A solid foundation for any young person curious about becoming a professional illusionist.
What is a magician? Is it a person who can actually saw an assistant in two or make a landmark truly disappear? Of course not, but that doesn’t stop audiences from enjoying the spectacle and feeling the wonder of a great trick. So You Want To Be A Magician taps into that joy while giving aspiring young performers a clear, grounded look at what it truly means to pursue the craft. Rather than teaching popular card tricks or sleight‑of‑hand techniques, Linda Soules offers a down‑to‑earth overview of the profession itself. The author begins by outlining the real skills required, many of which may surprise readers. Basic props and other tools of the trade are highlighted, along with different types of magic to explore and the realities of day‑to‑day work. The candid section on the highs and lows of performing is refreshingly honest, acknowledging everything from long practice sessions to the occasional audience member who tries to spoil the show. Profiles of influential magicians, including Harry Houdini, Adelaide Herrmann, and Shin Lim, provide historical context and inspiration, while the accompanying images capture both the intensity of performance and the joy it creates.
Early on, the book draws a line between the trick itself, which is mechanical, and the wonder it creates, which is the whole point. That distinction drives everything a magician does, and that spirit is clearly conveyed to audiences who might be considering magic as a career choice. Soules dignifies young readers with a direct writing style that avoids condescension, trusting them to handle real ideas. For example, complicated concepts like change blindness and false memory are presented in plain language that doesn’t feel oversimplified. Dozens of cinematic illustrations pull readers into workshops, onto stages, into practice rooms, and even into the front row for the grand finale. The glossary and recommended reading list round out the back matter, alongside a simple card trick that readers can learn on the spot. The author’s note closes the book with a thoughtful, philosophical reflection about the ethics of a profession built on deception and the responsibility that comes with it before asking, “Do you still want to be a magician?” Warmly written and appropriately thorough, So You Want To Be a Magician builds a solid foundation for any young person curious about becoming a professional illusionist and offers a deeper appreciation for the art behind the astonishment.
