On Jan 27, 2022, TimonK wrote:
Congratulations Paul!
I'm very curios to hear what readers think, as to me this was an excellent book and I've returned to the presentations within many times since my initial read-through.

Best,

T.

On Jan 28, 2022, NeilS wrote:
Mine has just arrived. I have only just dipped into this but initial impressions are very positive. Also, from a publishing point of view (my area of expertise), excellently produced.

Neil

On Feb 7, 2022, Roslyn wrote:
Amazing.

If I had to sum up this book in a single word that would be it.

I’ve not read through the whole thing yet. But the first couple of chapters are fantastic and for me worth the price of admission.

I remember seeing the trick It’s Your Choice uses as its starting point and at the time I completely overlooked it. I’m so glad Paul didn’t because he’s taken what, at the time, I considered a basic quick trick and has nurtured it so it can evolve into something far greater than the sum of its parts.

And that’s really the first lesson. At least it was for me.

I now wonder how many other effects I’ve just cast aside because I found out the method was basic that potentially hold the key to unlocking something great.

If you’re a working mentalist I think you should seriously consider getting this. Also, as an aside, if you’re a mentalist working close-up (or are looking to work mentalism close-up) then consider pairing this with Paul’s Alakazam Academy lecture. I think the two go hand-in-hand very well.

On Feb 7, 2022, NeilS wrote:
I have had this book probably 2 weeks now and I agree with Roslyn, the book is genuinely amazing and am totally absorbed both by the contents and possibilities.

Up until now I have contented myself with working out a handling which works for me - next comes working out which of the many routines to go for as well as devising some of my own.

It's Your Choice was an expensive purchase but for pleasure, potential and learning it has been well worth it.

Neil

On Feb 7, 2022, Pixelated wrote:
I have to agree with the 2 posts above.

The book really does take a good effect (which is also fully explained) and not only improve the handling but provide you with an insane number of options to present it.
Even if a presentation isn’t for you, it’s still worth reading as there are great nuances and tips sprinkled throughout.

I’ve already come up with an idea using the ‘presentation builder’ and have it ready for the next time I perform.
Really happy with my purchase.

On Feb 7, 2022, Mark_Chandaue wrote:
I have always been a fan of Paul Brook since I almost wanted to drag him off the stage during his Minds lecture because he was giving away too much of the “good stuff”. I think that is the case here too. Now the effect itself, or should we say effects, as Paul has provided so many variations, are great. As has already been stated, Paul has taken something that was an ok effect and really streamlined it into something very nice. However the effect is not where the gold is in this book. Paul details his entire thought process throughout the journey from the original effect to his versions. He explains why he made each change and what effect that had when he tested it out on real audiences.

There is a lot of learning to be had in this book beyond the effect and presentations taught although the number and diversity of the presentations is a lesson in customisation and personalisation. If you wanted to break into the trade show or corporate markets you would find massive value in this book even if you hated the effect. Of course you are not going to hate the effect, the variety of presentations included means there really is something for everyone. Paul gives you all of the tools to not only personalise this to suit your own style and tastes but also the lessons are transferable to a wide range of effects.

Mark

On Feb 12, 2022, Paul Brook wrote:

Was there a particular routine presentation that you felt drawn to Neil?

Cheers,

Paul

On Feb 12, 2022, Paul Brook wrote:
Also, thanks for the kind words about my Alakazam Academy Lecture, was there something specific you enjoyed about it, or that you think works well with 'It's Your Choice'?

On Feb 12, 2022, NeilS wrote:

Quote:

On Feb 12, 2022, Paul Brook wrote:

Was there a particular routine presentation that you felt drawn to Neil?

Cheers,

Paul

There were several I genuinely like and will, in time, make up but what I especially like is coming up with my own themed routines, especially with a psychological flavour. And this is the beauty of It's Your Choice - it is an effect you can tailor and make your own. With this, there is a very useful chapter in the book in which Paul tells you how to do this.

Neil

On Feb 13, 2022, TimonK wrote:
My physical copy of It's Your Choice has arrived - all that's left to add to my previous comments and review is this: the production is as excellent as the contents.
Still highly recommended!

On Feb 14, 2022, Roslyn wrote:

Quote:

On Feb 12, 2022, Paul Brook wrote:
Also, thanks for the kind words about my Alakazam Academy Lecture, was there something specific you enjoyed about it, or that you think works well with 'It's Your Choice'?

As Mark said above, the stuff on trade show / corporate work within the book is fantastic. I found it pairs perfectly with what you teach on the topic during the Academy course. And of course the tricks on the course work within the same environments as where It’s Your Choice would work. So between the two you’ve pretty much got all you need to start working these types of venues.

On Apr 2, 2022, NeilS wrote:
‘It’s Your Choice’ is a gem and the beauty is that you can custom it to suit you and your audience. In the book Paul gives a great many routines as well as ways to design and create your own routine.

This I have done and created a routine I have called ‘Psychological Choice’ involving principally colours and shapes. Importantly the way I have developed the effect makes it totally sleight-free allowing you to concentrate purely on presentation.

Ordinarily I would be willing to share this routine free of charge with purchasers of Paul’s book. However I thought rather than just give it away, it would be a good way to help raise some money for the Ukrainian Relief Appeal. So I am prepared to offer ‘Psychological Choice’ for the modest sum of £5 with all moneys raised going to the appeal. If you have Paul’s book (and I’ll require proof of purchase) and are willing to donate £5 towards the relief appeal, please PM.

Neil