IT’S YOUR CHOICE is Paul Brook’s latest gift to the mentalism community and a mighty fine gift it is too. The trouble with Paul is
He’s like a tube of pringles
Once you start watching his lectures or reading his books, you’ve essentially opened Pandora’s box.
Paul is a Zenith in the world of mentalism (and curly afros)
My introduction to Paul’s work began in 2018 with The Chrysalis of a Polymath. This book was like my first ever Pringle and from there I fed my addiction for well thought out mentalism books and effects.
I set myself a goal. That goal was to own Paul Brook and keep him at home like a pet dog, I imagined taking him for long walks on the beach and playing fetch with him. My plan was doing rather well… Right until he called the Police!
Paul, this could have been us!
I was warned off and so I had to settle for his books, effects and lectures which, in hindsight is probably for the best as my Mrs hates it when I bring home strays!
FUN FACT:
Paul Brook once auditioned for a lead role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show but he didn’t take the part as rehearsals clashed with his regular DJ’ing set at Wünkerling Ehrichs Bar!
C’mon Ry, what’s this review about?
Blimey, give me a chance. Ok, this review is about a limited edition hardback book called:
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Sub-titled:
A POWERFUL CLOSE-UP MENTALISM UTILITY
Paul says
“Here is what the general principle looks like:
Four cards (containing any information) are shown to the participant, and she freely takes any one of the four cards.
Instantly, the performer can demonstrate, without any doubt, that he knew she would choose that card. This proof is in the hands of the participant on the reverse of the card that has been selected. Not only that, but the performer can then fully explain how the participant has been influenced in precise detail, and this can be physically proven!”
I say
“IT’S YOUR CHOICE is a trick (for want of a better word) which you can perform impromptu, you can even do it on the fly with a few blank cards and a pen.
It can be incorporated into just about any routine and adapted to any setting.”
A whole book for just one trick?
You’re not getting just one trick though, you’re getting 25. Yes 25,
EFFOMS which utilises exactly what Paul teaches in the book.
In your face negative Nancy!!!
As is typical for Paul Brook, he studied the bones of this trick through a trinocular microscope and proceeded to dissect it with surgical precision.
Then began piecing it back together, like the good Dr he is.
Essentially he Frankensteined the trick then cloned it multiple times and with each clone he gave it different features and characteristics.
The book is 276 pages long and feels like a luxury item, it has a smooth, kinky feel to the cover.
How can a book feel kinky?
Ok if you’re going to split hairs, it feels rubbery!
Inside you’ll find a foreword by the one and only Banachek which isn’t the usual “Yea, he’s a great guy and I think you’ll really like his work”
Of course Banachek’s foreword is full of praise for Paul but it also has some very interesting ideas and subtleties which the reader should fully absorb.
Then we get to Paul’s introduction, I always find introductions interesting as I enjoy learning what inspired the creator to create the creation they’ve created.
Maybe it’s because I’m nosey?
Now we’re getting to the good stuff; The basic moves, Paul runs through the workings of IYC, as always his teachings are thorough and well presented, complete with illustrations. The first time I read this section I didn’t quite get it, but once I’d got some blank card, a pen and followed along as Paul suggests, it made perfect sense to me.
The Journey is an essay on understanding Paul’s modifications to this utility.
Effects
There’s 25 of them, I’m not going to list them all but rest assured there’s some great stuff in here; There’s bizarre routines including a lovely Tarot effect, graphology, fun routines, routines designed for corporate, tradeshow, office parties, weddings, birthdays and Bar Mitzvah’s.
There really is something for everyone. Even the fussy fubbers among you.
Not only do you get all the EFFOMS that your little heart could desire but Paul over delivers (as usual) and provides full scripts for each and every one of the effects listed.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new routine or EFFOM.
You’ll still benefit from this book, in the form of inspiration. Paul also discusses how to tailor the entertainment for your client, this is solid advice and is worth its weight in gold.
The generosity doesn’t end there!
There’s a custom creation workshop at the back of the book where Paul gives us mere mortals a sneaky peek into his creation process, believe me when I tell you there’s so much to be learnt from this.
Did someone say bonus?
Bonus routine from Banachek, this is the routine that inspired Paul to create this devious collection of
EFFOMS
To sum it up
Although IT’S YOUR CHOICE is a very devious and powerful utility device that you can quite easily make yourself, it is also a collection of fine mentalism effects created by the once musically curled Paul Brook.
The book is priced at £150, that’s less than £1 per page!
And you know when you see the name Paul Brook on an effect or book that you’re getting professional workable material designed for the real world.
IT’S YOUR CHOICE is no different but be warned once this genie gets out of the bottle, it’s simply impossible to put it back in.
Prepare yourself to embark on a journey that will have your Basal ganglia firing neural missiles into your frontal cortex!
You will definitely want to use the material in this book and you most certainly will want to read more of Paul’s books.
Hurry though, because it is a limited edition book and who knows how many are left?
To get your copy of IT’S YOUR CHOICE, just click the link below to take you to
And while you’re there, check out ALL of Paul’s other work.
There’s even some free stuff just for you!
Ciao for now!
Ryan