I thought the book was over rated. I'll eventually go through it again but I wasn't overly impressed with content or style.

I guess it's just one of the many products that you either love or hate.

Thanks to everyone for your help. I was an idiot, but I will make sure it never happens again. I truly hate it when I screw up like this. I getangry with myself for it.

Hey! Erlandish was right! Michael apologized, thanked everyone, etc! Michael, I've one word for you...mime...

I'll consider it.. man, I feel so stupid...

And technically, I was not apologizing as there is simply nothing to apologize for. I will just read everything over and think it through. Erlandish, you're scaring me...

It takes greatness to apologize . . .

well done

Very disappointing, but hope still nonetheless.

You forgot to take that breath I talked about Mike.

*inhale* *exhale"

Just in case someone's still interested...

Well, Aaron's book is not for beginners or for people looking for a wide collection of easy to do / strong effects. As a matter of fact, the book's title is "Tension, Focus and Design in Card magic", which can give you an idea of what you won't find between its covers.
Rather, the book is full of subtleties, ideas and tips to help you polish your card handling. There are new techniques that you'll need to practice in order to get to master them. There are also many thoughts and hints on the pass (and some of its variations).

I believe that this is a book for the true lover of card magic. If you just know a few effects with cards and you mostly perform with other props like coins, sponge balls or whatever other objects, you probably won't enjoy Aaron's work as much.

Hope it helps,

Thank you Double_lift. Having read two pages of posts bashing an overzealous reviewer, I was delighted to find a post that was actually about the book itself.

I knew Aaron when he was a teenager. He recently lectured here in Silver Spring, and I must say, I gained a whole new appreciation for his book after seeing him perform and explain many of the items in person.

As mentioned earlier, while not for everyone, if you're serious about your card handling, the book is certainly worth your attention.

That review was in no way overzealous, it was my real opinion on the book. We all have our different opinions, why won't you let me have mine?

Mike, if you tasted an average steak for the first time in your life, you'll think its the best. But once you taste the best steak, you'll think that the first one was average.

I'm 21 years old, I think you're young too, some of the people here been doing magic before you and I were born, they read great books, so when they do a review, they put it in a .... different way.

You know, I don't think that made sense, but anyway ...

I don't own Aaron's book but I do know some of his stuff through his contribution's in magazines like Trapdoor ( found at ebay every now and then ). All of them are very good. There is this multiple shift I forgot its name, but its really good and I enjoyed practicing.

Why did I post in this thread? No idea, oh, great review by the way.

Silverking's advice is awesome. Every young guy gotta listen to the ... less young guy.

~ Feras

You're right... comapred to the stuff by Vernon and Marlo I have read recently, I would only give this book a 7-8.

I just want to make one point here. I don't think it is fair for people to criticize Mike for giving a dishonest review. I haven't seen anything that suggests he was not being entirely honest in giving the score he did initially. The problem with many young reviewers is that well made by Medifro's example: they simply don't have the experience to judge greatness.

The more books you have read on card magic, the better equipped you are to determine where a new book falls on the spectrum. You will know, for example, where the new author is simply recycling old material and slights or has come up with something entirely fresh and new. With years of experience performing, you will be in even a better position to judge, for you will know which effects are likely to work for real audiences and which simply look good on a written page.

I suspect we can all relate to our first few years in magic when everything seemed new and amazing. I'm sure if someone had asked me what I thought of my Adams' egg vase at that point, I would have told them it was the most incredible magic trick in the world -- and I wouldn't have been lying. Aspersions of my integrity would not have been justified, though it would have been entirely justified for others to discount my review based upon my lack of relevant experience.

Mike's most recent post indicates that he is educating himself and, in the process, becoming a better reviewer. For that, I believe he should be congratulated rather than vilified.

I do one trick from the book, found several others inspiring, and got a lot out of the theory presented, much of which covers new ground. My bottom line - money well spent.

JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY that if the recent CC Club DECK from Aaron Fisher & Lee Asher reaches a 100K stretch goal

They will reprint this book for backers! the only edition of the Paper Engine to be printed in the last 5-10 years.

The first goal in this edition is to make the book available in physical form to all our backers who have never had a copy. There WILL be some added material and special bonus content.

Thanks for the heads up, just backed the kickstarter. Here's the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/con......ub-cards

Wow, great news, got mine paper back version back in 2007 when met Aaron, I was fortunate to hang out with him during his appearance in magic convention, moreover I helped him on his booth selling stuff at that time.

Many moons passed then I got his book fist edition from a magician friend. The book is not for beginners for sure, but if you were like me that prefer old school card magic, Paper Engine is a book you should get.