This week wasn't much of a review but I did tip a few books which I love. I also think these books are PERFECT starting points for anyone interested in magic. I also talked briefly about some other books I really enjoyed.

Keep in mind the below is largely opinion, but this opinion was shaped with experience and watching different types of magicians. There is no one "right" way but I do believe strongly in this one.

So for most beginners I would suggest picking up:
Joshua Jays Complete Course (http://www.diamondsmagic.com/Magic-The-Complete-Course-Josh-p/13691.htm)
Now You See It, Now You Don't by Bill Tarr (http://www.diamondsmagic.com/NOW-YOU-SEE-IT-NOW-YOU-DONT-p/12262.htm)
OR
Henry Hays Amateur Magicians Handbook (http://www.lybrary.com/the-amateur-magicians-handbook-p-565.html)

Each one of those books gives some good examples of the basics in different ways. Joshua's has a lot great tips on performance and the structure of a beginners act while the other two focus more on sleight of hand. So if you are interested in basic performance (I would say take a peek at Joshua's book) if you are more interested in sleight of hand... take a peek at the other two.

You cannot go wrong with any of them.

The idea for a beginner is to understand the basics. If you run off finding 1 trick DVDs or more advanced titles, little things slip through the cracks along the way. It's a pain to have to go back to "re-learn" a lot of these things and I know from experience. I started in a backwards direction and wish I had this advice when I started, it would have been a much easier journey.

Also, why books? Why didn't I recommend a DVD?

I LOVE some DVDs out there. However, I truly believe that learning to learn from a book is incredibly beneficial. If you can learn from a book you have a MUCH broader selection to choose from and there is a GIGANTIC amount that will never be published in DVD (there's simply too much). Also, the value of a book is much better (more information for a lower price). So, by learning earlier, you save yourself the trouble later.

I teach a small sleight of hand class at Diamond's (the sponsor to the show) and I have seen a lot of different performers who could have saved time and agony by starting in the correct place. Typically, after the suggestion has been made and they act on it... I see much better results and performers emerge.

In this review show I talk a bit more about myself, my path in magic and where to begin (basically what I typed up).

You can find the show here. I post a new review each Tuesday . You can help my out by subscribing or by checking out the Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/MullinsMagicMinute

Enjoy and have a great week!

If this is in the wrong section, please move it to the correct one. I know it's not a typical "review" but I think it's where a lot of beginners venture to find good sources to begin with.

Just let me know

Forgot to post the link to the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHJF5aLpxqI

Having lived it, I truly believe a person should start at the beginning, to find what interest them the most. Then stay the course with that interest. I remember so many times going to the local magic shop and being guided to the latest trick they got in, and not purchasing the item that will complete my routine. It was always one or the other, and a lot of times I picked the other.

In books, it is all the general magic books on the market. Don't have to buy them all, as a lot have the same thing in them. More like Mark Wilson's course in Magic, good price and introduces a person to all phases of magic. Now that we have the Internet, spend the time searching places like Abbott's Magic and get a feel for the kind of magic your interests lead you to. Browse the websites and look for things that might fit with what you want to do.

This is the bad part to the Internet, you cannot rely on truthful description and demo videos. Sometimes, they do not even have the correct picture of the prop, because they copy from other websites.

I don't believe Henry Hay and Bruce Elliott books are in print any longer. Those were the books to get to learn classic and good magic properly, to tighten your focused interest and begin your journey on the road to magic.

Henry Hay's isn't available in book format anymore unfortunately. I really hope they reprint it.

It is available in ebook format through Lybrary.com though (link is above). While an ebook may or may not not be beneficial, the content is worth it.