Tricks of the Mind | Paperback

Derren Brown writes with humor, making this book a very fun read. It is good that I could stop and laugh a lot of times while reading this book, because the parts that examines the way we think can be a bit of a challenge for a naive mind (me).

The book is divided into several interesting topics, starting with magic, and working its way through memory, hypnosis, unconscious communication and pseudo-science. I can highly recommend this book to anyone that has a slight interest in even just one of these topics.

Some advice to consider: While reading, please take part when you are asked to do so. It makes for an even better experience. Also, keep an open mind. There are some ideas I had firmly locked in my mind from before, and when they were questioned in the book, I immediately tried not to listen. However, once I allowed myself to consider the arguments, it became a lot more interesting.

There are a lot of useful and fun tricks or techniques explained in this book. Some of them are so good that you just want to keep them to yourself. If you are selfish like me, you probably won't want to share this book with your friends.

I can honesty say this is one of the best books I have ever read. Entertaining, incredibly funny, honest and warm, there is something for everyone. Mr. Brown teaches mind tricks which can allow you to remember large amounts of data, I will never be able to forget certain word lists both backwards and forwards and vivid imagery during one mind trick (telephone, sausage, monkey, button, oh it will make sense once you read this book!) and I was weeping with laughter during some parts, such as the trouser incident!

There is a strong religious undertone to a large amount of the book, though it provides challenging and thoughtful suggestions which will make cause the reader to question and think a lot, which I personally found fascinating, though may not appeal to others.

Hypnosis was discussed in depth, ranging from the history of hypnosis to how Derren taught himself. I also enjoyed the autobiographical stories which occurred throughout the book, it shows Derren is a true gentleman, intelligent and very witty. It takes a special skill to bring the charisma, skill and a showmanship that Derren clearly has from stage to paper but this was executed brilliantly. I recommend this book to everyone!

Hands down the best book i have ever bought. I've read it over and over and it's still as fascinating and funny every time. I honestly think i'll never read a book as good as this in my entire life!

This book gives you an incite into the mind of Derren Brown. It is very interesting and it discusses: Magic, Hypnosis, Mediums (to name but a few. I have learnt a lot from this book as well as having fun reading it because of the humour. The book gets the reader involved by teaching you how to pull of magic tricks, how to spot liars, how to improve your memory and even how to hypnotize. The book does make you more skeptical because it talks the truth about the ways of mediums and psychics. Definitely worth buying and reading!

Being a big fan of Derren Brown, I thought that I should try out this book. I must admit that iv'e only read about half of this book, and so far iv'e learnt memory tricks which remain in my mind 4 days later. Magic tricks and ways making people believe something they have not seen, and the tricks of the trade with hypnotising.

There have been stories from Derren's past which have had me in mini giggle fits, and I personally think that his writing skills as a author are amazing. His words can suck you in, and you will find yourself reading to the early hours in the morning.

If you are a fan of learning some memory tricks, or of many techniques that Derren uses in his shows and live performances, then this is defiantly a book for you.

I would highly recommend this book to any who loves his work, or is just curious about him. A must read. 5 Stars.

I am 14 years of age and i enjoyed this book you need to be into the the sort off stuff, i have been a fan of derren brown for years thats why i loved it so much

I only brought this book because i heard Derren on the radio pluggin it and before this i didnt even know who he was. But since i have read this book I have become a huge fan. The book is increadibly interesting and very well written. Although he doesnt share many of his secrets you get a good idea of how he does things.
A must read!

I wasn't even expecting this to be a self-help book, but it not only entertained me, but is startlingly good at improving what was a poor memory. I had really struggled with memory books by the like of Tony Buzan, but Derren Brown's wit, imagination, clear explanation of the Loci System as well as superior version of the Major System had me remembering football results and phone numbers with ease.

Although he uses plenty of tongue-in-cheek use of superlatives to describe himself and his achievements, this book is packed full of tips and techniques you can actually use. Unlike many "self help" books, which is just the author explaining just how wonderful they are, without actually teaching anything.

If you're into crystal healing, you're probably not going to like his opinions on this or his rant about junk medicine, but you should probably read it anyway.

Let's see now... telephone, sausage, monkey... easy peasy! And the old lady with the beehives and totem pole still lets me remember that long number. I have never been able to achieve stuff like that before.

Buy the book - for the price of less than two pints, you could develop the basis of enough pub tricks to win all the drinks you'll ever need!

Derren explains the fundamentals of his tricks, whilst enlightening the reader on his personal views and beliefs. I am also reading Richard Dawkins' 'The God Delusion' which he claims shaped his beliefs and highly recommends.

A mix of a Derren's biography as well tricks and techniques keeps the reader wanting more. This guy is really good at what he does :) Go buy it.