I was at a cookout this weekend, and a teenage boy was there. He is interested in magic and has a few things. I took out the Ninja Rings and did a few things. I did sponge balls and some things with rubber bands. He was glued to my side, asking questions and things like that. He was very earnest, polite, and asked a large pile of questions. He had a small set of rings and had learned a few card tricks.

After securing a promise to not perform until he had practiced, I showed him a few coin things and some rubber band effects. I had a great time and so did he.

At one point, he asked me what I thought about Criss Angel. I said that I preferred David Blaine and asked him what he thought. He replied that he thought that Criss Angel used too many actors and was too fake. I replied that magicians always lie and act and say whatever is necessary to entertain people.

Anyway, he likes what David Blaine does, so what books and other resources are appropriate for someone who likes Blaine? I would like to direct him to resources that will give him a good solid grounding in magic principles rather than collecting tricks, but I don't want him to be bored.

I don't have the time right now to mentor him, and I don't even know if he wants more guidance, but I would like to see him start out right.

Any suggestions?

"Mysterious Stranger" is pretty good. It's Blaine's autobiography. I read most of it, but it might be too heavy a read depending on his age. Any teenager or older should be able to handle it, though. I'm not huge Angel or Blaine fan, but I found it interesting. Hope that helps.

~James

I would suggest the Mark Wilson book - not quite as old school as Tarbell...

Maybe a book by Banachek - the mind that was behind Angel.

Ask yourself this question... How did I start? Then, point him in the right direction using your experience and knowledge. Be the person you wished you had met when you first started out in Magic. In the early '60s, Mark Wilson is the reason that I'm into magic today...
Cardamagically,
Dom.
:)

I second Mark Wilson's book. There is just so much in it, it's a wonderful starting point. I watched the owner of a small magic store sell it to a 13 year old. "You are a child with a lot of questions. This book has the answers." Cheesy, I know, but he made the sale.

I would also recommend the Mark Wilson book. Plus, it is easy to find at most bookstores. As James said, the Blaine book, "Mysterious Stranger," is also a good read. I purchased Criss Angel's book (I can't remember its name) and just can’t get into it.
Thanks,
Bruce

If he's into Blaine, then Mysterious Stranger. But for magic, I would recommend Mark Wilson's Course in Magic.
Angel

You might be interested in the trick "Healed and Sealed". David Blaine did it on his TV special "Vertigo". Also, Royal Road to Card Magic, Card College, and Bobo's are good, as well as Erdnase. I do recommend Mark Wilson's, too. And don't forget Tarbell.

The effect of Healed and Sealed:
You pick up a crushed and empty can of soda from a trash can. You then miraculously begin to restore the can; the dents pop out, and it restores and refills itself. Furthermore, you visually seal the top of the can and open it. And you have a great miracle on your hands.

Just don't do this until you've established your ability... A first impression is a lasting one!

Probably a bit advanced for now, but the Art of Astonishment series of books. If I'm not mistaken, Paul Harris was an advisor to Blaine, although I'd stand corrected.
Scott

He was an advisor to Blaine.

I would like to toss in my recommendation for Mark Wilson's Complete Course and Royal Road. That should get him started on the right track. And make sure to inform him that it may be hard work, but it will pay off!

Again, the royal road is always a good suggestion!

Mark Wilson's book is a good place to start for all beginners. But there's a Dummy's guide to street magic that might be particularly suitable for this kid.

-Rob

Sorry that's a complete idiot's guide to street magic...

It's actually not a bad book at all...

-Rob

There was a Dummy's Guide to Magic. It's still on sale in a shop in Kuwait (though over 10 years old.) Next time I'm in the City I'll have a look.

Dummies guide to magic is still around, and is an ok beginner's book as well. Complete idiot has a guide to magic as well as a guide to street magic.