Sounds familiar?
Yes, he’s one of the most famous mentalists, illusionists, hypnotists, and “magicians” today.
And, in 2007, he released his book called ‘Tricks of the Mind’.
Here, Brown allows us to pick at his brain, his performances, his favorite acts, as well as how he achieves these.
But is the book worth reading?
In this article, we’ll help you answer that by giving you a complete Tricks of the Mind review. We’ll go over the 6 parts of the book.
From there, you can decide if it is worth reading or not.
So shall we?
Tricks of the Mind Part 1 – Disillusionment
The first chapter of this book is provoking, funny, and real.
How?
Brown opens the book by telling his tale — his beginnings, his religious background, and his introduction to mentalism.
Here, he touches a lot on religion.
We know that he’s an atheist, but there is a lot of rambling on about how flawed the structures and principles of religion in general are.
Readers of the book found it a bit out of the topic. I mean, I’m pretty sure people didn’t buy the book to support his disapproval of religion.
But if you’re not offended or bothered, one will notice bits of humor now and then — the self-deprecating humor we see from his series and shows.
Tricks of the Mind Part 2 – Magic
Now we’re talking.
In this section, Brown gives practical tips on how to do tricks.
Whether it’s about the sleight of hand, misdirection, manipulation, or influences on visual and verbal responses, he tackles them all here.
Brown also lists the common tricks and shows how he can do them better. He starts with the coin flip and then moves on with the more complicated ones.
So if you want to learn these tricks, you’ll enjoy this chapter a lot.
Tricks of the Mind Part 3 – Memory
Ah. The most interesting and crucial part of the book.
If readers were to choose which chapter they loved – it will be this!
Can you enumerate all the 50 states of America? How about all the presidents – and say them in order? Or all the Grammy winners for all categories?
I know. I can’t do that, too.
But in this chapter, Brown teaches us that it doesn’t take a genius to memorize things. All you need to master are three techniques – mnemonics, the linking system, and the Loci method.
You’re probably already familiar with mnemonics. You take the first letter of the word and attach words to it to make one thought or story.
The second technique is the linking system. In this method, you need to attach a visual image to each word and make sure each connects to form a story. The key here is to connect the seemingly unconnected objects by creating a vivid and memorable memory.
Any examples of where to apply this method? Brown says most mentalists use this to memorize sporting triumphs, winners for specific years, historical events, and even the playing cards!
Are you thinking of joining trivia night or a game show? You’ll have to practice this first!
And last but not least is the Loci Method, which we’ve only heard about in this book.
This method is when you attach specific information to a particular location to remember it.
You might not know it, but you’ve been doing this already! A typical example is when you try to recall the items in your shopping list based on the places you pass by or the streets you stop at. Just try to remember your journey or path, and you can retrieve the important memories in your brain.
Tricks of the Mind Part 4 – Hypnosis and Suggestibility
Can you hypnotize a person?
Is it right to do so?
In this chapter, Brown shares how he defines hypnosis and how he does it on stage.
There is an effort to connect hypnosis to psychology. However, the link is weak and shallow.
It’s also good that Brown recognizes that he’s not a scientist. And because of this, he warns his readers to take everything with a grain of salt.
But something we can all agree on is that you can always frame your words and lead people to answer in a certain way. This is suggestibility.
This technique does work, and you, as a mentalist, can learn the capacity to influence people’s decisions.
That said, this is why many readers found themselves questioning the morality of such acts.
This part of the book can be dangerous, so it’s nice that Brown mentioned the responsibility of the performers when they do these acts.
Tricks of the Mind Part 5 – Unconscious Communication
This chapter is all about body language.
We’re going to be honest here. The discussions in this chapter are nothing new to what we already know.
Brown touches a bit on psychology and shares how your actions are telling of your thoughts. But then again, they’re not mind-blowing facts or useful tips.
Still, if that’s something you’re interested in, then you can go through this chapter easily.
Tricks of the Mind Part 6 – Anti-Science, Pseudo-Science, and Bad Thinking
Is this a continuation of the first chapter? Somehow it is.
Aside from organized religion, Brown details common logical fallacies, circular belief systems, and thinking with little to no scientific logic.
Strong and passionate opinions are thrown here. It’s best to prepare yourself before your worldviews are dismantled or shaken.
A few readers even said it sounded like he was preaching to atheists here.
Tricks of the Mind – To Read or Not to Read?
So that was your Tricks of the Mind review.
Overall, the book is a good read for aspiring mentalists, performers, or even just fans of Derren Brown.
The section on Memory is probably the star chapter. There are exercises to prove anyone can memorize long lists of information. Plus, you can apply it to your daily life.
The practical tips on tricks are also helpful, especially if you’re just starting on the field.
Take it from one of the most beloved and watched mentalists, and you can be like the pros!
Readers also enjoyed how Brown’s humorous personality was sprinkled throughout the book. The first and last parts of the book are enjoyable. That said, you might find your interest and connection with him waning, especially when he gets too preachy in the end.
Now that you know what ‘Tricks of the Mind’ is about, it’s time to make your decision.
Is it worth reading?
Only YOU can answer that.
If you’re interested, you can get the book here.