that we put on a recommended reading list. Not sure why duaneberry is changing it up, but I voted for my book of the year as did everyone else here.