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EricDraven Inner circle 1257 Posts |
Excellent awaiting the arrival 😊
Believe me...nothing is trivial...
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NeilS Inner circle 3225 Posts |
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 |
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
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.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
My home online Join me on Facebook Follow me on twitter |
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NeilS Inner circle 3225 Posts |
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 |
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Pixelated Veteran user 331 Posts |
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. |
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
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 |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 27, 2022, TimonK wrote: Thanks Timon, hope your physical book has arrived by now? Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 28, 2022, NeilS wrote: Hi Neil, Glad you are enjoying the quality of the publishing, I slaved over various elements to the point that I felt I was nitpicking. Then when I finally got the proof copy back I realised that it was all worth the protracted deliberating Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 7, 2022, Roslyn wrote: Thanks Roslyn I'm glad that you are getting so much value from the book and have yet to finish reading to the end. 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'? Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
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On Feb 7, 2022, NeilS wrote: Happy to know that it wasn't just the production values that have impressed you, Neil Yes, I know that the price tag is on the higher side. I tried to base this on the many years of development I have put into the effect, the time writing and editing along with the illustration creation and what would be fair to me as well as the buyer. However, I genuinely think that for a working professional, the cost will be paid back at the next close-up gig it is used at. The same is true for the semi-professional, doing the occasional gig. Even for the hobbyist, or those looking to get their first paid gigs, I believe there are many lessons I have included in the pages that will make their performances stronger, more adaptable and entertainment focused; especially concerning mentalism routines. Was there a particular routine presentation that you felt drawn to Neil? Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
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On Feb 7, 2022, Pixelated wrote: Thanks, Pixelated I tried to include variations that you wouldn't normally see in a mentalism or magic book (along with some familiar ones too) because I feel we as a community can get stuck in a bit of a presentational rabbit hole, circulating the same styles of presentations. For example, the 'Baby Divination' presentation is one that, even if you are not a fan of, will start to get your mind thinking about what other types of parties or celebrations can be integrated into a mentalism effect to open up a whole new un-tapped marketplace that has been around your all this time...just waiting for a mentalist. I'm glad you got use out of the presentation builder too. When I was writing the book, I was in two minds about including it as I was worried that after providing so many examples of IYC that it could seem like filler. Yet I've had so many great presentations sent to me by readers already, nearly all have mentioned how the creation workshop was a real aid Don't forget to share your presentation too! Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
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On Feb 7, 2022, Mark_Chandaue wrote: That's very kind of you Mark, thank you I remember asking if anyone had any questions at one point during the lecture and you raised your hand and said something like, "It's not a question, but I just want to tell everyone that Paul is giving away solid gold here, it took me years to learn some of these tips. So listen up." Then, I remember you grabbing me afterwards and almost telling me off for giving away ALL the good stuff After reading what you wrote above, I'm expecting a right telling off when I see you at Blackpool Magic Convention next week Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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NeilS Inner circle 3225 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 12, 2022, Paul Brook wrote: 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 |
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TimonK Veteran user Amsterdam 375 Posts |
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!
"But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?"
- Richard Bach, 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' www.timonkrause.com |
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
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On Feb 12, 2022, Paul Brook wrote: 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.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
My home online Join me on Facebook Follow me on twitter |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 12, 2022, NeilS wrote: I'm so glad that I included the content creation chapter and that you found it useful As I mentioned in another post in this thread, I was very wary that it may be thought of as filler, given the extensive examples covered in the book.
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 13, 2022, TimonK wrote: Thanks Timon I've tried to give the reader the best tactile and visual experience I can...side note, the cover feels nice when rubbed on the face Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 14, 2022, Roslyn wrote: The ability to create bespoke trade show material that plays strong, and very fast, is a necessity for me. When you factor in that with 'It's Your Choice' it is also possible to create a set of cards 'on the fly' (if your bags go missing, or the client changes strategy) it's a critical piece of knowledge for anyone in the trade show or corporate market to keep in their mind. Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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NeilS Inner circle 3225 Posts |
‘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 |
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Paul Brook Special user UK 855 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 2, 2022, NeilS wrote: You've done a great job with 'Psychological Choice' Neil and for such a good cause too, thank you You won't find 'Psychological Choice' on my HeKnows website, it's direct via Neil, so be sure to message him. If anyone else has a different take on IYC and wants to do something similar to raise money for a good cause, please, get in touch. Together we can do good things for people who are in need Cheers, Paul
PAUL BROOK
He Knows Shop - All of my mentalism books, PDFs and props Certified Mentalism A beautifully illustrated hardback book full of real world mentalism FREE MENTALISM Free hard-hitting effects, routines and methods, just a click away MAGIC TV INTERVIEW An deep dive interview with Craig Petty, nothing held back! |
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