Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic

Don't judge me. No, no, please do. That's what these reviews are for ... Like many curious young boys, I too went through a “magic phase” although in late-blooming fashion, I entered that phase at the ripe age of 20.

I read this book during the holidays after experimenting with some card tricks and slight-of-hand with my cousin. Details from this book evade me (perhaps that was the intention), but I do remember being entertained enough to read it in two sittings. The most enjoyable parts were the recounting of the lives of Blaine's heroes Max Malini and Harry Houdini.

And now that I think about it, there was supposed to be a treasure hunt with clues hidden in the text revealing where $100,000 have been hidden somewhere in the United States. I never did find out what happened with that contest or Blaine's career post-2002.

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“You'll wonder when I'm coming, you'll wonder even more when I'm gone.” - Max Malini

“Human beings don't like to see other human beings lose their lives, but they do love to be on the spot when it happens.” - Harry Houdini