Okay, let's face it, the majority of magic books out there read like text books—boring text books. Thankfully, there are exceptions.

I offer The Art of Astonishment series as a wonderful example. Paul Harris could write about the toe jam between my middle toes and make it entertaining.

Another example of a great read would be Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz. Darwin is a funny guy too but it is the subject matter that makes this book such an enjoyable read.

What are some other books that are just plain fun to read?

P.S. The book can have good tricks included but that is just gravy and not required.

I enjoyed Bannon's Smoke and Mirrors and Mentzer's Fechter. Fechter includes many gags that had me laughing, and Bannon has quite a sense of humor, which shows in some of his writing.

I'm sure Sexy Magic wouldn't be too difficult to enjoy.

I agree with roatc, both of Bannon's book were a really enjoyable read and I learnt some great effects from them.

The most enjoyable magic book I ever have read is Chris Kenner's Out of Control/Totaly Out of Control. His writing style is amusing, the illustrations are hillarious, plus you also have those funny Name That Toon-thingys scattered all over the book. And, oh yeah, the tricks in the book are great.

I was laughing hard when I read this book the first time, and still do.

Pure Effect. Derren writes with wit and humor. His writing simulates the impression of running into this unusually literate wag who offers to share a drink with you at the neighborhood pub. Also, his caricatures mark him as an artist in more than one sense of the word.

Jack Shalom

Personally I like Simply Harkey. His writing is so clear and it is obvious he put time and effort into putting out a quality product.

XX

There are two magic books that I can say I read through and through, without skipping even one word, in one day. They would be Mentalism Inc. by Hickok and Wise Guy by Caveney.

There are some that I am still reading in order to absorb the information like Stunners Plus and Tarbell, but for the most part the books I have read have been the kind where you pick it up read a little and then put it down to go do something more important. Like fix you a bite to eat, wash the dog, detail your grandmother's car, etc.

Samuel

I would say that I liked to read Strong Magic by Ortiz and Close Up Illusion by Gary Ouellet.

Anything by Darwin Ortiz and I also enjoyed Jim Swains 20 Century Card Magic and Guy Hollingworth's book.

I always enjoy reading almost anything by Eugene Burger. Of particular interest is the book he wrote with Robert Neale, Magic and Meaning. Very intelligent and readable.

Mark

Art of Astonishment, Close up and Personal, Smoke and Mirrors

I just read Banacheck's Pre Thoughts book. Although this is a small pamphlet-style and not really a book, I enjoyed his writing style.

I will be buying more reading material from him in the future.

Too bad some of the best "material" books are so darn boring!

I've always enjoyed reading stuff by J.G. Thompson.

-Jim

I agree with landmark, Pure Effect. I'd also add in Absolute Magic by Derron Brown. It's a beautifully written book, impossible to put down for both its content and flow and most importantly, it'll make you think about performance in a new and (from my point of view) more enlightened way.

Mastering The Art Of Magic was fun to read for me because it has such great information and is so well written. Burger has a very warm style that any reader will like.

Out Of Control gets my honorable mention vote.

David Regal's self-depricating sense of humor is something I find refreshing.

Guy Hollingworth is just a wonderful writer. Darwin Ortiz is quite adept at the crafted word as well. I happen to think he explains tricks about as well as can be done.

Jamy Ian Swiss' Shattering Illusions is a well-written page turner.

Books Of Wonder - by Tommy Wonder

Any regal, bannon, Harris, or aronson book is a fabulous read

I wish I had more to add but Harris, Regal, Aronson, and Brown are among the most colorful and entertaining writers in magic literature. Paul Harris especially is a wonderful comic writer and would be a pleasure to read on non-magic related subjects as well.