My kids are huge fans of Criss Angel, whose cable series MINDFREAK does the impossible by making magic cool again, to the point where my 9-year-old wants to be “an illusionist” when he grows up. For someone who’s been largely impressed by superstar magicians in the span between Harry Houdini and Penn & Teller, even I have to admit the guy is an amazing showman.
His autobiography MINDFREAK: SECRET REVELATIONS traces his life story, from his childhood as a Greek kid with a knack for tricks to his current days as a celebrity, riding high on the success of a show that by all accounts was a longshot to catch on with the general public.
If you’re looking for dirt, don’t bother. It may come as a surprise, but Angel’s upbringing was completely normal. No divorce, molestation or other abuse so typical of celeb tell-alls here; in fact, Angel’s parents were not only loving, but absolutely supportive of his venture into magic (even taking the risk of mortgaging their home to get his off-Broadway show off the ground). That’s actually refreshing and inspiring, from a number of angles.
Angel writes – or perhaps co-writer Laura Morton does – as he speaks: conversationally, as if he were performing for the camera. It’s an easy, no-tax way to breeze through his story to get to the real meat of the book: the true secrets. Prodigiously step-by-step illustrated, 40 “mindfreaks” are shared so you can wow crowds, no matter your preference for eyeliner. From making a quarter appear in a sugar packet to levitating a dinner roll, the tricks mostly lean toward the simple side. What, you thought he’d reveal how to suspend yourself from fishhooks and walk on water?
With a life story and the how-to section, MINDFREAK: SECRET REVELATIONS is like having two books in one. Given his mass popularity, a greedier publisher would have split the two into separate titles, so getting both is quite the treat for fans, for whom this is a no-brainer buy. –Rod Lott
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this book is really amazing. i am reaidng it right now and i havent been able to put it down since i got it. its not like a boring autobiography. its actually really interesting. its packed with loads of pictures and you really get to know a lot more about criss angel. this book should be used as a bible its so good. it gives you his philosophy on life and other matters…which actually make a lot of sense. ive become addicted to this book and its really intriguing. EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT AND MEMORIZE IT WORD OFR WORD. lol. jk on the memorization part. but you should really read it.