I just got Criss Angel's autobiography called "Mindfreak" a few weeks ago. I only got his book because I joined a bookclub, and his book was one of the initial choices I got for one penny. Has anybody else read his book? Before I offer my opinion on it and what he says, let me tell you that I have never seen Criss Angel's TV show, nor have I ever seen his live show in Vegas. Before buying the book, I really didn't know much about him at all except that he is, I guess, an "up-and-coming magician." And wasn't he dating Cameron Diaz or someone like that a while back?

Anyway, I really like his spiritual approach to life which is infused all throughout his book (well, at least the first third of the book which is as far I've gotten!). He really believes in the power of our minds to enable us to reach and achieve whatever goals we set out to do. I really appreciate his positive approach to life. It seems to have served him well and gotten him ahead in his career. The emphasis he places on having a supportive family behind him is also nice to hear in this day and age when so many families are literally torn apart.

Has anybody else had this kind of reaction to his autobiography? From a few of the many Criss Angel posts I've read on here, I haven't heard too many positive things about him. I was hoping that somebody out there who has read his book will have something positive to say about him and his philosophy on life and living. If not, that's okay, too. After all, It's a free country and everyone is entitled to their opinon.

Any and all comments about Angel's philosophy on life would be appreciated! Thanks!

I guess you are planning to enjoy what will inevitably follow...

If you are serious- why post this here and not in the BOOKS or MAGIC NAMES AND THE MEDIA areas...?

Oh well... Stand back... it's gonna get oogey..

:goodluck:

I rather read my Cereal Box rather than read CA Books...

100:1 odds that Criss had the thing ghostwritten - just like he got Guy or someone to help write a message to put into the envelope - since Criss strikes me as someone with a bunch of learning disorders... such as the fact he keeps repeating the same interpersonal mistakes.

So you've been on the Café for three years and all you know is that CA is an up and coming magician? You are kidding right? How can he have a spititual approach to life when he doesn't BELIEVE in Spirits.
I also wonder why this is not in the magician section or the book section. I don't think I'll post anymore.......
CA already get's too much free press here.

Tell us more about your book Criss. I am dying to hear more.

Kaufman wrote the tricks section. Too sophisticated to reveal for such a mass market item IMO.


Jack Shalom

If he indeed has "a bunch of learning disorders" then I say he sure is able to adapt quite well. He really shouldn't use a stooge and lie about it. If you close your eyes and hear Criss talked, he sounds like Jeff Bridges with a Greek accent.

A lisping one

"Anyway, I really like his spiritual approach to life which is infused all throughout his book (well, at least the first third of the book which is as far I've gotten!). He really believes in the power of our minds to enable us to reach and achieve whatever goals we set out to do."

I'm glad you like the book, but this sounds like 99.9% of the self-help books that have been written.

Bob Phillips

Aim higher guys . . .

Sorry to dredge this up but, I just received this book as a gift. Here is my review:

Criss Angel: Mindfreak Secret Revelations is both an autbiography of Criss' life and a book which contains 40 Magic Tricks (Mindfreaks). It is clear from the outset that Criss disassociates himself from all other Magicians. He continually refers to himself as a Performance Artist and instead of "magic Tricks", Criss insists on calling everything he performs as, "Demonstrations". Criss Angel's book is all about him and his insatiable ego which he claims can never be truly fulfilled. Angel's Autobiography is short...It is 175 pages mixed with photos and qoutes, so it is a really quick read. The 40 magic tricks contained within the book are some of the simplest magic effects known in the Public Domain. There is nothing revolutionary here, folks...I guess they had to fill the rest of the pages with something.
Please do not misunderstand me, I really enjoyed reading Criss' book and finding out what makes him tick. Angel's life was filled with ups and downs, tragedy and risks which we all encounter. Born, Christopher Sarantas he worked hard to get where he is today. Angel also morphed his way through his career...first as a youngster performing illusions, then into a Gothic character with make-up and all...and now into a more subdued Grunge looking rock star image. Image is key to Criss and it too feeds his hungry ego.
Criss Angel fully admits that Magic is the background to his success. He lists Harry Houdini and Aldo Richiardi as his inspirations. Criss also lists Salvador Dali and Frederico Fellini as two others that have inspired him throughout his life.
Criss' book is indeed an interesting look into his life and how he and his team create his Mindfreaks. Mindfreak is a word which Angel claims to have made himself. He clearly admits that the word is a derivative of a Politically Incorrect alternative, which he knew censors would reject. Criss wants to stand alone and separate from all others, but he also realizes that all of his labors would not have been possible without his loyal fans. And so, his fans are duly called The Loyal.
Criss Angel has built a multi-million dollar enterprise in a relatively short amount of time. Love him or hate him? Criss doesn't really care, just as long as you talk about him. Criss has also brought magic to the forefront and has placed it on television for all to see.
If you are a fan of Criss Angel, I would recommend this book to all of you. If you are not a fan of Angel's...I would still recommend this book for you to read. Either way, it is a fascinating look into who Criss Angel really is.

Best Magical Regards,

Mark Williams

So what is his philosophy on life anyway?

Wow Mark, great review.

Interesting review! Thanks.

You might be interested to know that I originally wrote a book called "55 Mindfreaks" for Criss to sell on his tour. What tour, you ask? It never came about. However the book was completely written and laid out, but it never came out.

Later he signed a deal with HarperCollins for the Mindfreak book, part bio, part tricks. I picked the 40 tricks that went in, but later on someone else took some of the best tricks out and replaced them with simpler tricks from the other 15 that weren't used. I have to laugh when one of the posters in this thread writes that he thinks I gave away too much good stuff--he should have seen the stuff that was left out!

:):):):):):):):):)

Thanks for the review.

I saw this at Borders, and I was looking at the book for a good 5 minutes and decided not to buy it. Might reconsider...