In Strong Magic, Darwin Ortiz's fascinating insight is unfortunately balanced by his condescending
hubris and distracting plugs for his own material. The first third of the book offers some
brilliant insights; however, he quotes so extensively from Henning Nelms's Magic and Showmanship I
wish I had just read that book instead. It's apparent from his grouchy, derogatory comments
regarding amateur magicians that he's forgotten what it's like to be one. Yeah, I know we're an
annoying bunch, but we keep him in business...and he really seems to hate that.
I think this is a very insightful book and Darwin Ortiz is exactly right about amateur magicians looking for a "real" miracle. No threads, no rough and smooth, no invisible thread, etc. However, it DOES keep Penguin Magic and the author in business which I appreciate so I can keep looking for my next "real" miracle.
Mostly great, but...
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